Entertainment in Russia
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A
Kafe Randevu
Good for a nightcap, the 'Rendezvous' has large glass windows, indoor street lamps, and a uniquely relaxed atmosphere. Occasional DJ nights are staged. The entrance is actually on pr Marksa.
reviewed
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B
The Other Side
There’s live music most nights at this fun and funky bar as well as decent food (mains R200 to R500), but most people turn up to enjoy the seven beers on tap and other alcoholic libations.
reviewed
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C
Zabriskie Point
Attached to the rear of the Hotel Amursky Zaliv, Zabriskie is Vladivostok’s main rock and jazz club. Live music from 11pm every night but Monday. Pricey, but not without character.
reviewed
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D
FM-Art Kafe
This large student-oriented basement beneath the Philharmonia isn’t really arty but each evening the theme varies wildly: jazz, chess, folk, iPod-battles… could be anything.
reviewed
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E
Beer Pub
This watering hole is as no-nonsense as its name, serving only beer at two tables and two stools in the former gatehouse to the building beyond. Located around the corner from Mig 24.
reviewed
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Bashkir Opera & Ballet Theatre
The theatre where Rudolf Nureyev took his first steps en pointe still ranks highly with Russian musical experts. There is a small museum dedicated to the great dancer on the premises.
reviewed
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Sibirskaya Korona
A noisy bar popular with local office workers on Fridays. Serves only Sibirskaya Korona beer (light, dark and nonfiltered), plus a selection of Russian and European snacks and meals.
reviewed
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F
Malibu
A sprawling open-air spot that throbs to the sound of DJ-spun music while the moon casts a silvery path over the ocean. Often draws huge Russian pop acts like Mumiy Trol and Zemfira.
reviewed
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G
Philharmonia
As well acclaimed for its vibrant program of mostly classical music (October to May), the Philharmonia also organises a two-week festival of open-air concerts at the Kremlin (June).
reviewed
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H
Illuzion Cinema
The location inside one of Stalin’s Seven Sisters is appropriate for the repertoire, which focuses on old-school Soviet films, including some that were stolen by the Nazis.
reviewed
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I
Tinkoff
Below the Winter Theatre, this brewery-restaurant rises up from the sea embankment as a three-storey monument to the new Sochi. In summer bands play on the top-floor open terrace.
reviewed
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J
Fregat
This venue caters to a slightly older crowd with live bands or DJs playing mostly classic Soviet and Russian rock. Consistently happening and can get downright crazy on occasion.
reviewed
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K
Wiener Café
Alluring coffee house with marble-top tables, Parisian-bar chairs and sepia photos. Reasonably priced pastries and freshly prepared porridge make this a great breakfast retreat.
reviewed
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L
Russian National Dance Show
The Kostroma Dance Company puts on quite a show, with 50 performers, dozens of ensembles and 300 costumes. It amounts to a history of Russian song and dance. Summer months only.
reviewed
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Cafe Shepot
A more bohemia type of place, Cafe Shepot has live music most nights. As the name suggests, you can have a latte here, but most people opt for stronger drinks.
reviewed
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M
SevenSkyBar
Hyper-fashionable DJ bar atop the Grand Palace mall, SevenSkyBar acts like a magnet for the city’s body beautiful crowd at weekends, when there’s a R400 cover charge after 10pm.
reviewed
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N
Three Musketeers
This stylish basement club has a wide range of entertainment options, including pool tables, dance floor, live music and - for better or for worse - male and female striptease.
reviewed
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O
Bar Chemodan
A wonderfully atmospheric, if fiercely expensive, 1920s-themed pub-restaurant stocking dozens of whiskies. The stair lift outside is for both the disabled and the inebriated.
reviewed
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P
Silver’s
Silver’s is a pocket-sized Irish pub a short jig from the Kremlin, typically filled to the hilt with smoke and all variety of English-speaking expat.
reviewed
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Q
Cuba Libre
A convivial drinking den where you can chat to friendly bartenders and other visitors while sipping Kazan’s best mojitos. Wild Latin dancing may erupt at any moment.
reviewed
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R
Bierhaus
Upmarket Bavarian-style bierstube (beer hall with heavy wooden furniture) serving Newcastle Brown and Guinness as well as German beers and sausages. English menu.
reviewed
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S
Decadance
Think you have what it takes to rub shoulders with St Pete’s bold and beautiful clubbing glitterati? Then front up to the face control at this self-important lounge club.
reviewed
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T
Sixteen Tons
Downstairs, the brassy English pub-restaurant has an excellent house-brewed bitter. Upstairs, the club gets some of the best local and foreign bands that play in Moscow.
reviewed
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U
Spartak
Lavished with soccer memorabilia, the football theme of this pub-style sports bar stretches as far as the hooligans’ welcome from offensively humourless bouncers.
reviewed
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Trash & Glam
Trash & Glam ‘All night doggery’ promises this club, a meeting place for Tomsk’s rockers and indie kids. Cover charge for gigs.
reviewed