Today I’ll tell you about the sights of Makhachkala, the main places that are worth seeing and what else you can do. At the end of the post there is a map of interesting places.
Tourists rarely spoil the capital of the Republic of Dagestan with attention. This is understandable - there are so many beauties nearby, everyone immediately goes on holiday to the sea or to the mountains. Nevertheless, Makhachkala will help you feel the modern Dagestan flavor and better understand the region.
One day is enough to explore interesting places. This was my first day after arriving, in order to at the same time give my body the opportunity to adjust to a different time zone and acclimatize. Perhaps, on the contrary, this will be your last day of travel before departure. I probably wouldn’t specifically set aside time to visit the city, but if you have some time left, it’s worth taking a walk.
Walking around the evening city
Sights of the surrounding area of Makhachkala
Barkhan Sarykum
Barkhan Sarykum
The huge sand dune is located in the Dagestan Nature Reserve, which was created in 1987. The unique natural attraction has a height of 262 m. The area of the dune is 1175 hectares. It is located in the foothills, next to the Narat-Tyube ridge.
At the top of the sandy hill there is an observation deck from which you can see beautiful views. It was here that the famous film “White Sun of the Desert” was filmed.
Address: Kumtorkalinsky district, Rep. Dagestan; GPS: 43.00785, 47.23013
Visiting time: 10.00-19.00
Entrance: adults – 50 rubles, children – 25 rubles. Entrance to the Museum of Nature, located in close proximity to the dune: adults – 100 rubles, children – 50 rubles.
Airport Arch
Airport Arch
Those leaving the Uytash airport will be struck by a real architectural pearl - an arch. The structure appeared during the reconstruction of the airport, which began in 2014.
On the one hand, the building is decorated with a turret with pointed domes, on the other - similar to the loopholes of a medieval citadel. In the pier there is an image of 2 coats of arms: Russian and Dagestan.
Tourists are attracted by an interesting combination of architectural styles: Moorish, Russian, Romanov. The structure was installed to mark the 200th anniversary of the entry of the Republic of Dagestan into Russia.
Address: Uytash Airport, GPS: 42.82106, 47.65554
Lake Ak-Gel
Lake Ak-Gel
The natural attraction is located in the southeast of the city. Translated into Russian – Lake Beloye. The reservoir was created due to the formation of a sand spit that separated it from the sea. A good overview of Lake Ak-Gol opens from the park of the same name.
The park, located on the shore, is well landscaped and equipped with playgrounds. There are memorial alleys on the territory.
Address: south-eastern part of the city, Akkel, Makhachkala, Republic. Dagestan; GPS: 42.95649, 47.53843
Tarki-Tau
Tarki-Tau
The name translated means “narrow mountain”. It is a hill that stretches along Makhachkala and the Caspian Sea for almost 12 km. Its width is more than 4 m, and the highest point is located on the plateau - 725 m. The Khazars first lived on the plateau in the 8th century.
From the hill you can see picturesque views of Salatau and the Gimry Range. From observation platforms you can admire the city: colorful roofs of buildings, green park areas, minarets of temples. Both locals and visitors relax on Tarki-Tau - the place is great for picnics.
Address: Sovetsky microdistrict; GPS: 42.94087, 47.45346
Dagestan State Russian Drama Theater named after. M. Gorky
Address : Rasul Gamzatov Avenue, 38 Telephone : 8-8722-67-51-53 Website : www.dagrusteatr.ru Opening hours : daily 9.00-21.00 Cost : depending on the performance and event, from 150 rubles.
The Dagestan Republican Theater is considered the largest in the republic, as well as the first professional theater. Its foundation was in 1925, and the first artistic directors were Boris Baykov and Nikolai Shatrov, who joined him. These famous actors of that era arrived from Leningrad in the company of People's Artist of the RSFSR Nikolai Sinelnikov. The latter directed the theater for the first years.
Even during the difficult years of perestroika, in the 90s, when there was practically no funding, the Makhachkala cultural temple retained its identity and continued to work, delighting viewers with professional productions on modern themes.
Since 2007, it gave rise to an annual tradition - the International Festival of Theaters of the North Caucasus and the Black Sea-Caspian Region.
Where to go in Makhachkala and what else to see
Juma mosque
Juma mosque
The temple is relatively young, as it opened only in 1997. The central mosque can accommodate up to 17,000 believers.
Tourists admire the beautiful snow-white temple. The structure has two minarets, each 42 m high, and 5 domes. Inside there are geometric arabesques and ornaments, unique chandeliers and lamps, multi-colored stained glass windows, huge windows, and an abundance of varied decor.
Address: st. Dakhadaeva, 136
Visiting time: 03.00-23.00
Entry: free
Official website: masdjid.ru
Petrovsky lighthouse
Petrovsky lighthouse
The lighthouse is operational. It was built in 1852 in the Peter's Fortress. Then it was rebuilt and improved several times.
Tourists enjoy looking at the tower, whose height is considerable - 27 m. At night, the lighthouse glows. The light is visible at a distance of 15 miles - more than 24 kilometers.
Address: Amirkhanova, 20
Visiting hours: around the clock
Entry: free
Drama Theater named after M. Gorky
Drama Theater named after M. Gorky
The Drama Theater is an important cultural object of the Republic of Dagestan. Year of creation – 1925. The building stands out among the surrounding buildings with its unusual architecture. The theater has 2 halls - one can accommodate 900 spectators, the other - 400.
In the drama theater, productions of Russian and world classics are relevant. In addition, you can watch performances by local authors. The repertoire of the production includes not only adults, but also young viewers. The drama theater team has repeatedly received prestigious prizes and awards.
Address: Rasul Gamzatov Avenue, 38
Visiting hours: 10.00-18.00, except Mondays
Official website: dagrusteatr.ru
Art Museum
Art Museum
Museum named after P.S. Gamzatova is located in a building that is an architectural monument built in the thirties of the last century. Previously, this building housed the Supreme Council of the Republic. The museum, which now includes 10 halls, was created in 1958.
Guests are presented with real masterpieces. Among the exhibits are paintings, graphics, porcelain and earthenware objects, wood carvings, etc. Objects have been collected since the 2nd century BC. e. The museum also contains works by Dagestan masters.
Address: st. M. Gorky, 8
Visiting time: call for details
Entrance: please call for details
Opera and Ballet Theatre
Opera and Ballet Theatre
The cultural institution is relatively young, as it was opened in 1998. It is located in the same building as the Drama Theater. The Opera and Ballet Theater employs talented directors and actors. On stage, talented actors perform in performances for adults and children.
Various exhibitions are organized in the theater, musical groups are born, professional artists work with young people. Being a spiritual institution, it serves for meetings of believers and worship. In the theater you can listen to academic music, sit in the reading room, and wander around the premises, which are presented in the form of a museum.
Address: ave. R. Gamzatova, 38, 4th floor.
Visiting hours: 09.00-18.00, except Saturday-Sunday
Lenin Square
Lenin Square
The main square of Makhachkala is located in the Kirovsky district. Historically, it was called Sobornaya. In Soviet times, the temple was dismantled, and the square began to be called Lenin. The main street of the Dagestan capital, R. Gamzatov Avenue, begins from here.
Currently, in the middle of the square stands a sculpture of Lenin, whose height is 7 m. The ensemble includes government buildings of the Republic of Dagestan and one of the buildings of the Medical University.
Address: Kirovsky district
National Museum of the Republic of Dagestan
National Museum of the Republic of Dagestan
The museum complex includes 39 branches. The main one is located in the old part of the city, in a building called “the house with the Atlases”. This is an old mansion with 2 floors. Since 2022, the museum has been named after A. Tahoe-Godi, who was an outstanding personality: scientist, revolutionary, professor at the University. Lomonosov, political and public figure.
The complex contains more than 180,000 exhibits. These are ethnographic collections, objects from archaeological excavations telling about the history of the region, ancient manuscripts, natural exhibits, and art collections.
Address: st. Daniyalova, 31
Visiting time: 10.00-18.00
Entrance: 100 rub. for adults, 50 for children
Kumyk Theater named after A.P. Salavatov
Kumyk Theater named after A.P. Salavatov
The theater is named after the famous playwright and poet A.P. Salavatov. It was created in a small town in 1925, initially being a drama club for young people. Subsequently he was transferred to Makhachkala. The Kumyk Theater has been located in this place since 2002. This is one of the main stages of the capital of Dagestan.
The repertoire includes productions by world-famous playwrights: Shakespeare, Schiller, de Vega, etc. There are also many works by Dagestan authors.
Address: st. U. Buynaksky, 10
Visiting time: 9.00-18.00
Avar Theater named after Gamzat Tsadasa
Avar Theater named after Gamzat Tsadasa
The cultural institution is named after the Soviet poet and playwright G. Tsadasa. It appeared in 1935. It is located in the tourist center of the Dagestan capital. Over the years of its existence, the theater moved from one city to another until it settled in the capital.
The repertoire mainly includes works by Dagestan playwrights with Russian subtitles. Also on stage are productions by world, Russian, and Soviet authors. Every year the troupe goes on tour throughout Dagestan.
Address: st. Pushkina, 1
Visiting hours: 09.00-18.00, except Sunday
Puppet Theatre
Puppet Theatre
The opening of the Puppet Theater took place almost just before the start of World War II - in April 1941. Despite the war, the puppet theater developed. There were creative upsurges, the repertoire was revised and updated. The building is located next to the theater. Gorky.
The puppet theater hosts performances based on classic works by authors, both foreign and Russian, and playwrights from Dagestan.
Address: R. Gamzatov Avenue, 40
Visiting hours: 09.00-18.00, except Saturday-Sunday
Monument to the Russian teacher
Monument to the Russian teacher
The famous monument is located in Ak-Gol Park. The sculpture is part of a memorial composition that was installed in 2006. The monument, whose height is 10 m, is cast in bronze. It represents the figure of a girl who has a book in her right hand, the other hand is located on the globe.
The sculpture personifies not only teachers. This is a symbol of the labor and self-sacrifice of Russian people who devoted themselves to Dagestan, regardless of specialties and professions.
Address: Peter I Avenue
Monument "Defender of the Fatherland"
Monument "Defender of the Fatherland"
The monument was erected in 2006. The sculpture depicts the image of a folk hero in armor, seated on a horse, holding a saber. The 4-meter figure, cast from bronze, is located on a pedestal whose height is 7 m.
The monument is a symbol of the tenacity and courage of Dagestani warriors. The monument “Defender of the Fatherland” is a reflection of all historical eras.
Address: st. Stepnaya
National library building
National library building
The first was the Port-Petrovsk library. This is exactly the name that today’s Makhachkala bore. Using funds raised by the local intelligentsia, the library opened in 1900. In 1997, an ultra-modern, beautiful building was put into operation. Its area is 9,407 m2.
Currently, the fund contains more than 700,000 copies, which include both printed publications and audiovisual products.
Address: prospect. R. Gamzatova
Visiting hours: 10.00-20.00 - Monday-Friday, until 18.00 - Saturday-Sunday
Memorial to fallen police officers
Memorial to fallen police officers
The memorial was opened in 2007 on Police Day - November 10. The monument represents the figure of a policeman who pays tribute to the memory of the dead.
The policeman uncovered his head and knelt before the Eternal Flame. The sculpture is made against the background of a memorial wall with a marble plaque placed on it. On the board you can read the names of 25 fallen law enforcement officers. Nearby are two tetrahedral columns.
Address: R. Gamzatov Avenue
Poetry Theater
Poetry Theater
The theater is still very young. It was opened in 2015. The purpose of the opening is to attract attention to literature and revive the tradition of poetic performance. Near the entrance to the House of Poetry there are monuments to the great poets Pushkin and Gamzatov.
The theater constantly hosts interesting poetry evenings, various thematic exhibitions, poetry performances and creative meetings.
Address: R. Gamzatov Avenue, 12B
Visiting hours: 09.00-18.00, except Saturday-Sunday
Museum of the History of the City of Makhachkala
Museum of the History of the City of Makhachkala
The opening is timed to coincide with the 150th anniversary of the capital of Dagestan - in 2007. The City Museum is located in the memorial complex, which is located in Ak-Gol Park.
Visitors have the opportunity to get acquainted with the most interesting archaeological collection. In addition, guests can see exhibitions on a variety of topics in the exhibition hall, which introduce individual moments of the historical and cultural life of the city.
Address: Peter I Avenue
Visiting hours: 10.00-18.00, closed on Monday
Entrance: adults – 150 rubles, children – 50 rubles.
Vladimir Church
Vladimir Church
The temple is located in the central part of the city, near the building of the Government of the Republic. For more than 60 years, the Cathedral of St. A. Nevsky was located on this site. It was then demolished in 1952. This is where the 2015-16 built a small church. The initiator was the head of the republic R. Abdulatipov.
The one-domed temple looks elegant. Its dome is powerful, blue, and topped with a golden cross. The building is made in the Dagestan architectural style.
Address: st. Lenina, 1A
Visiting time: 08.00-19.00
Dagestan village
Dagestan village
The ethnographic complex opened in 2009. It is an ordinary building containing 4 halls. In them you can get acquainted with the life of indigenous peoples.
The largest room is intended for such exhibits as national clothing, weapons, carpets, and household items. In the Small Hall you can see the interior of an ordinary city apartment.
The next room houses a craft workshop. And in another room, contemporary art of Dagestan fashion designers and artists is demonstrated.
Address: st. Buynaksky, 9
Visiting hours: 10.00-18.00, except Mondays
Second market
Second market
The famous Second Market of the capital of Dagestan is located in the large Atrium shopping center, on the ground floor. Only by visiting this place can you truly feel the oriental flavor. Market No. 2 was opened in 2007. The territory is huge, and so as not to get lost, there are signs everywhere.
Walking between the rows, tourists can see everything that the republic is famous for. Basically, these are products: vegetables, fruits, sweets, spices, baked goods, etc. There is a clothing market on the second floor.
Address: st. Batyraya, 3
Visiting time: 07.00-19.00
Historical Park “Russia – My History”
Historical Park “Russia – My History”
The young museum is housed in a new modern building, which is located opposite the Juma Mosque. The exhibition project covered more than 20 cities. The multimedia complex allows you to get acquainted with the history of Russia from antiquity to the present time.
The exhibitions are organized using 3D modeling, video graphics, and animation. In addition to the existing compositions, modern forms of conveying information have been created for visitors: large cinemas, tablets, collages, sensory tables.
Address: Imam Shamil Avenue, 31 G
Visiting hours: 10.00-19.00, except Mondays
Entrance: 100-150 rub.
"Bringing Down the House"
"Bringing Down the House"
The attraction is a popular place for families to visit. The building itself looks bright and attractive. Located in the Ak-Gol park area, located on the shore of the lake of the same name.
The Upside Down House is a free-standing, upside-down building. The concept is embodied by the creators, both externally and internally. An unusual house makes for interesting photographs.
Address: Komsomolsky Ave., 55, Makhachkala, Rep. Dagestan
Visiting time: 12.00-22.00
Entrance: 150-200 rub.
Square and monument to Faz Aliyeva
Square and monument to Faz Aliyeva
The square is located near the city administration building. The place is green, landscaped, clean. It was not chosen by chance. Not far from the current park lived a national Dagestan poetess, who was also involved in social activities. Several slender green alleys stretch across the square.
The main attraction located in the park is the monument to Faz Aliyeva. It was opened in December 2022. The sculpture depicts a woman sitting holding a book.
Address: near Lenin Square, st. Dzerzhinsky, Makhachkala, Rep. Dagestan
Government House
Address : Lenin Square, 2 Telephone : 8-8722-67-21-34, 8-8722-67-23-23 Website : www.mkala.ru; www.e-dag.ru Opening hours : Mon-Fri 9:00–18:00, break 13:00–14:00; Sat, Sun - closed
The Government House is located in the center of the capital of the republic. Architect Ivan Zholtovskoy made it similar to the 16th-century Villa Farnese, but with a Muslim style.
Now there are two universities located here: medical and agricultural. And the ruling apparatus meets in Buryatinsky’s house, not far from this place.
FAQ
can you go with children in Makhachkala Puppet Theatre, Monument to the Russian Teacher, Monument “Defender of the Fatherland”, Theater of Poetry, Historical Park “Russia – My History”, “House Upside Down”, Square and Monument to Faz Aliyeva.
The main attractions of Makhachkala? Monument to Makhach Dakhadaev, Holy Assumption Cathedral, Juma Mosque, Lenin Square, National Museum of the Republic of Dagestan.
What natural attractions are there in Makhachkala ? Barkhan Sarykum, Lake Ak-Gel, Tarki-Tau, Square and monument to Faz Aliyeva.
Dagestan Puppet Theater
Address : Rasul Gamzatov Avenue, 40 Telephone : 8-8722-67-07-31 Website : www.tk-rd.ru Opening hours : daily 9.00-21.00 Cost : depending on the performance, from 100 rubles.
The Dagestan Puppet Theater opened its doors right before the start of the Great Patriotic War - April 30, 1941. This is the aesthetic center of youth, where they teach kindness and the right attitude towards simple things. Through classic productions - Kolobok, Repka and others - the theater troupe tells the children about friendship and mutual assistance.
Master classes, theater and children's book weeks are regularly organized in conjunction with libraries. The theater often receives awards in its field, and in 2013 it began to implement its personal project “Caucasian Puppet Carousel”, with touring activities throughout Russia.
Best hotels in Makhachkala
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Monument to Rasul Gamzatov
Address : Rasul Gamzatov Avenue, 12
Rasul Gamzatov is highly respected in his homeland, Dagestan. He was not only a beloved people's poet, but a Hero of Socialist Labor, a laureate of various awards. The monument was erected in the fall of 2010 after his death. The grand opening took place during the traditional annual celebrations called Gamzatov Days.
The choice of location is not accidental. The monument is located next to the Russian Drama Theater, because It was based on the works of Rasul Gamzatov that many performances were staged here.
Holy Assumption Cathedral
The only temple that survived the persecution of the church during the years of ardent Bolshevism. The temple was built at the beginning of the last century. After the revolution, there were no services until 1940. Gradually, the temple began to be restored by local artists and builders. But now there are significantly fewer Christians in the city. The temple is not as popular as in former times.
Central Juma Mosque
The main city mosque was built at the expense of Turkish Muslims in the image and likeness of their Blue Mosque of Istanbul. It acquired its current improved form in 2007. After reconstruction, the mosque can simultaneously accommodate up to 17 thousand people. The oriental splendor of the interior decoration of the mosque amazes the imagination with its beauty.
Where to eat tasty and cheap
Due to the small amount of time we spent in Makhachkala, we only managed to eat a couple of times in canteens, several cafes and one restaurant. The food in the canteens is quite mediocre. The average bill for two is 500 rubles - that’s without the first course. For a quick run to eat, it’s quite suitable, but no more.
I would like to dwell in more detail on the only restaurant where we managed to dine. A local resident recommended it to us and even kindly gave us a ride there without taking any money for it. Unfortunately, we were not at the parade
