While Moscow and its historic buildings offer numerous must-see sites, the Russian capital will also surprise you with its unusual activities and sometimes incredible experiences. Driving a tank, experiencing weightlessness or descending into the depths of a bunker: sensations you can only live during a trip to Russie. 

Take the Controls of a Tank

Driving a tank typically only happens in the virtual world, but the Russians offer you the chance to do it for real. During your visit to Moscow and its surroundings, you can take command of this impressive machine. It may be a T-55 or T-62 model, depending on the agencies offering the activity. In any case, if you're a fan of World of Tanks or want to immerse yourself in military history, you'll be in for a treat !

Most often, the playing field is located in the suburbs, at a military base. To pilot a tank, you should budget approximately 115,000 roubles (1,600 euros) per group. The fun includes not only learning to drive a real military tank but also crushing a car or firing a shell, depending on your preferences and budget. A typical tank ride lasts around 40 minutes.

Visit Patriot Park

This amusement park created by the Russian armed forces showcases their military hardware. It's located in the city of Kubinka, about an hour from central Moscow. Think of it as a military Disneyland. The site opened its doors for the first time in 2016 and was inaugurated by President Vladimir Putin himself. Spanning approximately 5,414 hectares, Patriot Park displays military equipment used by the Russian army: tanks, helicopters, boats, submarines, and armored vehicles.

Exercise simulations are frequently organized to showcase the expertise of soldiers. In the evening, you can watch a light show featuring Russian tanks. You can also enjoy missile launch demonstrations, Kalashnikov shooting ranges, and more. In short, everything to immerse you in the grandeur of the Russian military world. To enhance the atmosphere, the food sold on site is unlike anything you'd find at typical amusement parks: you'll be served combat soldiers' rations.

During your visit, you may be surprised to see young Russian children handling weapons of war. A visit to this amusement park is routine for some Russian families or may be part of patriotic education. In any case, don't be alarmed: the children play with weapons under the watchful eye of their guardians and trained staff, and it's perfectly safe for them.

Hours and Rates

To enter Patriot Park, you must pay an entrance fee of 500 roubles, about 7€. The park is open every day of the week except Monday.

To reach this military amusement park, the best option is to first take a suburban train from Moscow that serves Golitsyno. From there, you can board one of the shuttles that go to Patriot Park. They run hourly from 9 a.m. to 8 p.m.

Discover Bunker-42

Many nuclear shelters are located beneath the city of Moscow, including Bunker 42, which is open to the public. Near Taganskaïa station, it was excavated approximately 65 meters underground and constructed in the 1950s. At that time, it was believed that at such a depth, people would be safe from nuclear attack. However, it was later proven that this depth was insufficient to escape deadly radiation. Today, the bunker has become a museum preserving ballistic missiles, bombers, and more.

Access to Bunker 42 is paid, expect around 2,200 roubles, or about 34€. Before visiting, you must make a reservation by phone or email. You can consult the official Bunker 42 website, which is in English.

Visit Star City

This formerly military complex, now civilian, houses the training center for cosmonauts "Yuri Gagarin,