In recent years Irkutsk has seen something of a tourist boom, spawning a municipally funded information centre, detailed city maps planted at strategic points and a handful of freshly conceived museums, as well as the blockbuster 130 Kvartal project, an entire neighbourhood given over to typical Siberian timber buildings housing new restaurants, bars, cafes and the odd museum.
Epiphany Cathedral
This Orthodox Church was built in 1718–1746. It was situated at the foot of the Irkutsk prison. Today it is located in the historical center of Irkutsk. It’s the second oldest stone building in the city. The Bell Tower was built in 1797.
You may climb the Tower but only in Easter week.
There is the miracle-working icon of the Kazan Virgin in the church.
Access 8:00-19:00.
Lake Baikal
One of the world's most "natural" places. Irkustsk, for many people, is just a stop before arriving Lake Baikal. The weather, the water, the flora of Lake Baikal is very distinguishable than all other lakes of the world. You feel like you landed on a different planet.
Regional Museum
The Regional Museum hosts a selection of dresses and tools of the different ethnic groups of the Baikal area aswell as some exhibits about the history of Irkutsk.
Opening times from Tuesday to Sunday, 10am - 6pm
Academic Drama Theater
Irkutsk is also home to several theaters, including the Okhlopkov Drama Theater, one of Russia's oldest theatres.
After reconstruction the theater became one of the best technical equipment in Russia. The stage is equipped with a computer-controlled all the mechanisms and the most up to date sound and light equipment.
