World Cup city guides: what to see in Saransk?

World Cup city guides: what to see in Saransk?

Saransk, which will remember you not only for soccer. What to see in the city, where to eat and what to grab as souvenirs?

We continue our series of guides with useful information about the cities that are hosting the 2018 World Cup. In our today’s material we will tell you about the city of Saransk and its main attractions: ancient temples, popular parks and museums. We will also tell you where you can try local cuisine, famous Mordovian honey and, of course, learn about the history of the city.

How to get from the airport and railway station in Saransk?

Saransk is quite a small city, so the city center, train station and airport are quite close to each other. First, let’s talk about the main train station of Saransk. It is almost in the center of the city, so to go there or from there to any part of the city will not be difficult. From the station there are buses, trolleybuses and shuttle buses.

Saransk Airport with the same name was reconstructed especially for the upcoming World Cup. It is quite easy to navigate here, as the airport is small. From the airport to the city center you will reach in about an hour. From the nearest stop “Airport”, you can get there by bus, marshrutka and cab:

• Bus #7 and Shuttle #15. Transportation goes every 20-25 minutes. Both on the bus and on the shuttle bus to the station “Airport” the fare is 20 rubles.
• Buses.No. 7. Departs every 25 minutes.No. 13e. Every 2 hours.No. 31. Every 1 hour 30 minutes.No. 36. Every 1 hour 30 minutes.No. 38. Every 3 hours.Route No. 15. Every 10 min.Buses #36 and #38 go to the railway station.
• Cab. Also from the airport you can order a cab, but beforehand, you better find out the price, as the road from the airport to the center by cab can cost you 2 times more expensive. However, you will reach the center in 20-25 minutes. You can order a cab here.

Where to live in Saransk?

Saransk is one of those cities where it will be cheaper to stay in hotels rather than booking an apartment or a room.

• Renting an apartment in Saransk during the World Cup is not the best solution, as the cheapest room, or rather a bed for sleeping will cost you 3000 rubles.
• Renting a whole apartment for a day starts from 4000 rubles.
• However, a bed in a 6-bed shared room in a hostel in the center will cost you 3000-5000 rubles.
• At the same time, the hotel, which will be near the city center and the stadium, will cost somewhere around 3000 rubles per day.And a few options nearby in the city center.

Tip: If you don’t know anyone in the city, it’s better to stay in a hotel, as the prices for rooms and apartments in the city during the World Cup will be more expensive than in hotels. In addition, you should book a hotel in advance, as there may be no places left in inexpensive hotels.

How to get to the stadium?

You can get to the stadium “Saransk” from the airport by bus, cab and marshrutka in an hour. From the nearest station “Airport” to the stadium go buses № 7, № 13e, № 31 and route bus № 15.

From the railway station to the stadium go buses and trolleybuses:

• Buses #30, #36, #38, #5.
• Trolleybus No. 5

From the train station to the stadium can be reached in 20-25 minutes.
The stadium is quite close to the city center, so it is not difficult to get there.

Transportation network

There are no problems with transportation in Saransk, buses and shuttles run regularly. Travel by bus and trolleybus in the city costs 17 rubles. Of course, a cab will cost more. The schedule of transportation can be seen here.

Recommended for a visit: in a nutshell

Saransk is a fairly small city, the center of which can be bypassed in a couple of hours. It is in the center that you can see all the main attractions of the city.

• Church of St. John the Theologian. The oldest church, which was built back in the early 17th century.
• Cathedral of St. Theodore Ushakov. The cathedral is the main attraction of the city.
• Sovetskaya Street is the center of the city. The main street of Saransk, where you can walk around and go to one of the many cafes nearby. Also in the city center, different events are often held.
• Pushkin Park of Culture and Recreation. It is this park is the central park in the city. Here you can walk around, look at the fountains and ride on rides.
• Millennium Square. The square was built relatively recently and its main attraction is the “Star of Mordovia”. “Star” is one of the largest light and music fountains in Russia.

Where to eat?

If you go walking around the city center, you will not have problems with food, as there are a lot of restaurants, cafes and bars. Here are a few famous ones:

• Mordovian Podvorye restaurant is one of the most famous establishments in Saransk. It is here that you can try national dishes. See the menu.
• Harat`s Pub is an institution of the popular chain of Irish pubs. Live music plays in the pub, and the menu includes draught beer, steaks and various salads. See the menu.
• Cafe “Otmennaya Dumpling House ” is a cozy cafe for the whole family with an unusual interior. Facility’s main dishes are dumplings and dumplings. View menu.

• Art-cafe “Arbuzov ” is a popular institution in the city center. In the cafe you can not only eat delicious food, but also sing in karaoke. See the menu.
• Cafe “Malina ” is ideal for those who came to Saransk with children. Every Sunday the cafe arranges a special program for children, also the institution has a special children’s menu. In addition, here you can have a good rest in a pleasant atmosphere. See the menu.

Souvenirs: what to bring from Saransk?

The best gift from Saransk can be handicrafts of local craftsmen and sweets of the local confectionery factory. Also in any kiosk you can buy a magnet, bells, spoons with the inscription of the city and with the image of the main attractions of Saransk. In addition, there are many markets in the city, one of the largest is the “Central Market”, where you can buy souvenirs and famous products of the city. The most popular:

• Woven products with national embroidery. Where to buy: shop-salon “Mordovian patterns”.
• Woven lapti and baskets. Where to buy: at any market
• Candies from the confectionery factory “Lamzur”. Where to buy: in local stores or markets.
• Doll in national costume. Where to buy: shop-salon “Mordovian patterns”.
• Honey. Where to buy: at any market in the city.

Saransk is quite a small city, but with an interesting history and ancient architecture. The city has a lot of picturesque and interesting places where you can walk around and learn local traditions, taste local cuisine. Also in Saransk there are often held sports and cultural events, which can be attended by anyone.