The Mikhailovskaya Embankment is one of the most beautiful and beloved places in Novosibirsk. It stretches along the right bank of the Ob River from the River Terminal to the “City Beginning” Park. This is more than just a promenade: it is here that the city’s history begins. In 1907, a decree transferring land to Novonikolaevsk, the future city of Novosibirsk, was signed in the Cabinet of His Imperial Majesty.
The embankment is named after Konstantin Yakovlevich Mikhailovsky, an engineer and construction manager of the West Siberian Railway. From the late 19th century, barges carrying the first workers arriving for the Trans-Siberian Railway construction docked here. Today, the Mikhailovskaya Embankment combines historical significance, modern infrastructure, and a relaxing atmosphere by the water.
Architecture and location
The embankment stretches for almost two kilometers and is divided into several alleys. The easiest way to access it is from the Rechnoy Vokzal metro station. Through an underground passage under Bolshevistskaya Street, tourists immediately find themselves on a spacious promenade overlooking the Ob River.
On one side, it offers picturesque panoramas of Novosibirsk’s bridges—the Oktyabrsky, Railway, Bugrinsky, and the famous metro bridge—while on the other, there are green spaces with trees, shrubs, and flowerbeds. In the summer, soft music is almost always playing here, and street events are held.
History and cultural significance
During Soviet times, the embankment served as the city’s sports center: it boasted a water skiing station, a skating rink, ski jumps, and even a hockey rink where the RSFSR champion team trained. In the 1980s, the area housed a Luna Park with amusement rides.
From 2017 to 2020, Mikhailovskaya Embankment underwent a major renovation, and today it has once again become Novosibirsk’s main public space. Concerts, festivals, winter ice rinks, and sporting competitions are held here.
Attractions
On the embankment you can see not only beautiful landscapes, but also interesting monuments.
- The monument to Alexander III was erected to commemorate the city’s 120th anniversary. The sculpture, including its pedestal, stands 13 meters tall.
- The bridge monument is an actual span of the first railway bridge across the Ob River, a symbol of the beginning of Novosibirsk’s history.
- Art objects and sculptures —a miniature replica of the Bugrinsky Bridge, a chair made of logs, flower arrangements, and graffiti—are a favorite among tourists for photo ops.
- An amusement park near the River Terminal, complete with a Ferris wheel nearly 70 meters high, a race track, trampolines, and even a simulator for astronauts.
Infrastructure and entertainment
Mikhailovskaya Embankment is perfect for active recreation.
- For athletes, there’s a skate park and a 1.3-kilometer bike path. Bicycles, roller skates, and electric scooters are available for rent.
- The upper level features a sports ground with exercise equipment and an area for group activities.
- For children, there are play complexes, swings, sandboxes, and an unusual Pin Art sculptor where you can create three-dimensional images.
During the summer, film screenings, lectures, and sports broadcasts are held here as part of the “online park” project. River cruises are available from the River Station ticket office: popular routes include Korablik Island and the “Six Bridges” excursion.
For snacks, there are kiosks and summer cafes on site offering fast food, ice cream, and coffee.
How to get there
Mikhailovskaya Embankment is very conveniently located:
- Take the metro to Rechnoy Vokzal station. This is the fastest and most convenient option.
- By bus or minibus – to the stops “Rechnoy Vokzal” or “Park “City Beginning”.
- By car : There is free parking nearby at the museum, the Old House Theatre, the Reka Shopping Centre, and the River Park Hotel.
Stay at Hotel N and discover Novosibirsk!
Want to stroll along the Mikhailovskaya Embankment, admire the Ob River, and soak up the city’s atmosphere? Book a room at the cozy Hotel N. Our convenient location, comfortable rooms, and friendly service will make your trip to Novosibirsk unforgettable!
