World Cup city guides: what to see in Kaliningrad

World Cup city guides: what to see in Kaliningrad

We continue our acquaintance with the cities of the 2018 World Cup. Kaliningrad, unusual souvenirs, delicious seafood and European style are on the line.

From the World Cup, fans bring with them memories not only of the game itself, but also of the cities where the matches are held. Today we will tell you about Kaliningrad: we will deal with public transportation, accommodation, sights, food and souvenirs.

Kaliningrad is the westernmost point of Russia. The geographical position and color of the city are really unique. There is the sea, and “toy” brick houses in German style, and picturesque green areas. Here you can truly relax and enjoy yourself.

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

To begin with, let’s understand how to get to the city from the international airport Khrabrovo, which is located 25 km from the center of Kaliningrad. There are two easy ways to get to the city: by bus and by car.

• Bus: route № 244-E. On this bus you can reach the city in about 45 minutes. The bus runs from the airport to the bus station “Yuzhny”. Departure every 40 minutes from 8:30 to 21:15. Buses are based about 100 meters from the airport itself – you can say, in walking distance.
• Cab. The second option is to get there by car. In Kaliningrad will be available services “Yandex.Taxi”, Get Taxi, Uber. You can also use the cab dispatch desks on the first floor of the airport terminal. The phone number of the “Help” ordering service is +7 (4012) 911-911. On average, the road to the central part of Kaliningrad will cost 500-1000 rubles, depending on the specific area.

Now let’s find out how it is with the railroad stations. Kaliningrad has two railway stations – Southern (Kaliningrad-Passenger station) and Northern (Kaliningrad-Severny station). The Southern station serves long-distance and suburban trains, the Northern station – routes between Kaliningrad and cities of the region. Both are located in the central part of the city, so there should be no difficulties.

Due to the geographical position of Kaliningrad, it is possible to take a ferry on the way back. From the sea port of Baltiysk, located 50 km from the city, you can sail to the Leningrad region in 2.5 days.

Where to live in Kaliningrad?

One of the options for accommodation in Kaliningrad during the World Cup is apartments. Various offers are available on the Airbnb service. Perhaps it is logical to consider an apartment in the central district of the city, so that it is more convenient to visit the sights. We have selected three variants of apartments as an example.

Portālsprice ranges from 800 to 2,000 rubles per day.

Now let’s see how things are with hotels. Let’s say right away that staying in a hotel is likely to be more expensive than in an apartment. Let’s see what Booking service offers.

How to get to the stadium in Kaliningrad?

Kaliningrad Stadium is located on Oktyabrsky Island. Detailed information on how to get to the arena by public transportation is presented here.

Transportation network

Perhaps the two most common types of public transportation here are buses and marshrutkas. Most routes pass through the city center. You can also use the trolleybus and streetcar as a means of transportation. By the way, Kaliningrad has the oldest streetcar system in Russia.
For convenience you can use KLoBus39, Bustime, Go2bus apps.
A trip on a route cab costs approximately 22 rubles.

Recommended for a visit: in a nutshell

• Kanta Island. It used to be called Kneiphof. This is a picturesque place located in the central part of Kaliningrad and surrounded by the Pregolya River. In this historic part of the city is not only pleasant to contemplate nature, but you can also visit outstanding sights.
• Cathedral. One of the monuments located on Kant’s Island. The construction of the monumental building began in the XIV century. This cathedral is made in the style of Hanseatic, or red-brick Gothic, often found in Germany and Poland.

• “Fish Village. Ethnographic and trade and craft center, a short promenade in the style of old Königsberg.
• Amber Museum. Did you know that the Kaliningrad region has more than 90% of the world’s amber reserves? That’s why the museum of the Baltic gem is a must-see. The museum is located in the historical fortress tower.

• Yunost Park. Here you will find natural landscapes, attractions, a mirror maze, “House upside down”, and the opportunity to ride on a boat – in a word, an ideal place for a vacation for the whole family.
• World Ocean Museum. This is not just a museum, but a whole complex. Of course, you should visit the main building, where impressive aquariums, collections of corals, shells of marine mollusks, geological samples are presented. Also the museum complex includes the Royal and Friedrichsburg Gates – monuments of architecture of the XIX century.
• Castles. If you are impressed by places imbued with the spirit of the Middle Ages, then in Kaliningrad you can find several castles. Some are practically destroyed and preserved in the form of ruins, but there are also those that have been reconstructed. For example, Schaaken Castle is used as a museum-historical complex.

What to try in Kaliningrad?

• Klopsy. This is the name of traditional Kaliningrad cutlets of minced veal in cream sauce with capers. You can try this dish in different cafes – for example, in the art cafe “12 chairs” or in “Steindamm 99”, in the restaurant “Sunny Stone” or “Kaiser Wurst” – or even buy it in the supermarket in the form of canned food.
• Fish and seafood. There are no problems with fish in Kaliningrad, which is explained not only by its geographical location, but also by the traditional ability of locals to cook fish. The restaurant “Kurena” is popular among Kaliningraders, where freshly caught fish is cooked. You can also look in “Fish Club”. In principle, you can also go to the Central Market for fresh fish.
• Beer. Let’s not forget that Kaliningrad has German roots, so the beer here is in the best traditions.
• Croissants. Delicious pastries can be tasted in “Croissant Cafe” – a network of pastry shops, where the best European traditions are adhered to.

Where to eat in Kaliningrad?

We have already mentioned some options, but we will make a few more tips.

• “Borscht & Salo”. Here you will find the first, and the second, and the third, and compote. Nourishing and affordable. See the menu.
• “Hops. Here you can try beer. And have a good meal: there are a lot of meat dishes in the menu. See the menu.
• “Aunt Fischer”. By the name you can guess that here you can try traditional German cuisine. They declare about themselves as follows: “German restaurant with Russian soul”. See the menu.
• “Madame Bouchet”. This is one of the fish restaurants. In addition to tasty fish dishes, the location of the institution is remarkable. The restaurant is located in the lighthouse, which offers a great view.

Souvenirs: what to bring from Kaliningrad

• Amber. No kidding. There are special stores in the city where you can buy skillfully made products made of amber. Well, and the Baltic gems themselves can be found on the seashore.
• Marzipan. Marzipan products are popular in Kaliningrad. You can buy them in a supermarket.
• Fish and beer. As you have already realized, without these two products in Kaliningrad nowhere.

We wish you maximum pleasure not only from the World Cup, but also from Kaliningrad. This town with German roots and Russian soul can conquer anyone.