| Simferopol (RU) Симферополь (UK) Сімферополь | ||
 | ||
Coat of arms and flag   | ||
| State | Russia (de facto) | |
|---|---|---|
| Altitude | 245 m a.s.l. | |
| Surface | 107.41 km² | |
| Inhabitants | 335 582 (2012 estimate) | |
| Prefix tel | 380–652 | |
| POSTAL CODE | 95000–95490 | |
| Time zone | 3 | |
Position
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| Institutional website | ||
Simferopol (also Simferopol, Сімферополь in Ukrainian, Симферополь in Russian) is the capital of the Crimea. The note on the Crimea page regarding the current political situation also applies to this page.
To know
For the most part it is a transit point towards the coast or towards the mountains. It is famous for having the longest trolleybus service (56 km) in the world.
How to orient yourself
Simferopol: full screen map.How to get
All roads leading to the Crimea lead to Simferopol, the region's transport hub.
By plane
- 1 Simferopol International Airport, ☎ 38 0652 59-55-45, @[email protected]. operates only flights to Russia with only Russian airlines, for example Moscow, St.Pietroburgo is Rostov-on-Don. ICAO & Eurocontrol advise avoiding this airspace, especially as Ukrainian and Russian air traffic controllers say they are responsible for the area and this conflict could lead to errors.
Connections with the city
Coaches Marshrutka they depart from an external car park outside the arrival area, just look for the big trolleybus sign. Buses leave for the city center and the train station every few minutes.
The bus №49 connects with the central bus station, the №115 or №98 with the railway station and the Kurortnaya bus station which have connections to seaside cities such as Sevastopol, Yalta, Sudak and Yevpatoria. From the stop near the 2 Central Station (Lenina boulevard) there is an airport bus (13 rub).
Trolleybus 9 takes you to the central station.
Also, there are many annoying private taxi drivers at the airport, if you take a taxi always agree on the price first and make sure that the price is for the whole journey (and not for every kilometer).
On the train
In view of the fact that the border with Ukraine is closed, the main international connections are cut off. Those between the cities remain.
- 3 Central Station. The central station is a beautiful building from 1834.
- The train for Yevpatoria takes 1 hour and 55 minutes.
By bus
There are about a dozen daily buses and marshrutka runs from Sevastopol every day. They are busy, especially on weekends, and it's best to book some time in advance. If you are unable to take public transport, taxis will take you from the station Sevastopol at Simferopol airport.
- 4 Bus station.
How to get around
By public transport
A convenient way to get around is by public transport, and Simferopol has a wide range of choices. The most popular is called marshutka or a minivan, minibus or taxi. The taxi is of course more expensive, but it is a faster alternative. A ride in the minivan or bus, however, could only cost the equivalent of 10 rubles. Public transport will take you to almost the entire city.
There is also a trolleybus service connecting Simferopol-Alušta-Yalta.
By taxi
You must always agree on a price before leaving. If the driver offers a cheap price make sure that this price is for the whole trip and not for every kilometer. Be warned that it is difficult to communicate with drivers, as they only speak Russian.
The cost of the taxi for a trip to any place in the city can be up to 20 USD. Ordering a taxi by phone is a way to save money. Some numbers: 380 (63) 250-3350, 380 (652) 547200, 380 (652) 710071 or from the cell phone or 1504, 1567, 1568 and other local telephone numbers.
What see
- 1 [link not working]Art Museum, 35 Dolgorukovskaya st., ☎ 380 652 662630, @[email protected].
Thu-Sun 10: 00-17: 00. It consists of two exhibitions: first is an exhibition of local art (paintings, drawings, sculptures, some photos from the Aachen museum), the second is on the different themes which changes every month. - 2 Kebir-Jami Mosque.
- 3 Lenin square. The only square in Simferopol that boasts nothing special. Skateboarders skate in the evenings, there are concerts and it's a place where locals usher in the new year or a political party campaigns.
Thu-Sun 10: 00-17: 00. It consists of two exhibitions: first is an exhibition of local art (paintings, drawings, sculptures, some photos from the Aachen museum), the second is on the different themes which changes every month._(29689226505).jpg/150px-Simferopol,_Scythian_Neapolis,_2016.06.17_(05)_(29689226505).jpg)
- 4 [link previously not working]Neopolis. The Scythian Neopolis was a settlement that existed from the end of the 3rd century BC. until the second half of the 3rd century AD. The archaeological ruins are located on the outskirts of Simferopol. This city was the center of the Crimean Scythian tribes led by Skilurus and Palacus (probably buried in the local mausoleum). The city dominated a small kingdom, which covered the lands between the lower Dnieper River and the Crimea. In the III and II century. BC, it was a city "with a mixed Scythian-Greek population, with strong defensive walls and large public buildings built using the orders of Greek architecture". Neopolis was destroyed in the mid-3rd century AD. by the Goths.
- 5 Children's park (Detsky Park, Детский парк), 57 Kirova ave. A wonderful place to relax with the whole family. There is a small amusement park with a Ferris wheel. Here you can buy candy, popcorn and soda. There is also one 5 Giant oak it is about 600 - 750 years old "Hercules Tauris". With trunk circumference of about 6 meters, crown diameter 30 meters. There are some small 300-500 year old oaks nearby.
- 6 Zoo (Zoopark, Зоопарк) (Inside the children's park), ☎ 38 0652 27 88 86.
120 rub, children 20 rub. While it's not in line with Western standards, it's still a fun place to entertain both kids and adults. There are more than 300 species of animals: camels, deer, bears, wolves, jaguars, leopards, monkeys, bison and others. - 7 Aquarium (Аквариум) (Inside the children's park). Small aquarium where about 10 species of turtles, 3-4 species of snakes, amphibians, fish and some crocodiles live.
- 6 Zoo (Zoopark, Зоопарк) (Inside the children's park), ☎ 38 0652 27 88 86.
120 rub, children 20 rub. While it's not in line with Western standards, it's still a fun place to entertain both kids and adults. There are more than 300 species of animals: camels, deer, bears, wolves, jaguars, leopards, monkeys, bison and others.Events and parties
What to do
In the summer the best thing to do is a walk in the parks or sporting activity. While in winter it is possible to do ice skating.
- Caves. Located about 17 km from the city. Take a minibus from the train station to the Perevalnoe stop for 3h, then walk 3km to the Red Grotto or take a taxi for 11km up a mountain close to the extraordinary Grotta dei Marmi, discovered in 1987. A complete tour takes 80 minutes. The shorter hikes are cheaper but the full one is worth it.
Shopping
The most famous place for shopping is in 'Silpo' with a nice supermarket with all the essentials and food. There are also several boutiques.
There are also supermarkets such as 'Furshet' and 'Rainford' located around the city. Better to ask a taxi driver to take you to these places, or familiarize yourself with the street names, or you can easily take a minivan.
The minivan numbers 62, 10 and 74 will take you to the new shopping center called "Foxmart".
Debit and credit cards are accepted in most shops in the city, but not accepted in rural areas and markets. There are many ATMs.
- 1 Central market.
How to have fun
Where to eat
Average prices
- 1 Celentano, бульвар Ленина 22-2 (Next to the station.). Russian chain of pizzerias and restaurants.
Where stay
Safety
How to keep in touch
Around
Other projects
Wikipedia contains an entry concerning Simferopol
Commons contains images or other files on Simferopol
