The Best Banyas in Moscow

Historic Interiors at Sanduny bath house
Historic Interiors at Sanduny bath house | © | Courtesy of Sanduny
Dasha Fomina

A centuries-old tradition, banya, a Russian bathhouse, is one the country’s most popular recreational activities. If you’re going to Russia—perhaps for the 2018 FIFA World Cup—consider putting one of these banyas on your must-visit list.

Sandunovsky banya

Known for its spectacular architecture and interior design, this historic bath house has been around since 1808, which makes it the oldest functioning banya in Moscow. This is the place to go if you want your experience to be as aesthetically pleasing as possible, with Baroque columns, Roman pools and Turkish baths. Don’t feel like steaming and flogging? Then visit Sanduny on Tuesday after 4pm for a guided tour around this spectacular banya.

Sanduny, 14 Neglinnaya Street, bld. 3-7, Moscow, Russia, +7 495 782 18 08

Vorontsovskie banya

Built in 1938, this spacious and bright bathhouse is located in Taganka neighbourhood and offers beautiful views on the Novospassky Monastery. Known for their high-quality steam rooms, Vorontsovskie bathhouse has different public spaces for women and men; the public space for men features two classes—the higher the class, the better the steam. Vorontsovskie private rooms and saunas are perfect for a friends’ night out. Each fits up to 10 people and prices range from low-budget to deluxe. On Friday mornings, you can steam for half the regular price.

Vorontsovskie banya, 5/7 Vorontsovskiy per., Moscow, Russia, +7 495 663 99 01

Female section at Vorontsovskie bathhouse

Krasnopresnenskaya banya

Spa, Health Spa

Male section at Krasnopresnensky bathhouse
© | Courtesy of Krasnopresnensky bathhouse
Sanduny’s less historic rival, Krasnopresnensky banya balances out the Soviet-chic interior with the latest bathhouse industry trends. Known to have some of the best steam rooms in Moscow, Krasnopresnensky also offers spa treatments, cryotherapy, Ayurveda massage and a variety of body peels. Another reason to choose this bathhouse is the delicious global restaurant that serves Japanese dishes, as well as European cuisine, among others.

Varshavsky banya

Recently refurbished, Varshavsky bathhouse entices with its modern design and friendly service. Steam like a Tsar in the elaborately decorated VIP rooms, the Baths of the World, and be sure to ask for a personal bather. Apart from that, the bathhouse has male and female public classes, spa treatments, a beauty parlor and an atmospheric restaurant.

Varshavsky banya, 34 Varshavskoe highway, Moscow, Russia, +7 495 609 35 50

Male section at Varshavsky bathhouse

Seleznevskie banya

Opened in the middle of the 19th century, Seleznevskie banya is one of the oldest and most authentic bathhouses in Moscow. Not a major tourist draw, this historic banya doesn’t have the splendour of Sanduny or the Soviet aesthetic of the Vorontsovskie. Instead, Seleznevskie offers proportionally lower prices and some of Moscow’s best steam rooms, as well as the biggest bathhouse tub in the capital, all of which makes up for the less glamorous interiors.

Seleznevskie banya, 15 Seleznevskaya street, Moscow, Russia, +7 499 978 84 91

Male section second class at Seleznevskie bathhouse
landscape with balloons floating in the air

KEEN TO EXPLORE THE WORLD?

Connect with like-minded people on our premium trips curated by local insiders and with care for the world

Since you are here, we would like to share our vision for the future of travel - and the direction Culture Trip is moving in.

Culture Trip launched in 2011 with a simple yet passionate mission: to inspire people to go beyond their boundaries and experience what makes a place, its people and its culture special and meaningful — and this is still in our DNA today. We are proud that, for more than a decade, millions like you have trusted our award-winning recommendations by people who deeply understand what makes certain places and communities so special.

Increasingly we believe the world needs more meaningful, real-life connections between curious travellers keen to explore the world in a more responsible way. That is why we have intensively curated a collection of premium small-group trips as an invitation to meet and connect with new, like-minded people for once-in-a-lifetime experiences in three categories: Culture Trips, Rail Trips and Private Trips. Our Trips are suitable for both solo travelers, couples and friends who want to explore the world together.

Culture Trips are deeply immersive 5 to 16 days itineraries, that combine authentic local experiences, exciting activities and 4-5* accommodation to look forward to at the end of each day. Our Rail Trips are our most planet-friendly itineraries that invite you to take the scenic route, relax whilst getting under the skin of a destination. Our Private Trips are fully tailored itineraries, curated by our Travel Experts specifically for you, your friends or your family.

We know that many of you worry about the environmental impact of travel and are looking for ways of expanding horizons in ways that do minimal harm - and may even bring benefits. We are committed to go as far as possible in curating our trips with care for the planet. That is why all of our trips are flightless in destination, fully carbon offset - and we have ambitious plans to be net zero in the very near future.

Winter Sale Offers on Our Trips

Incredible Savings

X
Edit article