Ulyanovsk is a picturesque riverside city known as the birthplace of Soviet leader Vladimir Lenin. You can explore Ulyanovsk’s history through fascinating history museums, then marvel at notable aircraft and Russian art.

Things to do

Start your Ulyanovsk holiday at the Lenin Memorial complex, where you can learn about one of Russia’s most famous leaders by exploring its history museum and research center. Admire busts, photos and portraits of Lenin, then visit the Lenin Family House to see where he lived as a boy.

Nearby is the Ulyanovsk Regional Art Museum, which showcases Russian art from the 18th and 20th centuries. Inside you can discover icon paintings, portraits, porcelain and historic furnishings.

If you’re interested in aircraft, visit the open-air Museum of the Civil Aviation History. Take a guided tour to learn about Russian aviation history and hop inside a variety of aircraft, including helicopters and planes that notable leaders have used.

Literary enthusiasts should visit the Goncharov Museum, which tells the story of the famous poet Ivan Goncharov in an 18th-century house showcasing antique furnishings in its period rooms. Step outside to pay respects at the war memorial outside the museum as you capture stunning views of the Volga River.

Getting around

You can fly into Ulyanovsk Baratayevka Airport, located 10.5 kilometers away, or arrive by train from Moscow in around 16 hours. When in Ulyanovsk, you can get around by bus, trolley or tram, while taxis are also available.