Suzdal' Travel Guide

Suzdal (Russian: Су́здаль) is a town in Vladimir Oblast, Russia, situated northeast of Moscow, 26 km from the city of Vladimir, on the Kamenka River. Population: 11,357 (2002 Census); 12,063 (1989 Census). The history of the town dates back to at least the year 1024. For centuries it functioned as the capital of several Russian principalities. It forms part of the Golden Ring. After a decline in political importance, the town rose in prominence as a religious center with numerous monasteries and a remarkable ratio of churches to citizens: at one point, forty churches for four hundred families. Today, the town operates as an important tourist center, featuring many fine examples of old Russian architecture — most of them churches and monasteries. Walking through the town one might get the feeling that every third building is a church. Although having over ten thousand residents, Suzdal still retains the look and feel of a small village with streams and meadows everywhere nearby, and chicken and livestock a common sight on the city streets, some of which are unpaved. This juxtaposition of stunning medieval architecture with its pastoral setting lends Suzdal a picturesque charm, and in the summer artists and easels are a common sight. In March, the Suzdal tourist centre is home to the Open Russian Festival of Animated Film. The Cathedral of the Nativity in Suzdal is one of the eight White Monuments of Vladimir and Suzdal, a World Heritage Site.

information was taken from http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Suzdal%27

Suzdal' is an ancient Russian town situated north-east of Moscow; dates back to 1024. Suzdal' used to play an important political role in the history of Russian principalities. But now it's a cosy provincial town, very green, very calm and charming. If you're interested in Russian ancient architecture, then Suzdal' has a lot to offer: Kremlin and monasteries, churches and wooden houses... Some of the ancient monuments , such as the Cathedral of the Nativity, are part of the UNESCO World Heritage list. Most of the tourists go to Suzdal' in the summer, but it can be exciting in the winter as well!

Eating in a little bit pricey in Suzdal but if you walk up the street from trading arcades(Lenin St), aprox 200m down on same side of road as TA is a fantastic, very reasonably priced cafe/restaurant - try the caviar & pancakes - totally delicious
 
Be sure to have mead whilst you are there too...all the restaurants serve it but you can do tastings at the back of the trading arcades