Penza Travel Guide

Get to know about the culturally important attractions, natural attractions, hiking/biking routes, food and drink scene, where to stay, and more with this comprehensive travel guide to Penza, Russia.


Introduction to Penza

Penza is a city in Penza Oblast, situated in the Volga Region of Russia. Being a part of Eastern Europe, it is considered one of the most important cultural and scientific centers of the region. The city boasts of numerous attractions and activities, making it a popular destination among tourists. In this comprehensive travel guide, we will take you through the must-visit places, the top things to do, the best hiking routes, where to stay, and much more.

List of Places to Visit in Penza

Culturally Important Attractions: Museums and Historical Places

Penza is known for its rich cultural heritage, which is evident in the numerous museums and historical places that dot the city. Here are some of the most notable attractions:

  • Penza Regional Museum
  • Museum-Estate of V.D. Belinsky
  • Museum of One Painting Named After G.K. Savitsky
  • Memorial Museum of V.I. Lenin and N.K. Krupskaya

Natural Attractions of Penza: Outdoor Adventures and Scenic Views

Penza is blessed with natural beauty, offering visitors plenty of opportunities to explore the great outdoors. Here are some of the top attractions:

  • Sursky Forest State Nature Reserve
  • Penza Natural Reserve
  • Zarayskaya Roscha Park
  • Kuznetskaya Sopka Nature Park

Hiking/Biking Routes of Penza

Penza has numerous hiking and biking trails that let visitors explore the city’s natural beauty on foot or on two wheels. Here are some of the most popular routes:

  • Kuznetskaya Sopka Trail
  • Sursky Forest Trail
  • Krivoshchekovskaya Trail
  • Poltava Trail

Best Things to Do in Penza: Activities and Tours

Penza has something to offer for everyone, and here are the top activities and tours that you can enjoy in the city:

  • Visit the Penza Regional Museum
  • Take a walk in the Sursky Forest State Nature Reserve
  • Explore the Museum-Estate of V.D. Belinsky
  • Go on a guided tour of the Kuznetskaya Sopka Nature Park

Week-Long Itinerary for Penza

Here’s a sample itinerary for a week-long stay in Penza:

Day 1: Explore the Penza Regional Museum

Day 2: Take a hike in the Sursky Forest State Nature Reserve

Day 3: Visit the Museum-Estate of V.D. Belinsky

Day 4: Take a guided tour of Kuznetskaya Sopka Nature Park

Day 5: Go on a cultural tour of Penza, visiting the city’s top historical places

Day 6: Explore the Krivoshchekovskaya Trail

Day 7: Relax in Zarayskaya Roscha Park

Food and Drink Scene of Penza

Must-Try Dishes

Some of the must-try dishes in Penza include:

  • Kvass: A traditional fermented drink made from rye bread

  • Penza Sausage: A spicy smoked sausage that is a local specialty

  • Chebureki: Deep-fried turnovers filled with meat or potatoes

  • Pirozhki: Small pies filled with meat, vegetables, or fruit

Local Beverages

Penza is known for its unique beverages, including:

  • Kvass: A traditional fermented drink made from rye bread

  • Medovukha: A traditional Russian honey-based drink

  • Samovar Tea: A traditional Russian tea service that involves brewing tea in a samovar

Where to Stay in Penza: Hotels, Hostels, and Guesthouses

Penza has a wide range of accommodation options to suit all budgets. Some of the popular options include:

  • Hotel Region
  • Hotel Avia
  • Prival Hotel
  • Guest House Pelica

What to Buy in Penza: Souvenirs and Local Products to Bring Home

Some of the top souvenirs and local products to bring home from Penza include:

  • Penza Sausage: A spicy smoked sausage that is a local specialty

  • Handmade crafts: There are many markets in Penza selling handmade crafts, such as pottery and woodwork

  • Matryoshka dolls: These traditional Russian nesting dolls make for a great souvenir

Local Culture and Customs of Penza

Penza has a rich cultural heritage, and visitors should be respectful of local customs. Some important things to keep in mind include:

  • Dress modestly when visiting religious sites

  • Remove your shoes before entering someone’s home

Best Time to Visit Penza

The best time to visit Penza is during the summer months when the weather is warm and sunny. The city is also beautiful during the winter months, especially during the New Year festivities.

Do’s and Don’ts of Penza

Do:

  • Respect local customs and traditions

  • Dress appropriately when visiting religious sites

  • Carry a map or have a GPS device when hiking

Don’t:

  • Be disrespectful to locals

  • Leave trash on hiking trails

  • Wear shoes inside someone’s home

Safety and Health

Safety in Penza

Penza is generally a safe city. However, visitors should take standard precautions, such as keeping valuables in a safe place and avoiding dark and deserted areas at night.

Health in Penza

Penza has several medical facilities that provide quality healthcare services to locals and tourists alike. Visitors should have travel insurance that covers medical emergencies before visiting.

Getting to Penza: Transportation Options and Logistics

Airports Near Penza

  • Penza Airport

Bus Stations Near Penza

  • Penza Bus Station

Other Options

  • Train Service: Penza has a rail station, with trains connecting to major Russian cities.

How to Get Around in Penza

The best way to get around Penza is by public transportation or by using a taxi service. The city also has a bike rental service for visitors who want to explore the city on two wheels.

Where to Go Next from Penza: Nearby Destinations and Excursions

Some of the popular nearby destinations from Penza include:

  • Saransk
  • Samara
  • Kazan

Conclusion

Penza is a beautiful city that offers visitors a wide range of cultural, historical, and natural attractions. From the Penza Regional Museum to the Kuznetskaya Sopka Nature Park, visitors will find plenty to see and do in this charming Russian city. With this comprehensive travel guide, you now have everything you need to plan your trip to Penza, Russia.