Sights of Yessentuki: what to see on your own, opening hours, and prices

Drinking fountain pavilion of spring Yessentuki No. 4: how to try the famous mineral water

This is one of two active fountain pavilions in Kurortny Park in Yessentuki, and one of the largest drinking galleries in the country. Mineral medicinal water Yessentuki No. 4 is used in the treatment of many conditions, and it's best to drink it as prescribed by a specialist during treatment at one of the sanatoriums in Yessentuki.

If you decide to visit the spring on your own, there's no obstacle: everything is free, and no prescriptions are required. Nevertheless, before drinking Yessentuki No. 4, it's better to read the recommendations posted on the boards inside the fountain pavilion. Don't exceed the recommended dose (calculated based on body weight), and don't take water to go, as it quickly loses its therapeutic properties. More about the Mineral medicinal spring Yessentuki No. 4.

Drinking fountain pavilion of spring Yessentuki No. 17: the most "active" water of the resort

This is the other of the two active drinking springs in Kurortny Park in Yessentuki, accessible to anyone for free, but since the water here is very "active," it's recommended to follow a doctor's instructions. If you still decide to visit the fountain pavilion on your own and try Yessentuki No. 17 straight from the spring, there's no obstacle: everything is free, no prescriptions or sanatorium health books are required. You can drink from your own cup or buy a disposable cup here for 2 RUB. Takeaway water costs 7 RUB per liter. Inside the fountain pavilion, there are information boards with recommendations on how to use it and recommended doses. Don't exceed the recommended dose (calculated based on body weight), and don't take large amounts of water to go, as it quickly loses its therapeutic properties. More about the Mineral medicinal spring Yessentuki No. 17.

Fountain pavilion on Lenina Street: another source of Yessentuki No. 4 and "New" water

Another fountain pavilion with Yessentuki No. 4 mineral water is located outside Kurortny Park. As at other springs, here you can drink medicinal water Yessentuki No. 4 hot or cold for free, but there's also a feature: for a fee, they also serve another variety, Yessentuki-Novaya, also known as Yessentuki No. 2.

"Pyatitysyachnik" Drinking Gallery: the largest fountain pavilion in Europe with three types of water

The "Pyatitysyachnik" Drinking Gallery is the largest fountain pavilion in Europe, where you can try three types of medicinal mineral water for free: "Yessentuki No. 4," "Yessentuki No. 17," and "Yessentuki-Novaya" (No. 2). The building itself is impressive in scale: high ceilings, columns, paintings, statues, and a fountain in the center. Honestly, if your time in the city is limited, visiting Pyatitysyachnik isn't necessary — the same water is available in the park. But as an architectural attraction, the gallery is impressive. Nearby, you can walk around the grounds of the "Victoria" sanatorium with several sculptures. More about the Pyatitysyachnik drinking gallery and how to visit it.

Historical Fountain Pavilion No. 1: an old gazebo without water, but with history

This is a historic outdoor fountain pavilion in the form of a beautiful open gazebo in Kurortny Park. You'll pass by it constantly during your walks — it's one of the park's main landmarks. The spring was used from the founding of Yessentuki in the 1850s until 1907, when it remained the only source of No. 4 water. Unfortunately, the fountain pavilion is now decommissioned as a spring — there's no water. The pavilion looks nice from the outside, but underneath the roof it's dirty and neglected — it's not maintained. Nevertheless, this place is worth paying attention to for its history and beautiful old architecture.

Upper (Nikolaev) Baths: a tour into the resort's history

This is both a historical and architectural landmark and an active medical facility. It was built in 1895, designed by architects N.V. Dmitriev and B.K. Pravzdnik. The baths were named in honor of Emperor Nicholas II. During Soviet times, they were renamed Upper Baths. Today, there are over 90 baths here, and anyone can undergo medical or cosmetic procedures for a fee. However, a doctor's referral or sanatorium health book is required. You can also visit them on a tour. More about the Nikolaev or Upper Baths.

Semashko Mud Bath: ancient Roman baths in the center of Yessentuki

This is both an active medical facility and a historic site. It's one of the most recognizable architectural symbols of the resort. Sightseeing tours of the mud bath are held twice a week, during which they tell you about its history, structure, and architectural features. You can also undergo medical or cosmetic procedures as prescribed by a doctor.

This mud bath is considered one of the best in the Caucasian Mineral Waters resorts, and certainly the most beautiful and largest. The building was constructed between 1913 and 1915 according to a design by architect E.F. Shretter, who decided to give it the appearance of ancient Roman baths. Originally, the clinic was named Alekseevskaya in honor of Tsarevich Alexei Nikolaevich Romanov, and was only renamed in 1923 under Soviet rule.

Shpakovsky Local History Museum: from ancient times to the resort's history

This is a good local history museum, telling the story of the region from ancient times to the present, about its natural riches, underground minerals, and of course, the healing springs and the city's development as a resort. They also host temporary exhibitions of local artists and performers. The permanent exhibition is very rich and interesting, especially with a guided tour. You can book a tour when buying your ticket, or join a free one held at 3:00 PM on Sundays. Definitely a must-visit place in Yessentuki. More about the Yessentuki local history museum and how to visit it.

St. George Monastery: white stone architecture and a holy spring outside the city

St. George Convent is a modern white-stone complex outside the city that's worth visiting even for non-religious tourists. The white marble architecture, well-kept green grounds with flower gardens, the bronze monument to St. George the Victorious, and the view of Mount Beshtau — that alone is worth the trip. On the grounds, you can take holy water from the spring, dip in the baptismal font, and if desired, book a tour. The monastery is located outside the city, so it's best to set aside an hour or two and go there as a dedicated destination. More about St. George Monastery and how to visit it.

"Rio de Kavkaz" Temple Complex: the tallest statue of Christ in Russia and a zoo

This is an unusual place, something like a recreation park and a complex of several churches. Locals come here not only to visit the churches but also just to relax on weekends. The complex is notable primarily for the tallest sculpture of Jesus Christ in Russia. Its height is 22 meters, and by analogy with the statue in Rio de Janeiro, this monument was nicknamed Rio de Kavkaz. The complex includes: the Church of the Apostles Peter and Paul, the Church of the Dormition of the Most Holy Theotokos, the Chapel of Elijah the Prophet, the Chapel of Joachim and Anna and Peter and Fevronia, and the Chapel of the Life-Giving Trinity — but all the buildings are modern; there are no old churches. There's also a mini-zoo, a museum of old Soviet automotive equipment, and a playground. More about the Saints Peter and Paul Temple Complex or Rio de Kavkaz.

Church of St. Panteleimon the Healer: a revived shrine at the park entrance

This church in the city center was founded in 1886, but what you'll see today is a new building, construction of which began in 1992 and is still ongoing, although the church is active. This happened because in 1932, under Soviet rule, it was closed and used as a warehouse, and in 1935, its demolition began. You won't be able to miss the church, as it's located right in the city center on the edge of Kurortny Park. More about the Church of Healer Panteleimon and how to visit it.

St. Nicholas Church: the oldest church in Yessentuki, built in 1826

This is one of the oldest buildings in the city, an active church and architectural monument. It was built by Cossacks in 1826 based on a design by the Swiss Bernardazzi brothers, who also designed Tsvetnik Park in Pyatigorsk. The church once housed a parish school, almshouse, library, and archive. Remarkably, the church continued to operate even after the Soviet government came to power. More about St. Nicholas Church and how to visit it.

Pokrovskaya Old Believer Church: an architectural monument in a quiet neighborhood

This is a regional architectural monument in a residential area among private houses. In our opinion, it's not a must-visit place, but it's interesting for walks along the old streets of the city. Originally, the church was built without domes or a bell tower — as required by the laws of the time, and only in 1905 did crosses and a temporary belfry appear. The church is usually closed, so planning a special trip here isn't worth it. However, you can view it from the outside at any time, and if you're lucky enough to get inside on a Saturday or Sunday, it would be interesting.

Kurortny Park — the main attraction of Yessentuki

This is the main tourist spot in the city, and the entire tourist life of the resort revolves around it. At first glance, it doesn't look particularly special and seems like any other park in a provincial town, but here you'll find two free fountain pavilions (springs with drinking water), a paid complex with therapeutic baths in the center, the historic building of the Zander Institute of Mechanotherapy, and many other historic sites related to the resort's history, including inactive mineral springs. But the most interesting and useful thing here is, of course, the active mineral springs Yessentuki No. 4 and No. 17. More about Kurortny Park in Yessentuki.

Institute of Mechanotherapy: 19th-century exercise machines and a location from the film "Love and Pigeons"

Located in a beautiful building constructed in 1902. In fact, it's not an institute in the usual sense, but a mechanotherapy treatment facility — in modern terms, it's just a gym, but a special one. The exercise machines and mechanical massagers here are over 100 years old. But that's not the only thing that makes this place famous. One of the scenes from the famous Soviet film "Love and Pigeons" was filmed inside. Anyone can visit the institute and even take a wellness session on the machines. More about the Institute of Mechanotherapy.

Teatralnaya Square: the center of tourist life and a place for walks

Teatralnaya Square in Yessentuki is, conditionally speaking, the main "hangout" spot in the city, including for tourists, and the central city square. It's completely pedestrian. On the square and around it during high season, you'll find tour vendors, simple kids' entertainment, gyroscope rentals, kids' cars, and bicycles. All city holiday events take place here, with a stage set up for them. Within walking distance on nearby streets, there are restaurants and cafes, shops and souvenir stalls, travel agencies, and street tour vendors.

Zero Kilometer of Love: a photo op for couples at the park entrance

This is a playful modern sculpture installed in 2011 on Teatralnaya Square at the entrance to Kurortny Park. It's made on a pillar with an image of two hearts, topped with a figure of Cupid, and a circle with an image of two hearts is painted on the sidewalk. Today, this place has become iconic for all couples and popular for wedding photos.

Buachidze Square: a modern pedestrian zone with art objects

Buachidze Square is an example of how public spaces are being renovated in Yessentuki. It used to be just an ordinary city path, but now it's nearly a kilometer of pedestrian zone with benches, unusual metal sculptures of girls, and children's and sports playgrounds. Honestly, we wouldn't say this place is worth a dedicated trip, especially if you're visiting the resort for just a few days. But if you're staying in this non-tourist part of the city, the square is a nice bonus — you can enjoy walking here anytime. More about Buachidze Square and how to visit it.

Amusement park and Ferris wheel: family fun

The Ferris wheel in Victory Park is the main attraction in Yessentuki and, essentially, the only place in the city where you can have proper fun with kids. Its height is 65 meters, and on a clear day, from the top, they say you can see Beshtau Mountain and even Elbrus. Besides the wheel, there are swings, a mini roller coaster, a shooting gallery, and a kids' "fishing" game. A special treat is the friendly squirrels that willingly take food from your hands. Making a special trip to the amusement park from another part of the city, especially without kids, isn't worth it, but if you're vacationing with a child and want some variety, it's a good option for a couple of hours. More about the Ferris wheel in Yessentuki and how to visit it.

"Old Streets" Route: a walk through pre-revolutionary architecture (for enthusiasts)

The "Old Streets" walking route was created in Yessentuki to explore pre-revolutionary architecture — old sanatoriums, merchant houses, and historic buildings. The length is about 4 kilometers, and it takes about 1.5–2 hours at a leisurely pace. Honestly, without a guide, the walk turns into just wandering around streets: there are no signs or informational plaques on the route. For independent exploration, we can only recommend it if you have absolutely nothing else to do in Yessentuki. If you're a fan of urban architecture and are willing to Google each house yourself — maybe you'll like it. For everyone else, it's better to focus on Kurortny Park and the drinking galleries. More about the "Old Streets" route and how to walk it.