Lipetsk is a city on the banks of the Voronezh River, in the Don basin, southeast of Moscow. It has been connected to Moscow by rail since 1868, and it is one of the oldest mud bath and balneological resorts in Russia, with peat mud and mineral springs used for treatment since the early nineteenth century.
For a visitor, the useful way to read the city is by the river. Industry sits mainly south of the Voronezh River, while the air base lies north of the town. Trams, trolleybuses and buses provide local public transport, and the tramway network is largely segregated from motor traffic, which makes it a practical way to move between the centre and the districts around it. This guide covers which parts of the city to base yourself in, and what each is like for different kinds of traveller.
Best areas to stay in Lipetsk
1. The city centre
The central part of Lipetsk is the natural base for a first visit. It is where you find the concentration of city life, and it is the point from which the tram, trolleybus and bus network is easiest to use, since the tramway is largely segregated from motor traffic and the network radiates from the middle of town.
This suits first-time visitors and anyone who wants to reach the rest of the city without depending on a car. It also suits travellers coming for the health resort side of Lipetsk, since the balneological tradition is part of the city rather than an outlying facility. Expect a mix of accommodation types rather than one single style.
2. North of the Voronezh River
The area north of the river is where the Lipetsk air base is located. It is a quieter, more residential-feeling part of the city than the industrial south, and it puts you on the opposite bank from the main industrial zone.
This suits travellers who prefer calm and who do not mind crossing the river to reach the centre. The practical point is distance: you will rely on the bus and trolleybus network, or on the tram where it runs, to get to the middle of town.
3. South of the Voronezh River
The south bank is the industrial side of Lipetsk, home to ferrous metallurgy, machinery, metalworking, chemicals, food and clothing production, along with the steel and tractor works and the other plants that define the city's economy. It is not a leisure district, and it is not the obvious place to base a holiday.
It suits travellers with a specific reason to be on that side of the river, such as a work visit or a connection to one of the plants. The practical point is that this is a working industrial area rather than a sightseeing one, so treat it as a functional base and plan to travel into the centre for everything else.
Where to stay on a budget, mid-range or splurge
- Budget: simple rooms and guesthouse-style accommodation, most easily found in and around the city centre where transport connections are best.
- Mid-range: standard city hotels with private rooms, again concentrated in the central area and along the main transport lines.
- Splurge: the larger, more comfortable hotels in the centre, which give you the shortest trips to the city's services and the easiest access to the tram, trolleybus and bus network.
Best area for a first visit
Base yourself in the city centre. It is the most practical starting point for a first trip, because the public transport network of trams, trolleybuses and buses is easiest to use from the middle of the city, and the tramway in particular is largely segregated from motor traffic. From there you can reach both the river and the districts on either bank without committing to the industrial south or the quieter north for your whole stay.
Frequently asked questions
How do I get around Lipetsk without a car?
Trams, trolleybuses and buses provide local public transportation. The tramway network is largely segregated from motor traffic, which makes it a reliable option for crossing the city.
How do I reach Lipetsk from Moscow?
There has been a railway connection between Lipetsk and Moscow since 1868. The city is also served by Lipetsk Airport, which is smaller than the air base north of town.
Is Lipetsk a place for a health or spa stay?
Yes. Lipetsk is one of the oldest mud bath and balneological resorts in Russia, first opened in 1805, and peat mud and chalybeate bicarbonate calcic springs are used to treat patients, with sulphate and chloride sodium water used for therapeutic baths and drinking.
Which side of the river should I avoid for a leisure stay?
Industry is mainly located south of the Voronezh River, so the south bank is a working area rather than a tourist one. If you are visiting for leisure, the centre and the north bank are the more suitable bases.
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