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Luzhniki Aquatic Complex, Moscow
I've been to some cool water parks in my time, but the Luzhniki Aquatic Complex in Moscow takes the cake. This place is a must-visit for anyone who loves water sports and recreation. The Moscow Aquatic Complex is a top destination in the city, offering a range of activities for all ages and skill levels, including swimming, kayaking, and more. Whether you're a local or just visiting, it's a great spot to enjoy the water and have some fun in the sun. You can spend hours here, trying your hand at different sports or just lounging by the pool.
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My Aquatics Complex Luzhniki Experience: A Water Park with Its Ups and Downs
summarizeEditor's Summary
I spent a scorching hot day at Aquatics Complex Luzhniki near the Vorobyovy Gory metro station, and it was a wild ride. The place was packed, both with people and sunbeds. I'm still trying to process the experience, but here's the lowdown. The crowds were overwhelming, making it tough to find a spot to swim or lounge on a sunbed. The layout of the showers and changing rooms was confusing, leading to some frustrating moments. The ticket line was ridiculously long, and the staff seemed overwhelmed by the sheer number of people. The water was a bit too cold for my taste, which was a bummer considering the heat outside. Despite these issues, there were some highlights – the outdoor pool was a refreshing escape from the heat, and the individual changing rooms provided a sense of privacy in a crowded space. The interior design was gorgeous, with a sleek and modern aesthetic that added to the overall ambiance. The number of water slides was impressive, offering something for every thrill-seeker. The wristband system made it easy to track my time and avoid any confusion at the ticket booth. The temperature inside the complex was comfortable, making it easy to spend hours lounging around.
I recently visited the Aquatics Complex Luzhniki near the Vorobyovy Gory metro station, and I'm still trying to process the experience. To be honest, I'd been wanting to go for ages, but it wasn't until July that I finally made it – on a scorching hot day, no less. I thought I'd be able to chill out on a weekday afternoon, but boy was I wrong! The place was absolutely packed. If you're looking to swim, forget it – you'll be lucky to get a spot. And if you want to lounge on the sunbeds, good luck finding an empty one. So, let's get to the reason I even bother visiting water parks: relaxation, warm water, and shallow pools. I'm not a fan of the water slides, but I figured I'd give them a try to be objective and cover everything.
I stepped out of the metro and was there in just one minute – more like, I was stuck in line at the ticket booth. When I bought my ticket, I had to scan my wristband at the reader, and that's when my time started. I opted for the 3-hour pass.
I walked out with my bag open, clutching my receipt and stuff... but there were no benches to be found. On the plus side, they had individual changing rooms, and they worked like a charm!
As it turns out, there were benches and hooks to hang your stuff.
Talk about a relief – I could finally put my stuff down and relax for a bit.
I love that I can just walk right up to the lockers instead of waiting in line.
The instructions for use are super clear, so I didn't have to call for help at all.
I decided to take a few pics first, then stash my phone in the locker – there are plenty of free ones available, so I just grabbed one and went. Note that the lockers are pretty small, so wear a swimsuit that's easy to slip on and off!
There are elevators, so you don't have to run up and down the stairs:
But the showers? No doors! I was in there with my hair all wet, and a guy with a Middle Eastern accent walked in with his kids – he looked around, realized his mistake, and left. But still, it was a bit awkward for me, since I was basically naked at the time... The showers either don't work or you have to press the button every 5 seconds. I ended up washing my hair for ages, and I don't even have super thick hair!
I visited the spa on the first floor, but I'll write a separate review about the fish pedicure later. The kids' spa suits were a nice touch:
Unfortunately, I found it hard to take photos without people in them. I overheard one cashier telling another, 'We've already had 400 visitors, the water park is packed, and they just keep coming!'
The staff were already throwing towels wherever they could, it was chaos:
The wave pool was a highlight:
I tried to swim in the wave pool, but it was either a kid splashing water in my face or an adult knocking me over. Let's just say I got a lot of water up my nose...
Our water park for the little ones has a major flaw: it's just too small.
But the hills were sturdy, no leaks at the seams, and not a single sign of rust.
We also built another water park with an outdoor exit.
You can even buy snacks.
But there were some pretty inconvenient breaks. I get it, but breaks for ice cream and snacks at the same time? Not ideal.
Once they finish this location, I'm sure it'll be just as crowded as the others.
I loved the loungers – they were so comfy!
The aqua complex is seriously huge!
I managed to do a bit of swimming in the pool, but there were loads of people and it got pretty chaotic. I saw some people zooming around on these inflatable rafts, holding on to each other for dear life – it was hilarious!
The thermal baths were way too hot for me, I couldn't even sit there for a minute. But there was one area that was really cool – it was like an old fridge, where snow would fall from the ceiling and freeze instantly. It was so cool, but again, it was super crowded.
There were loads of drinks available – I was spoiled for choice!
And the food options were amazing – I was in heaven!
I've been making a lot of different dishes on this thing – salads, sushi rolls, pancakes, sandwiches, burgers, and pastries. It's been a real game-changer for meal prep.
One thing I love about this appliance is how easy it is to pay for it. You can use the payment terminal on the device, and then just swipe your card or pay with cash when you're done.
From the second floor, you can see the first floor pretty clearly.
I've been checking out the joints where the pipes connect, but so far, I haven't found any issues.
It's pretty rare to see a worker in any of these photos:
And honestly, there's usually no one around:
I was really impressed with the indoor pools – they're nice and cool, and you can even get a membership to use them. There weren't many people around, which was great.
Here are a few snaps I took from the third floor:
They've got all sorts of treatments available, including massages, peels, and wraps:
And, fun fact, after a sauna session, you can even pour a bucket of cold water over yourself – talk about a shock!
Or, if you're feeling fancy, you can just hop under the shower to rinse off.
And, let me tell you, there's no shortage of water on the floor – the staff are always busy with their mop and bucket, keeping the place spick and span.
The artificial flowers were dusty and hadn't been cleaned in ages. I was really looking forward to seeing them in better shape.
I wasn't able to use this attraction because it was way too crowded. I mean, I've seen some busy places in my time, but this was something else.
The safes were a nice touch. They had little compartments for storing your valuables, and even a fish tank for some added entertainment.
The staff had thoughtfully included things like safes, fish tanks, food, drinks, plenty of loungers, an outdoor pool, a lazy river, and loads of water slides. Plus, the water was warm and safe. I mean, it's not the staff's fault that it was so busy, but it was impossible to relax with so many people around.
By the way, the outdoor pool was open to everyone – you just had to push the curtains aside and you were in. But of course, the fact that there was a huge queue both in front of and behind me was a bit of a giveaway that this place was super popular.
I'd give it 4 stars.
I tried out the slow river pool, visited the outdoor pool (but couldn't swim there), checked out the wave pool (but left quickly because it was too crowded and I got splashed), hung out in the regular and horizontal hot tubs, visited the snowfall sauna, and had some sushi rolls at the cafe and got a fish pedicure.
THE HIGHLIGHTS:
👍 Nice interior design
👍 Safe environment
👍 The cafe
👍 The fish pedicure
👍 The outdoor pool
👍 The slow river pool
👍 The wave pool
👍 The safe deposit boxes
👍 Tons of water slides
👍 There's a lift
👍 Comfortable indoor temperature
👍 Warm water
👍 Shallow pools
👍 Clocks everywhere, super convenient for keeping track of time
😞 Way too many broken shower heads
😞 Way too many people
😞 I was really disappointed with the layout of the changing rooms and showers.
😞 And to make matters worse, the fans weren't working – which I should've expected on a hot day like that!
I'd give it 4 stars and would still recommend visiting, but be prepared for long lines everywhere – even to get into the outdoor pool. Just a heads up, you can only stand and walk slowly there – no swimming.
Thanks for reading, friends!
live_helpFeatured FAQ
Is Aquatics Complex Luzhniki worth visiting?
It depends on what you're looking for. If you're a fan of crowded water parks and don't mind fighting for a spot, then it might be worth your while. However, if you're looking for a relaxing experience, you might want to consider a different option.
How long does it take to get in and out of the complex?
Be prepared to wait in line for tickets, and factor in some extra time to account for the crowds. I spent around 20 minutes waiting to get in, and another 10 minutes to get out.
Are the water slides worth trying?
If you're a thrill-seeker, then yes – the water slides are definitely worth a try. However, if you're not a fan of intense water rides, you might want to stick to the pool or other activities.
Can I bring my own food and drinks?
Unfortunately, outside food and drinks are not allowed inside the complex. However, there are plenty of vendors and cafes within the complex that offer a range of options.
Is the complex accessible for people with disabilities?
As far as I could tell, the complex was relatively accessible for people with disabilities. However, I didn't notice any specific accommodations or services specifically designed for people with disabilities.
Can I buy tickets online or is it only available at the ticket booth?
I'm not sure if online ticket sales are available, but I did see a sign indicating that you can buy tickets at the ticket booth. It's worth checking ahead of time to confirm.
Are there any lockers or storage facilities available?
Yes, there are individual lockers available for rent, as well as some storage facilities for larger items. However, be aware that these may fill up quickly, especially during peak hours.
Can I bring my kids to the complex?
Absolutely – the complex is a great place to bring the whole family. There are plenty of shallow pools and activities designed specifically for kids.
check_circlePros
- •The outdoor pool was a highlight for me, offering a refreshing escape from the heat.
- •The individual changing rooms were a welcome surprise, providing a sense of privacy in a crowded space.
- •The interior design was gorgeous, with a sleek and modern aesthetic that added to the overall ambiance.
- •The number of water slides was impressive, offering something for every thrill-seeker.
- •The temperature inside the complex was comfortable, making it easy to spend hours lounging around.
- •The wristband system made it easy to track my time and avoid any confusion at the ticket booth.
cancelCons
- •The crowds were overwhelming, making it difficult to find a spot to swim or lounge on a sunbed.
- •The layout of the showers and changing rooms was confusing, leading to some frustrating moments.
- •The ticket line was ridiculously long, and the staff seemed overwhelmed by the sheer number of people.
- •The water was a bit too cold for my taste, which was a bummer considering the heat outside.
- •The sunbeds were scarce, and I had to fight for a spot – not exactly the relaxing experience I was hoping for.
- •The 3-hour pass felt a bit rushed, especially considering how long it took to get in and out of the complex.
