Upon discovering the rejuvenating magic of a banya for the first time in 2022, of course, I had to experience one in Russia. While the locals nowadays often see it as a luxury rather than a social activity, the banya remains an essential part of Russian culture. So, during my trip to Russia in 2024, I made sure to visit the legendary banya called Sanduny Baths in Moscow!
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Banya Information and Location in Moscow
Now a cultural and architectural landmark, Sandunovskie Baths or Sanduny Banya is the most famous public bathhouse in Moscow. Opened in 1808, it was renowned for its grandeur and opulent architecture. Based on records, it was frequented by Russian nobility, including Leo Tolstoy and Alexander Pushkin, yet remained accessible to the general public.
Today, Sanduny Banya continues to operate as a public bathhouse and is conveniently located near the State Historical Museum and the Bolshoi Theater. The nearest metro station is Trubnaya, from which it's just a 10-minute walk to the bathhouse.
Upon arrival, you will find multiple entrances dedicated to the banya's tier system, historically based on social classes, and as follows:
- Highest Male - The most impressive category where the museum tours are held.
- Second-Highest Male - A toned-down section of the highest category designed for relaxation.
- First Male - A modest section focused on steaming and resting.
- Men's Comfort+ - A newly designed ergonomic space featuring a library and relaxing music.
- Higher Women's - The only section dedicated to women.
The entrance to the women's section is on the left side of the building, past the restaurant when facing the main entrance. Facilities available for women are:
- Lockers and Vanity Area
- Shower & Washing Area
- Russian Banya
- Ice plunge pool (fits 2-3 persons at a time)
- Cafe & Restaurant
Additionally, Sanduny Orient is located on a higher floor, separated from the banya area. This section offers various wellness services such as massages, nail services, body waxing, and cosmetic treatments.
Banya Entry Cost
During my visit in September 2024, I paid a total of 7,350 RUB.
This included a two-hour entrance ticket, a waxing session, and the use of towels, robes, and slippers. While I don't remember the exact breakdown of the other costs, the entrance ticket alone was 3,300 RUB for two hours. If you stay longer, an additional fee will apply.
For any price change(s), please check directly with Sanduny Baths on their website.
Inside Sanduny Baths in Moscow
Initially, I considered booking a tour to see the luxurious section of the bathhouse with my own eyes. Unfortunately, with prices ranging from $140 to $200, it was way out of my budget. I was left with no option but to enter the women's section instead.
Upon arrival, I stepped through the main entrance, hoping to get a glimpse of the grandeur inside. Intricate details with marble stairs left and right surrounded me, but before I took it all in, I was quickly directed to the women's entrance. Apparently, the main entrance was for men only.
At the women's section, I was welcomed with an equally stunning, intricately designed ceilingβa beautiful introduction to the experience ahead.
A beautiful woman assisted me despite our language barrierβmy limited Russian and her limited English. But when she found out that I was from the Philippines, she excitedly showed me pictures of herself diving in Cebu. A fun little connection!
She then handed me my robe, towels, and slippers. She even told me to keep the slippers as a souvenir. Wow, that's a first!
I stepped into the washing hall and headed straight to the banya. After a few minutes, I cooled off with a dip in the ice plunge pool, which was also in the washing area. After repeating this cycle a few times, for some reason, I started feeling...bored. There wasn't much left for me to explore, so I decided to go for a waxing session instead.
Less than two hours later, I left Sanduny Baths, wrapping up my banya experience in the most famous bathhouse in Moscow.
Banya Verdict:
With Russia's rising inflation and the high cost of living in Moscow, I understand that visiting a banyaβespecially one as renowned as Sanduny Bathsβcomes at a price.
That said, I had mixed feelings about just how SMALL the women's section was. Considering the size of the building, there are four sections dedicated to men, yet only one for women, which, according to the website, can only accommodate 65 people.
There was only one Russian banya, one ice plunge pool, a few showers in the washing area, a small corner with a handful of tables for the body scrubs and peeling treaments. Even the Sanduny Orient on the upper floor had only a few rooms and that was it.
From the photo above, what you see behind is the entire locker area. To the right (behind the wooden locker on my right) is the restaurantβwhich you have to pass through to get to the washing area. I found that setup quite odd. I've seen something similar at Arasan Wellness & Spa Complex in Almaty, but at least there, they had a separate entrance for those who didn't want to go through the restaurant. Plus, Arasan was much bigger and had equal facilities for both men and women.
Overall, a banya session is still a banya session and I left feeling refreshed. But for the price, I'd probably look for another banya in Moscow with newer and better facilities. If I were a man with access to the more uxurious section, I'd probably appreciate it a lot more. If also given a chance to tour the luxurious men's section at an affordable price, I'd take it in a heartbeat. But that's about it, sorry!
Related Banya Experiences:
Last but not least, if you're looking for a truly social banya experience, I'd recommend trying one in Bishkek or Almaty instead. Check out these spots for a more authentic and budget-friendly soak!
- Almaty, Kazakhstan: Arasan Wellness & Spa Complex (my favorite!)
- Bishkek, Kyrgyzstan: Garden Spa, Bath of Aphrodite by Baytur, & Zhirgal Banya
