What to see in Tver: from the magnificent architecture of the river terminal to the monument to Mikhail Krug
Want to visit Tver? This cozy city on the Volga will remind you of a warm childhood, allow you to see unique architecture, learn more about the Tver goat, and stroll through the coolest local attractions.
Today we've told you about ways to get to Tver, its best attractions, and hotels. Let's go!
How to get there
You can't get to the city by plane. Therefore, you should consider traveling by train or bus and other Russian cities. So Tver is a travel option for fans of train romance.
Where to stay: budget and comfortable hotels
Upon arrival, it's important to check into a comfortable room to have the energy to explore Tver. We've found hotels for every wish and budget.
Sitara, two stars
Exit the railway station, walk left for about five minutes — and here is the Sitara hotel. In addition to comfortable furniture and a bathroom, they provide Wi-Fi, the opportunity to play table tennis and badminton. The hotel has a sauna and a barbecue area. There are both budget rooms and 'Suite' categories. Prices start from 2,000 rubles per night.
Lemon Loft, two stars
Prices for cozy Lemon Loft apartments near Victory Park start from 2,200 rubles per night. You can stay here with pets, and there's also Wi-Fi to work peacefully. Well, what if!
Volga, three stars
Volga Hotel is located in the heart of the city. Guests can choose between standard and premium rooms — prices start from 3,000 rubles per night, and a baby crib is available for family tourists. A special delight is that the hotel windows overlook the picturesque panorama of the T'maka River. There is a restaurant on the ground floor where a buffet breakfast awaits you in the mornings.
Isaevsky, three stars
Isaevsky Guest House is located in the Zavolzhsky district. Prices for 'Comfort' class accommodation start from 2,500 rubles per night. These rooms have Wi-Fi, comfortable beds, and a hydromassage bath where you can relax after a long walk.
Golden Plaza, four stars
At the Golden Plaza hotel on the Volga bank, prices start from 3,500 rubles per night. Yes, the cost here is slightly higher, but you will have a spa at your disposal. In addition, a VIP bathhouse, a restaurant, and pet-friendly accommodation are available here.
Where to eat: Asia, Italy, and delicious breakfasts
And how can you go without a delicious lunch upon arrival? We share the best options in Tver.
Felicita on Tryokhsvyatskaya, 22
Felicita serves Italian cuisine: pizza, risotto, homemade pasta, and ravioli. There will be fewer people here on weekdays, but on weekends it's better to book a table in advance. In summer, there's an open veranda, which we recommend occupying, as fresh air improves appetite.
Old Suitcase on Krylova, 22
Old Suitcase is a beer pub worth visiting not only for beer fans. They often host music evenings and festivals here, and serve delicious snacks and meat dishes. We give a special heart to Old Suitcase for its extensive tea menu and desserts. In short, it's a must-visit spot for those who came with friends.
Lapshichka on Tryokhsvyatskaya, 14
A cool eatery with Asian cuisine. Lapshichka serves noodles, pho-bo, ramen, onigiri, udon, and other delicacies. The restaurant's founders also chose a themed interior with bright handmade mosaics, a wall with Asian posters, and neon lights. In short, it's stylish and youthful.
Breakfast Band on Radishcheva, 44
A paradise for fans of beautiful and delicious breakfasts that keep you full for half the day. Eggs Benedict, syrniki, cakes, and one of the best coffees in the city. Wipe your phone camera before breakfast, because you definitely need to photograph such luxury.
What to see in Tver: best views of the Volga and interesting architecture
Monument to Mikhail Krug
We venture to assume that you know the popular Russian chanson performer Mikhail Krug. His songs refer to Tver, the author's hometown. The composition is a bronze sculpture of Mikhail, sitting on a bench with a guitar and a hat.
Tourists usually sit on the bench to make a wish. Everything comes true, so be sure to test it.
Interesting fact: the monument, installed in 2007, has neither an inscription nor an explanatory plaque with a name. Simply because there isn't a single person among Tver residents who doesn't know Mikhail Krug's work.
Travel Palace
The Travel Palace was built in the second half of the 18th century so that members of the imperial court and Catherine II herself could stop to rest during their journey. Previously, the St. Petersburg Tract, connecting the Northern Capital and Moscow, passed through Tver at this location.
The facade of the palace, erected according to the design of architect Pyotr Nikitin, faces the bank of the Volga. Currently, this luxurious mansion houses the Tver Regional Art Gallery, where more than 32,000 various cultural objects dating from the 14th–20th centuries are exhibited.
Tryokhsvyatskaya Street
One of the city's oldest pedestrian streets, Tryokhsvyatskaya, is known as the Tver Arbat. Many buildings here are historical and architectural monuments, so there's enough beauty for everyone. Naturally, Tryokhsvyatskaya has many souvenir shops, cozy cafes, and restaurants where you can eat delicious food and relax after long walks around the city.
Old Volga Bridge
It is believed that the Old Volga Bridge, built at the beginning of the 20th century, is a copy of the Liberty Bridge in Budapest. However, no confirmation of this can be found. When the city began to grow, another bridge was needed, so in 1956, the New Volga Bridge was additionally built.
The Old Volga Bridge offers a breathtaking panorama of the Volga. The most amazing experiences are available on holidays — that's when the illumination is turned on. So adjust your plans for holidays and head to Tver!
Afanasy Nikitin Embankment
Practically a ready-made route if you're coming from the Old Volga Bridge — Afanasy Nikitin Embankment is located next to it and the New Bridge. From here, there's also a beautiful view of the river, but there's more space here for long walks by the water. The embankment has restaurants, cafes, playgrounds for family tourists, and a city beach. The latter, by the way, offers boats and catamarans, so be sure to take a ride on the Volga if you visit during the warm season.
Proletarka Courtyard
Proletarka is a complex development project built for the 'Tver Manufactory Partnership' between 1858 and 1913. At that time, it was decided to focus on the quality of life and create a micro-district from scratch. The architecture here is truly inspiring. Unfortunately, the buildings have not been restored for over 100 years, so Proletarka Courtyard is currently in a semi-ruined state.
Alexander Nevsky Cathedral
The Alexander Nevsky Cathedral was built in response to a request to construct a church at the railway station. In 1879, Emperor Alexander II heeded the requests of Tver residents and approved the allocation of a plot near the Nikolaevskaya railway. However, there wasn't enough money, and construction of the cathedral resumed only ten years later — the temple was completed in 1893. Afterward, it was closed and even destroyed. However, in 2009, proactive city residents decided to help again and restore the temple. Now, the five-domed cathedral, built in the Russian style, welcomes parishioners in Station Square, just as it was intended centuries ago.
River Terminal
The river terminal building, designed in the Stalinist Empire style, stands at the confluence of the Volga and Tvertsa rivers. It served passengers until the early 1990s. The original interior has been partially preserved, but the building itself cannot be entered — it is planned for restoration. However, at the piers during the warm season, you can often find motor ships offering water excursions.
What to bring from Tver
So, we conclude the trip with a top list of gifts for friends and family that are easy to buy in Tver:
- linen. Embroidered linen tablecloths, towels, pillowcases, and even clothing. The natural material perfectly absorbs water and cools the skin in hot weather;
- valenki (felt boots). A must-have for your friends from the northern regions of Russia. In Tver, stylish valenki are made, decorated with rhinestones and local embroidery;
- smoked eel, caught in Seliger. You can also bring salted pike and bream if your journey isn't too long;
- goat-shaped souvenirs, referring to the times of political struggle between Moscow and Tver for supremacy on Russian land during the 14th–15th centuries. Goats are usually made as dolls or from ceramics;
- T-shirts with Mikhail Krug's portrait and quotes. No need for extra words here;
- figurines from 'Krasny May'. The factory of the same name in Vyshny Volochyok cast red stars for the Kremlin. It might close soon due to its condition, so it's better to buy a figurine or a vase as a souvenir;
- figured gingerbread. It is believed that figured gingerbread is the most delicious treat from Tver. Perhaps it can compete with Tula gingerbread. You won't know until you try it.
For avid travelers who want to conquer all of Central Russia, we have told you about the attractions of Tula, as well as what to see in Kolomna and what to see in Kostroma.
We wish you a great trip!
