What To See Do And Eat At Patriarch Ponds Moscow's Soho

Patriarch Ponds, located in the heart of Moscow in Tverskoy District, is named after the famous Russian Patriarch Ioakim, who lived and worked there. It is a modern-day Russian Soho with many expensive apartments, gourmet restaurants, fancy boutiques and other interesting things. Here’s what to see and do at Patriarch Ponds.

Take a walk near the pond

Patriarch Ponds is also famous because of Mikhail Bulgakov’s novel ‘The Master and Margarita’. Bulgakov lived in this neighbourhood as a child and was inspired to write a book about it. The first three chapters of the book take place at the northern part of the pond when the Devil arrives and predicts the death of Mr. Berlioz, who is smoking and reading on a bench near the pond. Even now you may find the bench located in the same place described in the book. Usually there’s a huge queue to take a picture there, but you may find it enjoyable to read Bulgakov’s book while you wait to sit on the bench.
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Have a breakfast at NUDE coffee and wine bar

Cafe, Coffee Shop, Bar, Wine Bar, Russian, Coffee

Nude coffee and wine bar is a beloved breakfast and brunch spot among locals. It’s always full. Nice music is always playing. And an extensive menu offers a vast choice of salads, coffee drinks, local and imported wines and traditional Russian dinners. Yummy!

Visit Sakharok jewellery shop

Store

Sakharok jewellery shop, founded by one of Moscow’s young entrepreneurs Svetlana Efremova, is a favourite among many local women. Sakharok is a small shop on the top floor of an old apartment near the ponds, and it offers a wide range of classic and contemporary jewellery, produced by young Russian and international designers. Each piece is chosen under the supervision of Svetlana and has quality stones and metals. Each piece is unique, so you can be sure you won’t find it anywhere else. Surprisingly, the prices are affordable, hence the crowds.

Grab a cocktail at Keanu after 8 pm

So many cocktails, so little time. To have the best Russian experience, spend an evening at Keanu. They have many different drinks, from sparkling wines to the best vodka based cocktails around. Just say what you are craving, and the bartenders will serve up a dream in a glass.

Visit 'Gorod-Sad' minimarket

Grocery Store, Grocery Store

To feel more like a local, you should go where locals go. One of these places is an organic bio supermarket called ‘Gorod-Sad’. And if you’re a fan of healthy fresh food, supplements, organic vegetables, berries, fruits and farm grown natural products, you’re in the right place. Offering a wide variety of goods and products like home-baked bread and nourishing fruit drinks, ‘Gorod-Sad’ is Patriarch Ponds’ unique grocery store. Its friendly atmosphere will make your visit special and you’ll find yourself thinking about coming back.

About the author

Yulia S.

Contributor / Journalist

Yulia was born and raised in Moscow, Russia but it didn't take long for her to move to Milan, Italy back in 2011 because of her passion for arts, culture, fashion & travel. Yulia is a travel expert, photographer, observer and all time traveler, she speaks fluently 3 languages and passionate about everything she does for living.