Arbat Street (Old Arbat)

Old Arbat is a legendary pedestrian street in the very heart of Moscow, where every building preserves the memory of great people of the past. Stretching just 1200 meters, this Moscow promenade has become a symbol of the capital’s culture, a meeting place for artists, musicians, and travelers from all over the world.

What is the Arbat and why you must see it

The Arbat in Moscow rightfully holds the title of the most famous street in the capital. This pedestrian zone 1200 meters long stretches between Prechistenka and New Arbat, connecting Arbatskiye Vorota Square with Smolenskaya Square. Once, luxurious income houses, prestigious hotels, and trading establishments were located here. Today, Old Arbat is an open-air museum, where almost every building is associated with old Moscow. After large-scale reconstruction in the 1980s, the street was reborn: restaurants were restored, expensive shops and unique museums opened, and the very atmosphere of the place began attracting tourists like a magnet.

The origin of the name Arbat: a riddle through the centuries

The history of the street’s name is shrouded in mysteries and legends. The toponym “Orbat” was first mentioned in the chronicle of 1475: “Nikifor Basenkov completely burned down on Orbat.” Interestingly, the name was originally spelled with the letter “O,” not “A.”

Main versions of the origin of the name

• The Arabic version is considered the most common among historians. According to it, the name comes from the Arabic word “arbad,” meaning “suburbs” or “outskirts.” This word may have been brought to Moscow by Eastern merchants and Crimean Tatars who actively traded in the area
• The Turkic theory connects the name with the word “arba” — a cart. In the area of modern Volkhonka was Kolymaga settlement, where various wagons were made
• The Russian hypothesis suggests origin from the word “gorbataja” (humpbacked), which reflected the uneven terrain with many streams flowing through it

An interesting fact: Tsar Alexei Mikhailovich, father of Peter I, once tried to rename the street Smolenskaya, since it was a direct route to Smolensk. However, the idea did not take hold, and the old name has survived to this day.

Historical journey: from streltsy settlement to pedestrian zone

Early history: XV–XVII centuries

The first reliable mention of the Arbat dates to July 28, 1493, when a great fire, caused by a fallen candle in a church in Zamoskvorechye, destroyed a large area including the Kremlin and Arbat. In the 16th century, Tsar Ivan the Terrible settled his army in the surroundings of the street for protection from western raids. In 1565, the first streltsy settlement was founded here. The soldiers were exempted from taxes and in peacetime engaged in crafts and trade.

Transformation into an elite district: XVII–XIX centuries

From the mid-17th century, Arbat began to turn into a prestigious settlement. The first to build his chambers here was voivode Vasily Ivanovich Streshnev, a relative of Tsar Mikhail Fyodorovich’s wife. By the end of the century, after Peter I suppressed the streltsy uprising and disbanded the military settlement, nobles embracing European culture began to build houses on the freed land. In the 18th century, the Arbat was home to the noblest Russian families:

• Princes Gagarin
• Counts Tolstoy
• Princes Trubetskoy
• Counts Sheremetev

During the Patriotic War of 1812, a large part of Moscow was burned. In peacetime, the elite settlement was rebuilt with houses in Empire style, inhabited by the intelligentsia. Relatives of A. V. Suvorov, F. M. Dostoevsky, M. E. Saltykov-Shchedrin, and P. Ya. Chaadayev lived here.

20th century: transformation and revival

In the 1930s, cars carrying party officials drove along the Arbat. Joseph Stalin himself drove down this street on his way to his dacha in Kuntsevo. These times are vividly described in A. N. Rybakov’s novel “Children of the Arbat.” Until 1982, the Arbat was an ordinary Moscow street with two-way traffic and trolleybus routes. Large-scale reconstruction in the late 1970s — early 1980s completely transformed the street:

• Asphalt was replaced with cobblestones, made especially for the Arbat
• Bricks were laid by hand without cement, using only special rubber mallets
• Benches for rest and flower vases were installed
• Decorative retro street lamps appeared
• The street became completely pedestrian

Main attractions of Old Arbat

Restaurant “Prague” — a culinary legend of Moscow

At the beginning of the street is one of the most famous Moscow restaurants, with a history of more than 100 years. The building itself was built in the 17th century, and in 1872, entrepreneur and philanthropist Vera Firsanova opened a tavern here for cabmen. In 1896, the tavern was won in a billiard game by merchant Semyon Tararykin, who rebuilt it into a luxurious restaurant with a winter garden and an open rooftop terrace. Notable visitors included:

• Alexander Blok and Ivan Bunin
• Maxim Gorky and Sergei Yesenin
• Ilya Repin and Leo Tolstoy
• Fyodor Chaliapin and Anton Chekhov

From the 1950s began the restaurant’s golden age. It gained nationwide fame after confectioner Vladimir Guralnik created the legendary cakes “Prague” and “Bird’s Milk”.

Vakhtangov Theatre

At house №26 stands the State Academic Evgeny Vakhtangov Theatre. Its story began in 1913, when the 30-year-old Vakhtangov organized a Student Drama Studio. In 1926, after the founder’s death, the theatre received his name. The theatre’s calling card became the production of “Princess Turandot” by Carlo Gozzi. The play remained on stage for 84 years (1922–2006). In memory of the legendary performance, in 2007 a “Princess Turandot” fountain was unveiled in front of the building. The theatre building itself was erected in 1873 in eclectic style, combining Russian style, classicism, neo-Renaissance, and neo-Baroque. After a 1941 bombing and a major reconstruction in 1948, the hall’s capacity increased from 150 to 1100 seats.

The House with Knights — an architectural mystery

Opposite the Vakhtangov Theatre stands the tallest building on Old Arbat — a seven-story house with two sad knights on its facade. It was built in 1912 by merchant Yakov Filatov as a prestigious income house. This landmark inspired writers: Mikhail Bulgakov, in his novel “The Master and Margarita,” dressed Koroviev in the armor of one of the knights and placed critic Latunsky, whose apartment Margarita destroyed, in this building. The mystery of the empty niches: on the other side of the house there are two more niches, but without knights. Their intended purpose remains unknown.

Victor Tsoi’s Wall

At house №37, facing Krivoarbatsky Lane, lies a cult place for rock music fans. Since Arbat became pedestrian, nonconformists gathered here, singing songs by Shevchuk, Kinchev, Grebenshchikov, and of course Tsoi. When the country learned of the rock star’s death, someone wrote on the wall: “Tsoi lives!” Thus the legendary Tsoi Wall appeared, where many still leave drawings and inscriptions. A special urn for broken cigarettes was even installed here.

A. S. Pushkin Museum-Apartment

At house №53, built in 1777, is the only Pushkin museum in Moscow that was actually the poet’s residence. In January 1831, Alexander Sergeyevich rented an apartment in this two-story mansion, and on February 18 brought here his young wife Natalia Goncharova. The Pushkins lived here for several of their happiest months. In the 1880s, the brother of P. I. Tchaikovsky lived here, and the great composer often visited. In the hard 1930s, the building housed a military tribunal, later communal apartments. On February 18, 1986, the “Sun of Russian Poetry” memorial apartment-museum opened here.

Monument to Bulat Okudzhava

At house №43 was born and raised Bulat Okudzhava, who often mentioned the Arbat in his poems. In 2002, a monument to the poet-bard was unveiled near this house. Now, admirers of his work gather around “walking” Bulat Shalvovich, meetings are arranged, and excursions are held.

Modern entertainment and museums

Entertainment Center at Old Arbat, 16

The modern entertainment center “Fairy Tales and Entertainment of Arbat” offers visitors:

1. Immersion in the fairy tale “Alice Through the Looking Glass”
2. Photo sessions with cartoon characters in the LoveBox room
3. A journey into the house of a giant, where you feel like a little mouse
4. An adventure in the jungle with dangerous and cute inhabitants

The center is open daily from 11:00 (from 10:00 on weekends) until 22:00.

Museum of Optical Illusions

On Nikolopeskovsky Lane, 4, operates an interactive museum where you can take photos against artistic installations with 3D effects. Entrance costs 450 rubles.

Street performers and creative atmosphere

At any time on Old Arbat you can see:

• Performances by musicians, dancers, and actors
• A street art gallery with masterpieces in various styles
• Artists drawing caricatures of passersby
• Craftsmen selling handmade products
• Sellers of traditional Russian souvenirs

Practical information for tourists

How to get to Old Arbat

By metro:

• To the beginning of the street: “Arbatskaya” station of the blue (Arbatsko-Pokrovskaya) line
• To the end of the street: “Smolenskaya” station of the light-blue (Filyovskaya) line
• Important: both stations have namesakes on other lines located far from the street

By ground transport:

• “Arbatskiye Vorota” stop: buses м2, м7, н2, с511
• Along Gogolevsky Boulevard: bus м5
• “Smolenskaya Square” stop: buses 220, 239, 379, B, с910

On foot:

• From the Cathedral of Christ the Savior along Gogolevsky Boulevard — 1.5 km (about 20 minutes)
• From the Kremlin through Alexander Garden and Vozdvizhenka — 2 km (about 30 minutes)
• From the Theatre at Nikitskiye Vorota along Nikitsky Boulevard — 700 meters

Opening hours and cost of visit

The street is accessible 24/7 and free to visit. No mass festivities are held here, and the street is not closed off. Approximate service prices:

• Caricature by a street artist: 400–800 rubles
• Group walking tour: from 500 rubles
• Individual tour (1.5–2 hours): from 4000 rubles
• Lunch in a café: from 400 rubles per person

Arbat is very popular with foreigners, so prices here are relatively high. When planning a budget, it is worth deciding in advance which places you want to visit.

When is the best time to visit Arbat

Old Arbat is interesting at any time of the year, even in rain and snow. However, the best time to visit is spring, summer, and early autumn, when you can comfortably walk the street and enjoy street performances. In winter, the street is decorated with Christmas lights and ornaments, and you may encounter Father Frost and the Snow Maiden. In warm seasons, the decor changes to summer style, with clowns, photographers, and artists greeting tourists.

How much time is needed for a walk

Technically, you can walk 1200 meters in 30 minutes at a steady pace, but that won’t happen! It’s impossible not to admire the paintings, watch performances, or take photos by the “Princess Turandot” fountain or other historic landmarks. You can come here again and again, always discovering something new. Thoughtful travelers treat Arbat as an open-air museum and can spend the whole day here.

What to see near Arbat

Nearby are:

• Alexander Garden and Red Square
• Smolenskaya Embankment (towards New Arbat)
• Cathedral of Christ the Savior
• The Kremlin and Manezhnaya Square
• The Ministry of Foreign Affairs building — one of Moscow’s famous skyscrapers

Unique facts about Arbat

• In the early 20th century, Arbat set a record for the number of doctors living here: 74 in 1913, and 87 by 1916
• On this short (just over a kilometer) street, there were once three churches dedicated to St. Nicholas the Wonderworker
• The name “Arbat” has hardly changed since its origin, though pronunciation varied between “Orbat” and “Arbat”
• After the 1980s reconstruction, Muscovites joked that “Arbat went lamp-crazy” — due to the abundance of decorative lanterns
• Cobblestones were made especially for the Arbat and laid by hand without cement

Arbat in culture and literature

Old Arbat has repeatedly drawn the attention of writers, poets, and filmmakers:

• Mikhail Bulgakov in “The Master and Margarita” described the House with Knights and placed critic Latunsky there
• Bulat Okudzhava dedicated many poems and songs to Arbat, calling it “a concentration of Russian culture”
• Anatoly Rybakov in “Children of the Arbat” described life on the street in the 1930s
• Andrey Bely wrote: “In Arbat — the cream of Moscow and all of Russia is squeezed!”
• Muslim Magomayev sang in 1964: “Come to Moscow and stroll along the Arbat…”

Conclusion: why you should visit Old Arbat

Old Arbat is not just a street, but a living organism that breathes history and culture. Here elite and popular culture are concentrated: from the Vakhtangov Theatre to Tsoi’s Wall, from Pushkin’s museum-apartment to street artists. A walk along the Arbat is a way to touch the spirit of old Moscow, to feel the atmosphere created by great people of different eras. Every building here has its story, every alley preserves secrets of the past. If you want to know what true Russia is, be sure to stroll along the Arbat! This street is a sanctuary of Moscow, where past and present intertwine into a single whole, creating a unique atmosphere that leaves no traveler indifferent.