Simferopol
Simferopol, also known as Aqmescit, is the second-largest city on the Crimean Peninsula.
The city, along with the rest of Crimea, is internationally recognized as part of Ukraine, but controlled by Russia. It is considered the capital of the Autonomous Republic of Crimea.
Getting to Simferopol
All roads coming to Crimea lead to Simferopol, the undisputed transport hub of the region.
- 01Simferopol International Airport
Worth seeing
It's not the most interesting city, but there are a few things to see. Lenin Square - the only square in Simferopol which boasts about nothing much. Skateboarders skating in the evenings, live concerts on and off, a place where locals usher in the New Year, a politician party campaigning site. Central Market (Centralny Rynok) - everything from fresh food to clothes to hardware is easily available here.
Things to do
There is always a time where you can run out of things to do in this place. Nevertheless if you look hard enough, you will find something to occupy your time with. In the harsh hot weather during the summer with temperatures ranging over 45 °C, you may take a stroll in the park. There are horse riding activities, boating, feeding ducks.
Where to eat
The number one must-eat food in Simferopol is plov. This Turkic rice-based dish with sauteed meats and vegetables is very oily, so those on dietary restrictions may want to check twice before eating. One plate of plov cost approximately USD3 at the Central Market. Number two must eat food is meat on skewer, cooked over charcoal. It's called shashlik by the locals.
Getting around Simferopol the local way
- Get in}} Marshrutka buses leave from across the car park outside the arrival area, look for the large Krimtrolleybus sign.
- Get inThere are about a dozen a day bus and marshrutka rides from Sevastopol each day.
- Get aroundThe most popular is called marshrutka or a minivan, minibus, or taxi.
- Get aroundA ride on the minivan or the bus however, might cost you only the equivalent of .
From Wikivoyage: Simferopol, CC BY-SA. Not yet checked by us. Last edited 2026-09.
Text adapted from Wikipedia and Wikivoyage, CC BY-SA 4.0. Photograph: Wikimedia Commons (see file page), Wikimedia Commons.