population: 0.63 million

extension: 316.44 square kilometers

Museums

If you are in Izhevsk and interested in visiting museums, the State Museum of the History of Izhevsk would be a great place to start. It features exhibits on the history and development of the city, including its notable role as a center for firearms production.

Other museums in the area that might interest you include the Udmurt Republican Museum of Fine Arts, which has a collection of over 20,000 works of art from Russian and international artists, and the Museum of Udmurt Culture, which explores the traditional customs and lifestyle of the indigenous Udmurt people.

If you are interested in exploring further afield, you might consider visiting the city of Perm, which is about 250 km west of Izhevsk and has several notable museums, including the Perm State Art Gallery, the Perm Museum of Contemporary Art, and the Perm Regional Museum of Local Lore.

Food

Some of the most recommended and popular dishes to try in Izhevsk and the surrounding region include:

1. Pelmeni - small, meat-filled dumplings that are boiled and served with sour cream or butter
2. Blini - thin pancakes that can be filled with a variety of ingredients, such as cottage cheese or smoked salmon
3. Shashlyk - a traditional Russian kebab made with marinated chunks of meat (usually pork or lamb) grilled over an open flame
4. Kulebyaka - a savory pie filled with a mixture of fish or meat, rice, mushrooms, and hard-boiled eggs
5. Ukha - a fish soup made with fresh fish, vegetables, and herbs
6. Pirozhki - small baked or fried buns filled with meat, cabbage, potatoes, or other ingredients

These dishes are all hearty and comforting, perfect for the cold winters that are typical in this part of Russia.

Activities

Sure, here are some fun activities that local people enjoy in Izhevsk:

1. Visit the Kalashnikov Museum and Shooting Range: This museum showcases the history of the world-famous AK-47 rifle and offers visitors the chance to try shooting with it.

2. Explore the Izhevsk Zoo: The zoo is home to over 200 species of animals, including rare and exotic creatures like snow leopards, Amur tigers, and white lions.

3. Take a stroll in Udmurtiya Park: This scenic park is a favorite spot for locals to relax, exercise, and enjoy the outdoors. It features walking paths, play areas, and beautiful gardens.

4. Go to a concert or performance at the State Opera and Ballet Theatre: This grand theater hosts a variety of musical and theatrical performances throughout the year, from classical ballets to modern plays.

5. Visit the Kalashnikov Factory Tour: The tour takes visitors through the production process of Kalashnikov rifles and other firearms, giving an inside look at one of the city's most important industries.

6. Try traditional Udmurt cuisine: Izhevsk is known for its hearty and flavorful Udmurt dishes, such as syrniki (pancakes made from cottage cheese), pirozhki (stuffed pastries), and shanga (a type of dumpling).

7. Take a walk around the city center: Izhevsk has a charming old town with historic buildings, churches, and monuments, as well as modern shopping centers and restaurants.