Solo Female Travel in Irkutsk

Irkutsk, nestled in the heart of Siberia in the Russian Far East, is a gem exuding raw beauty and compelling history. Bordered by the magnificent Baikal Lake, reputed as the deepest lake in the world, Irkutsk is renowned for its wooden architecture, the aesthetic cast-iron decorations of houses, and the scene-stealing UNESCO World Heritage site, the Taltsy Museum of Wooden Architecture. The city is replete with historical significance, elegantly reflected in architectural wonders such as the Church of the Holy Sign and the monument to Alexander III. For a unique gastronomic experience, the Central Market serves up a wealth of Siberian foods. A visit to Irkutsk is like stepping into a time capsule, offering a glance into Russia's vibrant history and splendid landscapes.

3.7 /5

Based on our research

Meet new people

Get the Travel Ladies app to meet new people, find travel buddies, share solo travel experiences and stay with locals through couch surfing.

Safety:Safe

Irkutsk is a relatively safe city for female travelers, but you still need to take standard precautions. While crime rates are not particularly high, petty crime such as pickpocketing does occur, especially in crowded areas and public transportation. During the night, it's better to avoid poorly lit and deserted areas. The locals are friendly and helpful, but language barrier can be an issue as not many people speak English.

Transport:Moderate

Irkutsk has a medium level of ease for navigation. While the city offers various modes of public transportation like buses, trams, and mini-buses, they can be slightly confusing for first-time travelers due to lack of English signage. Walking could be a charming option as the city is relatively compact and most major attractions are in proximity to each other. However, the icy conditions in winter can make it a bit difficult. Taxis are widely available for more convenient travel.

Things to do:Interesting

Irkutsk is rich in history and culture. Landmarks like the Church of the Savior and the Epiphany Cathedral offer an insight into Russian architecture while drenched in significant historical events. The Angara River embankment is a fascinating, peaceful place to walk, giving you a chance to meet locals and see daily life. Irkutsk is also a gateway to the mesmerizing Lake Baikal, the deepest and oldest freshwater lake on Earth, a definite must-visit for nature lovers and adventure enthusiasts, offering a wide range of activities such as hiking, wildlife spotting, and winter sports.

Food:Above average

Irkutsk offers a delightful mix of local Siberian cuisine and international foods. Traditional dishes are hearty and feature unique ingredients like omul fish from Lake Baikal, wild berries, and game. Adjusting to these may take time for some, but broad palates will appreciate the culinary diversity here. Additionally, you can find pizzas, pastas, sushi, and more, embracing a global dining culture. Please ensure to have translation assistance available for better menu understanding as English is not frequently used.

Budget:Affordable

Irkutsk is quite budget-friendly, especially when compared to cities like Moscow or St. Petersburg. A lot of the attractions, such as the beautiful churches and historic streets, are free to explore. Meals in local eateries are quite affordable. However, touristic places like Lake Baikal can drive up your expenses, especially if you go on paid excursions or tours. Overall, if you're careful with your spending, your money can stretch quite far in Irkutsk.

No experience found

We can make the world a safer place for women traveling solo. Be the first to share your experience and help us empower more women through travel.

Meet local women in Irkutsk who are open to meet up for a coffee or a drink, show you around, give local advice or practice a language with.

Polina

About Me

Hello, me name is Polina. So, my English not very vell, but, i use translator and i'm teaching her. I'm 20 years old. I'm interesting I am interesting person, I will be interested in everything around me, like a small child, which is funny. I am a fast learner and have a good memory, I have no problems with communication, and I also love people and learn something new from them. Right now, I used a translator to write most of the sentences, ahah, my English seems to be really bad, lol.