Novosibirsk is Russia's scientific centre. The city hosts over 100 R&D organizations, a science campus, the General Committee of the Siberian Branch of the Russian Academy of Sciences. Over 1,500 doctors of science and 3,400 candidates of science live and work here.
The Most Rapidly Growing City of the World
Novosibirsk is the third largest city in Russia by population, the most rapidly growing million-plus city in the world, and is inhabited by representatives of over twenty nationalities. Orthodox churches and cathedrals neighbour mosques, a Catholic cathedral, a synagogue, a Buddhist cathedral, and other religious establishments and centres.
City of Sports
Both professional and amateur sports are well developed in Novosibirsk. The city has eight stadiums, sporting facilities, alpine skiing and biathlon complexes, alpine ski camps, a snowboard park, swimming pools, a motordrome and a go-kart track. Novosibirsk is a frequent venue for national and international contests, including annual biathlon and Greco-Roman wrestling tournaments. Many sports entertainment events are held here, including the municipal wellness festival.
City of Culture
Cultural events of national and international levels are held in Novosibirsk every year: fantasy festivals (White Spot), documentaries (Meetings in Siberia), youth subcultures (Znaki), celtic music and dances (Anima Celtica), snow figures, ethnic cultures, street theatres (Three Crows), a light show (Siberian Light), jazz (Sib Jazz Fest), craft beer festivals (CraftFest), and others. Novosibirsk Opera and Ballet Theatre is one of Russia's leading musical theatres, a multifaceted architectural complex with the status of a Russian object of cultural heritage. Its troupe regularly takes part in national and international festivals and has won a number of professional rewards. A variety of festivals and concerts (including experimental music events) is held at the Globus Youth Theatre.
City of Cinema Lovers
Novosibirsk is a real gem for cinema lovers. Besides the regular cinemas, there are a number of alternative venues here, including the auto theatre and two cinema clubs where you can discuss movies with like-minded fans. A local anti-cafe holds night movie shows. Cinemas are also shown atop a number of multi-storey buildings.
Dynamic City
Novosibirsk is a wonderful place for those who enjoy the active lifestyle. There are several bike rental spots here, and you can also take a guided bike tour around the suburbs. You can rent a bike, roller skates, ice skates, and skis in Zaeltsovsky Park and the Botanical Garden. Novosibirsk offers at least seven spots with running tracks in picturesque parks and gardens for those fond of a morning jog. Workout (street fitness) fans gather at sports grounds with chin-up bars and gymnastic equipment.
What to See
One of the Longest Straight Streets in the World
The length of Krasny Prospect (the central street of Novosibirsk) stretches to almost 7 km.
The Longest Underground Bridge in the World
An underground bridge across the River Ob connects two stations of the Novosibirsk underground: Studencheskaya and Rechnoy Vokzal. The total length of the structure is 2,145 metres.
Near the City
The suburbs of Novosibirsk are very beautiful. Among sites worth visiting are the Barsukovskaya Peschera (Badger's Cave, with some arches 200 metres long), the Belovsky Waterfall, Lake Glubokoye, and Umrevinsky Pit (a fortress from the early 18th century). Berdsky Rocks are one of the most beautiful tourist destinations of Siberia. Bugotaksky peaks are also quite an attraction for those who enjoy hiking.
Fans of active recreation will always find something to do here. You can rent a 4-wheeler or Segway, visit a rope park or a climbing wall, practice parachuting or take a flight in an air tunnel.
There are several recreation camps near Novosibirsk for fishing fans.
Several equestrian clubs operate in the city and its suburbs and offer horse riding lessons, guided tours, and photo sessions with these beautiful animals.
