Novosibirsk - the unofficial capital of Siberia - is an excellent stopover for train travellers in search of rest and relaxation as they cross the continent.
Below are a few ideas, both within the city and also on a trip out to the satellite town of Akademgorodok, in the heart of pine forests
In summers - when it can be very hot - or in the extremely cold but sunny winters, the city is good for strolling, with plenty of pubs and cafes to wander into for those in need of a cooling, or warming, drink.
You’ll be pleased to see how many people speak good English.
Workshop collapsed at plant involved in weapons and military equipment manufacturing.
One of the great sights for early travellers across Russia on the Trans-Siberian Railway after its opening in 1899.
One of the first stone buildings in Novosibirsk, the cathedral stands at the very beginning of its main street, Krasniy Prospect.
Built in the neo-Byzantine style with a gilded dome, it is named after one of the giants of Russian medieval history, but was also a monument to Tsar Alexander III, who initiated construction of the railway and the establishment of a station at Novonikolayevsk, as the city was then known, and donated the land and the money for the building.
Perfectly located at Novosibirsk's Tolmachevo Airport, ideal for both arriving and departing passengers, with wi-fi and good conference hall, the hotel also offers gym, swimming pool, two saunas, cosy lobby bar and a restaurant.
Sky Port is some 17 km from the city centre, so about 40 minutes drive, depending on traffic. There are 149 rooms - standard, studio and apartments - all equipped with conditioners, satellite TV and minibars.
There is a choice of smoking and non-smoking rooms, as well as family rooms and rooms for people with limited physical abilities.
Novosibirsk is Russia's third city after Moscow and St Petersburg, and the largest in Siberia with a population of 1.47 million. An educational, scientific, cultural and entertainment centre, it also has significant industry.
Hotel choice and standards in Novosibirsk are dramatically improving for business and budget travellers alike. The Doubletree by Hilton, opened in 2011, a pioneering new-build Western chain hotel in Siberia, offers all you would expect, with fabulous top floor gym, pool, and sauna facilities.
Hugely improved is the Azimut Hotel Sibir and the River Park Hotel, close to a remarkable winter ice park. If you prefer the more intimate atmosphere of a boutique hotel, try either the Garden Apple Hotel or the Boutique Hotel Nord Castle.
Whether you're here for work, or a quick respite from crossing Siberia by train, Novosibirsk has a wide selection of places to stay, eat, drink and relax.
Flights relaunched to and from Europe stopping over at Tolmachevo Airport, the largest Russian air hub east of the Urals.
As a reminder of its Soviet past, a vast brooding statue of Lenin still glowers over a city centre that has already lost much of its Communist feel.
Good for souvenir photos, as a meeting point and just as beginning of your walk or drive about the city.
You may see just married couples visiting here and sipping champagne. Pleasant gardens around this square and open air exhibitions.
Offering not only the best sausages in Siberia, but also a bar and restaurant for all tastes.
Whether you want a meal with friends, to enjoy a live rock, Irish or country band, watch live sports at any time of the day or night, or hold that key business lunch, Beerman & Grill offers all these possibilities, and more besides.
The food is made from specially selected ingredients, and the choice of beers is international but also includes Beerman's own famous Siberian brews.
Ukraine has moved its Consulate General from Vladivostok to Novosibirsk. The former Soviet state has other Consultates General around Russia already.
This is a small 3* hotel compared with some of Novosibirsk's cavernous options, with 33 rooms - studios, luxury rooms and apartments available as well as standard singles and doubles - aimed mainly at the business traveller.
The hotel offers conference hall, sitting 120 people.
There is a round-the-clock grill bar and several saunas with billiards. All rooms are air-conditioned, with television and minibars.