Early July is the best time to visit, when the region’s brief summer is at its peak.
Fly to St. Petersburg, through Moscow or another European hub; Helsinki and Frankfurt offer the most options. From there, take a three-hour high-speed train ride or a four-hour car trip to Novgorod. Tourist visas are required and may be obtained at the Russian Consulate or through an authorized travel agency such as Go to Russia (888/263-0023; www.gotorussia.com) or Exeter International (800/633-1008 or 813/251-5355; www.exeterinternational.com).
Beresta Palace Hotel Modern property on the east side of the Volkhov River, a taxi hop from the city center. 2 Studencheskaya St.; 7-812/ 740-3979; www.berestapalace.com; doubles from $110.
Volkhov Hotel Recently renovated landmark hotel, within walking distance of the kremlin and other major sites. 24 Predtechenskaya St.; 7-8162/335-505; doubles from $70.
Restoran Detinets Classic Russian dishes, such as fish soup and borscht, served in cozy brick alcoves inside the kremlin’s Pokrovskaya Tower. 7-8162/774-624; dinner for two $20.
Cathedral of St. Sophia Byzantine church located in the heart of the kremlin; inside is the wonder-working Znamensky Icon.
Fine Arts Museum Just outside the kremlin, near the statue of Lenin. 2 Sophiskaya Square; 7-8162/774-552.
The Kremlin Visit the tourist office to book a guided English-language tour of the old walled city. 5 Sennaya Square; 7-8162/773-074; www.eng.tourism.velikiynovgorod.ru.
Vitoslavlitsy Museum of Wooden Architecture and Yurievsky Monastery Take a 10-minute taxi ride upriver to this beautiful museum to see incredible old log churches built without a single nail.
Yaroslavsky Court Remains of the former rulers’ palace complex, on the east bank in the city’s old market.
Cathedral of Our Lady of the Sign 17th-century church across the river from the kremlin.
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