Legends of Dagestan

Tarki-Tau Mountain Observation Deck

The plateau offers breathtaking views If you climb higher, you can even see the Caspian Sea stretching beyond the horizon. The city lights after sunset are equally spectacular.

Address: Coordinates: 42.956816, 47.483567

Center of Folk Arts and Crafts

Admire the works of Dagestani artisans You’ll learn about the history and distinctive techniques behind these traditional crafts. After the tour, you can buy souvenirs such as original Balkhar pottery, Sumakh carpets, Kubachi silverware, Untsukul metal inlay, and Ispik ceramics.

Opening hours: Mon–Sat 10:00 am-7:00 pm

Address: 42 Imam Shamil Avenue, Makhachkala

Central Juma Mosque — Yusuf Bey Jami

One of the largest mosques in Europe The mosque features a central dome framed by four semi-domes and two 42-meter-high minarets. Its interiors are adorned with floral ornaments, intricate patterns, and Quranic inscriptions. The chandeliers are true works of art, the largest of which was brought from Damascus and weighs about one ton.

Opening hours: Mon–Sun 3:00 am-10:00 pm

Address: 136 Dakhadaeva Street, Makhachkala

Website: masdjid.ru

National Museum of the Republic of Dagestan

Home to over 170,000 exhibits. Here you can admire paintings, sculptures, and decorative art, explore ethnographic collections, and study ancient manuscripts and archaeological artifacts. Among the most valuable displays are collections of cold and firearms as well as exquisite jewelry. The museum also houses a cultural and exhibition center that hosts contemporary art shows.

Opening hours: Tue–Sun 10:00 am-6:00 pm; ticket office closes at 5:15 pm

Address: 31 Daniyalov A.D. Street, Makhachkala

Website: dagmuzey.ru

Unique Craft Workshop

The workshop is located in the village of Shamilkala. Here, children and adults learn the ancient art of ornamental metal inlay on wood. During the master class, you can also try this traditional craft and discover what kinds of wooden items local artisans create.

Address: Shamilkala, Untsukulsky District

Observation Deck

One of the most beautiful places in Dagestan From here, you can enjoy a view of the emerald surface of the Irganay Reservoir and the majestic black cliffs reflected in it. The reservoir is nestled between rocky walls, resembling a winding sea bay cutting deep into the land. Along its edge runs a well-paved road that passes through the four-kilometer Gimri Tunnel — the longest road tunnel in Russia.

Address: Coordinates: 42.670508, 46.841966

Gunib Local History Museum

Learn about the everyday life of the local people The permanent exhibition includes sections on archaeology, ethnography, and the history of the region. At the center of the ethnography section is the “Highlander’s Saklya” exhibit, where visitors can explore the layout of a traditional mountain dwelling. You can also see examples of household items that reflect the finest traditions of folk craftsmanship.

Opening hours: Tue–Sat 9:00 am-6:00 pm

Address: 8 M. Gadzhiev Street, Gunib

Website: dagmuzey.ru

Verkhny Gunib Nature Park

Here you can see all the ecosystems of the Dagestan mountains It’s worth visiting the park to climb up to the fortress, admire the magnificent panoramic views of the Gunib Reservoir, and explore the ruins of the ancient village of Verkhny Gunib. Several sites of historical and cultural heritage are located within the park’s territory.

Address: 42.402762, 46.917337

Sulak Canyon

Impressive in its scale and beauty The canyon reaches a depth of 1,920 meters, surpassing the famous Grand Canyon in the USA. From the cliffs towering above it, you can see the bright turquoise Sulak River — a landscape of extraordinary beauty. Over many centuries, the river carved a deep gorge through sandstone and limestone, creating one of the longest canyons in the world. This natural wonder consists of three separate gorges divided by terraces.

Address: Coordinates: 43.019983, 46.821926

Nokhyo Cave

These are restored mine tunnels from the last century Today Nokhyo is a beautiful, modern tourist site equipped with all necessary amenities. One of the caves is located on the left bank of the river, and two on the right — they are connected by a suspension bridge 60 meters above the Sulak River. Nearby, on a sheer cliff, there is an observation deck offering a breathtaking view.

Opening hours: daily 9:00 am-7:30 pm

Address: Coordinates: 43.065230, 46.832694

Walk through the Naryn-Kala Fortress

Learn about the everyday life of the local people At the heart of the city stands a 6th-century citadel As you stroll through it, you’ll see architectural monuments from different periods of Derbent’s history, ranging from the 4th to the 18th centuries. This site is included on the UNESCO World Heritage List.

Opening hours: daily 9:00 am-6:00 pm

Address: 55 9th Magal Street, Derbent

Website: derbentmuseum.ru

Old City Quarters — “Magals”

Immerse yourself in the atmosphere of the medieval East The old city consists of nine magals. Walking through them, you can descend from the fortress all the way to the sea. The narrow winding streets preserve the charm of the past. At the heart of the magals stands the Juma Mosque, a federal heritage monument dating back to the 8th century and one of the largest and oldest Muslim religious structures in the Caucasus. It is the oldest mosque in Russia and one of the five most ancient mosques in the world. The interior of the Juma Mosque impresses with its grandeur and monumental beauty.

Address: Coordinates: 42.055159, 48.282632

Upper Bazaar

One of the most fascinating markets in the North Caucasus It’s lively and vibrant here. The stalls are wide, and the assortment is incredibly rich. You’ll find a huge variety of fruits, cheeses, Caucasian spices, oriental sweets, fresh bread, meat, and fish. Beyond food, you can buy items that carry the spirit of Dagestan — like an authentic Caucasian burka or papakha. There’s also a fantastic selection of carpets, displayed along the streets surrounding the market.

Opening hours: 6:00 am-4:00 pm

Address: 88/1 Vladimir Lenin Street, Derbent

Light and Music Fountain

The largest multimedia fountain in Russia. The fountain covers an area of 4,700 square meters, and its water jets reach heights of up to 30 meters. It is located in Nizami Ganjavi Park. The fountain is made of local natural stone in the architectural traditions of Derbent. Images are projected onto the fountain screens, while the water jets create patterns in the air resembling fireworks. From above, it looks like a giant carpet with an abstract design made of numerous geometric shapes.

Address: Coordinates: 42.061671, 48.293377