Banyas, spas and massage

The banya is the Russian version of the sauna. For some, it is a social event, to be enjoyed with friends and much drinking. For others, including some of the city’s communal-flat residents who don’t have showers at home, this is the normal way to wash. For this reason, banyas come in all shapes and sizes. Communal banyas have large rooms with showers, hot rooms and places to chill out and get dressed. Banyas usually have male and female sections, or alternate between men and women’s days. Private banyas are when you get a group of friends together and split the cost of a small banya between you. This can be a lot of fun. Don’t forget to pick up some birch leaves, on the way, to beat yourself and your friends with.