TOP 3: The best places in Moscow to drink mate

Perhaps some of you will be surprised to learn that not only is mate drunk in Russia, but it's also relatively easy to find yerba mate in its capital, Moscow. Russians appreciate the energizing and health-boosting properties of mate; they have warmly embraced it. So if you're a tourist in the "port of the five seas" and fancy sharing a good mate, you can do so without a problem while enjoying the attractions of the Russian metropolis. Here are some suggested places to enjoy a mate while admiring the cold but enchanting Moscow landscape:

La Plaza Roja

In the heart of Moscow, Red Square is an imposing place, an emblem of the Russian nation. If you walk along the southwest side of the square, you can take a moment to sit and enjoy the warmth of a mate while admiring the Kremlin, the largest medieval fortress in the world. From there, you can also admire the fascinating view of St. Basil's Cathedral, a symbol of the city and world-famous for its multi-colored, bulbous domes, whose colorful beauty gave the Russian capital its name.

Parque Gorki

It's the city's most visited urban park, and its vast expanse even includes beaches that branch off from the Moskva River. And although it doesn't have actual sea or sand, Leninsky Beach is home to loungers, kiosks, and umbrellas, inviting you to linger in this green area filled with people sunbathing, strolling, or simply watching the boats sail along the river. An idyllic setting for relaxing with a delicious, warm mate.

Jardín Neskuchny

This monumental landscape on the banks of the Moskva River is the largest and oldest garden in Moscow, located in its historic center, where you can sip mate with the sensation of being in an enchanted forest full of paths, ravines, and streams crossed by brick bridges.

Where to buy yerba mate in Moscow

You don't have to go far: you can get mate in some shops on Red Square itself, or even in the square's bars and cafes, as part of the menu. You can even buy yerba mate in some metro stations! And since the Moscow metro is an architectural gem, you can also take the opportunity to tour this colossal underground museum.

Information sources