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St. Petersburg may be known as Russia's cultural capital, but Moscow easily rivals its northern neighbor. Ballet at the Bolshoi, concerts at the Tchaikovsky Conservatory, and theaters packed for Chekhov plays are among the highlights of the intense arts scene in this city with dozens of theaters and concert halls and many prestigious acting schools. From raucous, boho joints like Kitaisky Lyotchik to sophisticated "minigarch" (wannabe oligarch) hangouts, Moscow's nightlife scene has a little bit of something for everyone. Almost all the major hotels have upscale bars: those at the Baltschug Kempinski, Ararat Park Hyatt, and Golden Ring are elegant and have majestic views of the city. But you'll likely have more fun if you head out on the town and taste a little Russian hedonism, be it sipping a cocktail on the rooftop at Rolling Stone or jumping about to a guitar band at Krizis Zhanra. For those after something calmer, there are several English-style pubs like Sixteen Tons that are great for a quiet pint and a bite to eat.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Live music and tasty, affordable food draw a bohemian crowd to this cellar, whose name translates as "Chinese Pilot."
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.
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.
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.
A cavernous venue with free entry and cheap drinks, which caters to lovers of reggae, funk, and soul.
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.
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.
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.
Cheap beer and a buzzing atmosphere attract a young crowd at Gogol. Head here for a quiet drink and a game of foosball during the week or join the packs of students for a rock gig at the weekend.
It may be an international chain, but somehow the Moscow branch manages to maintain its own flavor. Locals come for the pop-music classics, and Westerners stop by for a taste of home.
More than 200 drink options range from classics like the Long Island Iced Tea to more exotic but well-made local creations.
R&B and hip hop hits, live music, and hookah pipes make this club a popular night spot for expats and Russian alike. Lenient face control also helps bring in the crowds.
An easygoing but stylish clientele fills this café-bar. In the evenings, the staff pushes away the tables to create a small dance floor. Live music on the weekends is mostly indie-rock, but DJs through the week play an eclectic mix of pop, rock, reggae, and funk.
A black curtain to the right of the counter in a cheap eatery, Lucky Noodles, conceals an atmospheric underground boîte with chandeliers, a dance floor, and a creative assortment of cocktails.
Themed nights, daily happy hours, and disco music ensure there is always a party atmosphere at this lively club. Entrance is free during the week and expat nights are held every Wednesday.
This is probably the city's most reliable club for trendy, yet laid-back crowds and good DJs. It's the place to be on Thursday night. On Sunday night it turns into one of the city's most popular gay clubs.
This is the place to go for an authentic Irish pub atmosphere and a pint of Guinness. Wood-paneled walls, shamrocks, and tons of expatriates are enough to make even the weariest traveler feel at home.
A popular pub with a club upstairs, this spot serves its own home-brewed beer and hosts regular rock and indie gigs.
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