More than 10.000 km, 8 different time zones and 2 continents for the longest train ride in the world, from Moscow to Vladivostok. An epic adventure through some of Russia’s most remote regions, with unexpectedly hot summer and freezing winters. A mixture of cultures, languages and cuisines for the trip of a lifetime. With hundreds of great adventures and activities, here is the list of my top 10 things to do along the Trans-Siberian Railway.
10 unmissable things to do on the Trans-Siberian:
- 1 – Visit the Temple of all Religions in Kazan
Located on the banks of the Volga River in Kazan, the Temple of all Religions is a colourful architectural symbol that combines the styles of temples of different religions.
Established by visionary artist Ildar Khanov in 1992, it stands as a symbol of religious unity, wishing to achieve an harmony and peaceful coexistence among all major religions.
- 2 – Hike at Stolby National Park in Krasnoyarsk
If you like mountains, you can’t skip the Stolby National Park in Krasnoyarsk. Probably one of the best hikes in Siberia, with huge rocky cliffs and some amazing views. Plus you can even ski in winter!
- 3 – Get a tattoo in Novosibirsk, Siberia’s capital city
What should I say, When in Siberia 😉
Getting inked in Novosibirsk 
Давай
Don’t expect anyone to speak English here, you’ll have to use the best Russian skills you’ve learnt so far. Definitely a fun experience! And for sure one the top 10 things to do along the Trans-Siberian! Давай!
- 4 – Drink vodka on the train with locals
I know it’s super cliché to think Russian men drink a lot of Vodka, but trust me, when on a train in Siberia, that’s exactly what they all do. And if some big Russian man politely tells you to drink vodka with him, you can’t say no! Oh, just so you know, it is illegal to drink alcohol in a Russian train, but locals certainly know how to hide it!
- 5 – Taste fresh berries at local markets
Check out some local markets in Siberia and taste the amazing food they offer. You’ll find many stands with some of the tastiest, freshest and most colourful berries I’ve ever seen!
They are not used to tourists there, and no one speaks English. Having a conversation with locals will be challenging, but if you learn some Russian phrases they will really appreciate it. And… you may even get a free bowls of berries! That’s what happened to me!
Tip: Google Translate was super important to communicate with Russian people, as English it is rarely spoken. Check my 10 must-have travel apps to make your travelling life easier!
- 6 – Try yak and bear meat
Vegans and vegetarians you can skip this part! For all the others… trust me on this one! Taste the Yak and the Bear! Typical in this part of the world, Yak meat is the best meat I’ve eaten in my life, and the Bear tastes a little different than expected but you should definitely try it!
yak meat bear meat
If you are in Moscow you can check out Chemodan, a Siberian restaurant where you can try all these types of meat!
- 7 – Visit the last remaining Russian Gulag in Perm
Perm 36 was a Soviet forced labour camp located in the forested Ural mountains, 100 km away from Perm. It now turned into a museum and it is the last remaining Gulag still opened to tourists. A very interesting and touching experience.
Check this article if you want to know more about Perm 36, the last remaining Gulag. How to get there, what to do and how to visit it. It’s all in that post!
- 8 – Stand with one foot in Asia and one in Europe
Jump on a taxi in Yekaterinburg and ask the driver to bring you to the impressive obelisk that marks the border between Europe and Asia. There is a line separating the two continents and you can stand with one foot in Europe and one foot in Asia!
- 9 – Discover the world’s largest Lenin head sculpture in Ulan-Ude
Erected in November 1971, this massive 7.7 meters-high bronze head of Vladimir Lenin is the world’s largest head sculpture. Hence main sight of Ulan-Ude, it attracts every tourist visiting the city.
- 10 – Eat raw fish at Lake Baikal
Only found in the cold waters of Lake Baikal, Omul is a real fish delicacy. Try some of the different recipes: smoked, zagutai or stroganina. And the best of all is to eat it raw, with salt and lemon! Superb!
Stroganina 
Zagutai
These are my top 10 things to do along the Trans-Siberian Railway. It wasn’t easy to pick a list of only 10 things, as there are plenty of amazing adventures to do in that part of the world, off the track from mass tourism. If you are planning your trip in Siberia, check out some more articles I wrote and get some ideas and suggestions.
How to plan your Trans-Siberian adventure, what’s like to live in a Russian train for a month and what are the unmissable stops along the route! Read more about Perm 36, the last remaining Russian Gulag, open to tourists.
Leave a comment below if there is anything you would like to add or mention, and contact me if you have any questions when planning your trip.
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