Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
9am-8pm Mon-Sat, 9am-5pm Sun;
No-
vokuznetskaya)
You know you are in an ex-Soviet country when a candy factory is named after a phrase
German socialist workers greeted each other with in the 1920s. The factory is actually much
older than its Soviet name, having catered to Moscow's sweet teeth since 1826. The shop
sells largely the same toffees, caramel and chocolate candies as it did in the 1970s.
BOOKS
BOOKHUNTER
9am-7pm;
Novokuznet-
skaya)
Inside a business centre, this small shop is stuffed with fiction and nonfiction books in Eng-
lish (not to mention German, French and Spanish). You'll find all sorts of art, academic and
other reference books (including a good selection of travel guides), as well as Russian and
foreign literature.
SPORTS & ACTIVITIES
BATHHOUSE
BERSENEVSKIYE BANY
R600; 8am-11pm, women only Mon-Wed, men only Thu-Sun)
Proof that Red October hipsters have no aversion to century-old traditions, this new bath-
house is both elegant and competently run. The vaulted cellars of the former Smirnov distil-
lery (yes, this is the birthplace of Smirnoff vodka) create just the right circulation in the
steam room. Unless you are an old Russian
banya
hand, splash some extra money and let
them pamper you.
If being beaten with twigs qualifies as pampering, that is.
CYCLING
OLIVER BIKES
day from R100/500, tours R900; 2-10pm Tue-Fri, 11am-10pm Sat & Sun; Novokuznetskaya)
Oliver rents all kinds of two-wheeled vehicles, including cruisers, mountain bikes, folding
bikes and tandem bikes, all of which are in excellent condition. Its location is convenient for
bike rides along the Moscow River. Oliver also offers weekend bike tours, but only occa-
sionally in English.
