Apr 6, 2025

Clean Ponds Moscow

The place with the gripping name

""Clean Ponds" is quite a famous place in Moscow and with a history. Despite how popular it is, I can call it my favorite green oasis in the megalopolis."

Clean Ponds is quite a famous place in Moscow. It's in the center of the city, located near a number of famous cafes and restaurants, shops and office buildings. Despite its popularity and noisiness, I can call it my favorite green oasis in the megalopolis.

Every time I get to Clean Ponds and I draw in a breath of fresh air in the trees' shade, I am carried back several centuries and remember the history of this place. Actually, now there is only one pond. Before there were more of them and, according to one of the versions, there used to be a slaughterhouse nearby and waste from it would be dumped in the ponds.

Over time they were cleaned and from "nasty ponds" they were turned into Clean Ponds. However, there is the opinion that the ponds have every chance to become dirty again.

Walking on the Chistoprudny boulevard, I am reminded of scenes from famous films which were shot near the ponds: "Walking the Streets of Moscow " (1963) and "The Meeting Place Can't Be Changed" (1979).

By the way, there is a cozy restaurant exactly next to the pond. You can sense the smells from the kitchen around it, and in the warm season it is possible to ride on a catamaran in the pond.

017-plant-1
Relaxing

About this spot

Chistoprudnyy bulvar

RUB

free

Find your way with 134 Insider Tips from our Local Spotters

Discover hidden gems and all our locals’ favourites! Get full access to our Moscow guide.

Nice place right!? There’s so much more to discover:

Discover all other hidden gems in Moscow

Dizengof99

Perfect Israeli breakfast

"Dizengof99" is an amazing Israeli restaurant that doesn't get exhausted on hummus and falafel. You have to try the breakfast - ideally for two!

021-spoon-and-fork-1
Restaurants
024-burger-1
Snacks

by

Maria

Selezneva

Apr 24, 2025

Danilovsky Food Market

The one and only

The popular "Danilovsky Food Market" which has existed in Moscow was recently renovated and now it follows European standards: it's become a foodie heaven!

020-coffee-cup-1
Coffee & tea
021-spoon-and-fork-1
Restaurants
024-burger-1
Snacks

by

Maria

Selezneva

Apr 24, 2025

Arma Art Cluster

Former gas plant

"Arma Art Cluster" in Moscow is a cool gentrified cluster built on old gas holders. Here's a tip: come on the weekend to enjoy it with fewer people around!

002-building
Art & culture
028-beach-bar-1
Bars
017-plant-1
Relaxing

by

Maria

Selezneva

Apr 24, 2025

Pita&Souvlaki

Greek tavern

I'm obsessed with Greek food, and after looking far and wide in Moscow, "Pita&Suvlaki" has become my favorite... I really like their chicken souvlaki!

021-spoon-and-fork-1
Restaurants
024-burger-1
Snacks

by

Maria

Selezneva

Apr 24, 2025

Gorka Park

A piece of Brooklyn

"Gorka Park" is a recently renovated park in Moscow that feels like a little piece of Brooklyn! Grab a coffee and a croissant and enjoy the atmosphere...

017-plant-1
Relaxing

by

Maria

Selezneva

Apr 24, 2025

Novaya Basmannaya Street

Full of mansions

"Novaya Basmannaya Street" in Moscow is a street with plenty of impressive mansions! My favorite building on is the Shibaevs' Estate...

017-plant-1
Relaxing

by

Maria

Selezneva

Apr 24, 2025

The Fountain of Arts

Oasis of inspiration

"The Fountain of Arts" in Moscow is a fountain inaugurated in 2006. I really recommend you visit it after Tretyakov Gallery - you'll get inspired!

002-building
Art & culture
017-plant-1
Relaxing

by

Maria

Selezneva

Apr 20, 2025

Moscow City

Moscow's skyscrapers

"Moscow City" is the city's very own skyscraper district. Here you can find everything that makes life in the big city fun and interesting...

020-coffee-cup-1
Coffee & tea
021-spoon-and-fork-1
Restaurants
026-thrift-shop-1
Shopping

by

Maria

Selezneva

Apr 20, 2025

Shabolovka Street

Oasis of peace

"Shabolovka Street" is one of my favorite parts of Moscow. Maybe it's because of the atmosphere, Danilovsky Food Market nearby or the radio tower...

020-coffee-cup-1
Coffee & tea
017-plant-1
Relaxing
026-thrift-shop-1
Shopping

by

Maria

Selezneva

Apr 20, 2025

RAoS Viewpoint

Get close to the golden brains

"RAoS Viewpoint" isn't the highest or most spectacular in Moscow, but the views you get here are definitely the most Instagram-worthy...

017-plant-1
Relaxing

by

Natalia

Stepanova

Apr 19, 2025

Bro.We

Come for a coffee, stay for a movie club

"Bro.We" is a small cafe in Moscow with excellent coffee and the people who work there are amazing. I started going there even if it's out of my way...

020-coffee-cup-1
Coffee & tea

by

Natalia

Stepanova

Apr 19, 2025

Aquarium Garden

"Theatrical oasis"

"Aquarium Garden" in Moscow takes me back to the pre-revolutionary era. You can find playbills and beautiful fountains and arches deep in the garden...

017-plant-1
Relaxing

by

Irina

Rakhmanova

Apr 18, 2025

Heading to Moscow?

134 Insider Tips from our local Spotters

Authentic Stories by Real People

Escape the Crowd & Travel Slow 🐌

... for just €9.99

0 Insider Tips from our local Spotters

134 Insider Tips

✓ Escape the Crowds

✓ Find Spots nearby

✓ Authentic Stories

... for just €9.99

App Download Download our app

City guides by those who know the city in and out!

Our Locals' Favorite Moscow

Our team loves Moscow

Get to know our other Spotters from Moscow

As featured on:

New-York-Times
the-guardian
mashable
the-sunday-times
false
0
false
7301
Filters