When it comes to the most famous streets of our capital, the name “Old Arbat” is immediately remembered. Moscow, whose sights are famous all over the world, is justly proud of this amazing place.
A bit of history
The word “orbat” can be translated from Arabic as “suburb”. In the 14-16 centuries, the place where the famous street is located now, fully corresponded to this name. The fact is that in those days this name was borne by the whole district, which was located under the walls of the White City.
The situation changed in the 18th century. It was then that the Arbat began to be called a separately located street. Representatives of the Moscow nobility and high officials began to build houses here. After the fire of 1812, most of the wooden buildings burned to the ground. Later, stone buildings appeared in the Empire style, which was fashionable in those days.
In the 19th century, Arbat radically changed its status. It ceased to be a "noble nest", since merchant families became its main population. The appearance of the street also changed: shops and shops appeared on the ground floors, and colorful signs decorated the houses.
In the 60s of the 20th century, many old buildings were demolished, high-rise buildings and new shops appeared. Arbat became a pedestrian zone only in 1974.
Next, we will tell you what is interesting for city guests and foreign tourists in Old Arbat. Moscow, the sights of which are so diverse, can surprise even experienced travelers. So, what is worth seeing while walking along the Arbat?
Old Arbat, 16
If you want to visit the contact zoo on the Arbat, beat dishes on an anti-stress attraction or wander in a mirror maze, then you should look at this address. Here you will find a whole range of entertainment.
So, you can visit the house of a giant on the Arbat. Here you can try on enormous shoes, climb into a pot that seats a dozen people, and, of course, take a lot of original photos. The giant's house on the Arbat will be interesting not only for children, but also for adults.
In the tape maze you have to find a way out without the usual landmarks. There are no signs, rooms or walkways, and the walls, ceiling and floor are painted red.
The mirror labyrinth on the Arbat will give you a lot of emotions and vivid impressions. The play of light and shadow, the ghost of Pikabolo and upturned music will be remembered for a long time.
Theater named after Evgenia Vakhtangova
Fans of theatrical art should definitely look into the building where Vasily Lanovoi and Vladimir Etush are currently creating. You will spend an amazing evening if you watch a performance from the current repertoire, after which you will look at a cafe and then walk along the famous street.
Pay attention to the Princess Turandot fountain on the Arbat. This statue is located directly in front of the theater and is its unofficial mascot. In the evening, a fountain illuminates around the fountain, creating a romantic atmosphere. Perhaps this is why lovers so often make appointments here.
Memorial apartment of A. S. Pushkin
This room preserves the spirit of a bygone era. Here, the great poet spent three whole months after his marriage, and the organizers of the exhibition tried to recreate the atmosphere of the 19th century. Quite often themed nights are organized in the museum, performances are shown and concerts are held.
Museum of Illusions on Arbat
If you like to fool around, then you will certainly enjoy this place. Go here with your friends and don't forget to bring your camera with you. Here you will capture yourself on the spire of the Ostankino TV tower, on board the Titanic and among giant toys.
This place is not without reason called "photo studio for social networks." Here you can take comic photos in a huge plate with pasta or pretend that you are receiving a prize from the hands of the president. The Museum of Illusions on the Arbat will be interesting to children and adults with a good sense of humor.
Museum of Corporal Punishment
Here you will see the real instruments of torture used by the executioners of the past. These tools, as well as the story of how and where they were used, will make even a person with strong nerves horrified. Please note that children are allowed in the museum building only when accompanied by adult family members.
Wall of Viktor Tsoi
Fans of the rock idol of the 90s of the last century can look into Krivoarbatsky Lane and pay tribute to the singer. On the famous wall there are many inscriptions left by admirers of Tsoi, as well as his portraits and thematic drawings.
Hard rock cafe
In the old three-story mansion you will find an unusual institution that will appeal to all lovers of heavy music. The atmosphere here is created not only by sounding tunes, but also by the originally designed interior.
The cafe offers its visitors a wide selection of drinks, but the food here is very simple. After a pleasant break with a beer, you can visit the store and purchase some souvenirs as a keepsake. If you are lucky, then you will get to the performance of a group playing their music for visitors.
Artists and musicians
What else is so attractive for residents and visitors of the capital Old Arbat (Moscow)? Sights, museums, restaurants and shops - this is not all that makes this street unique. Many creative people come here every day and entertain the audience with amazing performances.
Musicians perform here, artists paint pictures, and poets read poetry. Everyone can watch the performance and pay any amount for it. You can also buy your favorite picture, buy souvenirs for memory or order your portrait, which you will receive after literally half an hour.
Book collapse
At the very end of the street you will find several counters with a wide variety of literature. It sells works by Russian classics, children's stories, science fiction stories, romance novels and much more. The price for a book starts at 20 rubles, but sometimes you can find rare items here, the cost of which exceeds all reasonable expectations.
Where to eat
On the Arbat - a lot of restaurants and cafes for every taste. Here is a respectable restaurant “Prague”, in which the hero of the book “12 Chairs” Kisa Vorobyaninov, numerous fast foods and a cafe of average hand dined. In addition, you can purchase food in grocery stores that will attract your attention with bright signs.
Where to stay
If you wish, you can rent a room for a relatively small amount in one of the inexpensive hostels located near Arbat. Such hotels have both double rooms and rooms for 10-14 people. At your disposal will be free internet, a guest kitchen and a personal, lockable key.
Old Arbat: how to get on the subway?
If you decide to take a walk along the most famous street of our capital, then you need to know how it is easiest to get to it by metro. The pedestrian zone stretches from Arbatskie Vorota Square to Smolenskaya Square.
To get to the beginning of the street, you need the Arbatskaya station. If you want to start the journey on the other side, then go to the Smolenskaya metro station.
Are you traveling in Moscow and want to explore Old Arbat in your free time? How to get on the subway from Yaroslavl, Kazan or Leningrad station? To achieve your goal, you need to catch a train at the Komsomolskaya station and drive a few stops to the Library them. Lenin. " Here you can go out and walk to the desired place. Or go to the Arbatskaya station and go up to the Art Theater.
Conclusion
As you can see, a walk along the famous metropolitan street will not be boring, and everyone will find something interesting for themselves. Therefore, spend a few hours of your free time on it and be sure to grab the camera. We are sure that you will get a lot of impressions by visiting Stary Arbat Street (Moscow). The sights of this place can be listed for a very long time, but it will be better if you see them with your own eyes.