Visiting a banya is a quintessential Russian experience, one that restores health and rejuvenates body and soul.

Now that Moscow's Varshavskiye Bani bathhouse itself has been thoroughly restored and rejuvenated, the steam bath tradition has stepped up to a whole new level.

The makeover is thanks to the Ginza Project team, who have already made a name for themselves on the capital's restaurant scene, opening or revamping and reopening a whole series of eating and drinking establishments Once these establishments were transformed with Ginza's golden touch, they instantly became must-visit spots.

Now that Ginza has expanded its activities beyond cafes, bars, clubs and restaurants, banya-goers can look forward to state-of-the-art steaming. Novices can get acquainted with the Russian banya tradition in classical style, and everybody can experiment with international steam-bath variations.

Varshavskiye Bani - so named because of its location at 34 Varshavskoye Shosse in the city's south - is one of the city's oldest banyas, with a reputation for providing good steam. The newly spruced-up four-story building is fitted out with natural materials - wood, stone, ceramics - in a traditional banya style. The women's banya on the second floor is light, white and wholesome, while the separate banya for men on the third floor has a distinctly masculine style, with dark woods and all the accoutrements needed for macho banya-style socialising. Food and drinks can be ordered from the attached Shaika-Leika restaurant.

The fourth floor is a 24-hour Baths of the World complex, which visitors can rent out for a private banya party. Here you can try a Turkish bath, or hammam, among other international styles of washing and steaming.

A team of professional masseurs, washers and steam specialists will cater to your every whim; you can even choose the massage tool: a venik brush of oak, juniper, eucalyptus, wormwood, tansy or nettles.

The banya also offers a full range of beauty and spa treatments, massage, and various massage-plus-steaming combinations. Fancy a honey massage, aroma therapy, or a float in a float tank? This is the place to go!

Opening Times

Open Daily: 8:00am - 11:00pm