Do you want something extremely local? Visit a public bathhouse! I used to visit Chkalovsky bathhouse once a week, it’s the one closest to my house.
I take my slippers, towels and accessories for washing, scrubs and masks for body care. I also buy an oak besom at the bathhouse (200 rubles) and plunge it into some cold water. I warm up at the sweat lodge (it’s really hot! perfect!), take a cold shower, wash myself and take a steam with the besom. And afterwards I rest and drink herbal tea. I feel myself as good as new!
Important:
– Men’s & women’s compartments are separated.
– The bathhouse staff doesn’t speak English! If you don’t speak Russian, it’s reasonable to visit this place with Russian-speaking friends.
There’s also a sauna, but only at men’s compartment.
Prices for visiting the sweat lodge:
60 – 250 rubles for 1.5 hours, depending on the day:
Mon and Tue – 60 rubles;
Friday – 150 rubles;
Sat & Sun – 250 rubles.
The bathhouse was built in 1931 and rebuilt in 1936. Its style is Soviet constructivism. I recommend you study the building from different angles, it’s remarkable!
