Old Arbat (Stary Arbat)
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Old Arbat

4.7
·7k reviews·Moskva, Russia

Moscow's historic pedestrian street, alive with artists, musicians, souvenir shops, and cafes. A vibrant cultural hub.

Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Social content

Social

From TikTok & Reddit

Best Time

Weekday mornings

Fewer crowds, more relaxed atmosphere

CrowdLow
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Old Arbat (Stary Arbat)

Old Arbat

Best Time

Weekday mornings

Fewer crowds, more relaxed atmosphere

CrowdLow
Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Moscow's historic pedestrian street, alive with artists, musicians, souvenir shops, and cafes. A vibrant cultural hub.

4.7
(7k reviews)

"A street so full of life and character, after the Kremlin, it should be the second place to visit in Moscow."

Vertical photo
TIP

🎯 Compare Souvenir Prices

Don't buy from the first shop! Larger stores offer better prices on vodka and souvenirs than small street vendors.

🚶‍♀️ Wander the Side Streets

Beyond the main drag, discover quieter alleys with unique architecture and local charm.

Third hero image

Highlights

Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

Street Performers

Street Performers

Musicians, artists, and actors bring Old Arbat to life with spontaneous performances. A true taste of Moscow's creative spirit.

Souvenir Shopping

Souvenir Shopping

Find traditional Russian crafts, matryoshka dolls, and iconic souvenirs. Perfect for unique gifts and mementos.

Architectural Gems

Architectural Gems

Admire historic buildings, including Pushkin's House, showcasing Moscow's rich architectural heritage.

Samovar Art Pavilion

Samovar Art Pavilion

A unique art pavilion celebrating Russian traditions and hospitality, featuring local producers and crafts.

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Planning Your Visit

Embrace the Arbat Vibe

Old Arbat is a pedestrian street buzzing with artists, musicians, and souvenir shops. Expect crowds, especially on weekends. For a more relaxed experience, visit on a weekday morning. Consider it Moscow's vibrant heart, perfect for soaking in local culture.

Souvenir Savvy

While Old Arbat is packed with souvenir shops, prices can be inflated. For better deals on Russian vodka and matryoshka dolls, look for larger, established stores rather than smaller street vendors. Compare prices to avoid being overcharged.

Best Times

When
Weekday mornings
Why
Fewer crowds, more relaxed atmosphere
Crowd
Low
When
Weekend evenings
Why
Vibrant energy, street performances
Crowd
High

Insider Tips

from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit

Станция Ⓜ️ Арбатская 🚇 #Москва #moscow
@48_nikita__
153.6K likes • 2.4M views

🎯 Compare Souvenir Prices

Don't buy from the first shop! Larger stores offer better prices on vodka and souvenirs than small street vendors. Reddit

🚶‍♀️ Wander the Side Streets

Beyond the main drag, discover quieter alleys with unique architecture and local charm. TikTok

##bakr #расстояние #arbathall #москва #fypシ #fyp
@mamarasuloff7
130.8K likes • 982K views
📍.. Old Arbat Street moscow , Russia 🇷🇺 #موسكو #روسيا #moscow #russia #travels
alkarifi
40 likes • 1.2K views

🎶 Enjoy Street Music

The street musicians add a fantastic atmosphere. Take a moment to listen and appreciate the talent. Instagram

☕️ Sample Russian Cuisine

Explore diverse restaurants and food halls for authentic Russian dishes and local flavors. Reddit

لمحة عن أفضل الشوارع في موسكو! إذا كنت في موسكو أو تخطط لزيارتها، لا تفوّت تجربة هذه الشوارع المذهلة: 1. شارع أربات القديم (Old Arbat Street) شارع فني وتاريخي ينبض بالحياة – مليء بالمقاهي، الرسامين، والموسيقيين. 2. شارع تفيرسكايا (Tverskaya Street) قلب موسكو النابض – تسوق فاخر، مطاعم أنيقة، ومعالم تاريخية. 3. نيكولسكايا (Nikolskaya Street) مباشرة بجانب الساحة الحمراء – أضواء ساحرة ومثالية للصور...
marhaba_to_moscow
9.5K likes • 202.1K views

Tips

from all over the internet

🎯 Compare Souvenir Prices

Don't buy from the first shop! Larger stores offer better prices on vodka and souvenirs than small street vendors. Reddit

🚶‍♀️ Wander the Side Streets

Beyond the main drag, discover quieter alleys with unique architecture and local charm. TikTok

🎶 Enjoy Street Music

The street musicians add a fantastic atmosphere. Take a moment to listen and appreciate the talent. Instagram

☕️ Sample Russian Cuisine

Explore diverse restaurants and food halls for authentic Russian dishes and local flavors. Reddit

📸 Capture the Vibe

Old Arbat is incredibly photogenic, especially with its lively street scenes and historic buildings. Instagram

What Travellers Say

4.7
(7k reviews)

Reviews Summary

Old Arbat is celebrated as a vibrant, character-filled street, often considered a must-visit after the Kremlin. Visitors love its lively atmosphere, diverse shops, and street performers. However, some find souvenir prices high and suggest seeking larger stores for better deals.

"A street so full of life and character, after the kremlin, it should be the second place to visit in Moscow. There are heaps of shops selling souvenirs and also branded goods, there are multiple-cuisine restaurants and also food halls selling Russian food. There’s a vibrant energy all around. There are also people performing on the streets and various installations"

Natalie Pote

"Another remarkable place in the heart of Moscow. Has many selections of restaurants that you can try. Analogous to Bauman Street in Kazan, although i liked the latter more."

Mustafa Shahid

"Arbat is very popular street. Always happening place. Many shops, brands are located and you can find some iconic buildings with great architectural facades. Great Russian Poet Pushkin's House is on this street only.

Length of this street is around 1 km and its one of the oldest survived iconic street. Since around 15th century."

Vijay Nair

What People Like

Vibrant street life
Souvenir shopping
Street performers

What People Dislike

High souvenir prices
Crowded at times

Frequently Asked Questions

🚇 🗺️ Getting There

Old Arbat is easily accessible by metro. The closest stations are Arbatskaya (Arbatsko-Pokrovskaya Line) and Borovitskaya (Serpukhovsko-Timiryazevskaya Line).TikTok From these stations, it's a short walk to the pedestrian street.

Yes, Old Arbat is centrally located and can be reached on foot from several key areas, including the Kremlin and Alexander Garden, making it a convenient addition to your Moscow itinerary. TikTok

The best way to explore Old Arbat is on foot. It's a pedestrian street designed for leisurely strolls, shopping, and enjoying the atmosphere. Instagram

Parking near Old Arbat can be challenging due to its central location and pedestrian nature. It's highly recommended to use public transport like the metro to avoid parking hassles.

Yes, taxis can drop you off at the entrances to Old Arbat. However, be aware that the street itself is closed to vehicle traffic.

🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry

No, Old Arbat Street is a public pedestrian area and does not require an entrance ticket. You can explore it freely at any time. Instagram

Old Arbat is always open as it's a public street. However, individual shops, restaurants, and cafes will have their own operating hours, typically from late morning to late evening.

While performances are free to watch, it's customary and appreciated to tip the street artists if you enjoy their act. Instagram

Information on admission fees for the Samovar Art Pavilion can vary. It's best to check their specific opening times and any associated costs closer to your visit. Instagram

Yes, Alexander Pushkin's apartment museum is located on Old Arbat Street and is open to visitors. Check its specific opening hours and admission fees. Instagram

🍽️ 🛍️ Shopping & Dining

You'll find a wide array of souvenirs, including traditional Russian matryoshka dolls, amber jewelry, ushanka hats, painted nesting dolls, and of course, Russian vodka. Instagram

Redditors advise buying souvenirs from larger, established stores rather than small street vendors, as prices can be significantly lower. Reddit

Old Arbat offers a diverse culinary scene with numerous restaurants serving various cuisines, from traditional Russian food to international dishes. There are also cafes and food halls. TikTokReddit

While specific 'famous' restaurants can be subjective, the street is known for its variety. Many visitors enjoy trying traditional Russian dishes at the numerous eateries. Instagram

Yes, Old Arbat is a popular place to buy Russian vodka. Look for larger stores for a better selection and price range, from 250 to 1400 rubles. Reddit

📸 📸 Photography & Art

Capture the vibrant street life, street performers, unique architecture, and the iconic Samovar pavilion. The evening lights also offer a magical ambiance. TikTokInstagram

Yes, Old Arbat often features temporary art installations, such as the 'Beauty Bus' pavilion, adding to its dynamic atmosphere. Instagram

While not a primary focus, you might encounter street art or graffiti in the surrounding alleys or as part of temporary exhibitions. TikTok

The lively backdrop of Old Arbat, with its colorful shops and bustling crowds, can make for interesting and dynamic portrait shots. Instagram

The 'Samovar' is an art pavilion celebrating Russian traditions and hospitality, showcasing products from Moscow-based producers and unique souvenirs. Instagram

For Different Travelers

Tailored advice for your travel style

👨‍👩‍👧 Families with Kids

Old Arbat can be a fun experience for families, offering a lively atmosphere with street performers that can captivate children. The colorful souvenir shops and the chance to see unique Russian crafts can be engaging. TikTok

Consider visiting during the day when it's less crowded and safer for younger children. While the street is pedestrian-friendly, keep a close eye on kids due to the crowds. The Samovar Art Pavilion might also offer interesting visual experiences for families. Instagram

💰 Budget Travelers

For budget-conscious travelers, Old Arbat offers opportunities for affordable exploration. While souvenir shops can be pricey, simply walking the street, enjoying the street performers, and soaking in the atmosphere is free. TikTokInstagram

When it comes to souvenirs, heed the advice to shop at larger stores for better prices on items like vodka and traditional crafts. Reddit For dining, look for food halls or smaller cafes away from the main tourist hotspots for more budget-friendly meal options. Reddit

🎨 Art & Culture Enthusiasts

Old Arbat is a haven for art and culture lovers. The street itself is a living canvas, with its historic architecture, street artists, and musicians. TikTokInstagram

Don't miss the Pushkin Museum for a deep dive into Russian literature and the Samovar Art Pavilion for a taste of contemporary Russian artistry and tradition. Instagram+1 The performances by street musicians and artists offer spontaneous cultural encounters that are a hallmark of this vibrant street. Instagram

Deep Dives

In-depth insights and expert knowledge

The Dual Nature of Arbat: Old vs. New

It's important to distinguish between Old Arbat (Stary Arbat) and New Arbat (Novy Arbat). Old Arbat is the historic, pedestrian-only street known for its bohemian charm, street artists, souvenir shops, and cafes. It retains a more traditional Moscow feel. TikTokInstagram

New Arbat, on the other hand, is a wide, modern avenue built in the Soviet era. It's characterized by high-rise buildings, modern shops, and a faster pace of life. While it offers a different perspective of Moscow, it lacks the historic character of its older counterpart. TikTok+1 Many visitors find Old Arbat to be the more charming and culturally rich experience for a leisurely stroll and souvenir hunting. TikTok

When planning your visit, be clear about which Arbat you intend to explore. Old Arbat is the one that typically comes to mind when people refer to the iconic, artsy street. Instagram

A Stroll Through History on Old Arbat

Old Arbat Street boasts a rich history, dating back to the 15th century, making it one of Moscow's oldest surviving streets. Reddit It has been a hub for artists, writers, and intellectuals, and many iconic figures have lived or worked here. The most famous resident is undoubtedly the great Russian poet Alexander Pushkin, whose former apartment is now a museum on the street. Instagram

Walking along Old Arbat, you'll encounter a blend of architectural styles, from historic merchant houses to buildings from the constructivist era. TikTok The street has a unique character, often described as a place where history meets vibrant street life. Instagram It's a place to not just shop but to absorb the atmosphere and imagine the lives of those who walked these cobblestones centuries ago. Reddit

Beyond Pushkin's House, the street is lined with buildings that tell stories of Moscow's past. The Vakhtangov Theatre is also a notable landmark nearby, adding to the cultural significance of the area. Instagram Exploring the side streets off Old Arbat can reveal even more architectural gems and a quieter, more local perspective. TikTok

Navigating Souvenir Shopping on Old Arbat

Old Arbat is a prime destination for picking up souvenirs, from traditional Russian nesting dolls (matryoshka) and amber jewelry to iconic symbols like ushanka hats and, of course, Russian vodka. Instagram The sheer number of shops can be overwhelming, and it's easy to get caught up in the vibrant atmosphere. Reddit

However, a common piece of advice from travelers is to be discerning with your purchases. While the street is lively, prices in smaller, individual shops can be significantly higher than in larger, more established stores. Reddit Many recommend comparing prices across different vendors and looking for larger shops that often offer better value, especially for items like vodka. Reddit

Beyond the typical souvenirs, you might also find unique art pieces, local crafts, and even items from Moscow-based producers at places like the Samovar Art Pavilion. Instagram So, while Old Arbat is a treasure trove for souvenirs, a little savvy shopping can ensure you get the best mementos without overspending.