Ordinary walks in the park and run-of-the-mill dinners in restaurants no longer surprise anyone. If you really want to impress a girl, it’s important to think outside the box. Moscow offers hundreds of opportunities for those who appreciate style and atmosphere and know how to showcase their taste. Private yachts, dinners on the 100th floor, personalised tours, romantic evenings in boutique hotels — it’s easy to organise a date here that will be remembered for a long time to come.
To make the evening special, make sure you create a sense of warmth, exclusivity and luxury. And there’s no need to wait for a special occasion — sometimes the best time to celebrate is just an ordinary day.
Walks that leave a lasting impression
A standard stroll through central Moscow is all well and good, but if you want to make a real impression, choose more memorable routes.
The Floating Bridge in Zaryadye in the evening is one of the most spectacular ways to start the evening. You’ll walk over the river and see the city lights. It’s best to go closer to sunset, when the lights come on and the views become particularly atmospheric. It’s important to plan your walk in advance to avoid the crowds at the weekend.
An organised rooftop tour is far more interesting than visiting standard viewing platforms. There are several authorised routes in Moscow: historic mansions, modern skyscrapers, and unobstructed panoramic views of the Kremlin and high-rise buildings. Specialist agencies can help you arrange such a trip: you’ll need to book your place and choose the «golden hour» for sunset views well in advance.
A trip on a river tram along the Moskva River isn’t just a boring tourist excursion, but a proper romantic evening – provided you choose the right format. For example, hire a small private boat with dinner on board and a route taking you past the Kremlin, Zaryadye and Moscow City. The best time to go is in summer and early autumn, when the evenings are warm and there’s hardly any city noise on the water.
A short walk through the Vorobyovy Gory is a great option for anyone who wants to combine a gentle stroll with enjoying the beautiful views. You can round off the walk with a stop at the viewing platform and a light picnic: some good wine in glasses, cheese and a basket of fruit.
The most unusual places for a date
Want to surprise your girlfriend in such a way that she’ll be telling her friends all about the evening? Steer clear of the usual routes and opt for some unusual event ideas instead. For example, you could:
- To organise a dinner in the cellars of the old Moscow — not the most obvious idea, but certainly one that sticks in the mind. Some old cellars and catacombs have been converted into atmospheric venues restaurants. Soft lighting, centuries-old walls, a mysterious atmosphere — the perfect setting for a special evening for two.
- Taking a hot-air balloon ride over the Moscow Region — whether at dawn or dusk — is not just a trip, but a little adventure. It’s important to agree on the route and take-off time in advance, and to prepare a light snack with champagne to make the experience even more memorable.
- To go on a private art tour — some galleries and museums in Moscow organise private viewings for small groups or even just couples. Strolling through the exhibition without the crowds and discussing the paintings is far more romantic than simply going to restaurant.
- Set off on a night-time treasure hunt through the old Moscow — Private agencies organise intellectual treasure hunts that take you through historic backstreets, featuring riddles, searches for hidden artefacts and even actors. This format is ideal for those who enjoy a bit of excitement, but without anything too extreme.
- Take a limousine ride on a night-time tour Moscow — a classic itinerary which, when organised properly, turns into a wonderful adventure. Plan your stops: at the observation deck, at the Cathedral of Christ the Saviour, and on Red Square at night — to add a touch of romance and take some lovely photos.
The most expensive types of date
I’d like to do more than just create a beautiful evening, but to show her that you’d do anything for her? In Moscow There are plenty of options for this — if only you had the desire (and the budget). In particular, you could:
- Chartering a private yacht with a dinner prepared by a chef is one of the the very spectacular experiences. No tourist itineraries – just a private cruise along the Moskva River, dinner on deck and personalised service. The evening cruises are particularly impressive: the city lights are reflected in the water, and the music is played just for the two of you.
- Organise a dinner at the very one of the city’s highest points — when you want to impress visitors with both the view and the atmosphere. Restaurant «Russky» in Moscow City or Sixty on the 62nd floor — both options are suitable for evenings with a wow factor. It’s important to book a table by the window in advance and arrange for special tasting sets or a wine selection.
- Booking a suite in a boutique hotel with a private spa area is another way to make a date special. Hotels such as the Four Seasons, Ararat Park Hyatt or St. Regis offer not just a room, but a fully-fledged space for privacy: a jacuzzi, a view of the Kremlin, and breakfast in bed. The perfect way to round off a romantic date.
- Organising a private film screening is a rare but very memorable experience. Some cinemas and arts venues in Moscow allow you to hire the cinema for just the two of you: with a film of your choice, champagne and dinner served right in your seats. The best a way of showing that the meeting has been planned down to the last detail.
- Booking a private play or musical performance is the ultimate in personalisation. Intimate theatres and music studios organise short plays, concerts or «turnkey» performances especially for you as a couple. It’s not a mass-market idea, but that’s precisely what makes it so special.
Moscow’s best VIP restaurants for a gourmet date
If you’re looking not just for a delicious meal, but also for an experience that impresses with its atmosphere, service and the quality of the food — choose restaurants that are an event in their own right.
«Beluga» (the «National» Hotel)
Caviar, champagne, fine wines and signature Russian cuisine, all set against the backdrop of the Kremlin. The restaurant serves the finest caviar in Russia and offers gastronomic set menus accompanied by a sommelier.
Feature: separate rooms for private dinners.
«Russky» (Moscow City, 85th floor)
Height: 354 metres above Moscow. Original takes on Russian cuisine: borscht with crab, venison with northern berries, tasting menus with views of the sprawling metropolis.
Feature: Evening live music concerts, VIP areas with unobstructed panoramic views.
Sixty (Moscow City, 62nd floor)
One of the very high restaurants Europe, stylish presentation of European cuisine and «dancing windows» that open high up during the warmer months. Perfect place for dates with a subtle touch of cosmopolitanism.
Feature: special set menus for romantic occasions evenings.
White Rabbit
Ranked among the top 50 restaurants the world. Vladimir Mukhin’s cuisine — a gastronomic journey through traditional Russian ingredients in the very unexpected forms.
Feature: Signature tasting menus and a private wine tasting led by a personal sommelier.
Turbina (Moscow City)
Restaurant with an intimate atmosphere, minimalist décor and gourmet set menus based on seasonal produce. The focus is on sophistication, simplicity and the quality of every detail.
Feature: The head chef’s ‘Blind Menu’ dinners are entirely improvised.
O2 Lounge by Genesis (The Ritz-Carlton)
A rooftop terrace with views of the Kremlin, Asian cuisine with a premium Japanese twist, and champagne from the hotel’s private collection. Magnificent place To begin with evenings with a light cocktail and dinner as the sun sets.
Feature: a dedicated VIP area with fully personalised service.
On the perfect date, the most important thing is to get a feel for the girl’s mood and choose an idea that will make the evening special. The capital has absolutely everything you need for this: you can go for a yacht ride, organise a dinner with a view of the city, or choose a cosy restaurant or plan a walk through some beautiful places.
