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Sochi (Russian: Cо́чи, SO-chee) is one of the southernmost places of Russia and the second-largest city of Krasnodar Krai, with a population of 415,000. It's along the Black Sea coast, about 1600 km south of Moscow. In 2014 it hosted the Winter Olympic and Paralympic Games, and in 2018 it hosted football matches in the FIFA World Cup.

Sochi is often called the unofficial 'Summer Capital' of Russia, or the Black Sea Pearl. This is the country's biggest and busiest summer sea resort, attracting more than 4 million visitors annually with its amazing mountainous coastline, endless shingle beaches, warm sunny days, and bustling nightlife. From May to September Sochi's population at least doubles with tourists, including celebrities and political elite of the country. View on Sochi from the Black Sea Likely due to Russian visa costs and requirements, only 3 percent of this visitors' crowd are international travellers. Perhaps the most famous non-politician foreign visitor to Sochi was Bono, who was invited to spend some time at President Medvedev's residence in 2010. But in general the city remains a very domestic destination, somewhat lacking in appropriate international infrastructure and having the same language barrier most regional centers of Russia do.

Another paradox of Sochi is that the city, always associated in national mentality with south, palms and hot climate, won the 2014 Winter Olympic bid. This phenomenon will be probably never understood by Russians completely: every place in the country has a real winter, but Sochi? The answers are absence of harsh frost and the very promising Alpine resort of Krasnaya Polyana in the city area. A less pragmatic explanation is the lucky destiny of Sochi. The most famous Russian saying about the city is "If I could read the cards, I would live in Sochi" (Знал бы прикуп - жил бы в Сочи). Derived from the Preference card game, this saying shows the association of Sochi and its inhabitants with luck, moreover, with an accidental and unpredictable fortune.

Well, perhaps such an Olympic luck will help the city to reach beyond the national borders and to become a truly global site. Sochi has many attractions to offer for anyone who loves nature, sports, history, and sunny beach leisure. This Black Sea Pearl is still waiting to be discovered.

The territory of today's Sochi was inhabited for thousands of years, populated by Caucasian mountainous tribes and being under the influence and dominion of ancient Greek, Roman, Byzantine, Abkhazian and Ottoman civilizations. A few landmarks of antecedent civilizations remained, including the Bronze Age table-stones and medieval Byzantine temples.

The Russian Empire approached these lands in the beginning of 19th century, and after a war with the Ottoman Empire acquired them in 1829. Soon after that, in 1838, Russian authorities established the fort of Alexandria, at the site of modern Central Sochi, and 2 more forts in the modern Lazarevskoe district of the city. Alexandria was renamed several times and finally obtained the name Sochi (by the name of a local river) in 1896.

In the beginning of the 20th century, Sochi became known as a resort place. In 1902 the first bath building in Matsesta was constructed and in 1909 the official resort named "Caucasian Riviera" was open. Right before the 1917 revolution Sochi got its city status, and in the same time the railroad connected it with the rest of Russia. But the regular train service started only 6 years later, after the Russian Civil War finished with the Bolsheviks' victory. The city was growing quite slowly (from 13,000 in 1916 to 17,000 in 1932).

The situation changed in 1934, when a general reconstruction of Sochi was initiated by Stalin's government. For just 7 years from 1932 to 1939 the city's population skyrocketed from 17,000 to 72,000. New roads, theaters, parks, hotels and spa resorts were constructed, making the look of Sochi closer to what can be seen today.

In 1961 authorities decided to incorporate neighboring settlements into Sochi, giving the start to the history of Greater Sochi (Большой Сочи).

After the Soviet Union collapsed, Sochi took the role of Russian President's traditional summer residence from Crimea, as that became a part of the independent Ukraine.

In 2007 the city opened a new chapter in its history by winning the bid of the Olympic host city of 2014. The volume of construction work is huge, including new infrastructure (roads, sanitation, air and seaports, etc.), sport venues (both indoor and outdoor), commercial and residential buildings. The new look of Sochi has already started to transform the features of once a Soviet domestic resort.

Sochi belongs to that tiny part of Russia, which is happily located in the subtropical climatic zone. In contrast to Mediterranean climates, Sochi has a very high humidity level, like that in Abkhazia or in some USA states (e.g. Mississippi, Alabama, Louisiana, and Georgia). Despite high precipitation, Sochi enjoys 300 sunny days annually, which is unbelievable for any other part of Russia except neighboring Krasnodar Krai coastal cities. This makes nearly all the year months comfortable for visiting Sochi, except maybe November, December and January.

Palms and snow: the winter in Sochi

Most of precipitation falls during the winter, partly in snow, but there is usually no regular snow cover in the coastal part of the city. Sochians rarely use winter tyres, so every heavy snowfall comes unpredictably for drivers. The climate of the mountainous part of Greater Sochi is significantly colder, allowing for a full ski season in winter (usually, February and March). Thanks to that, Krasnaya Polyana is quickly developing as a winter resort and hosted all outdoor competitions during the 2014 Winter Olympics.

The period of spring is quite short and is characterized by gardens blossoming (usually starts in March, even if temperatures are lower than in February). This is a comfortable season with less rain, but still with the cold sea.

Sochi summer can be associated with the swimming season, which usually lasts from the mid-end of May till the end of October. This is the true high season with its touristic peak in July–August. In September and October the city attracts fewer visitors, partly because of the start of the school year. These two months, when the Black Sea is still warm, air is not very hot, and streets are not filled with tourists' crowds, seem to be the most enjoying time to visit Sochi. This period is called smoothy season ("бархатный сезон").

The off-season autumn, coming to Sochi in the end of October, is warm, but with more cloudy days and rain. By the end of November daily average temperature drops below 10 °C.

Sochi is one of the most multinational cities in Russia with people of more than 100 ethnic groups living there. Most of them are ethnic Russians (68%), the important minorities are Armenians, Ukrainians, Georgians, Greeks, Circassians, Belorussians, Tatars, and Jews.

Russian is the predominant language spoken by almost everyone in the city, including nearly all minorities, but many local placenames came from Abkhazian and Circassian languages. The most commonly used ones include "pse" / "psh" / "psta" (water), "akh" (high), and "nykh" (holy).

The major part of Sochi inhabitants are Orthodox Christians (80%). There are also Muslims (5%), Catholics and Jews. Orthodox cathedrals are represented in all the parts of the city. The only Catholic cathedral in Central Sochi was built in 1997 (most churchgoers are Catholic Armenians). There is also a mosque, albeit a very small and remote one (in Tkhagapsh community, 15 km towards the mountains from Lazarevskoe). The city authorities are planning to build a new mosque and a synagogue by 2014.

Greater Sochi map

Greater Sochi occupies 105 km along the Black Sea coastline. Its total area is 3,500 km² (3 times as large as Moscow). However, most of the population is spread along the narrow coastline stripe, while the mountain area (1,900 square km) mostly belongs to Sochi National Park and partly to Caucasian Biosphere Reserve. The city alignment is from north-west to south-east, from the neighboring city of Tuapse right to the Russian border with Abkhazia.

Greater Sochi has 4 administrative districts. Central Sochi District is the core of the city and its most developed and populated part. Many of the city attractions, hotels and most shopping centers are there. During the summer season, Central Sochi is usually overcrowded and traffic-jammed. Lazarevskoye District is the largest (1744 km²) and the longest (65 km coastline) one among Sochi districts, includes 34 sub-districts, most of them are spread along the sea shore. Lazarevskoe district is less urbanized that other ones in Greater Sochi. In fact it has many various settlements, often poorly connected with each other and lacking basic infrastructure. Khosta District is to the south-east from Central Sochi, this district contains some major attractions, such as Akhun mountain. While Adler District is the city's important transport hub, which includes Sochi International Airport, Adler train terminal (final point for most trains going to Greater Sochi) and the only open border crossing with Abkhazia. The role of Adler is rapidly increasing now because it will host all the Olympic venues for the 2014 Games (the Olympic coastal cluster at Imeretinskaya lowland and the mountain cluster at Krasnaya Polyana). By 2014 the look of Imeretinskaya lowland and Krasnaya Polyana has drastically changed, as well as the local transport infrastructure.

The best developed, urbanized and monolithic part of Greater Sochi is the coastline between Dagomys (south-east of Lazarevskoe district) and Imeretinskaya lowland of Adler district.

Like elsewhere in Russia, the Russian rouble (RUB) is the only currency officially accepted in the city. Money exchange is not a problem, but use only official counters at banks and avoid people offering you exchange at major transport hubs. By Russian legislation passport is needed for exchange operations.

Sochi has many ATMs, especially in Central Sochi and Adler. You may withdraw not only roubles, but also dollars or euro at some of them (approximately 10% of all ATMs). Take into account, that Visa and MasterCard are widespread in Russia, but American Express cards are usually not accepted even at major tourist places. Also, expect possible problems with paying by card at minor shops or restaurants and at small private hotels. Have some cash with you for such cases.

Loo temple

Stalinist period Empire Style buildings. The modern-period architecture history in Sochi started from the general construction plan of 1934. During the Stalinist period (till 1953) many monumental buildings around Greater Sochi were built. Among them are: Sochi central train terminal, Sochi seaport, The Winter Theatre, Sochi Art museum, and numerous resort hotels, such as Metallurg, Lazarevskoe etc.
Stalin's Summer Residence, 120, Kurortny - Khosta district, +7 8622 69 56 00. It was built as merchant's Mikhailovskoe estate, taken by Bolsheviks and later converted into Stalin's residence by Miron Merzhanov, Soviet chief architect. Stalin visited this dacha quite often, having numerous meetings with top-echelon politicians, such as Chinese chairman Mao. Inside is a museum with many personal belongings and Stalin's waxwork. There are also legends about Stalin's phantom, still walking around this place by nights.
Godlik fortress, Kurskaya street, Chemitokvadzhe - Lazarevskoe district. The remains of a Byzantine triangle fortress, which was built in 4-5 centuries AD. Despite the poor condition of this site, it still has remained towers and part of limestone walls.
Loo temple, Loo - Lazarevskoe district. Another Byzantine site, and also in poor condition. It's at the hilltop away from the sea (1.5 km). It was built in 10-12 centuries, rebuilt in 14th century and converted into a fortress in 15-16 centuries.

Anchor and Cannon monument in Sochi

Stalinist period Empire Style buildings. The modern-period architecture history in Sochi started from the general construction plan of 1934. During the Stalinist period (till 1953) many monumental buildings around Greater Sochi were built. Among them are: Sochi central train terminal, Sochi seaport, The Winter Theatre, Sochi Art museum, and numerous resort hotels, such as Metallurg, Lazarevskoe etc.

Stalin's Summer Residence, 120, Kurortny - Khosta district, +7 8622 69 56 00. It was built as merchant's Mikhailovskoe estate, taken by Bolsheviks and later converted into Stalin's residence by Miron Merzhanov, Soviet chief architect. Stalin visited this dacha quite often, having numerous meetings with top-echelon politicians, such as Chinese chairman Mao. Inside is a museum with many personal belongings and Stalin's waxwork. There are also legends about Stalin's phantom, still walking around this place by nights.

Godlik fortress, Kurskaya street, Chemitokvadzhe - Lazarevskoe district. The remains of a Byzantine triangle fortress, which was built in 4-5 centuries AD. Despite the poor condition of this site, it still has remained towers and part of limestone walls.

Loo temple, Loo - Lazarevskoe district. Another Byzantine site, and also in poor condition. It's at the hilltop away from the sea (1.5 km). It was built in 10-12 centuries, rebuilt in 14th century and converted into a fortress in 15-16 centuries.

Among the traditional Russian set of monuments left as a legacy of the collapsed Soviet Union, Sochi has several original artworks worth to be explored by the city's guests.

Anchor and Cannon, Pushkinsky park - Central (near Primorskaya street. The oldest monument in the city, built in 1913. An original 19th century cannon and 18th6century anchor symbolize the victory of Russian army in Russian-Ottoman war of 1828-1829.
Churchill, Roosevelt and Stalin, Vinogradnaya, 14 - Central (at Krashmashevsky resort hotel area. Probably, the only one monument to these key anti-fascist coalition leaders in Russia. Erected in 2008 by an Israeli sculptor Frank Meisler. 2 copies of the monument were granted to USA and the UK. At the same place, a historical museum of World War II was opened. Neither the Statue nor the museum are available to visit now (Oct 2014) - the property on which they were located seems to have closed down.
The Feat for Life memorial, Riviersky pereulok - Central (At the entrance to Riviera Park. An architectural ensemble dedicated to medical personnel of Sochi, who returned back to life more than half-million casualties during the World War II. The monument is a steel arc with the marble statues of physicians, nurses and wounded people at its pediment.
The Golden Fleece, Ploschad Isskustv - Central (near Sochi Art Museum. A symbolic composition, illustrating a well-known Classical Greek myth about Argonauts and the Golden Fleece, was opened in 2008. Between two elegant columns the gold-plated sheep skin is stretched, guarded by a dragon. The sculptor implemented the idea of historical bridge between Greece and Olympic Sochi.
The Singing Fontains, Kurortny - Central. In the center of the city, at the corner of Kurortny Prospekt and Navaginskaya street, at the entrance to Sochi Trade Gallery. A pool with numerous water streams, and special sound and visual hardware, allowing the water to "sing" and "dance" in rhythym. The fontains operate only in summer evenings, when their visual effects are the best-seen. Initially constructed in 1970, the Singing Fontains were totally renovated in 2009.
Zavokzalny War Memorial, Zavokzalny subdistrict - Central. The memorial to Sochi soldiers, who died during the World War II, and the burial place for more than 2,000 of them, built in 1985 to 40th Victory Anniversary. At the hilltop there are memory desks with soldier names, as a semicircle surrounding an eternal light. Overlooking Central Sochi, this place has become a non-avoidable photosession point for weddings in the city.
Olympic Countdown Clock. Installed and launched in May (Olympic) and June (Paralympic) of 2011, 1000 days before the start of Sochi 2014 Olympic and Paralympic Games. An innovatively looking construction, worth to see.

Anchor and Cannon, Pushkinsky park - Central (near Primorskaya street. The oldest monument in the city, built in 1913. An original 19th century cannon and 18th6century anchor symbolize the victory of Russian army in Russian-Ottoman war of 1828-1829.

Churchill, Roosevelt and Stalin, Vinogradnaya, 14 - Central (at Krashmashevsky resort hotel area. Probably, the only one monument to these key anti-fascist coalition leaders in Russia. Erected in 2008 by an Israeli sculptor Frank Meisler. 2 copies of the monument were granted to USA and the UK. At the same place, a historical museum of World War II was opened. Neither the Statue nor the museum are available to visit now (Oct 2014) - the property on which they were located seems to have closed down.

The Feat for Life memorial, Riviersky pereulok - Central (At the entrance to Riviera Park. An architectural ensemble dedicated to medical personnel of Sochi, who returned back to life more than half-million casualties during the World War II. The monument is a steel arc with the marble statues of physicians, nurses and wounded people at its pediment.

The Golden Fleece, Ploschad Isskustv - Central (near Sochi Art Museum. A symbolic composition, illustrating a well-known Classical Greek myth about Argonauts and the Golden Fleece, was opened in 2008. Between two elegant columns the gold-plated sheep skin is stretched, guarded by a dragon. The sculptor implemented the idea of historical bridge between Greece and Olympic Sochi.

The Singing Fontains, Kurortny - Central. In the center of the city, at the corner of Kurortny Prospekt and Navaginskaya street, at the entrance to Sochi Trade Gallery. A pool with numerous water streams, and special sound and visual hardware, allowing the water to "sing" and "dance" in rhythym. The fontains operate only in summer evenings, when their visual effects are the best-seen. Initially constructed in 1970, the Singing Fontains were totally renovated in 2009.

Zavokzalny War Memorial, Zavokzalny subdistrict - Central. The memorial to Sochi soldiers, who died during the World War II, and the burial place for more than 2,000 of them, built in 1985 to 40th Victory Anniversary. At the hilltop there are memory desks with soldier names, as a semicircle surrounding an eternal light. Overlooking Central Sochi, this place has become a non-avoidable photosession point for weddings in the city.

Olympic Countdown Clock. Installed and launched in May (Olympic) and June (Paralympic) of 2011, 1000 days before the start of Sochi 2014 Olympic and Paralympic Games. An innovatively looking construction, worth to see.

Sochi Art Museum

Sochi Art Museum, Kurortny, 51 - Central, +7 8622 62-2947, +7 8622 62-2916. The museum occupies one of the most beautiful buildings of Sochi, built in 1936. Its collection is the largest at the Black Sea coast (more than 5 000 items of various style and period from antique to contemporary). The exposition expands with new paintings of Sochi artists, regular solo exhibitions are organized.
Sochi History Museum, Vorovskogo 54/11 - Central, +7 8622 64-28-91. This museum, one of the oldest cultural sights in the city, was open in 1920. The exposition embraces the important milestones of the city's history, archaeological findings, nature and famous people. In total, there are 14 museum halls and about 150,000 items.
Museum of Sochi Sport Honour, Sovetskaya, 26 - Central, +7 (8622) 64-23-26, +7 (928) 448 90 85 (tours). Daily 11:00 - 21:00. This is the newest museum in the city, open in 2010 in the threshold of 2014 Olympics. The items of its collection show the history of Olympics, the Olympic movement, and Sochi participation in the organization of Olympics. The most important items are Vancouver 2010 Olympic and Paralympic flags, as well as the miniaturized models of Coastal and Mountain cluster venues, which are in construction in Sochi. The museum also acts as a cultural center, where numerous educational programs and meetings are conducted.

A Mauritanian arbour at Sochi Dendrarium park

Sochi Art Museum, Kurortny, 51 - Central, +7 8622 62-2947, +7 8622 62-2916. The museum occupies one of the most beautiful buildings of Sochi, built in 1936. Its collection is the largest at the Black Sea coast (more than 5 000 items of various style and period from antique to contemporary). The exposition expands with new paintings of Sochi artists, regular solo exhibitions are organized.

Sochi History Museum, Vorovskogo 54/11 - Central, +7 8622 64-28-91. This museum, one of the oldest cultural sights in the city, was open in 1920. The exposition embraces the important milestones of the city's history, archaeological findings, nature and famous people. In total, there are 14 museum halls and about 150,000 items.

Museum of Sochi Sport Honour, Sovetskaya, 26 - Central, +7 (8622) 64-23-26, +7 (928) 448 90 85 (tours). Daily 11:00 - 21:00. This is the newest museum in the city, open in 2010 in the threshold of 2014 Olympics. The items of its collection show the history of Olympics, the Olympic movement, and Sochi participation in the organization of Olympics. The most important items are Vancouver 2010 Olympic and Paralympic flags, as well as the miniaturized models of Coastal and Mountain cluster venues, which are in construction in Sochi. The museum also acts as a cultural center, where numerous educational programs and meetings are conducted.

Riviera Park, Yegorova, 1 - Central, +7 8622 64-33-77, +7 8622 64-08-85. The most popular and the biggest public park of Greater Sochi, established in 1898 and fully renovated 100 years after. Riviera is an all-season sight. In summer it offers shadow and numerous leisure attractions, while in winter its silent alleys attract fans of quiet walks and solitude. The park has restaurants and bars, sports facilities, leisure centers, a cinema, and other attractions. The Green Theatre of the park is a venue for frequent concerts and festivals. But the main point of interest is probably Friendship Alley (Поляна дружбы), established in 1960, with trees planted by famous politicians, celebrities and other well-known people. For example, 45 Russian cosmonauts and American astronauts planted their trees at this site. Free entrance.
Dendrarium, 74, Kurortny - Khosta district, +7 8622 62-18-42. Daily 08:00 - 21:00. The best park at the Black Sea coast, where a wide variety of trees' species is collected. A beautiful, shadowy, and well-managed place, excellent for leisure, unhurried walking etc. Use cable-car to get to the mountain from the coastal part of Dendrarium and discover a scenic panoramic view of the sea and Caucasus ridges.
Park of Southern Cultures, Adler district. Another dendrary botanical garden in Adler, at river Mzymta's left bank. Established in 1910, the park collected more than 5,500 plant species from all over the world, blossoming round the year. At a single place you can find 300-year oaks, blossoming sakura, and Chinese fan palms. There are also ponds with water lilies and lotuses, inhabited by swans and ducks. The park with its outstanding landscape and biodiversity is definitely among the best such objects in Russia.
Frunze Park, Chernomorskaya st - Khosta district. One of the oldest resort parks in the city, in the coastal park of Khosta district, near Dendrarium, having at its area the Summer Theatre, venues for sports, and an amazing cascaded fontain.

Riviera Park, Yegorova, 1 - Central, +7 8622 64-33-77, +7 8622 64-08-85. The most popular and the biggest public park of Greater Sochi, established in 1898 and fully renovated 100 years after. Riviera is an all-season sight. In summer it offers shadow and numerous leisure attractions, while in winter its silent alleys attract fans of quiet walks and solitude. The park has restaurants and bars, sports facilities, leisure centers, a cinema, and other attractions. The Green Theatre of the park is a venue for frequent concerts and festivals. But the main point of interest is probably Friendship Alley (Поляна дружбы), established in 1960, with trees planted by famous politicians, celebrities and other well-known people. For example, 45 Russian cosmonauts and American astronauts planted their trees at this site. Free entrance.

Dendrarium, 74, Kurortny - Khosta district, +7 8622 62-18-42. Daily 08:00 - 21:00. The best park at the Black Sea coast, where a wide variety of trees' species is collected. A beautiful, shadowy, and well-managed place, excellent for leisure, unhurried walking etc. Use cable-car to get to the mountain from the coastal part of Dendrarium and discover a scenic panoramic view of the sea and Caucasus ridges.

Park of Southern Cultures, Adler district. Another dendrary botanical garden in Adler, at river Mzymta's left bank. Established in 1910, the park collected more than 5,500 plant species from all over the world, blossoming round the year. At a single place you can find 300-year oaks, blossoming sakura, and Chinese fan palms. There are also ponds with water lilies and lotuses, inhabited by swans and ducks. The park with its outstanding landscape and biodiversity is definitely among the best such objects in [[Russia]].

Frunze Park, Chernomorskaya st - Khosta district. One of the oldest resort parks in the city, in the coastal park of Khosta district, near Dendrarium, having at its area the Summer Theatre, venues for sports, and an amazing cascaded fontain.

Watch football at a stadium that has hosted the 2014 Winter Olympics and Paralympics, and the 2018 FIFA World Cup. The home team are PFC Sochi, who play in the Russian National League, the second tier of Russian football. Until 2018 they were FC Dynamo St Petersburg, then they upped sticks and moved down to the Black Sea. The stadium (capacity over 47,000) is actually in Adler, 25 km east of Sochi and only 3 km from the border with Georgia. Long-distance and metro trains terminate at nearby Olympic Park Station.

Sochi Discovery World Aquarium

Sochi Discovery World Aquarium, Lenin 219а / 4 - Adler, +7 8622 46-33-56. Tu-Su 10:00 - 18:00. The largest oceanarium in Russia, and one of the largest ones in Europe. Standard, but impressive variety of marine species is complemented with a wide array of Russia's freshwater species of fish.
Aquarium and Marine Zoo, 4 Cheltenham alley - Khosta district (New Matsesta, +7 8622 67-72-26. Open daily, summer 09:00 - 20:00, winter 10:00 - 18:00. Open in 2005. It is possible to participate in feeding animals, such as sharks, penguins, hippopotamus etc.
Oceanarium at Riviera Park, Yegorova, 1 - Central, +7 8622 64-43-43. Open daily, summer 10:00 - 00:00, winter 10:00 - 21:00. The most centrally located aquarium, however, not the most impressive one.
Adler Dolphinarium, Lenin 219а - Adler, +7 8622 46-33-03. Summer Tue-Sun, 11-00, 14-00 and 16-00. Winter Sat-Sun and holidays, 15-30. Sochi representation of Utrish Delfinarium of Novorossiysk. 50-minute performance of dolphins is conducted round the year, the pool is 20 metres in width and 6 metres in depth. The place holds up to 1,000 spectators.
Monkey Nursery Center, Vesyoloe, 1 - Adler district (Marshrutka / bus 134. The place is owned by the only Russian scientific institute of medical primatology of Russian Academy of Medical Sciences. It is famous for monkey preparation for experimental space flights, starting from non-manned period of space exploration. Here animals pass the spaceflight training, accustom to spaceship conditions etc. The center has large area, where 2,700 friendly animals of more than 11 monkey species live (primarily macaques). Nursery itself is 1.5 km walk from the entrance. Open for visiting,

Sochi Discovery World Aquarium, Lenin 219а / 4 - Adler, +7 8622 46-33-56. Tu-Su 10:00 - 18:00. The largest oceanarium in [[Russia]], and one of the largest ones in [[Europe]]. Standard, but impressive variety of marine species is complemented with a wide array of Russia's freshwater species of fish.

Aquarium and Marine Zoo, 4 Cheltenham alley - Khosta district (New Matsesta, +7 8622 67-72-26. Open daily, summer 09:00 - 20:00, winter 10:00 - 18:00. Open in 2005. It is possible to participate in feeding animals, such as sharks, penguins, hippopotamus etc.

Oceanarium at Riviera Park, Yegorova, 1 - Central, +7 8622 64-43-43. Open daily, summer 10:00 - 00:00, winter 10:00 - 21:00. The most centrally located aquarium, however, not the most impressive one.

Adler Dolphinarium, Lenin 219а - Adler, +7 8622 46-33-03. Summer Tue-Sun, 11-00, 14-00 and 16-00. Winter Sat-Sun and holidays, 15-30. Sochi representation of Utrish Delfinarium of [[Novorossiysk]]. 50-minute performance of dolphins is conducted round the year, the pool is 20 metres in width and 6 metres in depth. The place holds up to 1,000 spectators.

Monkey Nursery Center, Vesyoloe, 1 - Adler district (Marshrutka / bus 134. The place is owned by the only Russian scientific institute of medical primatology of Russian Academy of Medical Sciences. It is famous for monkey preparation for experimental space flights, starting from non-manned period of space exploration. Here animals pass the spaceflight training, accustom to spaceship conditions etc. The center has large area, where 2,700 friendly animals of more than 11 monkey species live (primarily macaques). Nursery itself is 1.5 km walk from the entrance. Open for visiting,

View at Mount Akhun, Sochi

As a rule with some exceptions, Sochi outdoor sights are inside the area of Sochi National Park. This means that in some cases you will need to pay the park entrance fee. All major sights attract both independent travellers and guided groups. Tours can be arranged at hotels or at the hot tourist areas in the city.

Mount Akhun, Khosta district. Mount Akhun is the highest Greater Sochi coastal point famous as the best panoramic view of the city. The castle-looking tower on its 700-meter top gives a perfect overlook of the city. It is probably even possible to see the remote Turkish coast, if the weather and visibility are fine. Taking a trail down from Mt. Akhun, it is possible to get to the nearby Agurskoe Canyon (Агурское ущелье), another popular destination with a cascade of 3 waterfalls surrounded by high cliffs. It is spoken to be the oldest tourist sight in the city. Outside of the waterfalls there is the place called Eagle Rock (Орлиные скалы) with few caves around. As a legend says, Eagle Rock is the place, where Prometheus (Classical Greek god of fire) was enchained. To reach Mount Akhun and its surroundings it is best to use a car/taxi. Using a bus, take route 110 from Central Sochi to Sputnik stop. In this case you will need to climb the mountain (2-3 hours walk).

Yew and boxtree wood at Khosta, Sochi

Yew & boxtree wood, Khosta district. An exclave of Caucasian Biosphere Reserve and a UNESCO World Heritage List item, yew and boxtree wood occupies 3 square kilometres at one of the Mt. Akhun slopes. This is a unique nature sight with over 700 plant species, some of those are relicts remained unchanged for 30 million years. There are also endemic species and very aged plants, like 2 thousand years old trees. The wood has 20 endangered species included into the IUCN Red List. If you are not going to use car or taxi to reach it, take marshrutka route 122 from Central Sochi to Khosta. The stop you need is "Khosta-most". From that walk by Samshitovaya street (Самшитовая улица) till the road turning and the pointer. Soon after the turn a usual group of taxi cars act as the sign of the entrance to the wood.
Vorontsovka Caves, Vorontsovka village - Khosta district. The mountain part of Greater Sochi area contains over 400 caves in total. The most known of them is the complex of caves in Vorontsovka village of Khosta district. It consists of 3 interconnected parts (Kabanya, Vorontsovskaya and Labirintovaya) with total length of 11 km and the height difference of 240 m. This is one of the largest cave systems in Caucasus, a significant part of it is open for visiting.
Dagomys Tea-Party Houses, Dagomys and Uch-Dere - Lazarevskoe district. The world northernmost tea has been cultivated in Sochi since 1887, as "Krasnodar Tea" brand. There are group tours to Dagomys Tea Plant, and also, on a hill in Uch-Dere there are tea-party houses, open for visiting. There you can find out how tea is grown, collected and manufactured. You will be offered a tea-party with samovar, pirozhki, pancakes, jam, and folk songs. As a bonus, at the place there is a museum with traditional Russian crafts exposition.
33 waterfalls, Lazarevskoe district. There are several waterfall locations in Greater Sochi area. This certain one is a bit remote, but contains as many as thirty three waterfalls, those are not so high (1.3 to 10 metres), but very scenic ones. They are best seen in spring, when rains and snow melting at mountains bring more water. Dzhegosh stream has only 2 km length flowing down to Shakhe river not far from a traditional Circassian settlement Bolshoy Kichmay, 11 km from the sea coast, Golovinka sub-district and regular public transportation. To get to waterfalls less cheaper, but more suitable is to use a taxi or to join an organized tour.
Trout Farm, Forelevaya st, 45, Kazachiy Brod settlement - Adler. The largest fish farm in Russia, includes 131 ponds for trout and 6 more for carps. This is not only a farm, but also an amazing tourist spot. Visiting it, you can get information about trout planting, watch the fish, feed it, and even go fishing at ponds. It's also possible to buy incredibly tasty smoked trout at the place.
Akhtyrshskaya Cave, Adler district. Many of Sochi caves were inhabited by primeval people. Akhtyrshkaya cave is among them, having many petroglyphic drawings and other primeval remains. Take a bus/marshrutka 106 to its ending point (Trout Farm). Cross the street from the bus stop and go to the tunnel. Turn right close to the tunnel and go down to Mzymta river and a monkey bridge. Prior to the bridge go left and up to the entrance to the cave. There is beautiful scenery and panoramic view close to the cave: cross Mzymta river and take the trail left and up.

Mount Akhun, Khosta district. Mount Akhun is the highest Greater Sochi coastal point famous as the best panoramic view of the city. The castle-looking tower on its 700-meter top gives a perfect overlook of the city. It is probably even possible to see the remote Turkish coast, if the weather and visibility are fine. Taking a trail down from Mt. Akhun, it is possible to get to the nearby Agurskoe Canyon (Агурское ущелье), another popular destination with a cascade of 3 waterfalls surrounded by high cliffs. It is spoken to be the oldest tourist sight in the city. Outside of the waterfalls there is the place called Eagle Rock (Орлиные скалы) with few caves around. As a legend says, Eagle Rock is the place, where Prometheus (Classical Greek god of fire) was enchained. To reach Mount Akhun and its surroundings it is best to use a car/taxi. Using a bus, take route 110 from Central Sochi to Sputnik stop. In this case you will need to climb the mountain (2-3 hours walk).

Yew & boxtree wood, Khosta district. An exclave of Caucasian Biosphere Reserve and a [[UNESCO World Heritage List]] item, yew and boxtree wood occupies 3 square kilometres at one of the Mt. Akhun slopes. This is a unique nature sight with over 700 plant species, some of those are relicts remained unchanged for 30 million years. There are also endemic species and very aged plants, like 2 thousand years old trees. The wood has 20 endangered species included into the IUCN Red List. If you are not going to use car or taxi to reach it, take marshrutka route 122 from Central Sochi to Khosta. The stop you need is "Khosta-most". From that walk by Samshitovaya street (Самшитовая улица) till the road turning and the pointer. Soon after the turn a usual group of taxi cars act as the sign of the entrance to the wood.

Vorontsovka Caves, Vorontsovka village - Khosta district. The mountain part of Greater Sochi area contains over 400 caves in total. The most known of them is the complex of caves in Vorontsovka village of Khosta district. It consists of 3 interconnected parts (Kabanya, Vorontsovskaya and Labirintovaya) with total length of 11 km and the height difference of 240 m. This is one of the largest cave systems in Caucasus, a significant part of it is open for visiting.

Dagomys Tea-Party Houses, Dagomys and Uch-Dere - Lazarevskoe district. The world northernmost tea has been cultivated in Sochi since 1887, as "Krasnodar Tea" brand. There are group tours to Dagomys Tea Plant, and also, on a hill in Uch-Dere there are tea-party houses, open for visiting. There you can find out how tea is grown, collected and manufactured. You will be offered a tea-party with samovar, pirozhki, pancakes, jam, and folk songs. As a bonus, at the place there is a museum with traditional Russian crafts exposition.

33 waterfalls, Lazarevskoe district. There are several waterfall locations in Greater Sochi area. This certain one is a bit remote, but contains as many as thirty three waterfalls, those are not so high (1.3 to 10 metres), but very scenic ones. They are best seen in spring, when rains and snow melting at mountains bring more water. Dzhegosh stream has only 2 km length flowing down to Shakhe river not far from a traditional Circassian settlement Bolshoy Kichmay, 11 km from the sea coast, Golovinka sub-district and regular public transportation. To get to waterfalls less cheaper, but more suitable is to use a taxi or to join an organized tour.

Trout Farm, Forelevaya st, 45, Kazachiy Brod settlement - Adler. The largest fish farm in [[Russia]], includes 131 ponds for trout and 6 more for carps. This is not only a farm, but also an amazing tourist spot. Visiting it, you can get information about trout planting, watch the fish, feed it, and even go fishing at ponds. It's also possible to buy incredibly tasty smoked trout at the place.

Akhtyrshskaya Cave, Adler district. Many of Sochi caves were inhabited by primeval people. Akhtyrshkaya cave is among them, having many petroglyphic drawings and other primeval remains. Take a bus/marshrutka 106 to its ending point (Trout Farm). Cross the street from the bus stop and go to the tunnel. Turn right close to the tunnel and go down to Mzymta river and a monkey bridge. Prior to the bridge go left and up to the entrance to the cave. There is beautiful scenery and panoramic view close to the cave: cross Mzymta river and take the trail left and up.

A beach arbour in Sochi

Boat tours, +7 8622 609-603. 11:00 - 21:00. 1-hour regular sea boat tours. Organized by Sochi seaport, May to October.

Nautilus Aquapark, Pobedy str., 2/1 - Lazarevskoe, +7 8622 74-0187.

Nautilus Aquapark, Pobedy str., 2/1 - Lazarevskoe, +7 8622 74-0187.

Yachting
Kitesurfing

Kinotavr. Open Russian Film Festival - conducted in June annually since 1990. Kinotavr is the largest Russian film festival attracting the top talents of Russian cinema: directors, producers, actors, writers, and photographers.
Russian Grand Prix. The annual Formula One event is held early-mid October, and is based around the coastal Olympic cluster in Adler.

Kinotavr. Open Russian Film Festival - conducted in June annually since 1990. Kinotavr is the largest Russian film festival attracting the top talents of Russian cinema: directors, producers, actors, writers, and photographers.

Russian Grand Prix. The annual Formula One event is held early-mid October, and is based around the coastal Olympic cluster in Adler.

Boat tours, +7 8622 609-603. 11:00 - 21:00. 1-hour regular sea boat tours. Organized by Sochi seaport, May to October.

Krasnodar tea (Краснодарский чай). This is the only tea sort grown in Russia, being the northernmost one in the world (due to climate conditions, it's impossible to cultivate tea to the north from Sochi). Tea plantations of Greater Sochi are in Dagomys, Solokhaul (Lazarevskoe district) and Adler. The amount of their production is limited, so it's not easy to meet it outside Krasnodar Krai. Baloven (Баловень) tea brand by Dagomys Tea Plant is available at Sochi shops. Group tours to tea plants are also available.
Local alcohol. Surpisingly, Russia is the 11th-largest wine producer in the world. 60% of all Russian wine is manufactured in Krasnodar Krai. In Sochi and around there is possible to buy many kinds of this drink, starting from home-made and market-sold wine in no-brand plastic bottles (looks dangerous, but is spoken to be the best one), finishing with premium-class aged wine and brandy in souvenir boxes. To avoid fake brand production buy it at the city's chain stores, such as Magnit, Karusel, Kairos or Perekryostok.
- Abrau Durso sparkling wines. Abrau Durso (plant near Novorossiysk) is the leading and the best-known Russian producer of a wide array of sparkling wines, from odious "Soviet Shampagne" to the exclusive Imperial and Millesime wine collections. The production technology is based on traditional shampagnoise method. Abrau Durso (Абрау-Дюрсо) wine is distributed to all Russian regions and exported. The price varies greatly depending on the collection item.
- Abkhazian wines. There are several brands of wine from Abkhazia those are widely common in Russian shops and popular for their inimitative taste. Apsny (Апсны) - red semi-sweet wine from the mix of Cabernet, Sovignon, Merlot and Saperavi grape. Chegem (Чегем) - red dry wine from Cabernet grape. Lykhny (Лыхны) - red semi-sweet wine from Isabella grape. Psou (Псоу) - white semi-sweet wine from Aligote and Riesling grape.
- Brand wines of Krasnodar Krai. The best wine brands in the region are Fanagoria (Фанагория) and Myskhako (Мысхако), both produced in Novorossiysk area and having the wide assortment.
- Brandy. This alcohol drink is called Cognac (Коньяк) at Russian domestic market, but is exported as Brandy due to necessity to follow the copyright of Cognac province of France. Together with Dagestan and Stavropol Krai, Krasnodar Krai is among 3 regions of Russia, those grape is acceptable for brandy production. The factory in Temryuk town near Taman makes the best brandy in Krasnodar Krai, including the aged and souvenir collection.

Krasnodar tea (Краснодарский чай). This is the only tea sort grown in Russia, being the northernmost one in the world (due to climate conditions, it's impossible to cultivate tea to the north from Sochi). Tea plantations of Greater Sochi are in Dagomys, Solokhaul (Lazarevskoe district) and Adler. The amount of their production is limited, so it's not easy to meet it outside [[Krasnodar Krai]]. Baloven (Баловень) tea brand by Dagomys Tea Plant is available at Sochi shops. Group tours to tea plants are also available.

Local alcohol. Surpisingly, Russia is the 11th-largest wine producer in the world. 60% of all Russian wine is manufactured in [[Krasnodar Krai]]. In Sochi and around there is possible to buy many kinds of this drink, starting from home-made and market-sold wine in no-brand plastic bottles (looks dangerous, but is spoken to be the best one), finishing with premium-class aged wine and brandy in souvenir boxes. To avoid fake brand production buy it at the city's chain stores, such as Magnit, Karusel, Kairos or Perekryostok.

Abrau Durso sparkling wines. Abrau Durso (plant near [[Novorossiysk]]) is the leading and the best-known Russian producer of a wide array of sparkling wines, from odious "Soviet Shampagne" to the exclusive Imperial and Millesime wine collections. The production technology is based on traditional shampagnoise method. Abrau Durso (Абрау-Дюрсо) wine is distributed to all Russian regions and exported. The price varies greatly depending on the collection item.
Abkhazian wines. There are several brands of wine from [[Abkhazia]] those are widely common in Russian shops and popular for their inimitative taste. Apsny (Апсны) - red semi-sweet wine from the mix of Cabernet, Sovignon, Merlot and Saperavi grape. Chegem (Чегем) - red dry wine from Cabernet grape. Lykhny (Лыхны) - red semi-sweet wine from Isabella grape. Psou (Псоу) - white semi-sweet wine from Aligote and Riesling grape.
Brand wines of Krasnodar Krai. The best wine brands in the region are Fanagoria (Фанагория) and Myskhako (Мысхако), both produced in [[Novorossiysk]] area and having the wide assortment.
Brandy. This alcohol drink is called Cognac (Коньяк) at Russian domestic market, but is exported as Brandy due to necessity to follow the copyright of [[Cognac]] province of [[France]]. Together with [[Dagestan]] and [[Stavropol Krai]], [[Krasnodar Krai]] is among 3 regions of Russia, those grape is acceptable for brandy production. The factory in [[Temryuk]] town near [[Taman]] makes the best brandy in [[Krasnodar Krai]], including the aged and souvenir collection.

Abrau Durso sparkling wines. Abrau Durso (plant near [[Novorossiysk]]) is the leading and the best-known Russian producer of a wide array of sparkling wines, from odious "Soviet Shampagne" to the exclusive Imperial and Millesime wine collections. The production technology is based on traditional shampagnoise method. Abrau Durso (Абрау-Дюрсо) wine is distributed to all Russian regions and exported. The price varies greatly depending on the collection item.
Abkhazian wines. There are several brands of wine from [[Abkhazia]] those are widely common in Russian shops and popular for their inimitative taste. Apsny (Апсны) - red semi-sweet wine from the mix of Cabernet, Sovignon, Merlot and Saperavi grape. Chegem (Чегем) - red dry wine from Cabernet grape. Lykhny (Лыхны) - red semi-sweet wine from Isabella grape. Psou (Псоу) - white semi-sweet wine from Aligote and Riesling grape.
Brand wines of Krasnodar Krai. The best wine brands in the region are Fanagoria (Фанагория) and Myskhako (Мысхако), both produced in [[Novorossiysk]] area and having the wide assortment.
Brandy. This alcohol drink is called Cognac (Коньяк) at Russian domestic market, but is exported as Brandy due to necessity to follow the copyright of [[Cognac]] province of [[France]]. Together with [[Dagestan]] and [[Stavropol Krai]], [[Krasnodar Krai]] is among 3 regions of Russia, those grape is acceptable for brandy production. The factory in [[Temryuk]] town near [[Taman]] makes the best brandy in [[Krasnodar Krai]], including the aged and souvenir collection.

Abrau Durso sparkling wines. Abrau Durso (plant near [[Novorossiysk]]) is the leading and the best-known Russian producer of a wide array of sparkling wines, from odious "Soviet Shampagne" to the exclusive Imperial and Millesime wine collections. The production technology is based on traditional shampagnoise method. Abrau Durso (Абрау-Дюрсо) wine is distributed to all Russian regions and exported. The price varies greatly depending on the collection item.
Abkhazian wines. There are several brands of wine from [[Abkhazia]] those are widely common in Russian shops and popular for their inimitative taste. Apsny (Апсны) - red semi-sweet wine from the mix of Cabernet, Sovignon, Merlot and Saperavi grape. Chegem (Чегем) - red dry wine from Cabernet grape. Lykhny (Лыхны) - red semi-sweet wine from Isabella grape. Psou (Псоу) - white semi-sweet wine from Aligote and Riesling grape.
Brand wines of Krasnodar Krai. The best wine brands in the region are Fanagoria (Фанагория) and Myskhako (Мысхако), both produced in [[Novorossiysk]] area and having the wide assortment.
Brandy. This alcohol drink is called Cognac (Коньяк) at Russian domestic market, but is exported as Brandy due to necessity to follow the copyright of [[Cognac]] province of [[France]]. Together with [[Dagestan]] and [[Stavropol Krai]], [[Krasnodar Krai]] is among 3 regions of Russia, those grape is acceptable for brandy production. The factory in [[Temryuk]] town near [[Taman]] makes the best brandy in [[Krasnodar Krai]], including the aged and souvenir collection.

Abrau Durso sparkling wines. Abrau Durso (plant near [[Novorossiysk]]) is the leading and the best-known Russian producer of a wide array of sparkling wines, from odious "Soviet Shampagne" to the exclusive Imperial and Millesime wine collections. The production technology is based on traditional shampagnoise method. Abrau Durso (Абрау-Дюрсо) wine is distributed to all Russian regions and exported. The price varies greatly depending on the collection item.
Abkhazian wines. There are several brands of wine from [[Abkhazia]] those are widely common in Russian shops and popular for their inimitative taste. Apsny (Апсны) - red semi-sweet wine from the mix of Cabernet, Sovignon, Merlot and Saperavi grape. Chegem (Чегем) - red dry wine from Cabernet grape. Lykhny (Лыхны) - red semi-sweet wine from Isabella grape. Psou (Псоу) - white semi-sweet wine from Aligote and Riesling grape.
Brand wines of Krasnodar Krai. The best wine brands in the region are Fanagoria (Фанагория) and Myskhako (Мысхако), both produced in [[Novorossiysk]] area and having the wide assortment.
Brandy. This alcohol drink is called Cognac (Коньяк) at Russian domestic market, but is exported as Brandy due to necessity to follow the copyright of [[Cognac]] province of [[France]]. Together with [[Dagestan]] and [[Stavropol Krai]], [[Krasnodar Krai]] is among 3 regions of Russia, those grape is acceptable for brandy production. The factory in [[Temryuk]] town near [[Taman]] makes the best brandy in [[Krasnodar Krai]], including the aged and souvenir collection.

Abrau Durso sparkling wines. Abrau Durso (plant near [[Novorossiysk]]) is the leading and the best-known Russian producer of a wide array of sparkling wines, from odious "Soviet Shampagne" to the exclusive Imperial and Millesime wine collections. The production technology is based on traditional shampagnoise method. Abrau Durso (Абрау-Дюрсо) wine is distributed to all Russian regions and exported. The price varies greatly depending on the collection item.
Abkhazian wines. There are several brands of wine from [[Abkhazia]] those are widely common in Russian shops and popular for their inimitative taste. Apsny (Апсны) - red semi-sweet wine from the mix of Cabernet, Sovignon, Merlot and Saperavi grape. Chegem (Чегем) - red dry wine from Cabernet grape. Lykhny (Лыхны) - red semi-sweet wine from Isabella grape. Psou (Псоу) - white semi-sweet wine from Aligote and Riesling grape.
Brand wines of Krasnodar Krai. The best wine brands in the region are Fanagoria (Фанагория) and Myskhako (Мысхако), both produced in [[Novorossiysk]] area and having the wide assortment.
Brandy. This alcohol drink is called Cognac (Коньяк) at Russian domestic market, but is exported as Brandy due to necessity to follow the copyright of [[Cognac]] province of [[France]]. Together with [[Dagestan]] and [[Stavropol Krai]], [[Krasnodar Krai]] is among 3 regions of Russia, those grape is acceptable for brandy production. The factory in [[Temryuk]] town near [[Taman]] makes the best brandy in [[Krasnodar Krai]], including the aged and souvenir collection.

Alexandria, Moskovskaya street, 22 - Central. A 5-storey mall built at the place of former city market and combined with a higher office building. In the center of Sochi.
Kairos. 24/7. The largest local retail chain in Greater Sochi. Over 40 supermarkets and minimarkets spread all over the city at walking distance from most tourist and residential locations. Good place for minor daily shopping.
Magnit. Nationwide Russian supermarket chain with several shops within Greater Sochi.
Melodia, Kurortny Prospekt, 16 - Central. A midsize shopping mall, at Sochi central street.
MoreMall, Novaya Zarya street - Central (under construction till May 2012, +7862 296-07-17. The first regional-scale world-benchmarked mall is constructed at outskirts of Central Sochi. Is numerous shops and boutiques of the best global and federal brands offer the city biggest variety of goods and services. Over 30 restaurants of various cuisines of the world and a multiplex cinema are also there.
Novy Vek, Demokraticheskaya street, 52 - Adler. A midsize mall, in the center of Adler district. Over 100 shops, restaurants, and a supermarket.
Olymp, Transportnaya street - Central (orbital road of Sochi. Sochi's largest mall, having more than 70 shops, hypermarket, bouling, multiplex cinema, foodcourt, and restaurants.
Stroy-City, Donskaya street, 28 - Central. Large DIY and furniture mall with more than 80 shops and supporting infrastructure (cafes, parking, etc.)
Trade Gallery, Navaginskaya street - Central. Navaginskaya street became one of the main shopping areas in the city, containing a whole lot of various shops, where it is possible to by everything, from souvenir to clothing, and from food to photo camera spare parts.

Alexandria, Moskovskaya street, 22 - Central. A 5-storey mall built at the place of former city market and combined with a higher office building. In the center of Sochi.

Kairos. 24/7. The largest local retail chain in Greater Sochi. Over 40 supermarkets and minimarkets spread all over the city at walking distance from most tourist and residential locations. Good place for minor daily shopping.

Magnit. Nationwide Russian supermarket chain with several shops within Greater Sochi.

Melodia, Kurortny Prospekt, 16 - Central. A midsize shopping mall, at Sochi central street.

MoreMall, Novaya Zarya street - Central (under construction till May 2012, +7862 296-07-17. The first regional-scale world-benchmarked mall is constructed at outskirts of Central Sochi. Is numerous shops and boutiques of the best global and federal brands offer the city biggest variety of goods and services. Over 30 restaurants of various cuisines of the world and a multiplex cinema are also there.

Novy Vek, Demokraticheskaya street, 52 - Adler. A midsize mall, in the center of Adler district. Over 100 shops, restaurants, and a supermarket.

Olymp, Transportnaya street - Central (orbital road of Sochi. Sochi's largest mall, having more than 70 shops, hypermarket, bouling, multiplex cinema, foodcourt, and restaurants.

Stroy-City, Donskaya street, 28 - Central. Large DIY and furniture mall with more than 80 shops and supporting infrastructure (cafes, parking, etc.)

Trade Gallery, Navaginskaya street - Central. Navaginskaya street became one of the main shopping areas in the city, containing a whole lot of various shops, where it is possible to by everything, from souvenir to clothing, and from food to photo camera spare parts.

Art-Pizza, Teatralnaya street, 9 - Central (Near the Winter Theatre, +7 8622 62-2666. 10:00-00:00. A reasonably priced pizza place
Mama Roza, Moskovskaya, 19A - Central, +7 8622 64-2872. 11:00-23:00. In the center, close to the main train terminal, this cafe offers a budget variety of pizza and other Italian-style food.
McDonald's, Kurortny Prospekt 17/1 - Central, +7 8622 64 87 79, +7 8622 64 86 74, +7 8622 64 86 85. 08:00-24:00. The only McDonald's restaurant in Sochi, as of 2011. Traditionally popular for its fast-food and free wi-fi.

Art-Pizza, Teatralnaya street, 9 - Central (Near the Winter Theatre, +7 8622 62-2666. 10:00-00:00. A reasonably priced pizza place

Mama Roza, Moskovskaya, 19A - Central, +7 8622 64-2872. 11:00-23:00. In the center, close to the main train terminal, this cafe offers a budget variety of pizza and other Italian-style food.

McDonald's, Kurortny Prospekt 17/1 - Central, +7 8622 64 87 79, +7 8622 64 86 74, +7 8622 64 86 85. 08:00-24:00. The only McDonald's restaurant in Sochi, as of 2011. Traditionally popular for its fast-food and free wi-fi.

Frau Marta, Sovetskaya street, 2 - Central (near the seaport, +7 8622 33 72 72. Cosy and stylish German restaurant with a good variety of beers and nice Nuremberg sausages.
Vody Lagidze, Primorskaya street, 16 - Central, +7 918 401 3373. A popular restaurant of traditional Georgian cuisine with live music. Russian and European specialties are also offered.
Zhily Byly Teremok, Demokraticheskaya 50/7. Local cuisine with a cosy atmosphere. about 700-1000 for a person.

Frau Marta, Sovetskaya street, 2 - Central (near the seaport, +7 8622 33 72 72. Cosy and stylish German restaurant with a good variety of beers and nice Nuremberg sausages.

Vody Lagidze, Primorskaya street, 16 - Central, +7 918 401 3373. A popular restaurant of traditional Georgian cuisine with live music. Russian and European specialties are also offered.

Zhily Byly Teremok, Demokraticheskaya 50/7. Local cuisine with a cosy atmosphere. about 700-1000 for a person.

La Terrazza, Kurortny Prospekt 105 B - Central, +7 8622 96-58-58. 12:00-00:00. Italian cuisine.
Sinee More, Chernomorskaya street, Sunny Beach (Solnechny Plyazh) (Central Sochi, +7 8622 66-21-21, +7 8622 90-20-02. 12:00-92:00. Probably, the most luxurious restaurant in the city. Mediterranean fish & seafood cuisine, plus several meat specialties. Good cocktails.

La Terrazza, Kurortny Prospekt 105 B - Central, +7 8622 96-58-58. 12:00-00:00. Italian cuisine.

Sinee More, Chernomorskaya street, Sunny Beach (Solnechny Plyazh) (Central Sochi, +7 8622 66-21-21, +7 8622 90-20-02. 12:00-92:00. Probably, the most luxurious restaurant in the city. Mediterranean fish & seafood cuisine, plus several meat specialties. Good cocktails.

London Bar, Nesebrskaya street, 6 - Central (beach zone, +7 8622 60 82 00. 24/7. Stylish restaurant and bar, offering business lunches during the day and transforming into a music club by nights. European and Japanese cuisine, wide array of cocktails and spirits. Concerts (rock, disco, chillout, both Russian and international) and parties each 1-2 weeks.
Shum Karaoke Club, Navaginskaya street, 9 - Central, +7 9882 37 54 20, +7 9882 26 30 30. 24/7 (09:00-18:00 - restaurant of European cuisine, 19:00-07:00 - karaoke. Luxury karaoke club with fine design and wide assortment of cocktails. Professional sound and back vocalists, songs are free on Sundays to Thursdays.
Treugolnik Rock Bar, Kirova street, 56 - Adler. 12:00-03:00. A democratic rock-n-roll club with an authentic atmosphere and a large musical collection: from rock classics to newest trends. Regular parties and concerts of mainstream and underground teams (primarily from Russia and former Soviet Union countries). A library of books and DVDs on rock topics. The club provides not only drinks and parties, but also breakfasts, lunches and dinners, its pizza seems to be the best in Adler. Transfer to Central Sochi is possible.

London Bar, Nesebrskaya street, 6 - Central (beach zone, +7 8622 60 82 00. 24/7. Stylish restaurant and bar, offering business lunches during the day and transforming into a music club by nights. European and Japanese cuisine, wide array of cocktails and spirits. Concerts (rock, disco, chillout, both Russian and international) and parties each 1-2 weeks.

Shum Karaoke Club, Navaginskaya street, 9 - Central, +7 9882 37 54 20, +7 9882 26 30 30. 24/7 (09:00-18:00 - restaurant of European cuisine, 19:00-07:00 - karaoke. Luxury karaoke club with fine design and wide assortment of cocktails. Professional sound and back vocalists, songs are free on Sundays to Thursdays.

Treugolnik Rock Bar, Kirova street, 56 - Adler. 12:00-03:00. A democratic rock-n-roll club with an authentic atmosphere and a large musical collection: from rock classics to newest trends. Regular parties and concerts of mainstream and underground teams (primarily from [[Russia]] and former [[Soviet Union]] countries). A library of books and DVDs on rock topics. The club provides not only drinks and parties, but also breakfasts, lunches and dinners, its pizza seems to be the best in Adler. Transfer to Central Sochi is possible.

Sochi has the traditional set of Russian mobile operators:

GSM 900/1800:

Beeline, +7 861 945-95-95.
Megafon, +7 800 333 0500.
MTS, +7 800 333 0890.
Tele2. A multinational European provider, operating in 22 countries including Russia. Tele 2 has its network in many regions of the country, excluding Moscow. Comparing to others, it is the cheapest operator, but having the smallest coverage area.

CDMA:

Skylink. The all-Russian CDMA operator, having less subscribers, than GSM operators, but popular for faster and cheaper mobile Internet service. 4G (LTE):
Megafon, +7 800 333 0500.
Yota.

Check roaming prices before using non-Russian sim-card, especially those for mobile Internet. Some standards of mobile connection are not supported in Russia, e.g. those for Japan and United States.

Staying in Russia for a week or more, it's definitely worth to buy a local sim-card, but be aware, that a passport is needed for that. The easiest way refill a local mobile account is to use an ATM for that. Most ATMs have bilingual interfaces, allowing numerous kinds of payments, including those for mobile services by local operators.

Beeline, +7 861 945-95-95.

Megafon, +7 800 333 0500.

MTS, +7 800 333 0890.

Tele2. A multinational European provider, operating in 22 countries including [[Russia]]. Tele 2 has its network in many regions of the country, excluding [[Moscow]]. Comparing to others, it is the cheapest operator, but having the smallest coverage area.

Skylink. The all-Russian CDMA operator, having less subscribers, than GSM operators, but popular for faster and cheaper mobile Internet service.

Megafon, +7 800 333 0500.

Yota.

Computer Club, Severnaya street, 10 - Central. 9-00 - 24-00.
Noosfera, Kurortny Prospekt, 6 - Central, +7 8622 92-2615. 9-00 - 24-00.
Novoe Vremya +, Navaginskaya street, 9 - Central, +7 8622 62-7062.

Computer Club, Severnaya street, 10 - Central. 9-00 - 24-00.

Noosfera, Kurortny Prospekt, 6 - Central, +7 8622 92-2615. 9-00 - 24-00.

Novoe Vremya +, Navaginskaya street, 9 - Central, +7 8622 62-7062.

GPRS / 3G Internet is provided by all mobile operators.
4G internet is provided with Yota and MegaFon . Yota is available in Sochi and a few other cities. You can buy their USB modem in almost every outlet selling mobile phones (Euroset, Svyaznoi, DNS etc.) as well as in any computer related store. The price of the modem is . You can use it for free for seven days, after which you should select your tariff on their website. The advantage of this operator is that you can change your tariff at any time without paying. You just choose another tariff using the scroll bar, and the number of days will be changed according to your current payment, the speed will increase. Megafon also offers 4G LTE connections.
Wi-fi connection can be found at part of Sochi hotels and restaurants. Below is the list of major free wi-fi spots in the city (see also Krasnaya Polyana):
- Sochi International Airport. Service provided by MegaFon.
- McDonald's, Kurortny Prospekt, 17 - Central. inside the restaurant and around it.
- Antikvar restaurant, Ostrovskogo street, 27 - Central. 10:00-21:00.
- Botanik Cafe, Pobedy street, 73 A - Lazarevskoe.
- Diana Cafe, Tuapsinskaya street, 9A - Central.
- Dobrynya Cafe, Navaginskaya street, 5 - Central.
- La Terrazza restaurant, Kurortny Prospekt 105 B - Central. 12:00-00:00.
- Lentyai Cafe, Chernomorskaya street, 12 - Central.
- London Bar, Nesebrskaya street, 6 - Central. 24 hours / 7 days.
- Radisson Lazurnaya Hotel, lobby, Kurortny Prospekt 103 - Central. 24 hours / 7 days.
- Sinee More restaurant, Chernomorskaya St. - Central (Sunny Beach (Solnechny Plyazh). 12:00-02:00.
- SV Cafe, Plastunskaya street, 1 - Central.
- Yuzhnoe Vzmorye Resort Hotel, Kalinina street, 1 - Adler.

GPRS / 3G Internet is provided by all mobile operators.

4G internet is provided with Yota and MegaFon . Yota is available in Sochi and a few other cities. You can buy their USB modem in almost every outlet selling mobile phones (Euroset, Svyaznoi, DNS etc.) as well as in any computer related store. The price of the modem is . You can use it for free for seven days, after which you should select your tariff on their website. The advantage of this operator is that you can change your tariff at any time without paying. You just choose another tariff using the scroll bar, and the number of days will be changed according to your current payment, the speed will increase. Megafon also offers 4G LTE connections.