Ufa will be one of the cities to host the Volleyball World Championship in 2022. The World Championship will be held from August 26 to September 11 in 10 cities of Russia. National teams of France, Slovenia, Germany, and Cameroon will participate in the Ufa stage (on August 27–29). To introduce you to the capital of Bashkortostan, we have prepared a small guide around all the sights, cafés/restaurants and other places worth visiting.
MUST SEE
Monument to Salavat Yulaev
Having arrived in Ufa, first of all, visit this very place. Salavat Yulaev is a national hero of Bashkiria and a symbol of the Bashkir people’s desire for independence. Since 1999, the monument has been depicted on the coat of arms of the Republic, and it is the hallmark of the city.
Located on the bank of the Belaya River, the sculpture can be seen even on the way to Ufa. The monument is more than 10 meters high, its weight is about 40 tonnes.
Friendship Monument
After the mosque you can visit the monument that symbolizes friendship between the Russian and Bashkir peoples. Not only does it impress with its appearance, but the square it’s located on also offers a gorgeous view of the city.
Seven Girls Fountain
It is quite easy to get to this landmark, since it is located in the downtown — 100 meters from the Gostiny Dvor bus stop. This fountain is the largest in the entire Republic of Bashkortostan. We advise to visit it during the musical accompaniment (13:15, 19:00, 21:00, and 23:00), and the perfect time is when the illumination is on, i.e. in course of two latest sessions. In this case it will give you maximum aesthetic pleasure.
Lala Tulpan Mosque
To appreciate the history of Ufa to the fullest extent, after the monument to Salavat Yulaev, visit the Lala Tulpan Mosque. It is also the educational center for all believers of the city: both the Muslim educational institution and the Sabbath school for children and adults are located there. Next to the mosque, in a beautiful Victory Park, you can enjoy the nature of Bashkiria.
EXPLORE
Art-Kvadrat (Art Square)
To charge with the city’s energy, you can visit the downtown filled with various stores, showrooms, cafés, crafts, and arts workshops. Social, educational, and creative events, poetry and musical evenings are regularly held here. In general, interesting and rich leisure is guaranteed.
Lenin Street
Lenin Street is another must-visit in Ufa. This is the historical center of the city where various architectural monuments are located. Walking along this street will let you feel the city’s character and become acquainted with the historical heritage of the main city of Bashkortostan.
Gostiny Dvor
If you are fond of multifunctional recreation, this place is created just for you. In Gostiny Dvor, you have an opportunity to go shopping, drink coffee, go to the Indian restaurant, or taste usual fast food, and at the same time your child will be able to find interesting activities in a specially equipped children’s area. All this is at the address Verkhnetorgovaya Square, 1.
Embankment of the Belaya River
After a busy day, be sure to pop round the embankment, which is the most popular place for walks and relaxation among the residents of Ufa. It is decorated with beautiful flower beds with flowers, apple trees, maples, and other trees. For convenience, there are comfortable benches and sun loungers, where you can enjoy the view of the Belaya River and relax both mentally and physically.
Salavat Yulayev Garden
You can continue your relaxing holiday in the Salavat Yulayev Garden located next to the embankment. There is a magnificent view of the river from there. And the heart of this garden is the Bridge of Lovers. After a visit there, you can head to the Zoological Museum, the Gafuri Drama Theater, Salavat Yulaev Square, or the Museum of Archeology and Ethnography — all these spots are located in close proximity to one of the oldest streets in Ufa.
To explore other places to visit, check out the guide from the fashion blogger:
MUST EAT
Pyshka (The Crumpet)
Here you can taste traditional Bashkir goodies at a low price. The menu has kazylyk, dried goose, tukmach, horse meat, and many other things. Local peoples consider Pyshka a great substitute for fast food.
zyk Tulek
Another establishment where you can try national dishes of Bashkortostan. Guests particularly appreciate horse meat tar-tar (500 rubles for 140 g). The average bill is 1,000 rubles, and the café is located at Karla Marksa Street, 3B.
Mechty (The Dreams) Café
This place is more suitable for connoisseurs of European cuisine: the menu has 9 types of pizza, rolls, burgers, and even poke. Prices are rather affordable for Ufa: at the average, a regular pizza will cost 400 rubles.
Indokitai (Indochina)
The name speaks for itself: the interior of the restaurant is made in a Chinese style, and the menu focus is respective. This island of the Celestial Empire in the capital of Bashkortostan can be found at Kommunisticheskaya Street, 80.
Camorra Pizza
One of the most popular establishments within Art-Kvadrat. The restaurant serves Roman pizza and delicious craft beer: pizza with roast beef on thin dough is particularly praised. The average bill in Camorra Pizza is about 700 rubles.
VOLLEY VIBES
Monument to Volleyball Players in the Demsky City District of Ufa
This art object appeared in the Demsky City District of Ufa for a reason: for a long time Demsky volleyball players made their hometown famous for their victories. One of the main volleyball landmarks dedicated to all volleyball fans is located near the Olympic Reserve Sports School No.7 at Tsentralnaya Street, 1/2.
Project «Volleyball in Every Yard» — 35 Volleyball Playgrounds
A large-scale urban project with a key goal to make volleyball a mass kind of sports and churn out the yard competitions.
CLOCKS
The clock counting down the time until the start of the Volleyball World Championship in 2022 is set on the square, in front of Mazhit Gafuri Bashkir Academic Drama Theater.