The Sixth Siberian Ballet Festival is underway in Novosibirsk, running until June.
With more than 11,000 animals from 702 species - about 150 of them are from them World Red Book - Novosibirsk Zoo is a popular tourist attraction with almost a million visitors annually, and a noted scientific institution.
One of the largest in Russia, it boasts a world record in captive breeding programmes for endangered species.
Rostislav Shilo, Zoo’s Director since 1969, says that there are only two other self-supporting zoos in the world - in Singapore and in San Diego.
The luxurious new 175-room Marriott is changing the face of the city in readiness for a 2014 opening.
Perfect for a touch of old world French elegance and style, and rightly regarded by its sophisticated clientele as one of the finest restaurants between Moscow and the Pacific.
The cuisine — old style Russian and French — is conjured by Francois Fournier, formerly a chef in five star Swiss establishments before venturing to Siberia.
La Maison also offers an excellent wine list with the accent on French. Wine boutique, with 20% Sunday discount, nice pastry shop, too, for a quick cup of coffee or a takeaway treat.
Cases of mother bears successfully raising 'twins' in captivity are extremely rare.
Everyone knows that Istanbul is the city of contrasts; much less known is that Novosibirsk is the city of start-ups.
A perfect place for Western visitors to mix with locals in this informal, fun, modern restaurant.
Do try the signature Russian Pelmeni, a kind of Siberian Ravioli - a must for any traveller. The chef swears that such collection of all kinds of pelmeni from all over the world you will not find in any other restaurant. Check it out!
In the same complex as the Doubletree by Hilton hotel. The bar offers an excellent selection of beers from around the world.
A 175-room Marriott hotel is to open on a landmark site in Novosibirsk, while Irtuksk is set to get both a Kempinski and a Hyatt.
The largest in the city, and also the tallest (Soviet-looking) building. Handy for the railway station, which is just a minute walk across the square.
Hotel's 430 rooms on 23 floors vary from 'luxury suites' to standard accommodation, making a traditional bolt hole for those wanting a break from rail trips across Russia, but many more too.
As the hotel boasts, regular guests ‘are top managers of leading Russian and foreign companies, celebrities, famous actors and actresses and outstanding sportsmen. High operational standards and professional staff are the best recommendation for the hotel’.
Novosibirsk State University climbs faster up the world academic league table than other well established Russian institutions.