Mikhail is an amateur historian who studies foreign languages and coordinates a Philosophy Club to help his co-students develop critical thinking.

Elina studies psychology and firmly intends to make her student years as interesting as possible – which results in her being a member and a leader of several clubs at once.

In this video, its authors decided to concentrate on the historic part of the city and elaborate upon Tsaritsyn, the ancestor of the modern Volgograd, whose past is reflected in the numerous unique landmarks peppered around today's streets.

What reasoning would you use to persuade foreign friends to visit Volgograd?

Mikhail Kozlovtsev: It is well worth to start studying Russia not from the noisy capital, but from an average provincial city. A comfortable climate, a lush nature, a beautiful architecture and a fascinating history, – these are definitely the strong points of our city. For many people, Volgograd is discovered through its historic side, but the main thing about it is that after visiting it once you will definitely come back for more, as it is impossible to fit all its beauty into just one day.

Now imagine yourself a tourist: let's say you have one day in a completely unfamiliar city. Where would you go, or what would you do first?

Mikhail Kozlovtsev: I would start from the busiest city center. For me, a matter of primary interest are people themselves, so I would want to learn more about them, to get a glimpse of their everyday life, to make a tour of the local little shops. After that, it would be good to somewhere on the outskirts of the city and enjoy its nature (if there is such a thing around it). No student book can tell you more about a place's history than a local museum, so I would definitely try to go there and enjoy the city's fascinating culture. And in the end, I would take a stroll through the city at night – marvel at the illumination, the evening quiet, the lights… and promise to myself to come back one day.

Elina Ryazanova: And I, apart from the usual landmarks, would also go to see the local market. Such market is a place that has everything: unique local cuisine, hand-made souvenirs, friendly people who are so interesting to talk to, – a slice of the city's culture in every aspect.

The video by Mikhail Kozlovtsev and Elina Ryazanova is waiting for you on YouTube:

https://youtu.be/w3qAiueznm8