Krasnodar

Good to know

1. 1The city was founded in 1793 by Black Sea Cossacks as Yekaterinodar, named in honour of Catherine the Great. It was renamed Krasnodar in 1920, a name that roughly means 'red gift'.
2. 2Krasnodar is the administrative centre of Krasnodar Krai, a farming region known for wheat, sunflowers, tea and grapes, with a strong Cossack heritage.
3. 3Krasnaya Street is the main axis of the city and is lined with historic buildings, cafés and shops. Locals use it for evening strolls.
4. 4The city has a well-known football club, FC Krasnodar. Its stadium sits beside a large public park that is open to everyone and is popular for walks and cycling.
5. 5Kuban cooking leans on local vegetables, meat and dairy, and the Kuban version of borscht is a typical dish. The region also makes wine, and you will find local bottles in many restaurants.
6. 6The language is Russian, and the Cyrillic alphabet is used on nearly all signs. English is less common than in the big Russian cities.

Tips for a first visit

• The city is flat, so central areas are easy to explore on foot or by bike, and the long, straight streets make it simple to find your way.
• For local travel, buses, trolleybuses, trams and taxis are all available. Taxi apps are widely used and are often easier than hailing a car on the street.
• Carry a little cash as a backup, even though cards are common in cafés and shops. Small kiosks and markets may prefer cash.
• Try Kuban borscht, vareniki (filled dumplings) and fresh produce from the local markets in season. Ask for a regional wine with dinner.
• Learn a few Russian words and the Cyrillic alphabet before you go. Translation apps with offline downloads are very handy on menus and signs.
• If you are invited into a home, take your shoes off at the door and bring a small gift such as sweets or flowers. Give an odd number of flowers, since even numbers are for funerals.

When to go

Summers are hot and often humid, which suits people who like long evenings outdoors but not those who dislike heat. Spring and early autumn are mild and pleasant for walking, and the parks look their best then. Winters are generally milder than in central Russia, though they can be damp and grey, with only occasional snow.

From the airport

The city's main airport, Pashkovsky, lies on the eastern side of Krasnodar, not far from the centre. The easiest way in is a taxi, which usually takes about half an hour depending on traffic. Public buses and minibuses also run between the airport and the city, and they are slower but cheaper.