Derbent, Russia 2025 — Things to Do, Hotels, How to Get

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Naryn-Kala / Old Town

sightseeing

UNESCO citadel from 6th century, oldest fortress in Russia.

Center / Embankment

local

Modern embankment with Caspian Sea views and restaurants.

Juma Mosque Area

culture

Oldest mosque in Russia (8th century) in historic quarter.

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faq.subtitle Derbent

Historians confirm 2000+ years of continuous habitation. Locals claim 5000 years! Archaeological evidence from 8th century BC. Oldest city in Russia by far.

Darband means 'Closed Gate' in Persian. City controlled narrow passage between Caucasus Mountains and Caspian Sea - gateway between Europe and Asia for thousands of years.

Sulak Canyon (one of world's deepest!), Sarykum dune (largest in Eurasia!), ghost villages Gamsutl and Kakhib, Gunib fortress, mountain auls. Dagestan is incredible!

Travel Tips

Useful tips for visiting Derbent

IMPORTANT: Visa/Mastercard do NOT work. Bring CASH - many places cash only!

NARYN-KALA FORTRESS (UNESCO) - 6th century citadel! Amazing views of Caspian Sea. Entry ~350₽.

JUMA MOSQUE (734 AD) - oldest mosque in Russia and CIS! Still active. Respectful dress required.

OLD TOWN (Magals) - medieval streets, traditional houses, get lost in narrow alleys!

DRESS CODE: Conservative Muslim region. Women cover shoulders/knees. Remove shoes at mosques.

Dagestani food is INCREDIBLE and CHEAP! Try chudu (flatbread), kurze (dumplings), shurpa (soup).

Caspian Sea beaches! Sandy beach complex near fortress. Water warm May-September.

Flight to Makhachkala (MCX) + 2h marshrutka (~250₽). Or train from Moscow.

HOSPITALITY is legendary! Locals extremely welcoming to tourists. Accept tea invitations!

Weather

Average temperature by month

Now

4°

84%8 м/с

Today

5°3°

Tomorrow

2°0°

Thu

2°0°

Fri

2°-1°

Sat

0°-2°

Sun

2°-1°

Mon

2°-1°

6°

1°Jan

6°

1°Feb

9°

3°Mar

14°

8°Apr

20°

14°May

26°

19°Jun

29°

22°Jul

29°

22°Aug

25°

18°Sep

18°

12°Oct

12°

7°Nov

8°

3°Dec

Water temperature

9°

8°

11°

17°

22°

25°

26°

23°

18°

14°

11°

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20 ₽~0.25 $

Местные автобусы по городу.

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60 ₽~0.76 $

Яндекс Такси

Посадка ~60₽, за км ~10₽. Очень дёшево!

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location.transport.bus	20 ₽ ~0.25 $	—	Местные автобусы по городу.
location.transport.taxi	60 ₽ ~0.76 $	Яндекс Такси	Посадка ~60₽, за км ~10₽. Очень дёшево!

Prices

Cost of food, accommodation and services

Cafes & Restaurants

Lunch

350 ₽

~350 $

Restaurant dinner

1,800 ₽

~1,800 $

Breakfast

200 ₽

~200 $

Street Food

Local dish

150 ₽

~150 $

Drinks

Coffee

120 ₽

~120 $

Beer in bar

150 ₽

~150 $

Local beer

50 ₽

~50.0 $

Imported beer

120 ₽

~120 $

Wine bottle

300 ₽

~300 $

Fast Food

Big Mac

300 ₽

~300 $

Groceries

Water 1.5L

25 ₽

~25.0 $

Cigarettes

180 ₽

~180 $

Weekly groceries

2,200 ₽

~2,200 $

Prices are approximate and may vary by season and area.

Accommodation

Hotels and rental prices

Hostel dorm

500 ₽ / night

~500 $

Hostel private room

1,200 ₽ / night

~1,200 $

Guesthouse

1,800 ₽ / night

~1,800 $

Hotel 2★

1,500 ₽ / night

~1,500 $

Hotel 3★

3,000 ₽ / night

~3,000 $

Hotel 4★

5,000 ₽ / night

~5,000 $

Hotel 5★

8,000 ₽ / night

~8,000 $

Boutique hotel

4,000 ₽ / night

~4,000 $

Prices are approximate. Book in advance during high season.

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MirUnionPay

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moderate

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SberPayMir PayTinkoff Pay

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Visa/Mastercard do NOT work. BRING CASH - many places are cash only!

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Banks: Sberbank, VTB - limited ATMs in city center. Visa/Mastercard DO NOT work due to sanctions - bring cash or Mir/UnionPay cards. Better to bring rubles from larger cities like Moscow or Makhachkala. Ancient UNESCO city - cash essential for most shops and restaurants.

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Not expected but appreciated.

Safety

Medium safety level

Follow standard precautions

Safe for tourists but be respectful. Dagestan is conservative Muslim region - dress modestly (women cover shoulders/knees). Avoid political discussions.