Sights
Sights
You came for the event, but the city around it deserves attention too. A museum in the morning before the festival, a stroll along the waterfront between exhibition days, the old quarter in the evening after the fair: that is how a trip becomes richer. There is one catch: during big celebrations the city runs by different rules. Some streets are closed, museums change their opening hours and queues build up at popular spots. Below are the types of places that pair well with an event, and tricks to help you see them without the hassle.
A city during a celebration is the same city, just louder. Find a quiet hour in it, and it will stay with you as long as the main stage.
This section covers types of places, with no addresses or names. Opening hours, entry rules and street closures on event days are set by the museums themselves and the city authorities.
What to see near the event
Five types of places that are easy to add to your trip.
Museum
Where: In the centre or close to the event site
A morning at a museum before a long festival day is a good way to see the city while it's calm.
Tip: Museums often change their hours on public holidays, so check the official website the day before.
Old town
Where: Around the main square and historic streets
This is usually where street concerts and parades take place, and in between you can take in the architecture.
Tip: Find out in advance which streets will be closed and where the parade will go, so you don't end up stuck at a barrier.
Waterfront or park
Where: Along the river or on the edge of the centre
A place to get away from the noise, have a snack and wait out the peak of the crowds.
Tip: During fireworks the waterfronts fill up first, so if you want some peace, choose somewhere else.
Viewpoint
Where: A hill, a tower or the top floor of a public building
From above you can see how the city is laid out and exactly where the celebration is happening.
Tip: Only go up to official viewing areas with railings and set opening hours. Don't climb onto the roofs of residential buildings or join improvised rooftop "tours".
Rooftop with organised access
Where: Buildings where going up is part of the visit
Some museums and public buildings open their terraces and roofs to visitors.
Tip: Make sure the access is arranged by the building's owner, with railings, rules and a guide. Going up onto a roof in breach of these rules is dangerous.
How to combine the event and sightseeing
Tricks that help you see the city without missing the celebration.
The morning before the event
Where: Anywhere that opens early
Before the site opens, the city is quieter and the queues are shorter.
Tip: Leave extra time to get to the event: transport moves more slowly on celebration days.
The day after
Where: Museums and parks
If the event finished late, give the next morning to an unhurried walk.
Tip: Don't plan an early departure straight after a late-night finale.
Closures and parades
Where: Central streets
During city celebrations, traffic on the main streets is often restricted.
Tip: Look for closure announcements on the city authority's website or from the organisers.
Queues at famous sights
Where: Major museums and cathedrals
On celebration days, every visitor heads for the best-known places at the same time.
Tip: Choose lesser-known museums or arrive at opening time.
Festival gear
Where: Museums and places of worship
You may be turned away from a museum with a festival backpack, a folding chair or a flag.
Tip: Leave anything you don't need at your accommodation or check in advance whether there is a cloakroom.
Related sections
- Routes
Three sample routes: a festival weekend, a fair with a walk around the centre, an exhibition and a museum in one day.
- On site
How to behave at a celebration, where to find food and water and how not to lose each other in the crowd.
- Destinations
Six types of events, from music festivals to fairs, and four things to look at when choosing a city.
Sources
- Official websites of cities and events
- EMERCOM of Russia — safety advice for mass events
Information is correct as of the date it was prepared. Event programmes, entry rules, ticket sale and refund terms and holiday transport services all change, so check them on the official websites before you set off.