Autonomous Republic of Crimea · Russia
Simferopol travel guide
Simferopol is a city in Autonomous Republic of Crimea, Russia, home to about 335,000 people.
- Best months
- May to September
- Currency
- RUBRussian ruble
- Time zone
- Europe/Moscow
- Language
- Abaza, Adyghe, Aghul
About
About Simferopol
Simferopol ( SIM-fər-OH-pəl), also known as Aqmescit, is the second-largest city on the Crimean Peninsula. The city, along with the rest of Crimea, is internationally recognized as part of Ukraine, but controlled by Russia.
For the most part this is a place of transit to the coast or to the mountains. It is famous for having the world's longest trolley bus service -- it's 56 km long.
Wikipedia and Wikivoyage contributors, CC BY-SA 4.0; excerpted.
Things to do
What to see and do in Simferopol
See
- Scythian Neapolis
- Kid's Park
- giant oak "Hercules Tauris"
- Zoo
- Aquarium
- Museum of Arts
Do
There is always a time where you can run out of things to do in this place. Nevertheless if you look hard enough, you will find something to occupy your time with. In the harsh hot weather during the summer with temperatures ranging over 45 °C, you may take a stroll in the park. There are horse riding activities, boating, feeding ducks. Besides that, the best thing to do is rehydrate yourself as often as possible, and protect yourself with some SPF (read SPF 30 and above). Then comes the other extreme - the cold chilly winter. Temperature may dip down to as low as -25 °C in late January and February. Skiing in Ai Petri is a great getaway from the town.
Wikivoyage contributors, CC BY-SA 4.0; excerpted.
When to go
The best time to visit Simferopol
The most comfortable months for a city stay in Simferopol are May to September. July is the warmest month, with average highs of 27 °C; December is the wettest, with about 90 mm of rain.
Comfortable means average daytime high between 18 °C and 29 °C and under 80 mm of rain in the month. Averages for 1991–2020 over the surrounding area, a grid square about 50 km across, so a coast or a nearby mountain can make the town itself warmer or cooler. Data: CRU TS v4.10, Climatic Research Unit, University of East Anglia (Open Database License).
Getting there
Getting to Simferopol
Getting in
All roads coming to Crimea lead to Simferopol, the undisputed transport hub of the region.
Getting around
A convenient way to get around is by public transport, and Simferopol has a wide range of it. The most popular is called marshrutka or a minivan, minibus, or taxi. Taxi of course is most expensive but is a fastest alternative.
Wikivoyage contributors, CC BY-SA 4.0; excerpted.
Local knowledge
Eating, drinking and staying safe in Simferopol
Eat
The number one must-eat food in Simferopol is plov. This Turkic rice-based dish with sauteed meats and vegetables is very oily, so those on dietary restrictions may want to check twice before eating. One plate of plov cost approximately USD3 at the Central Market. Number two must eat food is meat on skewer, cooked over charcoal. It's called shashlik by the locals. Number three on the list is lagman, a local version of noodle soup. In fourth place is the locals' favourite borsh. It's a vegetable soup, generally eaten with bread. Solenka is also a local soup that is worth trying.
Drink
Crimean wine, best to buy in supermarkets or in a company outlet shops. Also drink Ukrainian vodka - horilka. "Hortitsa" brand of horilka is recommended.
Wikivoyage contributors, CC BY-SA 4.0; excerpted.
Questions
Simferopol: questions travellers ask
When is the best time to visit Simferopol?
The most comfortable months for a city stay in Simferopol are May to September. July is the warmest month, with average highs of 27 °C; December is the wettest, with about 90 mm of rain.
What currency is used in Simferopol?
Russian ruble (RUB).
Nearby
Destinations near Simferopol
Sources: city facts from Wikidata and Wikipedia; climate from CRU TS v4.10 (University of East Anglia Climatic Research Unit), 1991–2020 monthly means, 0.5° grid; places to stay, guest scores and amenities from each operator's own public pages. How this guide is made.