The resort town is comparable to a treasure trove of attractions. What to see in Sochi in 2 days on your own? It is better not to try to "embrace the immense", but to make a list of your interests, hobbies and dwell on the most important points.
Sochi leaves an indelible impression at any time of the day, its fresh air is filled with the scent of the sea and exotic plants. The resort city is like a multidimensional space, where ancient monuments coexist with ultra-fashionable hotels, unique natural objects are within walking distance from stadiums. Naturally, many return to this amazing place again for an incredible experience.
First day
Experienced travelers are advised to start exploring the city sights from the Sochi parks. They are located between the main streets, along the sea coast. Popular entertainment centers, famous museums, trendy cafes, restaurants are within walking distance from park areas, so the study of local monuments can be perfectly combined with the delights of gastronomic tourism.
Park "Riviera
The entertainment complex is open daily. The entrance is free, the cost of visiting the attractions starts from 30 rubles and more. The park is one of the visiting cards of the resort town. The most popular selfie spot in it: a sculptural composition with a clock. It is created in the shape of a shell with a golden pearl. On the territory of the Riviera, you can see a huge number of rare plants. Another popular selfie spot in the park is the 3000 rose rose garden.
Magnolias planted by Soviet cosmonauts and American astronauts grow in the Riviera on the Glade of Friendship. The park attracts attention not only with its numerous attractions and unique landscape. On its territory are the Equestrian and Green theaters, a dolphinarium, an oceanarium, a zoo, a penguinarium, two museums dedicated to the technical and scientific achievements of mankind.
There are cafes in the park serving dishes made from organic products, souvenir shops with products made from eco-friendly materials.
Navaginskaya street
This place is called the corner of Miami on the map of Russia. The Black Sea and Atlantic cities have a special atmosphere of carelessness and celebration in common. From an ordinary central street with sidewalks and a carriageway, Navaginskaya has been turned into a pedestrian zone.
Parking is prohibited here, but tropical plants are planted. They, combined with modern buildings, 40-year-old palm trees (trees appeared before reconstruction) create the illusion of immersion in the US space, because smiling people are visible everywhere. In essence, the street located between the railway station and the seaport acts as a recreation and shopping area.
On Navaginskaya, you can admire the flower beds with exquisite flowers for hours, take selfies with the figures of fairytale heroes. In its boutiques, goods of world brands are presented, and in restaurants, tasting of new dishes does not stop. There is also a sports museum of glory, a musical fountain. Another attraction of the street: the Ear figure. Many believe: if you make a wish next to her, it will definitely come true.
Sea port
A visit to the Sochi seaport leaves an unforgettable experience at any time of the year. It is located in the heart of the spa town. The port dates back to the 30s of the last century. It was at this time, on the personal order of I.V. Stalin built a 200-meter pier.
After the war, a seaport building in the Stalinist Empire style was erected nearby. Today it is recognized as an architectural monument and a visiting card of the city. The tower is adorned with statues that rival Renaissance masterpieces in terms of workmanship.
Nowadays, the building is open: an exhibition complex, a shopping center, a restaurant. Along with it, the main attractions of the port are considered: the Navigation fountain located in a cozy park, a sculptural group of characters from the Soviet comedy "The Diamond Hand" (many of its scenes were filmed in Sochi), figurines of children with a fish.
The port is famous for its restaurants. It is recognized as one of the best places for photo shoots. At the port, you can rent a yacht for a boat trip by booking it on the spot or in advance through websites on the Internet.
Embankment
The central seaside promenade is considered one of the most romantic places in the city. In the evenings, it shines with lights, lovers make dates here. Length of the central embankment: 2 kilometers. The street is adored by hikers and gourmets. Literally in every cafe, restaurant on the embankment, unusual dishes of European, Asian, Caucasian cuisine are served. Entertainment facilities, children's play areas, souvenir shops, observation decks give the street a special flavor.
Experienced travelers are advised to make sure to take a selfie in the warm season against the background of her luxurious rose garden with rare varieties of flowers. The famous landmark of the embankment: the Winter Theater, whose building can be safely called an architectural masterpiece. The giant water park "Mayak" located right there is always popular among tourists. In winter, it is closed, because the atmosphere of the street becomes calmer, acquires a special peace.
Russian-Japanese Friendship Garden
The sight has another name: "Japanese Garden". A man-made landscape monument near Kurortny Prospekt allows you to feel the atmosphere of the Land of the Rising Sun without going on a trip. Rare species of trees (including dwarf ones), shrubs, flowers brought to Russia from Japan grow on the territory of the park-garden. A visit to the park is free for everyone.
A bridge, bronze sculptures of animals and mythical creatures, buildings, a stone garden were created in the mini-park according to the canons of the oriental style. Its layout reflects the Japanese philosophy of the unity of nature and man, a harmonious world order and the cycle of life. The luxurious park occupies a small area, but it does not feel like a compressed space. The garden is magnificent at any time of the year. It looks especially exquisite at sunrise and in the dark under the light of Japanese lanterns.
Cathedral of the Archangel Michael
The majestic building of the temple is a unique architectural monument with a difficult unpredictable fate. It was built to commemorate the end of the Caucasian War in the 19th century. Representatives of the Romanov, Mamontov, Sumarokov dynasties, people from different classes, contributed to the collection of funds for the construction of the cathedral. The author of the project of the temple: the great architect Alexander Kaminsky. His works are unique, eclectic and harmonious at the same time.
Kaminsky masterfully combined various architectural styles, landscape design techniques, and the result was a church quarter. After the revolution, desolation reigned on its territory, the local authorities gave the temple as a warehouse, and then returned it to believers in a dilapidated state. Later, the state invested in the restoration of the monument and the adjacent park.
The restorers managed to restore the unique temple paintings and interior elements. There is another interesting attraction next to the cathedral: the baptismal church, also built according to the project of Kaminsky.
Arboretum
The age of the park known far beyond the borders of Russia: 130 years. It is open daily. The opening hours of the landscape complex in the Khosta district and the cable car running on its territory varies, therefore it is better to clarify it in advance on the official website of the arboretum.The park will be of interest primarily to fans of leisurely walks.
Its atmosphere is mesmerizing, trees, shrubs, flowers brought from all over the world fascinate with their exotic appearance and aroma. An important point: it is strictly forbidden to move in the arboretum on skateboards, rollers, bicycles, scooters.
The arboretum is reminiscent of European royal palace parks. Its gazebos, sculptures, fountains, viewing platforms are created in the Moorish, classical, neoclassical and other styles. Here you can plunge into the life and life of the inhabitants of the pre-revolutionary villa, which at different times was visited by famous Russian poets, musicians, artists.
The park covers 50 hectares, it is divided into 2 main parts and many sections dedicated to collections of exotic plants. The arboretum houses a giant aquarium with the inhabitants of the Red Sea.
Olympic Park
The entertainment sports complex in the Adler district is striking in its scale. If you move on foot, you won't be able to see its main attractions in a day. The best option for traveling: renting a bicycle or an electric car. The entrance to the park area is free, most of the sports zones are open daily from 08.00 to 24.00.
The complex can be compared to a city within a city. The main part of its buildings is made up of sports facilities, including ice skating rinks and palaces. The park has its own beach, an autodrome, and several museums. The complex is surrounded by hotels where fans of an active lifestyle rest.
The heart of the park, the Olympic Square, is compared by travelers to the anthem of architecture in honor of sport. Its main attractions are the Olympic flame bowl and the singing fountains, which look fantastic in the dark.
Sochi Park
A huge entertainment complex is located next to the Olympic Park. His visit can be compared to a magical journey to Wonderland, where every day is filled with holidays, amazing adventures, meetings with the characters of your favorite fairy tales. To enter the park, you need to purchase a single admission ticket.
Its cost includes visiting all attractions (including extreme ones), master classes, dolphinarium, playgrounds, colorful show programs. An important advantage of the entertainment complex: it is focused on adults and children, perfect for individual, family, group recreation.
The park is divided into zones, among which there is the Country of Bears, the Land of the Heroes, the Sea Kingdom, the Enchanted Forest, the Ecological Village. The famous "Bogatyr Hotel" rises in the center of the complex. Even those who do not plan to stay in it are happy to come to look at the building, which resembles a majestic castle.
Maybe a few decades later, it will be recognized as an architectural masterpiece, because unique technologies and non-standard design solutions were used for the construction of the hotel. Another visiting card of the park: a 60-meter high Ferris wheel. It works all year round.
Second day
The first day of an independent trip to Sochi resembles a mosaic for many travelers. The desire to have time to see everything is quite understandable, but it is better to devote the second day to one or two well-known objects. This approach to exploring the city and its environs will allow you to get the maximum experience and not miss interesting sights along the route.
Skypark
The entertainment complex in the Akhtyrsky gorge is an earthly paradise for extreme lovers. The longest suspended pedestrian bridge in Russia is located here. Every visitor to the park gets a chance to make their dream come true: to see the earth from a bird's eye view. For its implementation, there are a variety of attractions: from a swing to a super-speed troller.
Skypark for relaxation is chosen not only by those who like to tickle their nerves, to test their resistance to stress during a free fall. The entertainment complex attracts attention with its special atmosphere, where it is cozy for adults and young adventurers. It is divided into zones, taking into account the age characteristics of visitors. The structure of the park includes a climbing wall. Skypark has a panoramic restaurant all year round, where you can always try interesting dishes from the chef.
Krasnaya Polyana
The easiest way to get from Sochi to Krasnaya Polyana is by buses (the stop is next to the ski lift). The journey by train takes less time, but you need to add half an hour of walking route to the cable car to it. Today Krasnaya Polyana has been turned into a gigantic sports entertainment complex.
It is hard to believe that before the village was repeatedly abandoned by people fleeing the fighting. Today this place attracts fans of winter sports like a magnet. However, even in the warm season, you can find a lot of entertainment here. Famous sights of Krasnaya Polyana: dolmens, the royal house, the Church of St. Kharlampy. The natural monuments of the area are bizarre and fantastic.
The moving glacier has made such changes to the landscape that many of the landscapes appear alien. To get a general idea of this amazing place, it makes sense to include the following objects in the route: Polikarya and Medvezhiy waterfalls, Relic forest, a panoramic platform overlooking the Caucasian ridge. This path will not be burdensome, even for those who are not involved in sports and tourism.
Rosa Khutor
A unique ski complex in the Adler region is open all year round. Today there is no analogue to this eco-resort in the world. Its infrastructure is aimed not only at serving athletes, fans of a healthy lifestyle. In addition to a huge number of sports facilities in the mountains, the complex has its own beach, sea beach.
The latter is ideal for families with children in the hot season, because there are water parks and numerous playgrounds on its territory. The complex has 3 amusement parks with attractions for extreme lovers, artificial reservoirs, zones for wellness procedures, an ethnic village.
World famous Olympic venues are located here, constantly hosting competitions. Rosa Khutor is popular with world-class sports stars. It is quite natural that many Russians visit the resort hoping to meet their sports idols, to see the performances of professionals in the Ice Palace or on the ski slopes.
Mount Akhun
This unique natural monument is adored by romantics and fans of an active lifestyle. There are mysterious caves on its territory. The mountain itself consists of several hills. It is unrealistic to walk the routes located on it in a day, therefore, for a start, it is better to climb the most important peak along the walking path and enjoy the cuisine of the Caucasian Aul restaurant.
There are unique architectural monuments on the mountain: a Romanesque tower (built in the 30s of the last century) and the remains of a medieval Christian temple. The site where the church is located is considered a place of power. According to Sochi residents, the mountain is literally populated with signs. One may not believe in otherworldly forces, however, ghostly figures constantly appear in the photographs and videos of tourists.
The mystical atmosphere is enhanced by the dilapidated buildings of a chic Soviet restaurant and a state dacha. A lot of tragic stories are associated with Mount Akhun, but its nature did not become less attractive and beautiful because of this.
How to get from the airport to the city center
There is a high-speed electric train between the airport and the railway station located in the center of the resort 5-6 times a day. This is the most cost-effective solution to the problem.The station is located in the central part of the city, where hotels, hotels, natural and architectural monuments meet at every step.
Buses # 105 and # 124 run between the station and the center. Traveling by public transport is also considered a budget solution. Payment for the services of fixed-route taxi No. 105-K will cost a little more. The main disadvantage of such options: there are no night routes. Advantage of a private taxi: works around the clock. But the cost of the trip may be overpriced.
What to do if public transport will not work at the time of your arrival and there is no desire to overpay for a taxi. In this situation, there is a real way out: ordering a transfer on the websites of official organizations that specialize in such services. Each of them has its own system of discounts, so a new arrival in Sochi and transfer services next time will cost you less.
