The TurStat tourism analytical agency regularly presents readers with an analysis of tourist flows - or, if simpler, who travels most often. This fall, the agency published a rating of the most popular cities for residents of the CIS countries for autumn tourism. The summer heat, which makes cities unpleasant for long walks, subsides, and you can enjoy the sights with comfort.
10. Bishkek (Kyrgyzstan)
One of the most ancient cities in the post-Soviet space. It was founded in the 7th century! So there is something to see.
We advise you to visit the History Museum, where you can find out how ancient and modern nomadic peoples lived, as well as the Museum of Fine Arts, where national crafts are abundantly represented.
Even if you are not a fan of going to museums, then an ordinary walk in Bishkek can be a great pleasure. It is a very beautiful city with stunning views, and 41 km from it is Ala Archa Natural Park with special landscapes, glaciers and Ak-Sai Waterfall.
The capital of Kyrgyzstan is one of the cheapest cities of the former USSR for tourists. A day in Bishkek will cost $ 32. This is the best city for budget tourism in the fall of 2017.
9. Chisinau (Moldova)
If autumn has already firmly entered its positions in Bishkek, then having arrived in Chisinau, you can still enjoy the last reflections of summer, and wine.
One of the most famous places in Chisinau is Moldavian cellars, where you can see with your own eyes how wine is made. And, of course, try it. And in Chisinau there are many beautiful places (this is one of the "greenest" cities in Europe), museums (including the Pushkin Museum) and restaurants.
As in Bishkek, living in the capital of Moldova will cost inexpensively - an average of $ 35 per day.
8. Kiev (Ukraine)
Once, Mikhail Bulgakov called Kiev "the best city in the world." And indeed, this is one of the most beautiful and interesting years in the post-Soviet space. A picturesque relief, many monuments of history and architecture, museums (including the original museum of the history of the toilet) - if you want to explore everything, everything will have to linger here for a long time.
Accommodation in a Kiev three-star hotel will cost, on average, $ 45 per day.
7. Ashgabat (Turkmenistan)
Ashgabat received the status of a city relatively recently - in the 19th century, so there is not much ancient history in its squares. But nearby are the ruins of the ancient Central Asian city of Nisa, whose history goes back centuries to the ancient Parthian kingdom, which existed before our era.
Accommodation at a local hotel will cost about $ 50 per day.
6. Tashkent (Uzbekistan)
Although the terrible earthquake of 1966 almost wiped the city from the face of the earth, the inhabitants did not give up and rebuilt their city. So do not forget, admiring the monuments of architecture, that most of them are restored.
There are many museums in Tashkent, one of the most interesting is the library of oriental manuscripts, where the famous Koran of Caliph Usman is located. This is the only original manuscript of the Koran that has survived to our times. And we recommend visiting the famous oriental bazaars of Tashkent, where you can find almost everything - from oriental sweets to gold products.
A day in Tashkent will cost, on average, $ 43.
5. Almaty (Kazakhstan)
One of the most picturesque cities of the former USSR is located near the snow-covered mountain range of Zailiysky Alatau. From the top of one of its mountains, Kok-Tobe, a beautiful view of the capital of Kazakhstan opens up (a comfortable cable car leads there, there is an amusement park). History lovers should visit the Central State Museum, which details the history of Kazakhstan in more than two thousand cultural monuments. And Almaty is famous for its fountains.
The price of living in Almaty is $ 65 per day.
4. Yerevan (Armenia)
In fourth place in the list of the best cities of the CIS for travel in the fall of 2017 is a place with a rich cultural and historical heritage.
On the territory of Yerevan there are many architectural monuments, ranging from the Erebuni fortress with almost three thousand years of history, ancient rock monasteries to the repositories of manuscripts. And also very close to the city, in its southwestern part, is Lake Yerevan, which was once the favorite bathing place for citizens. Now they mostly prefer Lake Sevan, which is only 60 km away from the city. In many restaurants you can taste the original dishes of Armenian cuisine, washed down with them - no, not only with cognac, but with varieties of local wines or original vodka from a wide variety of fruits, from pears to mulberries.
A day in a hotel in Yerevan will cost $ 67.
3. Baku (Azerbaijan)
In third place in the ranking of CIS cities popular with tourists is the capital of Azerbaijan, which successfully combines the charm of noble antiquity, oil luxury and modern amenities. Therefore, having arrived in Baku, get ready to fork out - a day in a city hotel will cost you an average of 78 dollars. But a visit to the city will pay back this money with interest, there is something to see.
One of the most interesting objects from a tourist point of view is a whole archaeological reserve where you can touch the rock paintings that have come down to us from the depths of centuries. Also in the city there is a paleontological museum, a national natural park, many ancient monuments of architecture. There are original modern buildings, such as the Flame Towers, the construction of which was completed only five years ago.
2. Astana (Kazakhstan)
Astana became the capital recently - only ten years ago, but its appearance has changed dramatically during this time. Now it is a beautiful modern city, with wide avenues and futuristic architecture, the symbol of which is the Bayterek Tower and the Palace of Peace and Accord.
Like Baku, Astana is one of the most expensive cities for tourists. A day in the capital of Kazakhstan will cost $ 85.
1. Minsk (Belarus)
The capital of Belarus became the most popular CIS city for travel in the fall of 2017. Minsk successfully combines antiquity, modernity, hospitality and some nostalgic “Sovietism”.
In the city center you can admire the old Trinity suburb, visit the buildings of the former Basilian monastery, the town hall and the oldest church in the city, built in the early 17th century. Also in the city there are enough monuments of the past not so distant - a building in the style of "Stalin's Empire". It is also worth visiting the restaurants of national cuisine, looking at the local handicrafts made of clay and linen, as well as going to the Botanical Garden, the zoo and the children's amusement park.
You will have to spend about $ 70 a day on accommodation.
