Russia is not only the majestic palaces of St. Petersburg and the skyscrapers of Moscow. A true journey begins where you can immerse yourself in the everyday life of locals: taste dishes made from fresh products at an ancient market, relax in the legendary Russian banya, or find a unique gift in a historic delicatessen. For guests from Gulf countries, Russia opens up a special world—coolness after hot summer, halal-friendly service, and cultural experiences that simply cannot be found at home.

Russian Banya: Introduction Without Extremes

The banya is not just a steam room, but a centuries-old tradition of Russian hospitality. However, for those not accustomed to intense heat, there is a «light» format: gentle steam, aromatic tea with honey and fruits, and a relaxing atmosphere. Many premium banya complexes offer private rooms where you can preset a comfortable temperature and spend time with family or friends.

Vorontsovskie Bani in the center of Moscow combines the elegance of a European spa with Russian traditions: there is a Russian steam room, a Turkish hammam, and its own restaurant. For guests experiencing a banya for the first time, the staff can arrange a gentle mode without extreme steam.

Krasnopresnenskie Bani is a historic club with a modern spa area, ideal for the «banya + tea + fruits» format in a private setting. In St. Petersburg, it’s worth visiting Degtyarnye Bani—a luxurious complex with separate men’s and women’s sections and the ability to arrange a comfortable temperature regime in advance.

Markets: Russian-Style Abundance

Food markets are the soul of any city. In Russia, they amaze with their variety: mountains of seasonal fruits and berries, the freshest fish and seafood, honey from apiaries, homemade cheeses, and spices. This is a place where you can not only buy products but also feel the rhythm of local life.

Danilovsky Market in Moscow is a modern space combining traditional trading rows with a trendy food court. The concept will remind Gulf guests of familiar gastronomic malls, but with a unique Russian flavor. Dorogomilovsky Market is a classic of Moscow trade: fresh fruits, nuts, and delicacies that perfectly complement tea time after the banya.

In St. Petersburg, Vasileostrovsky Market combines food stalls with modern cafes where you can try Georgian, Uzbek, and Vietnamese cuisine. And Sennoy Market is an immersion in the authentic «like the locals» atmosphere, without tourist gloss.

Halal-Friendly Cuisine: Flavors That Unite

Russia is a multinational country where Islamic traditions have been present for centuries. This is also reflected in gastronomy: plov, shashlik, lagman, manti—dishes familiar to Gulf guests are prepared here with a local flavor. In 2023, the Russian government introduced a national halal certification standard, and more and more restaurants and hotels are receiving appropriate certificates.

Chaikhona No. 1 on Novy Arbat is a popular place with a halal menu, serving plov, shashlik, and aromatic soups in an Eastern lounge format. It’s easy to gather with a large family for tea and hookah here. Baku Restaurant offers Caucasian-Azerbaijani cuisine with live music—a bridge between the familiar flavors of the Gulf and Russian hospitality.

In St. Petersburg, Kazan Mangal introduces guests to the Tatar and Caucasian motifs of Russian gastronomy: grilled meat, fresh flatbreads, and an atmosphere that tells about the diversity of Russian cultures. And «Mesopotamia» on Arbat is a meeting of the Middle East and Moscow in one menu.

Edible Souvenirs and Gifts with History

What to bring from Russia? In addition to the famous matryoshkas and painted boxes, there is a special category—gastronomic souvenirs. Jam from northern berries, honey from Altai apiaries, handmade chocolate, and traditional sweets will make an exquisite gift for loved ones.

Yeliseyev Brothers’ Store on Nevsky Prospekt in St. Petersburg is not just a shop, but a palace of gastronomy with a history of more than 120 years. Luxurious interiors with stucco molding and gilding, showcases with desserts and delicacies—here the process of shopping itself becomes an experience. Moscow’s Yeliseyevsky on Tverskaya Street opened in 1901 and still preserves the atmosphere of merchant Moscow.

For those seeking a contrast between luxury and folk flavor, Apraksin Dvor in St. Petersburg offers inexpensive local souvenirs and the real atmosphere of a city market.

Where to Stay: Hotels That Organize Experiences

More and more Russian hotels are adapting to the needs of guests from Muslim countries: halal menus, Mecca direction indicators in rooms, prayer rugs, and attentive staff familiar with the principles of Islamic hospitality. The concierge service of premium hotels will help organize a private banya, a gastronomic tour of markets, or dinner at a halal restaurant.

The Vizit Russia service is ready to become your guide to the world of Russian traditions: from visa processing to hotel booking and organizing individual tours. Save the list of places from this article in your personal account—and your journey will begin with a well-thought-out plan.

Start Your Journey with Vizit Russia

Arrange your visa—simple online registration with support at every stage
Book a hotel—a selection of halal-friendly options from boutique to five-star
Order a tour—individual itineraries tailored to your preferences: banyas, markets, restaurants, and more

Russia awaits you—discover it with those who know every detail.