three mountains two holes: a guide to khabarovsk
Residents of khabarovsk affectionately describe their city as having three central avenues forming a long stretch along the amur river with Lenin Street and Metallistov Street, a ferris wheel, and singing fountains. The city sits along the amur, offering riverfront views, a mix of old and new architecture, and plenty of opportunities for a memorable visit.
what to see in the city
Travel expert Sergey Pishchulov from Tutu.ru recommends starting at the heart of khabarovsk: the main square, Komsomolskaya. Here lies the first stone church, the Grado-Khabarovsk Cathedral of the Assumption of the Mother of God, and the Admiral Nevelsky embankment, which runs along the river and into the city center. The embankment is broad and welcoming, with a seaside feel and a small beach nearby. A city park and an observation deck add to the scenic options.
From the river side, the traveler suggests moving along Muravyov-Amursky Avenue. The city features four broad streets running north from the amur: Muravyov-Amursky, Amur Avenue, Ussuri Avenue, and Lenin Avenue. The distance from the amur is a deciding factor for features and sights, with the furthest streets offering fewer obvious highlights.
Muravyov-Amursky Street stands as the central artery of khabarovsk. It preserves many prewar buildings, though not all are famous to guidebook readers. The street is lined with offices and eateries, with notable exceptions like the Far Eastern State Science Library built of Manchurian brick in art nouveau style. The area around 54 Pushkin Street hosts a business center, and the walk from Komsomolskaya to Lenin Square takes about twenty minutes on foot.
Just a short stroll further leads to the Dynamo Central City Cultural and Recreation Park. Winter brings an ice rink and ice sculptures; summer brings rides and ice cream stalls. Local 2GIS reviews, however, flag some playgrounds as less than ideal, with mentions of kamikaze slides and uneven surfaces.
Another part of the route runs along the embankment. If one turns away from Komsomolskaya Square and heads to the right, the Transfiguration Cathedral appears. Its construction wrapped up in 2004, marking the year when the cathedral tradition rose alongside the city’s churches and other religious sites.
On the left bank lies additional art and culture: the Far Eastern Art Museum, NI Grodekov, and the Khabarovsk Cliff, which houses works from the Hermitage, History, and Russian Museums. This riverside spot offers sweeping views of the amur, the Bolshekhekhtsirsky mountains, and the city itself. Maya Redzhepova, head of the MAUK Khabarovsk Historical Museum’s cultural and educational department, calls this the city’s most picturesque overlook. Nearby are the Museum of the History of the City of khabarovsk, a specialized museum of sound recording history, and outdoor exhibits like the Amur Bridge Historical Museum, open from May to October.
There is a distinct khabarovsk stamp that tourists often chase: an unfinished, abandoned building from the late 1930s that was meant to serve a railway tunnel under the amur but was never completed. This site, known as the Tower of the Infidel or the Architect’s House, sits in the northern part of the city about 7 kilometers from the center. It is reachable by taxi and offers dramatic photographic opportunities, including views of the bridge on the 5000th bill.
where to eat
Georgian cuisine is well represented by Huma and Satsivi. Pan-Asian options are found at Echo, Italian at V Drova, Turkish at Sultan Bazaar, Odessa at De’ribas, and a Bavarian-style ambiance at Mrs Fasani. Most of these places lie along the historic Muravyov-Amursky Street, the so-called red line, with Echo being an exception located a bit off the main stretch.
Locals enjoy making simple, comforting dishes at home, such as fern shoots, salads with wild garlic, and lemongrass jam. Fresh ingredients can be found at the city’s central market, and fish lovers can taste offerings at Amur Restaurant. The city also hosts a number of Chinese eateries, reflecting its proximity to the border and the cultural exchanges that accompany it. The border crossing is a short ferry ride away, and Chinese visitors have contributed to the city’s statues and monuments over time.
how else to have fun
Hockey is a favorite pastime, with Amur matches drawing locals and visitors alike. The season runs from September to February. Boating, stand up paddleboarding, cycling, and riverfront skating are popular warm-weather activities among residents and guests.
The best time to visit khabarovsk is generally May through September, when the city benefits from abundant sunshine—more than 300 days a year. The city is particularly enchanting in late spring and early autumn. In May, flowering rhododendron lights the hills and forests around the city, often mistaken for wild rosemary. Michurin almond blossoms mingle with sakura along the river embankment and near the medical university by Lenin Square, presenting a spectacular spring palette.
As snow melts, nearby hiking trails reopen. The Khekhtsir reserve lies to the south with routes like Snake Hill and Vershina AV. To the northeast, Kindred Camp sits on an island that preserves traditional Nanai culture and offers visitors a glimpse into the Amur region’s indigenous ways of life about 70 kilometers from khabarovsk.
what about prices
In May, airfares from Moscow or Saint Petersburg to khabarovsk start around 13,000 rubles per person without transfers, while flights from Yekaterinburg can be around 20,000 rubles. Hotel rates are generally affordable compared with flights. A night at the Parus hotel in the city center can be around 5,000 rubles, with four-star options such as Intourist, Amur, and Azimut typically ranging from 3,000 to 4,000 rubles per night. Three-star hotels provide budget-friendly options, though central accommodations by the red line tend to be more polished. Visitors should plan accordingly to manage expectations and enjoy the city fully.