A Whole City of Shops in Rostov-on-Don - Literally!

I still remember my first visit to a massive shopping center in Rostov-on-Don way back in the early days. It was around 30 years ago, and we'd heard great things about this enormous and mind-blowing store called Ramstor. So, we decided to check it out, and that's exactly how I stumbled upon the Gorizont shopping and entertainment center for the first time. The impression I got from visiting Ramstor back then was truly mind-blowing.

Hotel in the evening. Rostov-on-Don. I'd never been to a shopping center like this before. The opening of the first Turkish hypermarket in Rostov-on-Don really took the level of trading culture to a whole new level, and the Horizont shopping center played a huge role in that. Horizont shopping center, Rostov-on-Don But then Rambler left Horizont, just like it left Rostov-on-Don, amidst scandals and lawsuits. I stopped going there for a while because there wasn't much for me to do without the hypermarket. Children's World at Horizont shopping center, Rostov-on-DonNow that I live closer to Horizont, I'm there quite often. I really like that there are plenty of free parking spots around the shopping center. You'll always find a spot to park your car.

Shopping Center Horizont Operating Hours Horizont Shopping Center, Rostov-on-Don I've been to Horizont on holidays and late at night, and it's always bustling. The biggest open parking lot I've seen is located behind the Hoff store, but you've got to remember that Horizont is like a mini-city within the city. Horizont Shopping Center, Rostov-on-Don Apparently, Horizont even has its own power plant, which makes it self-sufficient when it comes to electricity and heating. Horizont Shopping Center, Rostov-on-Don It's a massive place, and if you park on one side, it can take a while to walk to the other side. Hoff in Horizont Even when you're inside the shopping center, it's a good idea to park close to the store you're interested in, so you don't have to walk too far.One of the things that stood out to me about the Technopark in Horizon was the sheer number of shops, cafes, and other retail spots. It's like a mini-city within the mall.

Technopark in Horizon.But what really got me was the free covered parking, which is now a paid service. I'm not a fan of that, especially during the summer months when the sun is blazing.

Auchan in Horizon.I was also disappointed to see that the bowling alley, Planet Bowling, had closed down. I used to love going there with friends.

Planet Bowling in Horizon.Nowadays, the Horizon Mall is more like a network of buildings connected by shopping galleries.

Horizon Mall, Rostov-on-Don Horizon Mall, Rostov-on-Don I've been to this mall a bunch of times, and to be honest, it feels like a labyrinth to me. I often get lost in the place. Now that Ashan City is open, it's not like it used to be the anchor tenant that drew in the crowds. Horizon Mall, Rostov-on-Don I think it's lost its role as the main draw for customers, because hardly anyone goes to Horizon just to buy groceries. People mostly go there for non-food items, electronics, and other stuff. Horizon Mall, Rostov-on-Don Horizon Mall, Rostov-on-Don Horizon Mall, Rostov-on-Don The traffic around the mall is crazy, so getting there by bus or marshrutka is a real pain.One of the things that really stood out to me was the effort that went into building the underground pedestrian crossing near the shopping center.

Stop for public transportation at the Horizon Mall, Rostov-on-DonHorizon Mall, Rostov-on-DonHorizon Mall, Rostov-on-DonIt was built specifically for the shopping center on Nagibina Avenue, and I have to say, I was a bit let down when I visited it recently. The crossing itself is pretty run-down and a bit intimidating to walk through. It's not exactly the kind of thing you'd want to show off, especially when you've got a fancy shopping center like the Horizon Mall right above it.

Horizon Mall, Rostov-on-DonUnderground crossing at the Horizon MallHorizon Mall, Rostov-on-Don Underground passage at the Horizon Mall, Rostov-on-Don Underground passage at the Horizon Mall, Rostov-on-DonThe public transportation stop is literally right outside the Horizon Mall.

You can find big-name stores like Noff, M.video, TechPark, DNS, Detsky Mir, Sportmaster (in a separate building), and Auchan, to name just a few.

Horizon Mall, Rostov-on-Don Horizon Mall, Rostov-on-Don Horizon Mall, Rostov-on-DonThe food court has KFC, Vkusno i Tochka, Burger King, Vkusnolubov, and tons of other cafes and restaurants.

Horizon Mall, Rostov-on-DonThere are over thirty-one dining establishments in various formats. Of course, all major telecom operators like MTS, MegaFon, Tele2, and Beeline have their salons represented. Horizon Mall, Rostov-on-DonHorizon Mall, Rostov-on-DonThere are plenty of jewelry stores and shops selling various bags, wallets, and accessories. Horizon Mall, Rostov-on-DonHorizon Mall, Rostov-on-DonHorizon Mall, Rostov-on-DonThere's a trampoline park and other kids' entertainment options like various ride-on toys, virtual reality complexes, and more. The mall has a pretty good selection of places to eat and shop, and it's definitely worth checking out if you're in the area.

One thing I noticed when I was visiting the shopping center is that there are a ton of clothing and shoe stores. I'd say most people come here for that.

Mall Horizon, Rostov-on-DonMall Horizon, Rostov-on-DonMall Horizon, Rostov-on-DonIn fact, just next door is the largest indoor water park in Rostov, H2O. I think it's pretty clear what draws people to this place.

Horizon Mall, Rostov-on-Don Horizon Mall, Rostov-on-DonThere are over ninety such points here. All the well-known brands of network stores selling clothing and footwear are represented here. Horizon Mall, Rostov-on-Don Horizon Mall, Rostov-on-Don And even if not all of them, most of them are. And the sanctions seem to have not reduced their number. We also mostly come here either for clothing or for furniture in Novofedorovka. I used to love going to Technopark for home appliances and electronics, but now the service has deteriorated. ATMs at Horizon Mall Horizon MallI've been to this mall a few times, and I've gotta say, it's got everything you'd want in a shopping center. The last time I was there, I picked up a high-end coffee machine, and I was really happy with the service and the product itself.

Horizon Mall, Rostov-on-DonHorizon Mall, Rostov-on-DonHorizon Mall, Rostov-on-DonHorizon Mall, Rostov-on-DonAnd yeah, the mall's got a photo studio, a bookstore, an atelier, and tons of other services scattered around. Plus, there's a world-class hotel right in the heart of it all.

Horizon Mall, Rostov-on-Don Horizon Mall, Rostov-on-Don Horizon Mall, Rostov-on-DonIt's pretty common for shoppers to get lost in this mall and end up searching for a restroom. Don't be afraid to ask the security guards for help - they're pretty on the ball.

I've noticed a change in the crowd at the Horizon Mall in Rostov-on-Don lately. It seems like there's a lot more rowdy youth hanging around, and I'm starting to think the security team isn't doing their job as well as they used to. Maybe I'm just getting old, but it feels like the atmosphere has shifted. I was at the Horizon Mall in Rostov-on-Don recently, and I was surprised to see a dog roaming around on the second floor, near the Ashan store. The mall's been looking a bit rough around the edges lately, to be honest. Maybe it's just me, but I feel like the security team could be doing a better job of keeping the peace. I've been to the Horizon Mall in Rostov-on-Don a few times, and I have to say, it's been a bit of a mixed bag. Some days it's bustling with people, while others it's eerily quiet. I'm not sure what's going on, but I hope the mall's management takes steps to improve the situation.Horizon Mall, Rostov-on-DonShe wandered around the mall like she owned the place, and no one gave her a hard time. Or so we were told, it's like having a local dog that's allowed everywhere and fed on the house. It's nice when people treat animals with such respect. I recently visited the village of Kazanskaya Verkhnedonskoye in the Rostov region, and I was asked to leave the Perekrestok store with my dog.By the way, I didn't actually take a photo, but in

Horizon Mall, Rostov-on-Don Horizon Mall, Rostov-on-DonHorizon Mall has a heartwarming statue of a dog named 'Liza' right at the main entrance. The life-sized statue sits and looks at visitors, with a bowl next to it. Apparently, this dog was once hit by a car within the mall's premises, and the manager noticed it. He took the dog to Aibolit and they managed to put it back on its feet. So, they decided to let it live on the mall's territory, where it became a beloved fixture, freely roaming among shops and boutiques. Unfortunately, it eventually passed away, and now it has a memorial statue. Horizon Mall, Rostov-on-Don Horizon Mall, Rostov-on-Don Horizon Mall, Rostov-on-DonPickup points for the tech park and Novoff are located on the side street, so if you've got something heavy, you'll need to go around to the back to collect it.

Fortunately, you don't have to drag it all the way from the tech park on your own - you can drive up and pick it up instead.

You can see the pick-up points in the photos below.

Pick-up point at Tech ParkGorizont Mall, Rostov-on-DonPick-up point at HoffGorizont Mall, Rostov-on-DonTo be honest, I really like this shopping mall, but even though it's the largest one in Rostov-on-Don, I still find Mega more cozy. You really need to spend the whole day there and stroll around without rushing, or you won't be able to visit all the shops and stores. It's like a mini shopping city. Plus, it's nice to take a break and watch a movie or grab a bite at one of the many cafes. The mall looks amazing in the evening, especially from a distance - it's all lit up with countless lights and illuminations, which I think are the best in the city. I'd give this shopping center 4 out of 5 stars only because I got lost there a few times, but overall, I'd definitely recommend it to everyone.