Smolensk, a niche treasure of the fighting nation!

Dear friends, today I want to tell you about my wonderful trip in Smolensk, Russia. It was really unforgettable and completely opened up my new understanding of Russia! 🚗Transportation Guide You can take a train from Moscow to Smolensk directly, which takes about 3-4 hours. You can also enjoy the vast wilderness of Russia along the way, which is an immersive experience. Once you arrive in the city, public transportation is very convenient and the stops are relatively dense, but I recommend renting a bicycle so that you can stop anytime and anywhere to feel the charm of this city, and you can also travel through the alleys and discover different scenery. 🏠Accommodation recommendation I stayed in a hotel in the city center, which cost about 2000-3000 rubles per night. Although the room is not big, it is decorated very warmly and has typical Russian-style decorations, such as nesting dolls and tablecloths with traditional patterns. It feels very friendly as soon as you enter the room. If you have enough budget, you can also choose a star-rated hotel by the river, where you can not only enjoy the beautiful river view, but also the considerate service. Of course, the price will be more expensive, about 5,000 - 8,000 rubles per night. 🌟Sightseeing Check-in Smolensk Kremlin: This is the landmark building of Smolensk, with a very long history. The ancient city walls and towers are full of traces of time. Walking inside, it feels like traveling back to ancient times and you can feel the prosperity and majesty of those times. You can take a lot of beautiful photos here, and every corner is worth taking. Smolensk Cathedral: A typical Orthodox building, the golden dome sparkles in the sun, which is particularly stunning. The murals inside the church are exquisite and tell religious stories. Even if you don’t know much about religion, you will be impressed by the beauty of this art. Nelidovo Lake: You can go to Nelidovo Lake to relax on weekends. The lake water is crystal clear and surrounded by forests, just like a fairyland in a fairy tale. You can have a picnic, take a walk and enjoy a leisurely time by the lake. 🍔 Food Recommendation Brin cake: This is a traditional Russian food, a bit like our pancakes, but with a richer taste. It can be paired with a variety of fillings. My favorite is the one with jam and cheese. It’s sweet and satisfying when you take a bite! Borsch: A must-try when you come to Russia! The sour and sweet beetroot soup contains beef, potatoes, carrots and other ingredients. It is nutritious and delicious. Drinking a bowl of it will warm your whole body. Black bread: It is super large in size, crispy on the outside, soft on the inside, and full of wheat flavor. You can eat it with butter and sausage. A few slices for breakfast will give you plenty of energy. 🛍️Shopping and Entertainment There are many small shops in the city center where you can buy various special souvenirs, such as nesting dolls, amber jewelry, military models, etc., and the prices are relatively affordable. In the evening, you can go to the theater to watch a ballet performance and feel the artistic atmosphere of Russia; or go to a local bar, order a glass of vodka, chat with the locals and listen to their stories 💡Travel Tips - Budget: The travel budget for a week is about 50,000 to 80,000 rubles, including accommodation, food, transportation and shopping. - Season selection: Summer (June - August) has a pleasant climate and is suitable for outdoor activities; in winter (December - February), you can enjoy beautiful snow scenery and experience skating, skiing and other activities, but it will be relatively cold, so you must take good warm-keeping measures. - Tips for avoiding pitfalls: When communicating with locals, pay attention to etiquette and do not ask about other people's privacy at will; when buying things, it is best to ask the price clearly to avoid unnecessary disputes. Smolensk is truly a treasure city, with a rich historical and cultural heritage, as well as unique natural scenery and delicious food. My dears, if you have the chance, you must come and experience it!