excursion park

• Shoemaker Lumber
• Harbor Outfitters
• Somers Point Lumber
• Super Clean 4 U
• Fratelli’s
• La Fontana Del Mare
• La Fontana Coast
• Mike’s Seafood
• The Juice Pod
• Fishing Report

Summer Concerts Return to Excursion Park

By MADDY VITALE

The summer concerts are coming back and that means visitors to Sea Isle City and residents alike, will once again enjoy the sounds of their favorite tribute bands and a few new ones at Excursion Park’s Band Shell.

After a summer without the outdoor concerts at the venue in 2020, the city is bringing back the popular attraction, as gathering restrictions have loosened during the COVID-19 pandemic and more people have been vaccinated.

City Council approved a resolution at its Tuesday meeting authorizing a professional service contract for summer concerts in the amount of $114,000 to a company called, Go Events.

City officials said this summer, concert goers will have an array of bands to enjoy throughout the season.

Sea Isle City Public Information Officer Katherine Custer said the city is, “very happy to resume our usual summer concert series at the Band Shell.”

“While we all still have to practice social distancing and follow all CDC guidelines to keep everyone safe, I’m sure spectators will thoroughly enjoy this year’s lineup of entertainers,” Custer noted.

She said, “We have some really big talent coming and big shows planned. We are excited to be able to do this for the community.”

In addition to a couple of the tribute bands that are new this year, Custer noted that there are “many of the familiar bands that have delighted audience members in recent summers.”

Along with concerts, there will also be Movie Nights throughout the summer to give families an entertaining evening, while lounging on their beach chairs or towels.

Concerts begin on June 26 when “Chicago 9” does its best renditions of Chicago songs from 7:30 p.m. to 9:30 p.m. at Excursion Park.

Other concerts include a July 17 performance, also from 7:30 p.m. to 9:30 p.m., with “Real Diamond,” performing Neil Diamond songs. On Aug. 7, “Seven Bridges” will sing Eagles tunes for the summer concert goers.

For more information and to see a full list of concerts and other events go to www.visitsicnj.com/calendar/list .

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TravelAwaits

Our mission is to serve the 50+ traveler who's ready to cross a few items off their bucket list.

19 Unique And Fabulous Experiences In Moscow

• Destinations

Thinking of visiting Russia? When visiting such a famous city, one must, of course, visit the iconic landmarks first. Moscow has plenty of those, most of them in the center of the city, which is very well-planned for tourists. Once you’ve seen the sights that are on most travelers’ lists, it’s time to branch out and visit some of the lesser-known sites, and there are some fascinating places to see and things to do.

I know this list is long, but I just couldn’t help myself. You probably won’t have the time to see them all. But that’s okay. Just scroll through the list and choose what sounds the most interesting to you. Where possible, make sure to book in advance, as things can get crowded, especially during high season.

1. The Red Square, Kremlin, And Surroundings

Red Square (Krasnya Ploshad) is the heart and soul of Russia, and where much of the country’s history has unfolded. This is the most famous landmark in Moscow and indeed the whole country, it’s an absolute must-do! The square is always full of people and has a rather festive atmosphere!

Saint Basil’s Cathedral

This is the famous church with the rainbow-colored, onion-domed roof. The cathedral was commissioned in the 1500s by Ivan the Terrible and according to legend, the Tsar thought it was so beautiful, that he ordered that the architect’s eyes be cut out afterward, so he could never build anything more beautiful! He wasn’t called Ivan the Terrible for no reason!

Lenin’s Mausoleum

The “love-it-or-hate-it” of tourist attractions in Russia. A glass sarcophagus containing the embalmed body of Russian revolutionary, Vladimir Lenin. It may seem a bit bizarre to display the mummy of a person, but it has been there for almost half a century and the 2.5 million visitors who come each year, clearly feel the queuing and thorough body search are worth it, to be in Lenin’s presence.

Pro Tip: no photos and no loud talking are allowed inside the Mausoleum.

Eternal Flame

There is an Eternal Flame in honor of an unknown soldier on the left side of Red Square. The hourly changing of the guards is worth seeing.

The Kremlin is the official residence of the Russian president. You can see it from the outside, or you can take an excursion to one of the museums located inside. This is the biggest active fortress in Europe, and holds a week’s worth of attractions! Once behind the 7,332-feet of walls, there are five squares, four cathedrals, 20 towers, various museums, and the world’s largest bell and cannon to see. Worth a special mention is the Armory Chamber that houses a collection of the famous Faberge Eggs.

Pro Tip: You can only go inside the Kremlin if you are part of a tourist group.

2. Bolshoi Theatre

Bolshoi Theatre translates to “The Big Theatre” in Russian, and the building is home to both the Bolshoi Ballet and Bolshoi Opera — among the oldest and most famous ballet and opera companies in the world.

Pro Tip: It’s hard to get an inexpensive ticket, so if you’re reading well in advance of going to Moscow then try buying tickets on the official website . Last-minute tickets cost around $250 per person. If this is out of your budget, about an hour before a performance, you can try buying a ticket at the entrance from a reseller. Most can speak enough English to negotiate the price.

Tour the Bolshoi Theatre: You can take a group guided tour of the Bolshoi Theatre which focuses on the history and architecture of the theatre and behind the scenes. There’s an English language tour that lasts 2 hours and costs around $300 for a group of up to six.

3. Luxury Shopping At GUM And TSUM

Russia’s main department store, GUM, has a stunning interior that is home to over 100 high-end boutiques, selling a variety of brands: from luxurious Dior to the more affordable Zara. Even if shopping is not on your Moscow to-do list GUM is still worth a visit; the glass-roofed arcade faces Red Square and offers a variety of classy eateries. TSUM, one of the biggest luxury malls in town, is right behind the Bolshoi and GUM. It’s an imposing building with lots of history, and worth a visit just for its design and its glass roof.

4. Christ The Savior Cathedral

This is one of Russia’s most visited cathedrals and is a newer addition to the gorgeous array of Muscovite cathedrals, but don’t let its young age fool you. After perestroika, in the early 90s, the revived Russian Orthodox Church was given permission to build a cathedral on this site. It did the location honors and built the largest temple of the Christian Orthodox Church. The façade is as grand as you’d expect, but it’s the inside that will mesmerize you, with its domes, gold, gorgeous paintings, and decor!

The cathedral is located just a few hundred feet away from the Kremlin and was the site of the infamous Pussy Riot protest against Putin back in 2012.

Pro Tip: Bring a shawl to cover your hair as is the local custom.

5. Gorky Park

Moscow’s premier green space, Gorky Park (Park Gor’kogo) is the city’s biggest and most famous park. There is entertainment on offer here for every taste, from outdoor dancing sessions to yoga classes, volleyball, ping-pong, rollerblading, and bike and boat rental in summer. In winter, half the park turns into a huge ice skating rink. Gorky Park is also home to an open-air movie theater and the Garage Museum of Contemporary Art. There is also Muzeon Art Park, a dynamic contemporary space with a unique collection of 700 sculptures. It is located right in front of Gorky Park.

6. Sparrow Hills Park

If you take a walk from Gorky Park, along the Moscow River embankment, you’ll end up in the city’s other legendary park, Sparrow Hills. Although the park doesn’t offer as many activities as its hip neighbor, it has a great panoramic view of the city

Pro Tip: You can take a free walking tour to all of the above attractions with an English-speaking guide.

7. River Cruising

One of the best ways to experience Moscow, and see all the famous landmarks, but from a different angle, is from the Moscow River. Take a river cruise. Avoid the tourist crowds. There are little nameless old boats that do the cruise, but if you are looking for a more luxurious experience take the Radisson Blu cruise and enjoy the sights with some good food and a glass of wine.

8. Metro Hopping

Inaugurated in the 1930s, the Moscow Metro system is one of the oldest and most beautiful in the world. Started in Stalinist times, each station is a work of art in its own right. I’d recommend touring the stations between 11 a.m. and 4 p.m. This way, you’ll be able to properly see it without the crowds. Ideally, I’d recommend taking a tour with a knowledgeable guide with GuruWalk, who will tell you stories of forgotten stations and how the history of the country is interconnected with the metro development. If going by yourself, then I definitely recommend checking out: Mayakovskaya, Ploschad Revolutsii, Kievskaya, Kropotkinskaya, Kurskaya, and Novoslobodskaya stations.

Visit the free Moscow Metro Museum: For real train enthusiasts, located in the southern vestibule of Sportivnaya station is a small free museum. Here you can take a peek into the driver’s cabin, see a collection of metro tokens from different cities, and see different models of a turnstile, traffic lights, escalator, and more.

9. Moscow State University View

In his effort to create a grander Moscow, Stalin had seven skyscrapers built in different parts of town; they’re called the Seven Sisters. The largest of these buildings and the one with the best view is the main building of the Moscow State University. Although this is a little outside the city center, the view is more than worth it.

10. Izmailovsky Market

Mostly known for the city’s largest flea market, the district of Izmaylovo is home to a maze of shops where you can get just about anything, from artisan crafts to traditional fur hats, handcrafted jewelry, fascinating Soviet memorabilia, and antiquities. It’s also one of Moscow’s largest green spaces. There are often no price tags, so be prepared to haggle a bit. Head to one of the market cafes for a warming mulled wine before continuing your shopping spree.

The History of Vodka Museum is found here, and the museum’s restaurant is the perfect place to sample various brands of the national drink.

Once you’ve covered the more touristy spots, Moscow still has plenty to offer, and the places below will also be full of locals! So for some local vibes, I would strongly recommend the spots below!

11. Moscow City

With a completely different vibe, Moscow City (also referred to as Moscow International Business Center) is like a mini Dubai, with lots of impressive tall glass buildings. Here is where you’ll find the best rooftops in towns, like Ruski Restaurant, the highest restaurant both in Moscow City and in Europe. Moscow City is great for crowd-free shopping and the best panoramic views of the city.

12. Tretyakov Gallery

Tretyakov Gallery started as the private collection of the Tretyakov brothers, who were 19th-century philanthropists. They gave their private collection to the government after their deaths. If there is just one museum you visit in Moscow, I recommend this one!

13. Tsaritsyno Museum-Reserve

Tsaritsyno was a residence of Catherine the Great more than two centuries ago. It became derelict during the Soviet era but has now been fully renovated. With its opulently decorated buildings, gardens, meadows, and forests, Tsaritsyno Park is the perfect place for a green respite in Moscow.

14. Kolomenskoye

A 10-minute metro ride from the city center is Kolomenskoe Museum-Reserve, where you can get an idea of what Russia looked like 200 years ago. You’ll find ancient churches (one dating back to the 16th century), the oldest garden in Moscow, and the wonderful fairytale wooden palace of Tsar Alexey Mikhailovich, father of Peter the Great.

15. Ostankino TV Tower

Built in 1967, Ostankino TV Tower was the tallest free-standing construction in the world at the time, it’s still the 8th tallest building in the world and the highest in Europe. It’s also the best observation deck, with a glass floor and 360-degree views. The speedy elevators take you 1,105 feet in next to no time.

Pro Tip: You need to book in advance; entrance is based on specific ticket times and the capacity is limited and only a certain number of tourists are allowed per day. Don’t forget your passport, you’ll need it to get through security.

16. Zaryadye Park

Zaryadye is a newly opened, landscaped urban park so new you won’t find it in a lot of tour guides. The park is near Red Square and is divided into four climatic zones: forest, steppe, tundra, and floodplains, depicting the variety of climatic zones in Russia.

These last three suggestions are a little quirky, but all are really worth checking out.

17. Museum Of Soviet Arcade Games

Release your inner child playing on 66 arcade machines from the Soviet era! What a great way to spend a couple of hours when tired of visiting museums and palaces. The staff speaks excellent English and are happy to explain how the games work.

18. Moscow Rooftop Tour

Take a 1-hour private Moscow rooftop tour with an experienced roofer. I can just about guarantee none of your friends will be able to say they’ve done it! For your comfort, I recommend wearing comfortable shoes. Take your camera, there are some amazing photo opportunities out there!

19. Sanduny Banya

This classical Russian bathhouse opened its doors in 1808 and is famous for combining traditional Russian banya services with luxurious interiors and service. If you enjoy spas and saunas, then you should experience a Russian bathhouse at least once in your life! Go with an open mind and hire a specialist to steam you as it’s meant to be done — by being beaten repeatedly with a besom (a leafy branch)! This is said to improve circulation, but is best done by a professional!

So there you have my list of things to do in Moscow. I could have gone on and on and on, but I didn’t want to try your patience! There are so many things to do in this vibrant city that you’ll definitely need to allocate several days for exploring.

Here are some other reasons to visit Moscow and Russia:

• 7 Reasons To Put Moscow On Your Travel Bucket List
• Russia 30 Years (And 30 Pounds) Ago
• Massive Mysterious Craters Appearing Again In Siberia

Born and raised in Sydney, Australia, before moving to Africa at the age of 21, Sarah Kingdom is a mountain climber and guide, traveler, yoga teacher, trail runner, and mother of two. When she is not climbing or traveling she lives on a cattle ranch in central Zambia. She guides and runs trips regularly in India, Nepal, Tibet, Russia, and Ethiopia, taking climbers up Tanzania’s Mount Kilimanjaro numerous times a year.

The 50 best parks and gardens in Moscow

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1 Gorky Central Park of Culture and Leisure

2 Kolomenskoye

3 Tsaritsyno Museum-Reserve

4 all-russian exhibition center, 5 sokolniki park.

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6 Zaryadye Park

7 moscow zoo, 8 izmailovsky park, 9 muzeon park of arts, 10 neskuchny garden, 11 bauman garden, 12 park krasnaya presnya, 13 moscow state university, 14 vorobyovy gory, 15 family park skazka..

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16 Nebo Trampoline park

17 happylon, 18 the rink, 19 fishpoint, 20 vorob'yevy gory, 21 moscow-850, park attraktsionov i razvlecheniy, 22 gulliver, 23 le parterre, 24 vorob'yevy gory, 25 apothecary garden.

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26 Alexander Garden

27 kuskovo estate museum, 28 patriarch's ponds, 29 hermitage garden, 30 main botanical garden of the russian academy of sciences, 31 nudistskiy plyazh v serebryanom boru, 32 yekaterininskiy park, 33 city farm, 34 pokrovskoye-streshnevo park, 35 park ostankino.

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46 Mitino landscape park

47 park druzhby, 48 lefortovo park, 49 trubetskoy estate, 50 park sadovniki, top searches in moscow, popular road trips from moscow, what's the weather like in moscow.

It depends on when you visit! We've compiled data from NASA on what the weather is like in Moscow for each month of the year: see the links below for more information.

• Weather in Moscow in January
• Weather in Moscow in February
• Weather in Moscow in March
• Weather in Moscow in April
• Weather in Moscow in May
• Weather in Moscow in June
• Weather in Moscow in July
• Weather in Moscow in August
• Weather in Moscow in September
• Weather in Moscow in October
• Weather in Moscow in November
• Weather in Moscow in December

All road trips from Moscow

• Moscow to London drive
• Moscow to Paris drive
• Moscow to St. Petersburg drive
• Moscow to Berlin drive
• Moscow to Prague drive
• Moscow to Amsterdam drive
• Moscow to Budapest drive
• Moscow to Vienna drive
• Moscow to Istanbul drive
• Moscow to Florence drive
• Moscow to Venice drive
• Moscow to Stockholm drive
• Moscow to Milan drive
• Moscow to Krakow drive
• Moscow to Copenhagen drive
• Moscow to Warsaw drive
• Moscow to Helsinki drive
• Moscow to Munich drive
• Moscow to Brussels drive
• Moscow to Tallinn drive
• Moscow to Riga drive
• Moscow to Oslo drive
• Moscow to Turin drive
• Moscow to Hamburg drive
• Moscow to Vilnius drive
• Moscow to Yaroslavl drive
• Moscow to Nizhny Novgorod drive
• Moscow to Kyiv drive
• Moscow to Tula drive
• Moscow to Bruges drive

Explore nearby places

• Likino-Dulevo
• Ivanteyevka
• Orekhovo-Zuevo
• Semyonovskoye
• Ivanovskoye
• Rumyantsevo
• Dzerzhinsky
• Sovkhoz Imeni Lenina
• Dolgoprudny

All related maps of Moscow

• Map of Moscow
• Map of Danki
• Map of Shatura
• Map of Likino-Dulevo
• Map of Uspenskoye
• Map of Gorskoye
• Map of Ivanteyevka
• Map of Reutov
• Map of Domodedovo
• Map of Peresvet
• Map of Vorobyovo
• Map of Bronnitsy
• Map of Orekhovo-Zuevo
• Map of Moskovsky
• Map of Semyonovskoye
• Map of Izmaylovo
• Map of Nikolskoye
• Map of Ivanovskoye
• Map of Marfino
• Map of Govorovo
• Map of Nagornoye
• Map of Mosrentgen
• Map of Bratsevo
• Map of Rumyantsevo
• Map of Mytishchi
• Map of Putilkovo
• Map of Razvilka
• Map of Khimki
• Map of Dzerzhinsky
• Map of Sovkhoz Imeni Lenina
• Map of Dolgoprudny

Moscow throughout the year

• Moscow in January
• Moscow in February
• Moscow in March
• Moscow in April
• Moscow in May
• Moscow in June
• Moscow in July
• Moscow in August
• Moscow in September
• Moscow in October
• Moscow in November
• Moscow in December

Looking for day-by-day itineraries in Moscow?

Get inspired for your trip to Moscow with our curated itineraries that are jam-packed with popular attractions everyday! Check them out here:

• 1-Day Moscow Itinerary
• 2-Day Moscow Itinerary
• 3-Day Moscow Itinerary
• 4-Day Moscow Itinerary
• 5-Day Moscow Itinerary

Best attractions in nearby cities

• Top things to do and attractions in Khimki

Best restaurants in nearby cities

• Where to eat: the best restaurants in Mytishchi
• Where to eat: the best restaurants in Khimki

• Itinerary + map in one view
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• Offline access on mobile
• See time and distance between all your places

THE 10 BEST Moscow Parks

Parks in moscow.

• Playgrounds
• Bodies of Water
• 5.0 of 5 bubbles
• 4.0 of 5 bubbles & up
• 3.0 of 5 bubbles & up
• 3rd Transport Ring (TTK)
• District Central (TsAO)
• Garden Ring
• District North-Eastern (SVAO)
• Good for Kids
• Budget-friendly
• Good for Couples
• Good for Big Groups
• Honeymoon spot
• Hidden Gems
• Adventurous
• Good for a Rainy Day
• Good for Adrenaline Seekers
• Things to do ranked using Tripadvisor data including reviews, ratings, photos, and popularity.

1. Sparrow Hills (Vorobyovy Gory)

2. Kuskovo Estate

3. Gorky Central Park of Culture and Leisure

4. Sokolniki Park

5. Victory Park

6. Patriarch's Pond

7. Neskuchny sad

8. Izmailovsky Park

9. Hermitage Garden

10. Park Zaryadye

11. Serebryanyi Bor Park

12. Filevskiy Park

13. Meshherskiy Park

14. Sad Baumana

15. Boulevard Ring

16. Yekaterininskiy Park

17. Ostankino Park

18. Park Pokrovskoye-Streshnevo

19. Park Vorontsovo Estate

20. Troparevsky Forest Park

21. Kuzminki Park of Culture and Leisure

22. Park 50th Anniversary of October

23. Park Novodevichi Prudy

24. Nature Historical Park Bitsevskiy Wood

25. Presnenskiy Park

26. Izmailovo Natural and Historical Park

27. Timiryazevskiy Park

28. Biryulevskiy Dendropark

29. Golosov Ravine

30. U Lukomor'ya

What travelers are saying.

• Victory Park
• Gorky Central Park of Culture and Leisure
• Kuskovo Estate
• Sokolniki Park
• Neskuchny sad
• Patriarch's Pond
• Sparrow Hills (Vorobyovy Gory)
• Meshherskiy Park
• Park Novodevichi Prudy

• Bahasa Indonesia
• Slovenščina
• Science & Tech
• Russian Kitchen

Your 48-hour tour guide of Moscow this winter!

9 am – Visit the Red Square 

Christmas market on Red Square

The first thing that every tourist should do by default is visit the very heart of Moscow – it’s main and most beautiful (which ‘krasnaya’ actually meant in Old Russian) square! 

There are several ways to explore it:

• Take a selfie with Spasskaya Tower
• Have a warm drink at the Christmas market (which lasts until mid-January)
• Visit Lenin’s Mausoleum
• Shop in the gorgeous adjacent GUM department store
• Visit St. Basil’s Cathedral (and learn that it’s actually several churches under one roof).           

11 am – It’s Kremlin time! 

Inside the Moscow Kremlin

Entering the Kremlin is, actually, a bit of a quest, as it’s a presidential facility with no general access. You need to buy a ticket or, better still, book a guided tour. Inside the Kremlin’s walls, you will find ancient cathedrals, in which Russian tsars used to be crowned and buried, as well as explore the magnificent architecture of the Kremlin that reflects the rich history of the country. And, finally, you could also make a quick visit to the Moscow Kremlin Museums and admire artifacts from various Russian tsarist eras: carriages, thrones, crowns and the most incredible armory and jewelry. 

For more information, visit the official website of the Kremlin . It’s open from 10 am to 5 pm (and it’s closed on Thursdays) in winter.

2 pm – Watch the changing of the Guard

The honor guard at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier

A very spectacular (and free) thing to do is watch how the honor guard does their ceremonial change at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier and the Eternal Flame, situated in Alexander Garden, right next to the Kremlin wall. Every hour, from 8 am to 8 pm, the 1st Company of the Kremlin (Presidential) Regiment performs this rather old and beautiful tradition. But, be warned, it's often overcrowded. 

3 pm – Enjoy a green oasis just in the center

Florarium in Zaryadye

Just a few steps from the Red Square, you will find the fabulous Zaryadye park. Opened in 2017, it is designed by renowned American architect bureau ‘Diller Scofidio + Renfro’. You can walk among the very cozy botanical decorations and explore Russia’s climate zones, as each of them is represented in dedicated areas, complete with flora from those zones.

The floating bridge in Zaryadye Park

The park also has an underground museum, an “ice cave” and a 3D cinema, where you can take part in a virtual adventure – a flight over Moscow! However, the piece de resistance is a floating boomerang bridge over the Moskva River, one of the best places to take a selfie.

You can also grab a quick lunch or relax with a cup of coffee or tea in the park.

7 pm – Arrange a ballet night

The Bolshoi Theater

Of course, the most fancy way to finish your day in Moscow would be to go to the ballet at the Bolshoi Theater (in a perfect world, to see ‘The Nutcracker’!). However, getting tickets to the Bolshoi is not an easy task and should be done well in advance of your visit. 

But, don’t be upset if you don’t manage to get tickets to the Bolshoi. Moscow has dozens of other options to see a ballet (or opera). No less brilliant performances can be seen in the Stanislavsky and Nemirovich-Danchenko Music Theater or in The State Kremlin Palace (by the way, this is another way to get a quick glimpse inside the Kremlin!).

10:30 pm – Have a late dinner in a fancy restaurant

Dr Zhivago restaurant

There are not so many other cities with such a big choice of restaurants in a range of tastes and styles. In 2021, the authoritative Michelin guide announced their pick of the best of Moscow’s restaurants. And here’s our guide to all the places with Russian cuisine for any budget. But, if you happen to be in the area of the Bolshoi or Nemirovich-Danchenko Theater, then ‘Dr. Zhivago’ would definitely be a nice option (and it’s open around the clock).

DAY 2 

9 am – grab a moscow coffee.

Winter festivities mood in Moscow

Moscow is definitely a coffee city! You can find coffee shops on every corner and they all offer a huge range of drinks. Try a ‘raf’ coffee, a sweet, creamy drink that was created in Russia, or dare to pick one of the very unusual offers, like cheese coffee or a Soviet candy style one (check out our coffee guide here ).

10 am – Take a river cruise

Winter boating along the Moskva River

Another exciting way to explore Moscow is to observe it from the water. Boats cruise along the Moskva River all year round. Most begin their route from the Hotel Ukraine, one of Stalin's ‘Seven Sister’ skyscrapers, and will bring you back to the same spot after passing the medieval Novodevichy Convent, Moscow State University and Luzhniki Stadium, the Cathedral of Christ the Saviour and giant monument to Peter the Great and many other sightseeings. 

It’s always at optimum temperature inside the boat, which also has huge panoramic windows. Select boats also offer a full dining experience, so it is also a nice place to have breakfast or lunch.

If you are not a water person, then discover other, unusual sides of Moscow – pick one of the activities we’ve prepared for you here ! 

1 pm – Visit ‘Russia’ Expo and taste a bunch of Russian regional cuisines

Russia Expo at VDNKh

Until April 2024, the Soviet-era VDNKh exhibition park is hosting the huge ‘Russia’ expo, with tons of activities and expositions devoted to Russia, its culture, science and nature. Check out our special guide on what to do there!  

An entire ‘House of Russian Cuisine’ has been opened at the expo. You will find 15 food stands with flagship dishes from Kamchatka, Siberia, Karelia and other regions of Russia. Imagine trying a range of cuisines and dishes in one place without even having to travel anywhere, be it Altai pelmeni, Tula kalach or Caucasian pies! A perfect place to grab some lunch.

House of Russian cuisines at VDNKh

The VDNKh exhibition park is a great place to visit, in general! Its pavilions are the perfect example of Stalinit Empire style architecture and you can almost feel as if you’ve traveled back in time! You will also find several interesting museums in the park – devoted to space exploration, Russian history and even a ‘Special Purpose Garage’, which showcases the various vehicles used by the country’s leaders. 

'Sun of Moscow' wheel

And, finally, you can ride Europe's tallest panoramic wheel – ‘Sun of Moscow’ – that will give you panoramic views of the city – from a height of 140 meters!

5 pm – Ice skate with view & mulled wine

Ice skating rink on Red Square (GUM department store on the background)

Ice skating is one of the most popular and affordable activities in Moscow. There are several great ice skating rinks in picturesque locations that are open all winter long. One of the biggest rinks in Europe is also at the aforementioned VDNKh or you can visit the one in Gorky Park, another very popular Moscow spot, or the small, but fancy rink – right on Red Square! 

All the parks offer ice skate rental, so the only things you need are warm clothes, a charged phone to record your memories and a good mood!  Moscow also gets dark at 4:30 pm in winter and hundreds of lights are switched on, turning the city into a giant fairy tale! 

A mulled wine with a view

And, if you are not a sports person, we’ve picked several other unusual activities that you could do in Moscow instead. For example, did you know that there is an entire district of dacha (countryside) houses, just 10 minutes from the center, surrounded by giant new highrises? How about taking a stroll there and feeling the early Soviet atmosphere?

8 pm – Warm up & laugh out loud

After all these outdoor activities, what could be better than a warm cozy bar with a hot drink and nice company? Moscow is a city full of entertainment for all tastes. So, if you know the Russian language or want to practice it, go to a theater or catch a stand-up comedy show. Moscow even has comedy shows in English, where you can hear both Russians speaking fluent English or foreigners (including Brits and Americans) who live in Russia speaking in broken or heavily-accented Russian (Check their show dates on the ‘ Moscow English Comedy ’ Telegram channel)!

11 pm – Finish by partying the night away!

Propaganda club in Moscow

Moscow never sleeps, as you might have heard. Which means there are plenty of bars and nightclubs where you can have a drink (or two or three; be sure to check out how Russians make Black Russian and White Russian cocktails) and chat with incredibly different people. Have fun and don’t miss your flight (or miss it and stay longer in the best city in the world!)!

That's it! See you soon in Moscow

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• Entertainment
• K-pop star Jay of ENHYPEN talks about WA roots, Fate Plus world tour

Jay Park doesn’t remember much about his childhood in Washington.

As a member of one of the world’s biggest Korean pop groups, ENHYPEN, he’s had much more on his mind — international tours, a Macy’s Thanksgiving Parade performance, being a Prada global ambassador — than the nine years he spent growing up near Seattle.

Since debuting with ENHYPEN in 2020, the 22-year-old multihyphenate singer-rapper-musician-dancer has experienced a whirlwind of stardom, amassing fans across the globe. Despite the sold-out tours and chart-topping albums, Park has been holding onto one particular dream for years: to perform in his hometown. He is finally making that a reality, with ENHYPEN’s April 28 concert at the Tacoma Dome. 

Known by fans simply as Jay, the mononymous musician spent the early years of his life in Federal Way, where his parents settled after they attended college in the Pacific Northwest. When Park was 9, his family relocated to Korea for his dad’s work at a travel agency. Despite this, the entertainer still has fond memories of the street he grew up on, the rainy weather and Seattle’s culinary specialties.

“I really love the food in Seattle,” Park said in an interview over Zoom in early April. “Clam chowder is still one of my favorite foods. I try to eat it all over the world.”

Park has only been back to Seattle once, just a few years after the move. 

After adjusting to his new home in a new country, quickly learning Korean and attending school, Park developed a love for all things music, including playing guitar, singing and dancing, and gravitated toward a career in the ever-growing, multibillion-dollar K-pop music industry. 

“Being a K-pop idol was the best solution to do all the things I wanted in music,” he said. “I wanted to be a multi-entertainer.”

While searching for a way to break into the industry, Jay says that he got a bit of help from another Seattle-area born star: Jay Park , formerly of K-pop group 2PM. Not only did the two share the same name and hometown, but their fathers were also friends. The former 2PM performer’s decade of experience in the industry came in handy for 22-year-old Park.

Related From the archives

• 2020: Edmonds-born, Seoul-based rapper on COVID-19 relief, his Seattle community and more
• 2019: ‘Like a dream come true’: A UW dance crew invited a K-pop group to dance with them in Seattle. A.C.E agreed.

“I was able to talk to [Park’s] manager about what I should do to become a singer and what it would be like when I debuted,” the ENHYPEN idol said. 

Park eventually found his start training under label Big Hit Entertainment, now HYBE, developing his singing and dancing skills for almost three years before landing a spot on Korean music competition show “I-LAND” in 2020. 

He and 22 other trainees participated in the show, spending almost four months refining their star power and talents in hopes of winning the grand prize: being placed in a new boy band. The new group’s album would be produced by Big Hit Music founder Bang Si-Hyuk, best known as the producer who helped create BTS, a legendary K-pop group.

While Park was confident he would debut as a K-pop idol, he knew that it would likely be his “last chance to achieve this dream.” If he didn’t make it through in “I-LAND,” he would continue to learn about and make music, and likely return back to the U.S. to attend university.

“I didn’t think about it that far,” Park said. “But I probably would’ve wanted to go home to Seattle.”

But over the course of the show, Park proved his talents and his dream did come true, landing him in second place on “I-LAND” and selected for brand-new music group ENHYPEN.

Despite debuting in November 2020, during the height of the COVID-19 pandemic, the seven-member boy band quickly shot to fame. The key to ENHYPEN’s success: its musical versatility across genres and lyrical themes, the growing fan base who followed the group from “I-LAND” and backing from one of Korea’s most successful music labels. 

Today, ENHYPEN has more than 9 million monthly listeners on Spotify, five Billboard 200-charting albums and a world tour under its belt. The group’s Fate Plus Tour includes its first Seattle-area performance, which marks Park’s first Washington visit in almost a decade. The tour date also marks another special homecoming: one for Park’s mom, who attended college in Tacoma and will join him at the concert. 

“I’m really excited to look around my hometown, and with my fellow [ENHYPEN] members, too,” Park says.

ENHYPEN’s fans, known as ENGENEs, are just as excited for the group’s upcoming visit to the Seattle area. Several attending the Tacoma Dome show said they are planning projects to make Park feel especially appreciated. 

Sam Romanik, a 25-year-old fan from Burien, is printing 4,000 banners emblazoned with “Welcome home Jay” and ENHYPEN song lyrics to pass out at the concert. When Park looks out into the crowd, Romanik hopes he’ll see the banners and “feel comfortable and welcome home.”

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For many Seattle-based fans, knowing they grew up in the same place as Park makes them feel even more connected to the group, and wanting to show up for their hometown hero. 

“Seattle will always welcome him home, and [we] want him to know that he has a place here,” said Rachel Ramirez, an ENHYPEN fan from Kent. “We want to be that supportive and safe place for them.”

Even though it’s been years since Park has been back to his hometown, he still carries pieces of Seattle with him everywhere, particularly his strong affinity for the Mariners. 

For as long as Park can remember, his family were “really crazy fans” of the Seattle baseball team, and that love has “kind of become part of [his] identity.” Aside from the Mariners Moose plushie in his bedroom, Park shows his Mariners pride onstage with his in-ear monitors, which are emblazoned with the team’s blue-and-green compass logo. 

But his strongest tie to the Seattle MLB team is actually his name: Park’s dad says part of the inspiration for it was beloved Mariners right fielder Jay Buhner. His dad’s constant references to Buhner “gave me the thought that he was almost like my second father,” laughs Jay.

It’s only fitting that following their almost sold-out Tacoma Dome concert, ENHYPEN will throw out the first pitch at the April 29 Mariners-Atlanta Braves game. Park admitted he is “a bit nervous,” but excited to be attending the game with his bandmates. He and fellow ENHYPEN members Ni-ki and Heeseung are practicing their pitch.

“I went there a lot as a child, but I don’t remember a lot of specific Mariners memories,” says Park. “It’s really exciting for this to be my first time there as an ENHYPEN member so I can create a new ‘first’ memory.” 

Related What to eat & drink before the show

• 3 great spots for lunch in Tacoma’s Lincoln International District
• Try 2 great Korean seafood pancakes in Federal Way
• In Tacoma, hit a Tiki bar and a dive with a menu from a top Seattle chef
• Bob’s Java Jive in Tacoma is still in awesome (coffeepot) shape

7:30 p.m. April 28; Tacoma Dome, 2727 E. D St., Tacoma; accessibility: tacomadome.org/dome-info/accessibility ; tickets start at $64; 253-272-3663, tacomadome.org

The opinions expressed in reader comments are those of the author only and do not reflect the opinions of The Seattle Times.

Pitbull announces Party After Dark concert tour: T-Pain, Lil Jon to join as special guests

Dale! Mr. Worldwide is hitting the road once again.

Latin rap star Pitbull is set to deliver a mix of his career-spanning hits on the upcoming Party After Dark Tour. The U.S. trek follows numerous successful solo tours for the "Give Me Everything" rapper, including the triple-headlining Trilogy Tour with Enrique Iglesias and Ricky Martin .

Produced by Live Nation, the 26-city tour kicks off on Aug. 21 in Bristow, Virginia, making stops across the U.S. before wrapping in Albuquerque, New Mexico, on Oct. 5.  Fellow rappers T-Pain and Lil Jon will serve as a special guests on the tour.

The Grammy-winning Pitbull is known for a slew of hit singles , including "Fireball," "Timber" with Kesha , "Hotel Room Service," "Give Me Everything" with Afrojack and Ne-Yo and "Time of Our Lives" with Ne-Yo.

T-Pain, known for singles like "Bartender," "Buy U a Drank" and "Booty Wurk" is popular for his use of auto-tune pitch with electronic-style vocal performances. His most recent album, "On Top of The Covers," was released in 2023.

Lil Jon will join the pair on two tour dates, in Ridgefield, Washington and Chula Vista, California. The rapper and DJ is known for the tracks "Turn Down For What," "Shots," "Get Low" and "Yeah!" with Usher and Ludacris. He was most recently featured on the Pitbull track "Jumpin" in 2023.

Charli XCX and Troye Sivan tour: Singers announce joint Sweat concert tour. Here's how to get tickets.

How to get tickets to Pitbull's Party After Dark Tour

Tickets go on sale at 10 a.m. Friday at LiveNation.com .

There are also a number of presales in the days leading up to the general on-sale. Live Nation , Ticketmaster and Talking Stick Resort are hosting presales from 10 a.m. until 11:59 p.m. Thursday.

A Citi cardmember presale will be held from 10 a.m. Wednesday through 11:59 p.m. Thursday at citientertainment.com . During the same time period, there'll be an artist presale and a VIP packages presale at livenation.com .

There's also a Spotify presale from noon until 11:59 p.m. Thursday.

The Party After Dark Tour will also offer a variety of VIP packages including premium tickets, backstage tour and photo op on-stage, pre-show VIP lounge, specially designed VIP gift item and more. Visit v ipnation.com

Fuerza Regida tour: Tickets and dates for regional Mexican group's Pero No Te Enamores tour

Pitbull's latest music inspired by NASCAR racing team

Pitbull’s recent musical releases include "Trackhouse" and "Trackhouse: Daytona 500 Edition."

The album titles are inspired by the NASCAR Cup Series team Trackhouse Racing, which he has been a co-owner of since 2021. The tracks feature special guests Dolly Parton , Tim McGraw , Nile Rodgers, T-Pain, Omar Courtz and more.

Pitbull Party After Dark Tour dates

• Aug. 21, 2024 - Bristow, VA - Jiffy Lube Live
• Aug. 23, 2024 - Virginia Beach, VA - Veterans United Home Loans Amphitheater
• Aug. 24, 2024 - Hershey, PA - Hersheypark Stadium
• Aug. 25, 2024 - Queens, NY - Forest Hills Stadium
• Aug. 29, 2024 - Cuyahoga Falls, OH - Blossom Music Center
• Aug. 30, 2024 - Tinley Park, IL - Credit Union 1 Amphitheatre
• Aug. 31, 2024 - Milwaukee, WI - American Family Insurance Amphitheater
• Sept. 1, 2024 - Noblesville, IN - Ruoff Music Center
• Sept. 4, 2024 - Clarkston, MI - Pine Knob Music Theatre
• Sept. 6, 2024 - Darien Center, NY - Dairen Lake Amphitheater
• Sept. 7, 2024 - Syracuse, NY - Empower FCU Amphitheater at Lakeview
• Sept. 8, 2024 - Saratoga Springs, NY - Broadview Stage at SPAC
• Sept. 12, 2024 - Wantagh, NY - Northwell Health at Jones Beach Theater
• Sept. 13, 2024 - Hartford, CT - Xfinity Theatre
• Sept. 14, 2024 - Bangor, ME - Maine Savings Amphitheater
• Sept. 15, 2024 - Mansfield, MA - Xfinity Center
• Sept. 18, 2024 - Burgettstown, PA - The Pavilion at Star Lake
• Sept. 19, 2024 - Cincinnati, OH - Riverbend Music Center
• Sept. 21, 2024 - Ridgedale, MO - Thunder Ridge Nature Arena
• Sept. 22, 2024 - St. Louis, MO - Hollywood Casino Amphitheatre
• Sept. 25, 2024 - Salt Lake City, UT - Utah First Credit Union Amphitheatre
• Sept. 27, 2024 - Ridgefield, WA - RV Inn Style Resorts Amphitheater*
• Sept. 28, 2024 - Auburn, WA - White River Amphitheatre
• Oct. 3, 2024 - Chula Vista, CA - North Island Credit Union Amphitheatre*
• Oct. 4, 2024 - Phoenix, AZ - Talking Stick Resort Amphitheatre
• Oct. 5, 2024 - Albuquerque, NM - Isleta Amphitheater

*with Lil Jon

Contributing: Greta Cross, Springfield News-Leader

Put-in tours

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Welcome to Russia!

We are Sergey and Simon, a Russian and a Frenchman, both  passionate about Moscow, Saint-Petersburg and classic cars. Together, we have created Put-in tours. Our goal is to help you experience Russian culture off the beaten path. Join us onboard our classic Soviet van and let’s get rolling!

In Moscow we offer you a city tour to discover most of the city in an original way as well as a night tour to admire the lights. Our pubcrawl is ideal to explore Moscow’s night-life and have fun. If you are craving to discover Russian culture, come impress your senses during our monastery diner or join our 100% Russian Banya Excursion . The latest will also bring you to Sergiyev Posad and it’s famous monastery!

For the most extreme travellers, our shooting tour will deliver your daily dose of adrenaline whereas our tank excursion will let you ride a real tank and shoot a bazooka.

We also offer help to receive your visa , safe and multilingual airport transfers , as well as organisation services for team-building events or bachelor parties .

All our excursions (but the monastery diner) happen onboard our Soviet military vans and can be covered by our  professionnal photographer or videographer.

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We welcome you in Saint Petersburg onboard our Soviet van to discover the imperial city with our city tour and night tour .

Continue your discovery in style! The adrenaline lovers will like our shooting tour  which brings 3 Russian weapons to the tip of your trigger finger.

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At Put-in tours, we put you in our classic Soviet vans to go explore Moscow, Saint Petersburg and Russian culture off the beaten path. Discover our Moscow city guided tour, visit Moscow by night, join our banya & Sergiyev Posad excursion, visit and dine in one of Moscow's oldest monastery or even Luzhniki stadium, before you party on our famous pubcrawl! Original and atypical tours : Shoot AK47 and a bazooka after riding on a tank with our tank & bazooka excursion ! Extreme tours: Fly a fighter jet in Moscow onboard a L-29 or L-39 aircraft!

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Luke Combs rocks Beaver Stadium for Growin’ Up and Getting’ Old Tour

• Updated: Apr. 28, 2024, 12:04 a.m. |
• Published: Apr. 27, 2024, 11:57 p.m.

• Joe Hermitt | [email protected]

Beaver Stadium was packed Saturday night but it wasn’t for Nittany Lions. Instead, fans jammed the football shrine for Two-time Country Music Entertainer of the Year, Luke Combs.

Combs brought his Growin’ Up and Gettin’ Old Tour to Beaver Stadium on Saturday. Joining Combs was Jordan Davis, Mitchell Tenpenny, Drew Parker and Colby Acuff. Combs is only the second act to perform at Beaver Stadium with the first being in 2017 with Blake Shelton and Big and Rich.

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• Guide to Russia
• Experience Russia

Winter Activities in Moscow

Photo by Elizaveta Strelkova on Unsplash

What To Do in Winter in Moscow?

• Markets : From woolen valenki to pine cone jam, Moscow’s markets are perfect for Christmas shopping.
• Ice Skating : There are 1,500 ice rinks in Moscow. The main one at VDNKh is the world’s largest!
• Parks : Moscow’s parks are just as enjoyable in winter as in summer. Many of them host cultural events, especially in the run up to the orthodox Christmas.
• Theatres : The Bolshoy Theatre is famous for a reason and it’s resplendence is best enjoyed when the wind is howling outside.
• Banyas : Therapeutic and traditional— banyas are an iconic part of the Russian lifestyle.

Moscow truly is the beating heart of Russia and in the run up to New Year’s, visitors can really feel it thumping! Merry-makers from all over Russia come to see Moscow in all its shining glory. At a time when most northern cities go into dormancy, Moscow blossoms.

Moscow’s Christmas Markets

Photo by  Daniil Silantev  on  Unsplash

Moscow’s Christmas Markets are at the center of all the jolliness. Red Square’s market is the most frequented and perhaps the market that best embodies the spirit of Russian winter. However, it isn’t necessarily extremely authentic; catering primarily to tourists and, for the most part, it is uncomfortably crowded. The Christmas Village on Revolution Square is a far more genuine and affordable place to buy local goods. Another wonderful market, that’s more popular with younger Muscovites is the one at Gorky Park. While the traditional fare such as valenkis and pastila will be for sale, one might also find vegan hot chocolate and hand-crafted silver jewelry being sold from the quaint wooden huts. Pushkinskaya Square is also a great option, but perhaps the most authentic market out of all of them is the bustling market at Sokolniki is definitely worth visiting during your vacation in Moscow . Local produce takes center stage, but there are also handicrafts for sale. Haggling is common practice, so a few Russian phrases will definitely help in bagging a bargain. 

Ice skating

Photo by  Nuno Alberto  on  Unsplash

As soon as they’ve learnt to walk, Russian children are taken on to the ice. Thanks to that, there honestly isn’t any need to go out to buy tickets to see figure-skating in Russia as almost everyone from 7 upwards skates like a pro. Despite their undeniable skill, they aren’t haughty about it so there’s no need for less nimble-footed foreigners to worry about stepping on to any of Moscow’s 1,500 rinks. Indeed, even a complete novice should not miss the opportunity to skate on the rink in Moscow’s recently renovated, mind-bogglingly big park, VDNKh, which happens to be the world’s largest, outdoor ice rink. You can also see the most amazing light and firework shows at VDNKh and due to its long ice-avenues, it never feels crowded. For a classic that never fails to impress, reserve skates in advance at the GUM rink right on the Red Square .

Photo by Anton Belitskiy  on Pexels

For those looking for a full day out, Gorky Park has it all. Along with ice skating, there’s also cross-country skiing trails and the major draw, the Ice Sculpture Festival, is of world-wide acclaim. Another wonderful park with so much on offer is Izmailovo Park. Though it is a bit out the way, seeing or even traveling on the iconic Russian troikas, laden with colorful rugs and fur throws, gliding through its tree-lined avenues make the journey worthwhile. There’s also folk dancing to be watched and heaps of warming food to be eaten. Young children will delight in seeing the park’s very own Ded Moroz (Father Frost) and his grand-daughter, Snegurochka (Snow Maiden).

Photo by  Michael Parulava  on  Unsplash

There are days in winter when even hardy Muscovites wouldn’t venture out willingly. Thankfully, from November to March, Moscow’s many renowned theatres open their doors for the cultural highlights of the year (most important ballet and opera companies go on tour in the summer season). The Bolshoi Theatre is without a doubt the most historic theatre in Moscow and, thanks to extensive restorations recently completed, it looks just as grand as it did when it held the coronation celebrations of Tsar Nicholas II. Despite its old-world appearance, almost all of its performances have screens with English subtitles which is a rarity in Russia. For a more refreshingly modern experience, try the Stanislavsky Theatre. It’s pastel blue and white interiors lead to a calm, almost casual atmosphere. But casualness most certainly doesn’t translate to poor performances; its contemporary ballets are simply world-class.

For those with alert ears, there’s a secret Christmas gift to be discovered right on the Red Square . No less captivating than the ballerinas of the Bolshoi, the otherworldly exclusively male “Doros” choir often goes unnoticed within the grandeur of St Basil’s Church . Quite unlike European choirs, the rich baritones and ancient Slavic tongues sung by this choir must be experienced to be believed. Their daily hymns are truly a gift to the ears that will last long after the snows have melted. 

Photo by A.Savin   Wikicommon s

Another secret that tourists are often not privy to is the way to survive Moscow’s frosty winters. The answer is steamy, sizzling and sexy. But though it is true that the temperatures are head-spinning, a winter visit to Moscow would be incomplete without a session at the banya. To say that Moscow’s bathing houses of yore are grand wouldn’t do them justice. They could easily rival the Roman’s most advanced bath houses. Sanduny in particular, is a venerable institution that’s seen the likes of Pushkin to Naomi Campbell a lá nude during its 200 year history.

Coming to Moscow for the New Year? Learn about the   best Christmas markets  and  New Year celebrations in Moscow .

Related Tours

Winter Fairy Tale

One of the best times to visit Russia is winter. At this time of year, all of Russia becomes festive and full of activity, the streets and parks turn into wonderlands of snow and frost with families out and about strolling and taking in the beautiful nature.

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Breaking news, three terrifying attacks in two days rock nyc’s central park: nypd.

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A third shocking attack has unfolded in Central Park in just 27 hours — recalling darker days when the iconic greenspace was plagued by violent “wildings,” and the infamous 1989 rape of a jogger in a case that sent shockwaves through the city.

The spate of violent robberies was followed on Saturday by a brazen snatch-and-grab theft, when a tourist sitting on a bench near East 74th Street had a bag with pricey camera equipment grabbed by a thief who took off running, police said. 

The three violent robberies included an attack Friday night by a trio of armed muggers — who appeared to be just 14 or 15 years old — who accosted a man as he cut through the park, demanding the 25-year-old’s iPhone 11 at 110th Street and East Drive, cops said.

The brave victim  escaped by charging at his young attackers , prompting them to run, empty-handed, police said.

He then tripped and hurt his finger.

Teacher Ashikur R. Chowdhury, who is six feet tall and weighs more than 200 pounds, told The Post he didn’t hesitate to push back on the pint-sized perps.

“It’s really tragic that crime is back on the rise, because for a little bit there Central Park was staying out of the headlines, and now it’s getting back in there because it’s getting worse. It makes me really sad,” Chowdhury, 25, of Harlem said.

The would-be robbery followed two other, disturbing incidents: a man held at gunpoint, robbed and assaulted while taking pictures inside the park , and a woman who was set upon by a pervert who grabbed her and demanded, “Give me your phone, give me your wallet, give me sex,” authorities said. 

The episodes occurred as crime in the park has soared. 

Robberies are up 400% — with 15 as of April 21, compared to three in the same period a year prior, NYPD data show.

The three newest attacks aren’t included in those statistics.

Word of the scary incidents has left New Yorkers shaken. 

A lifelong New Yorker said the city is “already” back to the bad old days.

“It’s unsafe,” said the Upper East Sider, 63, who declined to give their name.

“We had a good 20 years, under [Mayor Rudy] Giuliani and [Mayor Michael] Bloomberg. It was a nice stretch. Now it’s getting worse and worse every day.

“Even the doormen don’t feel safe, even in our area,” the filmmaker claimed. “You have stores being robbed. It’s unpleasant. …It’s gone down so far, it will take a lot to bring it back.”

Steven Bollon and his wife Caroline live in Manhattan but are considering moving to Florida, they said, in part because of the crime. 

“Since Covid something snapped. There are a lot more incidents,” Bollon, 60, said, saying they feel a sense of “uneasiness.”

“That’s really crazy,” said Hermon Daniel, 27, a restaurant hostess who lives on the Upper West Side and walks through Central Park to get to and from work.

“It’s not an affordable area [to live] so you would think, if I’m going to spend this much more in rent for peace of mind, it should be safe.”

In the 80s, groups of teenagers were known to go into the park in groups and attack unsuspecting victims as a pack, which became known as “wilding,” with the roving perps stealing, hitting and punching their targets.

“They’d swarm the people and beat them and rob them,” a police source recalled.

“The more you resisted, the worse it was.”

While Chowdhury wasn’t injured by his attackers, man attacked on Friday morning was punched twice in the face as one of the robbers pointed the gun at his head, cops said.

They then stole an iPhone 8, an iPhone 13 and a wallet from him before taking off on mopeds on a bike path, police said.

The woman was also punched in the face and then knocked to the ground during the attack at West 97th Street and West Drive, authorities said. 

“I want sex,” said the man — who made contact with her chest as they struggled.

He then punched the petite woman in the face and knocked her to the ground, taking off with her iPhone 11, police said.

The brute who was described as being 5-foot-9 with curly short black hair, wearing all black — took off and hasn’t been caught, cops said.

The woman refused medical treatment.

She later told The Post she was “okay,” before declining further comment.

It wasn’t clear if any of the attacks were related and investigators were canvassing the park for video, cops said.

“It scares the shit out of me. Things have deteriorated,” said Ruth Peltason, 65, a writer and editor who lives in Manhattan, who recalled how a friend’s daughter was mugged in Central Park last summer. 

“I’m very mindful of where I walk, especially as a woman, you walk with eyes in the back of your head.” 

Additional reporting by Larry Celona and Georgett Roberts

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Trump’s trial is the latest chapter in the rich history of Lower Manhattan’s courts.

A cluster of downtown buildings has served as the borough’s “epicenter of criminal justice in New York since the 1830s,” said a lawyer who has led walking tours of Manhattan courthouses.

By Matthew Mpoke Bigg

• April 26, 2024

For a decade, Robert Pigott, a lawyer, has led walking tours of the courthouses of Manhattan, guiding visitors around landmarks where the city’s rich legal history has played out. Now the trial of Donald J. Trump has added a chapter to the story he gets to tell.

Mr. Pigott’s tours, which he runs in his spare time, revolve around a cluster of downtown buildings that are the borough’s judicial hub. For now, 100 Centre Street — the Manhattan Criminal Courthouse, where the former president’s case is being heard — is the focus.

But just down the street on Foley Square sits Manhattan’s most elegant courthouse building, New York’s Supreme Court, with its sweeping flight of 32 stone steps leading up to a series of imposing Corinthian columns. Other court buildings are dotted around nearby.

“The eyes of the nation and the world are trained on criminal court cases in New York County, whether it’s organized crime, Wall Street cases or federal cases,” Mr. Pigott said.

Mr. Trump’s trial is remarkable because it is the first time that a former American president has been criminally prosecuted. The defendant’s status as this year’s presumptive Republican presidential nominee adds a contemporary political dimension.

For Mr. Pigott, 64, who has written a book about the history of the city’s courthouses, the real significance is what it says about the status of a few blocks of Manhattan as a nexus. He pointed out that Mr. Trump’s civil fraud case and defamation case also both played out this year in courthouses within spitting distance of the criminal trial.

“Now, when I arrive at the expanse of Foley Square midway through the walk, I can point to something truly remarkable — three different courthouses where the same former U.S. president has been on trial,” he said.

Mr. Trump’s trial shows how politics, celebrity and the location of the court itself can reinforce one another to make a big story bigger. New York’s status as a media hub increases the spotlight during high-profile cases and the high-profile cases held over the decades have, in turn, made the city’s courts an attractive setting for fictional courtroom dramas.

In these buildings, a jury convicted Anna Sorokin for grand larceny in 2019 for posing as a German heiress to swindle wealthy New Yorkers — a case that almost by definition blurred fact and fiction. Naturally, the tale has since been turned into a series on Netflix.

The cluster is also where a group of Black and Latino teenagers, then known as the Central Park Five, were wrongly convicted in 1990 of raping a jogger — a case also rendered as a Netflix series — and where Mark David Chapman pleaded guilty in 1981 to murdering the musician John Lennon.

The New York Supreme Court building, a trial-level court, often serves as a symbol of the court complex. It featured prominently in the television show “Law and Order" and the 1957 courtroom film classic “12 Angry Men,” to cite just two examples.

Mr. Pigott, however, is drawn to the history of the legal system before the 20th century and how it evolved through its buildings. The first stop on the tours he runs is a sidewalk nearby with glass blocks embedded in it, through which it is possible to see the excavations of a courthouse built by the Dutch in the colonial era.

The authorities in New York built a judicial infrastructure in this part of Lower Manhattan starting mainly in the 19th century, when the area experienced significant gang violence, he said.

“This one-block radius has been the epicenter of criminal justice in New York since the 1830s,” said Mr. Pigott.

For all the drama associated with the Trump trial, the streets outside the criminal courthouse have generally been calm this week. Reporters and members of the public have lined up for entry to the courthouse. And on Thursday morning, Collect Pond Park across the street, which has been designated for protests, was empty. Its only occupants were some police officers and a few pigeons.

Matthew Mpoke Bigg is a London-based reporter on the Live team at The Times, which covers breaking and developing news. More about Matthew Mpoke Bigg

The Flourishing World of Central Park

This verdant tourist destination is a pleasure ground for locals, too..

36 Hours in Central Park:  With its endless trails, hidden nooks, museums and nearby night spots, the park is a hub for both thriving activities and where one can find  a more tranquil, timeless Manhattan .

Flaco’s Kingdom : Before his demise earlier in February , the Eurasian eagle-owl’s escape from the Central Park Zoo  and subsequent life on the loose  captured the public’s attention and hearts .

Shakespeare Hits the Road: To many people, Central Park in the summer equals Shakespeare in the Park. But this year, because of renovations at the theater traditionally hosting the productions, the show will step outside  the confines of the park.

Regreening in the Park: A construction project next to the North Woods, involves remaking a part of the park  that serves as a backyard for nearby blocks in East Harlem, where green spaces are sorely missing.

A Reporter’s Design: Ever wondered who designed one of Central Park? Read about the life of Frederick Law Olmsted , who helped create one of New York’s shining jewels.