The 19th-century, Byzantine-style Alexander Nevsky Cathedral, with its golden domes, sits in the city centre like a jewel in a queen’s crown. The Eastern Orthodox cathedral was named after Saint Alexander Nevsky. The architecture was influenced by the design of the Church of Our Lady the Merciful in St.Petersburg.

Lenin Square, which honours the renowned Soviet Union leader Vladimir Lenin is the main city square. A large statue of Lenin is a landmark and gathering place for tourists and locals, including street performers. 

The Novosibirsk Zoo is home to over 1,000 animal species and runs captive breeding programs for endangered species. See the tigers, penguins, polar bears, and more while learning about how the zoo helps endangered species from around the globe.

There are many museums in Novosibirsk, but one of the best has to be the Museum for Railway Technology Novosibirsk displaying vintage locomotives. The railway museum is the second-largest transport museum in Russia after the Central Railway Museum in St Petersburg and is bound to impress train and transportation enthusiasts. The USSR Museum covers the history of the Soviet Union, significant architecture and 20th-century culture. Some believe the KGB headquarters there. An unusual museum in Voskhod village, about one hour from Novosibirsk, is The Museum of World Funeral Culture. It examines death and funeral traditions which is morbid but also very interesting.

At the Novosibirsk Planetarium, which opened in 2012, you can view the fascinating solar system from the observatory and star hall. The astronomically themed park depicts the sun, planets and comets. The museum boasts interactive exhibits showcasing physical principles and phenomena and spaceship and astronomical telescope models. The Foucault Tower near the Planetarium building has a Foucault pendulum which demonstrates the rotation of the Earth.

The Ob River, running through the city, is an integral part of the surroundings and natural beauty. Take a half-day fishing tour run by a local Novosibirsk-born local. You might catch a big one and will be sure to hear many colourful stories from your expert fishing guide, who will take you 15 miles out from the shore. A personal SUP tour is another unique way to see the city from the water. 

A colourful and pretty place to visit is the Central Siberian Botanic Garden. Roam the gardens, which feature statues, glasshouses, decorations, and scenic views. 

A feast awaits foodies visiting Novosibirsk. Siberian wildlife, including meat and fish as well as forest berries, feature on menus at many of the best restaurants in the city. The local food is wonderful. Try Siberian pelmeni (dumplings), caviar, and the delicacy of meat covered in cranberry sauce if you can. Wash it all down with some local wine or vodka and you will have a great dining experience that will be a highlight of your trip to Russia.