Sochi has long been known as Russia's premier resort-by-the-sea. Now thriving as a winter sports hub, the city boasts a wide range of sightseeing opportunities that are sure to please all types of travellers.
Those with an interest in culture and history should be sure to make a trip to the Museum of History. This impressive building is a veritable goldmine of information about Sochi's natural and cultural past.
Art Museum
The Art Museum in Sochi has a collection of more than 5054 pieces, including paintings, drawings and decorative arts created from the 18th century until today. The museum also carries out extensive research work on the study of its own collections and other famous art monuments in Sochi.
The Hermitage, the former Imperial residence and one of the world's largest art museums, is a must-see for visitors to Russia. It has an incredible collection of European paintings, sculptures and decorative arts.
The museum houses a wide array of works by Russian and European artists, such as Titian, Raphael, Caravaggio, El Greco, Tintoretto, Leonardo da Vinci and many more. It also contains an excellent collection of French and German paintings from the 19th century. In addition, the Hermitage has an extensive collection of icons. A few examples of the collection were bought in Paris by Catherine Post, whose collecting tastes fully reflected her interest in icon painting.
Riviera Dolphinarium
The Riviera Dolphinarium is one of the largest attractions in Eastern Europe. It operates all year round with spectacular shows for children and adults.
It is a world-class facility with a swimming pool, a dolphin show, an aquarium and even a penguinarium. The animals are extremely smart and talented, which makes them a real delight to watch.
This dolphinarium is an excellent choice for families with young children. During the show, the dolphins will perform a variety of tricks.
After the show, visitors can pat the dolphins or take a photo with them. They can also swim with them in the swimming pool.
The dolphinarium is not only an entertainment attraction but also a place of rehabilitation for marine mammals. In addition, it spreads knowledge about sea mammals and campaigns for conservation of nature.
Dendrarium Botanical Gardens
The Dendrarium Botanical Gardens are one of the most beautiful sights in Sochi. Here you can see species from all over the world, organized in sections to represent different continents.
The garden is known for its unusual variety of trees and shrubs, fountains, basins, statues and peacocks.
There are also several gardens and nature trails that make it a great place to spend a couple of hours exploring. Species from the north, east, and south of Russia grow here along with other exotic plants.
The Dendrarium is the perfect place to enjoy a stroll in the sun and get some fresh air while looking at breathtaking views of the Black Sea. The garden's upper section is connected to the lower by a cable car, so you can easily reach the top and take in the stunning view.
Kudepsta Caves
Easily accessible from Khosta and Adler, this vast cave complex is home to evidence of human habitation dating back an incredible 20,000 years. Its stunning visual appearance is a major draw for visitors, who can explore the cave by foot via a series of entrances dotting the slopes of the Kudepsta River Valley at heights of up to 720 meters above sea level.
The museum here is a treasure trove of historical artefacts, including fragments of coloured windowpane from an ancient Byzantine church. There are also plenty of scenic walks to enjoy, giving you the chance to marvel at the natural beauty of the area.
If you are keen on exploring the natural side of Sochi, then a trip to this park is a must. It features a host of waterfalls, gorges and caves, as well as scenic hikes that offer impressive views of the surrounding mountains.
