Arbat Streets, Moscow

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What better word to use for Arbat than tschotschke (in fact, this is probably where the word was invented). The Arbat - that is, the original Arbat - was Moscow's true bohemian quarter, where is artists and dreamers congregated and created, for better or for worse. Quite obviously, several decades of Communism helped ensure that the sort of atmosphere did not evolve in much the same way as it did in other European cities, but there are still vestiges of the old lifestyle in the Arbat. The streets are lined with shops selling handicrafts of various qualities, while the middle of the street is cramped with multitudes of vendors selling knock-off Soviet army goods and clothing, as well as matryoshka dolls, fabergé eggs and a healthy variety of Communist-era goods. This is a nice street walk down and inspect Russia's handicraft offerings, especially if you're not looking for anything in particular. Unlike in many other cities, Russian vendors are neither aggressive nor do they seem to really care about carrying through a sale at any cost, so you can simply admire without worry.

The New Arbat, while keeping with the commercial spirit of the old, is far more garish and unattractive. It is a massive street, lined by shops selling everything, with a healthy abundance of cell phone shops. Not quite a boon for tourists intent on seeing rustic Russia.

In some ways Arbat street, a busy street of music, performers, vendors and cafes is a more peaceful vendor in Winter.

There are many many souvenir vendors on the street and in shops.
One large one has prices significantly lower amnd a huge selection.

Interesting and high price cafes are the norm. For a bargain, go to the 2nd floor Stolovaya Cafe over the grocery...
Here is a short clip of Arbat Street in Winter:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=W6L2817iE4k

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Don't let the tourist trap warnings fool you -- Ulitsa Arbat is a must in Moscow. Even if you aren't up for street vendors and their Soviet memorabilia, there are historic, fading buildings to admire and some quality souvenir shops to check out. Also, as the only pedestrian street in Moscow, it is a welcome respite from the busy surrounding streets... even though it is animated in its own way.

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The Arbat street, the first pedestrianized shopping street in Moscow is way overhyped IMO. It is pleasant, but not architecturally significant overall. It does have a great number of stalls selling Russian souvenirs (at very inflated prices) and a number of stores selling high-end Russian handmade souvenirs. The latter are indeed worth the trek here, but be prepared to pay top dollar for them.

There is a lot to see in this area just off of Red Square. Make sure to get a picture with some animals. The Monkey in the red pajamas is cool but just don't get your fingers near his face when you hold him. He Bites!

There is much to see and much to buy. Don't pay too much!

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Ulitsa Arbat is Moscow's most charming and lively pedestrian street. Once a bohemian quarter of the city, littered with cafes crammed full of the capital's intellectual elite, Ulitsa Arbat still retains a vibrant and artistic air today, with souvenir stalls selling traditional Russian gifts, artists offering original canvases and street performers entertaining the shoppers.
The street boasts an impressive selection of cafes, restaurants and bars, where you can sample everything from a decent cup of coffee and a French pastry, to a genuine Lebanese shawerma (kebab).
If you visit Ulitsa Arbat, you will normally start your walk from Arbatskaya ploschad, dominated by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs building, one of the Seven Sisters in Stalinist Gothic architecture.

As I was strolling along Arbat Street on my recent trip to Moscow, I recognised from a distance a familiar figure dressed in lounge suit. Lo and behold, he was none other than Russian President Vladimir Putin.
No, he was not the real Vladimir Putin, but rather, his waxwork figure. For 100 roubles, I got to pose for a photograph with him.

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Old Arbat is a walking street, and Novy Arbat is a big traffic street and parallel to its older brother.

Old Arbat
Is a historic street with beautiful sculptors and people selling art, 'Soviet' tat and pets!

Novy Arbat, is worth viewing for its brutal Soviet architect, like concrete book case.

The root of the name "Arbat" probably comes from the Salvonic word gorbat, meaning "hilly ground", although it is equally as possible that the word stems from the Arabic word arbad, meaning "suburb".