Fun and entertainment Russia

Moscow is literally contaminated by the passion of escape games. They are scattered all over the city, with a wide variety of scenarios ranging from Panic Room to Haunted House, Nikola Tesla's secrets, Santa's workshop or series like Dexter and Breaking Bad. It's a fascinating experience at the crossroads of Fort Boyard and Disneyland: better to try it once than to hear about it 100 times!

If you've never had the opportunity at home, this is your chance to try out their scripts in English.

We love this bar, which should be a must on your visit to the capital. It's a clandestine bar (perfectly legal, don't worry), set up in a disused bunker and whose entrance is not indicated from the street. Once you have ventured down a flight of stairs, you arrive at a set of subdued lights where the industrial aesthetic of the military complex is harmoniously preserved. It is here that we have found the best cocktails in Moscow, with or without alcohol. Finally, their DJ sets are monstrous.

Ah the Rock'n'Roll Bar... On weekends, during the week, at any time of the night, we go there, we go back. Many theme nights, always very rock, grungy decor, friendly clientele and staff, affordable prices. Excellent pop/rock music that never fails to make customers wiggle their hips in front of the bar (no real dance floor but lots of space). And you can order food all night long. Unless you are already very drunk, you will have no trouble getting past the (free) entrance.

On the ground floor, a restaurant where you eat pretty well. On the floor, a dance track whose access costs 50 RUB.

Delivery of dishes at home.

In the Kommounar cinema (federated).

Tonight again, as they have for almost 160 years, the musicians, singers and dancers of the Mariinsky will perform the show of life. This theater and ballet company have become the most famous in the world. Founded in 1860 opposite the great Kamenny Theater and named after Empress Mary, wife of Alexander II, the Mariinsky Theater has hosted the greatest performers, including Rostropovich and Richter, and the most famous Russian dancers. Today, the theater company is under the patronage of the President of Russia. Grigorovich worked there before leaving for the Bolshoi Theater. The construction of a second stage of a very contemporary style, inaugurated in May 2013, but which is not to the taste of all Petersburgers in the historic center, marks a new stage in the long history of this world monument of music and dance.

Twenty shows a year, under the leadership of the director and director of this theatre, Pavel Homski. Major European ballet troops (Pina Bausch, for example) are also regularly hosts. A good room, both for acoustics and visibility.

Cinema room in honour of the famous Russian director Eldar Riazanov. In addition to the screening of the films of this highly acclaimed filmmaker, we can appreciate the visit of the various small galleries in the corridors, honouring the masterpieces of the scriptwriter but also attending concerts and thematic evenings (literary). One of the three restaurants is also the Restorative film studio of the famous film Zestoki novels.

An intimate cinema that makes movies late in the evening. The seats provided for couples were appreciated.

Two good reasons that have attracted the public to this place since 2000. First, the excellent rock concerts (the sound is good and the bands are promising). Second (a little less glorious) the face control is very soft where in general Moscow bouncers often become very selective. Here you always enter with the other partygoers who want to land softly or put a little layer on. New friends for breakfast. Isn't life beautiful?

This cinema is a bit like the Moscow Film Archive. Installed in one of the seven Stalinist towers, this cinema is known for its programming of Indian and European films in the original language, and for its French programming in particular. The theatre has been recently restored and can now accommodate 220 spectators. Since 2005, a French film club has been held on Tuesday evenings once a month. Classical and contemporary films in French are screened there. To find out more about the programme, visit the French Cultural Centre's website.

It is one of Moscow's best theatres, both by its repertoire and by its actors. Marc Zakharov, his principal director, produces Russian parts: Chekhov's Seagull, The Sage of Ostrovsky, Prayer for the dead of Gorine, but also foreign coins like Le Noir de Figaro de Beaumarchais. The theatre became famous thanks to its musical rock-opera Younona and Avos, which strangely was not banned in 1979 despite the presence of religious songs. This is the true story of a Russian naval expedition led by Count Riazanov in 1806, which during his trip to Aliaska (belonging to Russia at the time) falls in love with the daughter of the Commander of California and who, in order to marry a Catholic, return to Saint Petersburg to have the authorization of the czar. He died on the road to Krasnoiarsk at the age of 42. The troupe has known artists such as O. Yankovsky and I. Tchourikova.

In the avant-garde and underground branch, this cinema wins the palm. The origins of: a film magazine, Cinefantom, created in 1985 and 1987 by the Aleïnikov brothers and gave birth to the first non-professional and non-formal film festival. The projections take place on Wednesday at 20 pm, sometimes in the presence of the director and most of the time followed by debates. A enthusiastic meeting, the goal is simple, it is to watch movies that it is impossible to see in cinema or on television. Choice of films: no language or country barrier and a central theme, experimental video and video-art. This clubs, as it would be more appropriate to designate it, has now formed a faithful audience that makes room every time and whose love of the image revives the surprise and emotion of the first halls Louis Lumière.

This out of the way place is home to many biker groups, the most important of which, the Nightwolfs, known in particular for their allegiance to President Putin, is at the origin of this center. The atmosphere and the decor are very psychedelic, inspired by the film A Night in Hell by Tarantino. A chaos seems to reign in this place decorated with metallic objects (trucks, motorcycles, garage...) created by the bikers themselves. We enter timidly in this place but we let ourselves be carried quickly. In summer, concerts and shows of bikers are organized in the open air.

One of the most famous jazz clubs in Moscow. Built in 2007, it has already reached a legendary status, having hosted many prestigious musicians and produced several festivals. With a capacity of 110 seats, it organizes concerts every night at 8:30 pm, of course jazz, but also blues, rock & roll. It is possible to reserve a table for dinner, to moisten your lips in good wines or even to find Cuban cigars of reference.

A young opera run by the very talented Dimitri Bergsman. Classical opera in modern and sometimes disrespectful versions. There were operas like Chostakovithch's Lady Macbeth, whose eloquence of some scenes and the frenetic character of the partition had won him an attack on Pravda and its ban in 1936. The Hélicon is therefore reserved for lovers of the show and the avant-garde. However, the reputation of this opera makes the squares very difficult to obtain, sometimes several months in advance.

Even American films in V.O., the Russian speakers are entitled to helmet. A large room with sound sound quality.

Located opposite the Kremlin, on the other bank of the River Moscow, one of those neutral clubs whose long-term longevity is necessarily respectable: age helps, it earns a form of authenticity. We will arrive here a little by chance, because there is nothing else, and that in the neighborhood of Zamoskvoretshye (on the side of the metro station Novokouznetskaya), we will necessarily find a way later (Trety Pout ', observed…). Public around 35 years. Band passe, with an emphasis on music of the years 1980-1990 that makes dance, disco, pop, without risks yet. Vodka (50 g) is 70 ROUBLES. The dance-hall part of the club is isolated from a bar where you can also eat - unexpectedly - very decent - very decent (250 RUB for a dish). When you get bored, you go to Tchetyrie Komnaty, right across the way.

This theater apes the circus shows by staging animals in varied and impressive acts. It was opened in 1912, before the revolution. Because of the space, we have the right to a reduced model of the big shows, finally more adapted to the children. The parents accompanying the animals will not be able to remain indifferent to the passage of the train full of mice and driven by a cat or to the adorable acts performed by the dogs, the clever tricks of the monkeys and the gait of the elephants. The animals are trained ethically and without violence.

Recently renovated, one of the largest rooms in the center with the largest screen.

This place is a real enchantment for the children. The Obraztsov is one of the best puppet theatres in the world, which hosts all the greatest artists from the Russian Federation and beyond. In addition to the numerous shows, the programme of which can be found on the Internet, you will also visit their museum, which houses an impressive and unique collection of puppets of all styles, from antiquity to the present day.

It was conceived as a theatre of satire and humour by the Russian actor Arcadi Raykine. His son Constantine applied to continue her paternal work. Today, among other shows, he has a large number of musicals. Cyrano de Bergerac, Romeo and Juliet, The Imaginary Malade, Les Métamorphoses, are among his best known stories. This theatre, which is always one of the most popular, adapts to literary evolution with astonishing flexibility. A few years ago he staged the adaptation of the novel Cosmetic of the enemy of Amélie Nothomb.

A famous cinema to see contemporary classics. All year round, theme festivals are organized.

An academic and artistic theater in Moscow, the prestigious mkhat, specialized in the repertoire of Tchekhov, was the laboratory of Russian drama under the leadership of the great masters of the Russian and universal theater Constantin Stanislavski and Nemirovitch-Dantchenko, who founded it in 1898. Set in the graceful building rebuilt by Chekhtel in 1902, at the corner of Tverskaya Street, the theater occupies a special place in the history of the Russian drama that it has revolutionized and remains avant-garde, even if it is called old mkhat. Indeed, the mkhat, which was named Gorki under Stalin, split into two troops in 1987, the avant-garde, formerly led by Oleg Efremov, founder of the Sovremennik theater remaining in the former premises. The others, less critical of the system, moved to another place to which they retained the name of mkhat Gorky. The old Mkhat, however, is not spared a crisis between the director and the troupe, some of whom go to other places or choose the cinema. But the tradition of the festival dedicated to Chekhov in October is not affected.

One of Moscow's most popular coffees. So popular that many have been opened on its model in Moscow and other cities in Russia. But the Coffee Bean of Pokrovka is certainly the most pleasant with its lovely tree terrace. Ideal for a coffee break and pastry after relaxing long in the beautiful Quartier Prudy district. Do not miss chocolate foam, it is excellent.

The Kostromskoy Gosudarstvennyy Dramaticheskiy Teatr Im. A. N. Ostrovskogo is a theater located in Kostroma. Founded in 1808, it offers a varied program of shows for all audiences. The theater has an auditorium at Prospekt Mira, 9, Kostroma. The theater also offers a museum and exhibitions on the history of theater. A. N. Ostrovskogo is a must-see.

The Moscow Conservatory has a solid international reputation and its entrance exam is extremely difficult. It was founded in 1866 and Tchaikovsky taught there for 12 years. It is therefore as much for the music as for the atmosphere that one goes to this conservatory. Moreover, one can often attend free concerts during general rehearsals or competitions. In fine, it is a place not to be missed by classical music lovers visiting the Russian capital.

A modern café, always crowded with strong music, but for coffee lovers, who as everyone knows is not the lighthouse drink of the Russians, so rarely find good. Enjoy delicious cappuccino with different scents, nuts, caramel, chocolate, strawberry, raspberry, or even banana. Hot drinks are at 199 R. You can find Crisp house at all corners of the street.

In a small cobbled courtyard, the Rythm & Blues spreads on its facade a multicolored fresco featuring the masters of rock and jazz. Outside, a beautiful terrace with trees, inside the restaurant and a stage for concerts every night. This is not the place where the best bands perform, but the atmosphere is pleasant for a dinner and also you are a little more assured of a place. The food is good, with a mix of European and Georgian influences. It is better to reserve in advance.

Frequented by the forties, kitsch decor and retro-disco music for a very nice atmosphere and sound. This chic club, which opened its doors recently, offers on the second floor a very pleasant restaurant in a library decor, with a very affordable menu. A tea room is also open with all the classic ceremonial. Concerts are sometimes held in the evening, often featuring piano and guitar duets. In the evening, the first floor is transformed into a dance hall where the Moscow beau monde mixes in a wild atmosphere.

Large shows of great success, Molière or Babel, accessible even if you don't understand a Russian word. This theatre became the second largest house of the remarkable Piotr Mamonov, both singer and actor. His performances are usually shown over a very long period of time. Try by curiosity.

When one knows the role that Russia has played in the very particular art of puppet shows and which brings it closer to its oriental influences (just think of Japanese puppet theatre) it would be a pity not to attend a show. If the programming is concentrated on a children's audience (from 3 to 12 years old), some shows are aimed at an adult audience. No need to understand Russian to enjoy the performance.

Restaurant, disco, casino.

Entering this café not far from the Belorusskaya metro station, you feel as if you are entering the holy of holies of a design album or a life-size catalogue. Rest assured, rather than intimidating, this commitment to the light blue decor provides a highly convivial (and very instagramable) setting in which one quickly feels at ease. It's even better when you taste the superb coffees, teas, traditional drinks and cakes, crumbles or even the triangular sandwiches freshly prepared with a masterful hand by the staff.

This DJ bar is the oldest and most famous in the city, hence its incredible popularity. Having recently moved (September 2021) to a beautiful setting, Mishka welcomes its customers leaning at the bar or partygoers coming to listen to a mix of cutting edge electronic music. Contemporary art is also part of the scene. During the day, the place works like a café and, from 9pm, DJs take over. House specialties to break the ice: Mishka shots (sea buckthorn or black currant with juniper nastoika ) and Lisichka (mango, candied pineapple and vodka).

How can this club exist in this neighborhood? This is one of the mysteries and originality of Moscow. In a few metres, we will move from the 5-star hotel to a box that would have its place in a small town in Siberia. We are therefore far from the trendy places where you can drink jasmine tea or cocktails with foreign names. Here in Kukushka, it's the real Russia. Beverage: vodka, beer. Eating: potatoes and herring. Dance: Russian pop of the years 1990/2000. We also discover that the Russians love the fight but have a heart of gold. The normal people don't have the means of the pq in the neighborhood, at the Kukushka you can spend an evening with RUB 1 000 RUB.

In this pub pub, you can listen to good rock concerts. The other evenings, the atmosphere is a little bleak, even though the beers are varied and good.

Located on the New Arbat, the Chesterfield is very busy on weekends and sometimes even during the week. This spacious American-style resto-club plays the most popular hits in Moscow, from "Moscow never sleeps" to Latino hits and more electro tunes. Some nights are particularly crazy with special promotions that are felt throughout the room: for example, if you order 4 cocktails, they bring you 16. In short, it is a good club to party without asking too many questions.

Moscow also has its Hard Rock Café, very well located in the heart of the old Arbat. The advantage (and disadvantage) of this place is that it looks like all its counterparts around the world, so no change of scenery. Expect some rock music and a great atmosphere at the weekend when Muscovites and foreign students are out and about. Finally, you will have no problem satisfying your cravings for a burger or a good steak between two dances, even if they come late, as the kitchens close late.

On the road to the Propaganda club where you can go dancing at the end of the evening is the Pirogi café-club which is worth a stop. Cult in the 2010's, when conferences on social topics were held, it continues to offer a rich program that is now exclusively musical. Very popular at weekends, this establishment is particularly inexpensive, whether for a drink or a bite to eat a piece of their speciality Russian savoury pie. The Russian cuisine is simple but very good value for money and the atmosphere is good.

The city's legendary cocktail bar (yes, another, but not the last!). Among the house signatures: the Sour Dovlatov (in homage to the legendary Petersburg writer Sergei Dovlatov) and the Petersburg Sling for cocktails, the Petrol and Hannibal for shots. Small enough, the bar fills up quickly on weekends, so don't hesitate to book to have a good time in a friendly and trendy atmosphere. You can also have brunch here every day without exception from 2pm to 6pm.

An establishment with many faces. This nice and popular spot to have breakfast (from 9am) or your coffee with a hot croissant or other excellent homemade pastries, turns into a lively meeting place after 7pm with friends for an aperitif or in the evening. Cocktails are particularly noteworthy. No menu in the evening, but only bruschettas and appetizers (olives, nuts, dried tomatoes, artichokes).

Initially opened just off Red Square, the bar recently moved to New Arbat for an even bigger and cozier space, with a large, contemporary wooded area organized around a massive island bar. Among the founders is Ilya Lagutenko, singer and leader of the legendary Russian rock band Mumiy Troll. The stage at the back of the room frequently hosts concerts. There is also a large cocktail list, reasonably priced for the location (from 490 RUB for cocktails).

Defacto, Defaqto is a typical Moscow multifunctional bar where you can have lunch during the day, a drink in the evening, enjoy a live concert from 10pm and then stay dancing until dawn. It has several rooms with different atmospheres for those who want to get a head start or are behind schedule. The strength of this place is that the cocktails and food are excellent, with very pleasant staff and bartenders, all for rather reasonable prices for the city centre.

A victim of its own success, the Pain et Vin bar-restaurant launched a chain that now has two other establishments in the capital. As a result, prices have gone up and portions have gone down in the kitchen on their Portuguese-inspired dishes. Fortunately, we recommend you go there instead for their wide range of good Portuguese, Russian and other wines, as well as their selection of craft beers. The setting is pleasant, relaxed and designer. However, the prices have also been revised upwards in this area.

The Muscovites love great music inordinately, so they have dedicated this extraordinary sanctuary to it. This magnificent palace is overhung by a huge treble clef, which we owe to the inevitable sculptor Tsereteli. It exudes a futuristic aspect and an unparalleled sense of dramaturgy! In the manner of the Philharmonie de Paris, some of the 4 halls are specialized to offer the best listening to jazz, classical, variety and sometimes urban music concerts.

The Pyotr Fomenko Workshop Theater is a performance hall located in Moscow. It offers a varied program of plays, ranging from classics to contemporary creations. The theater has several halls, including the Great Hall and the Green Hall, where performances are presented. The Pyotr Fomenko Workshop Theater is a must-see venue for theater lovers in Moscow, offering quality productions in a pleasant setting.

The Moscow Musical Theater is a must-see for theater and music lovers. Located on Pushkin Square, it offers a varied program of shows and musical events. The theater's website is a valuable resource for information on upcoming shows and purchasing tickets. The theater hosts shows for all audiences, from children to adults, with performances tailored to each age group. The Moscow Musical Theater is also easily accessible by metro, with the Tverskaya, Pushkinskaya and Chekhovskaya stations nearby.