This time, we offer you a stroll through Sokolniki Park - one of Moscow's oldest recreational areas. The word Sokolniki comes from ancient times when the area was a forest where Russian tsars entertained themselves with falconry hunting. In the 18th century, it became a favored place for hikers and the decision was made to turn it into a park. In 1878, Sokolniki Park was opened for unlimited public access.

Our starting point is metro station Sokolniki. The main entrance to the park is visible from the station's exit. For inquiries, you can call park administration at 268-5430.

Right between the metro and the park's entrance there's a marketplace offering almost anything - furniture, clothes, toys, food and more. Be careful though, the prices are low but nobody guarantees even the medium standard of quality.

Woods are mainly birch and maple groves, but there are also huge furs, pine trees and even Siberian cedars. Sokolniki Park is famous for its rose garden, with more than 5,000 plants of various species.

The beauty of Sokolniki inspired many Russian artists. Isaac Levitan's masterpiece "Autumn Day in Sokolnini" and Alexei Savrasov's "Forest Path in Sokolniki" are fine examples.

Sokolniki Park abounds in fairground attractions. There are 23 of them in the "City of Attractions" - from Luna-Park to a carting field. Prices vary from 15 to 50 rubles. In a weekend at Sokolniki you can choose between two options - to rush into the dizzy world of the carniva, or to enjoy seclusion, meditation and fresh air full accompanied by the aroma of spruce and leaf.

Sokolniki Park is perhaps the leader among Moscow's recreational places in the quantity of restaurants, cafes, bars and outdoor catering points. They have low prices and an excellent choice of snacks and drinks.

In the late 19th and early 20th century, Sokolniki Park hosted rallies and working class events. This memorial plaque recalls a public speech Vladimir Lenin made here in 1918.

As well as being a recreational area, Sokolniki Park is a cultural center frequently hosting concerts, game-shows and theme parties. Inside the park there's a Sports Palace, Green Theater and a number of exhibition pavilions.

Dance areas are open on weekends at 6 p.m. and bandstands often have live performances of pop stars and bands, both modern and retro.