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Zamoskvorech’ye
The superbly positioned summer terrace overlooking the Moscow River and the Cathedral of Christ Our Savior is the main attraction of this upscale bar, which is part of the innovative Institute of Architecture and Design. The open-air theatre out the back hosts film screenings and lectures.
14 nab. Bersenevskaya, Moscow, Moscow, 119072, Russia
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Zamoskvorech’ye
What's considered by many to be Moscow's best night out presents an eclectic mix of all the best bits of the city's unique nightlife: bar-top dancing, creative cocktails, a huge roof terrace, and, of course, rigid face control. Some 3,000 clubbers are said to pass through this joint on an average weekend, so expect to have to wait to get in.
3 nab. Bolotnaya, Moscow, Moscow, 119072, Russia
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Ulitsa Bolshaya Nikitskaya | Bars/Pubs
Ryumochnaya. For a true Russian vodka-drinking experience, head to this 125-year-old tavern whose name literally translates as "shot bar." Drinks are amazingly affordable and there's a large variety of zakuski, tasty bites that help the booze go down, like salmon sandwiches, boiled prawns, and fried potatoes. 22/2 ul. Bolshaya Nikitskaya, bldg. 1, Bolshaya Nikitskaya, Moscow, Moscow, 125009. 495/691–5474. Metro: Okhotny Ryad.
22/2 ul. Bolshaya Nikitskaya, bldg. 1, Moscow, Moscow, 125009, Russia
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Kitai Gorod
Several rooms in this high-ceilinged converted mansion double up as a great café and restaurant during the day and a dance club after hours. Thursday through Saturday are laid-back techno and funk club nights, a top choice among Moscow's hipster youth, with free entry on Thursdays.
11/6 ul. Solyanka, Moscow, Moscow, 109028, Russia
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Ulitsa Tverskaya
This gay club for both men and women is tricky to find, but has a welcoming atmosphere. It has DJs, film screenings, karaoke, and cheap drink deals.
12 ul. Tverskaya, Moscow, Moscow, 125009, Russia
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Recommended Fodor’s Video
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Kitai Gorod
With its homely atmosphere, film nights, and tasty food, this club has become the top refuge of Moscow's gay and lesbian community and offers dancing and a good range of cultural events. Visitors should exercise caution when entering and leaving, though, as the bar has been subject to homophobic attacks in recent years.
6 per. Milyutinsky, Moscow, Moscow, 101000, Russia
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Eastern Outskirts
A vast warehouse to the east of the center makes a refreshing change from the city's glitzy clubbing scene. The club regularly hosts big international techno DJs and its raucous parties have been known to carry on long into the afternoon.
5 per. Nizhny Susalny, Moscow, Moscow, 105064, Russia
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Ulitsa Tverskaya
One of the best places in Moscow for live rock performances, this enormous five-story club includes a restaurant, a pool hall, a dance club, and several bars.
8 ul. Bolshaya Sadovaya, Moscow, Moscow, 123379, Russia
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Zamoskvorech’ye
This place is not cheap, and the face control gets strict from time to time, but if you're looking for an elite bar scene, it's hard to beat. This is where Moscow's upper crust—everyone from upwardly mobile execs to almost-oligarchs—comes to grab its after-work drink, or a bite in one of the three lavishly appointed dining halls.
5 ul. Baltchug, Moscow, Moscow, 115035, Russia
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Northern Outskirts
The man himself came for the opening, and visiting Western stars have continued to make appearances here, often for post-concert jams. Call ahead to book a table for concerts as the small hall fills up fast.
4 ul. Sadovaya-Samotyochnaya, Moscow, Moscow, 127473, Russia
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Northern Outskirts
With the biggest club stage in Moscow and a dance floor capacity of 3,500 people, this live music venue is a prime spot to see big and up-and-coming Russian groups, as well as foreign acts and DJs.
31 Leningradsky pr., Moscow, Moscow, 125284, Russia
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Northern Outskirts
This popular spot with students is one of the most well established gay clubs in town, with a regular rotation of good DJs. Mostly men come here, but women are welcome.
4 pro. Yuzhny, Moscow, Moscow, 127106, Russia
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Kitai Gorod
Live music and tasty, affordable food draw a bohemian crowd to this cellar, whose name translates as "Chinese Pilot."
25 pr. Lubyanskiy, Moscow, Moscow, 101000, Russia
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Southern Outskirts
Perched 140 meters above the city and with stunning panoramic views, this upscale cocktail bar is the perfect spot to watch the sun set over Moscow.
52 nab. Kosmodamianskaya, Moscow, Moscow, 115054, Russia
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Kitai Gorod
A Latin American–theme involves occasional live Latino music, though music is usually provided by DJs playing Eurodance. Drink service can be slow at night, when the staff often dances with the crowd. Show up early or you'll never get in.
10/2 ul. Nikolskaya, Moscow, Moscow, 109012, Russia
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Western Outskirts
Sting and Elton John have played at this huge complex on the Moscow ring road with a 6,200-seat auditorium. Check ahead and you might catch your favorite group from home.
65–66 km Moscow Ring Road (MKhAD), Moscow, Moscow, 143400, Russia
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Kitai Gorod
A cavernous venue with free entry and cheap drinks, which caters to lovers of reggae, funk, and soul.
5 ul. Yauzskaya, Moscow, Moscow, 109028, Russia
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Ulitsa Tverskaya | Live Music
Denis Simachev Bar. A club opened by the renowned Russian designer of the same name combines kitsch, elegance, and a hot crowd for a unique experience that can be a treat for those keen on people-watching. Here's where Moscow's "Zolotaya Molodyozh," or "Gilded Youth," go for their pre-party drinks. 12 per. Stoleshnikov, bldg. 2, Ulitsa Tverskaya, Moscow, Moscow, 103031. 495/629–8085. denissimachev.blogspot.com. Metro: Teatralnaya.
12 per. Stoleshnikov, bldg. 2, Moscow, Moscow, 103031, Russia
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Zamoskvorech’ye
Music at this stylishly decorated and very popular venue in the city's trendy Krasnaya Oktyabr complex varies from pop to techno. Some 400 disco balls hang over the club's large and lively dance floor. The club is well worth a visit for its roof terrace with stunning views over the Moskva River.
3/4 nab. Bolotnaya, Moscow, Moscow, 119072, Russia
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Kitai Gorod
Live musicians perform songs from the Soviet era at this enormous retro eatery with a big choice of beers, including its own brand. The traditional Russian dishes are expensive but served up with style. Book ahead, as it gets busy even on weeknights.
5 ul. Bolshaya Lubyanka, Moscow, Moscow, 125040, Russia
