Moscow has always been a very popular tourist destination. Even during the times of the Iron Curtain many people were extremely interested in visiting this vibrant city, where all the power and might of the huge empire were consolidated.
Moscow has changed a lot since then and the fantastic combination of old and new times, extreme and edgy contrasts of ugliness and beauty have become even more intriguing. If you are going to visit this metropolis, you might want to get off the beaten tourist track and see some hidden, out of the way spots and gems of the heart of Russia. Besides, if you really want to get to know Russian culture, you should get some tips from the insiders.
Moscow mysterious GO-42
The underground, catacombs and tunnels have always been associated with some top secrets and mysteries. Moscow is no exception. Time passes by and the authorities give up on covering some of them and offer the public a unique possibility to take a look. Just like that, a couple of years ago, an object named was opened to explorers and adventurers. GO-42 is an ex-top secret reinforced underground shelter, which served as one of the headquarters of KGB and Ministry of Defense. GO-42 is so huge, 60 m deep, full of secret passages and rooms located right under the downtown Moscow. To get there you will need to make an appointment with a guide, wear special clothes and get a pass given by the guard.
Gorbushka electronics market
This is definitely a place to visit, if you cannot stop buying your favorite movies on DVDs and CD albums of your favorite artists. Gorbushka electronics market is known for the widest possible selection of legal and illegal software, music, movies, and computer games. The prices here will surely cheer you up! Gorbushka has been Mekka of pirated products for a long time until the government took some emergency measures. That did not help to eliminate the piracy market completely, but brought the prices of legal and licensed electronic goods down and now you can buy an official version of Godfather twice as cheap as in the United States, for example. Besides, Gorbushka electronics market is a classic example of Russian bazaars: very interesting places, like Arabic markets, where people can bargain-hunt and observe the outpourings of Russian mentality. You can find Gorbushka on the Barklaya str, 8; Metro Bagrationovskaja Park Pobedy.
Valenki showroom
It is no secret that Russia is a country with severe climate. Russian winters are no good for people that are not prepared for them. That is why think wool boots known as valenki have always been among the most popular Russian attributes. They save the feet from cold injury and as to me, look very cute. Nowadays Russians do not wear valenki anymore, only in the most far away villages and cold regions. You can take a look at a number of various kinds of valenki in the showroom and workshop of Olga Chernikova, a young Russian designer that has first brought the tradition back on the runway and now is trying to push it further into the mainstream. Visiting of Ms. Chernikova’s place can be made by appointment at her workshop, send an email here rusvalenki@list.ru.
Sandunovskiye Baths or Banyas
In addition to all above-mentioned, you simply cannot leave this country without visiting famous Russian banya. Banya is a very special place for Russians, the cure for the pains of body and soul (including hangover). Banya is part spa, part social club here all Russians from new rich to average people love to spend their time. You should be ready to very hot temperature in the steam room and rather cold water in the dunking pool. Russians believe that exposing the body to such extremes of temperatures has a number of great health effects. If you are courageous enough, visit one of the most popular banyas in Moscow Sandunovskiye Baths, located on Neglinaya Str, 14.
Bilingua
This place is not very often advertised by different media. However, Bilingua is one of the most popular student spots in Moscow. They love this place, crowd it and make it alive, talking, laughing and debating. If you are tired from walking around for a long time and sightseeing Moscow, you may finally want to find a place to relax, have a cup of tea or coffee and watch Muscovites’ lifestyle. Bilingua is a perfect spot for this! All in one: coffee house, bookstore, cinema and concert hall. Large widows, relaxed ambience. You can find this place on Krivokolenny Lane, 10/5.
Mami Night Racing
If you are looking for some great place to hang out and do not want to go to typical bars and clubs, you should definitely come to Mami Night Racing. Mami is Moscow State Technical University, also known as Moscow Automechanical Institute that specializes in the field of automobile design. Even though unofficially Mami stands for Major Alcoholics Minor Engineers, their racing team consists of some of the most talented racers in Moscow and their racing night is definitely worth seeing. If you are into speed, nicely tuned cars, and a lot of fun, Mami Night Racing is a thing for you to see. It takes place every Saturday night, go to the parking place of Mami at Bolshaya Semenovskaya Str, 38. Do be late, because they start at midnight sharp.
Photo og GO-42 underground in Mosco, Russia, by Caddis Fly.
Topic: Tips and Ideas |
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Tags: Moscow
About the author
Oksana is a freelance writer who believes that traveling is the best education. She's now studying Global Development at the Warsaw University and is obsessed with languages and foreign cultures.
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