Located on the Malaya Kokshaga River, Yoshkar-Ola is a historic city full of impressive monuments, picturesque squares and opulent cathedrals. This walkable city boasts wide avenues leading to history museums, art galleries and a family-friendly puppet theatre.

Things to do

Meander through Yoshkar-Ola’s city center to discover unique art sculptures and landmarks, including the iconic Iyoshkin Cat Sculpture. Admire the colorful European architecture along the Brugge Embankment, then stop in the National Art Gallery to browse paintings by local artists housed in a Renaissance-style building.

Learn more about the city’s past at the Museum of the History of Yoshkar-Ola, which showcases military artifacts and folk art in a former merchant’s house. It highlights notable events dating back to the town’s beginnings in 1584 in addition to ethnographical, decorative and applied art.

Looking for evening entertainment? Visit the riverside Republican Puppet Theater, set in an opulent, medieval-like castle. You can watch captivating family-friendly shows, then climb to the venue’s second floor to browse the small museum showcasing dolls.

You can take a stroll through the leafy Central Park of Culture and Recreation, a family-friendly area dotted with amusement rides, including a Ferris wheel that offers excellent views of the city. Right outside the park, you’ll find Chavaina Boulevard, which is lined with historic buildings, beautiful fountains and local shops selling ice cream.

Getting around

Yoshkar-Ola Airport sits nine kilometers north of Yoshkar-Ola and offers flights to Moscow, while daily express trains also travel from Moscow. In town, the best way to get around is by trolleybus, bus and taxi.