Entertainment

You will not find such bright and varied entertainment somewhere else as in Moscow!

Every day 93 theatres and 89 cinema theatres, numerous concert halls and galleries, 2 circus, shopping and entertainment centers, night clubs and casino open their doors for citizens and guests of Moscow.

For those who prefer healthy life style
- fitness clubs and swimming pools, famous Russian banya and finnish sauna, horse clubs, dancing classes and spa centers.

Moscow restaurants can satisfy any sophisticated taste in fine dining. You can try the dishes from all world’s cuisines , made by best chefs.

Despite of huge amount of  residential and industrial buildings, Moscow still remains the city with lots of greenery. There are  100 (!) parks, 14 gardens, including 4 botanical ones, the famous  Boulevard Ring which consists of 10 green boulevards, the zoo.

From old merchants’ times on  Moscow collected all the different special things from all over the world. At present in Moscow’s  stores and shopping malls you can find the goods of all leading brands.

Theatres and cancert halls.

Performances and concerts in Moscow usually start at 7 pm; most Moscow theaters and concert halls are closed on Monday. You can buy tickets in the theaters’ booking offices or in special box offices located in the streets, and also right before performances in the theaters or concert halls unless the production is a top hit. We recommend making reservations in the more prestigious Moscow theaters.

BANYA.

Banyas are a Russian institution, a club defined by complex rules of behavior, initiation beatings with birch twigs and harassment by older club members if you get out of line.

The banya is rooted in village tradition, where indoor plumbing and hot water are still a rarity. At such banyas you can follow your sweat-session by plunging into a nearby river or rolling in the snow. Family banyas are characterized by a low ceiling, a small changing room and a sweat room with a bench and a stove. The heat-level is controlled by pouring water over rocks on the stove, or in the most traditional form, over birch logs.

One banya tradition not to be missed is the ritual beating by wet birch leaves, or veniki. Afterwards, vainly trying to peel off the leaves clinging to your body brings new meaning to what you can tell your girlfriends when a flirtatious man won’t leave you alone, “On prilip kak banyi list.” (He stuck like a leaf from the banya). Banya etiquette is extensive and a slip-up will raise the wrath of large matrons who take pleasure in instructing newcomers in what they should not do. Heads should be covered, usually by a cratchy felt hat, and flip-flops are a must. Always take a shower after the banya and before dipping into the pool.

Public banyas are segregated, with either separate areas for men and women or separate bathing days. Banya-goers wear nothing but their flip-flops, so bring a towel and leave your bathing suit at home. Most banyas also offer beauty salon services and massages.

 

GORKY PARK.

Gorky park – an immense amusement park over the Moskva River, the traditional central site for largescale cultural events. Italian Carousel Luna Park, the Chudo-Grad complex, Ferris wheels, Russian roller coasters. Skiing lodge, illuminated skiing tracks. Snowmobiles. Skating rinks with a warm cloakroom and skates rental; ice disco 6-9 pm. “Tea tables”, restaurants and cafes.

 

Neskuchny Sad (Fun Garden): sports grounds, workout rooms, jogging club and winter physical training section; chess and chekers clubs; theater. M: Oktyabrskaya or Park Kultury.

ZOO.

Zoo – A great place to spend an afternoon or even all day. Monkeys, birds, elephants, walruses and cats; exotarium, terrarium; “Night World” and “African” pavillions. Children’s Zoo for the little ones (separate entrnce from Sadovaya-Kudrinskaya Ul.). 15-meter bronze Tree of Tales by Tsereteli.

1Ul. Bolshaya Gruzinskaya. www.zoo.ru M: Barikadnaya/Krasnopresnenskaya.

MOSCOW CONSERVATORY.

The Grand Hall of Conservatory (GHC) recognized as the leading concert hall in Russia as well as the one of the most prestigious concert halls in the world.

Bol. Nikitskaya ul. 13. M: Arbatskaya.