Moscow: Hard Rock Cafe And Old Arbat Street

I always thought a heavy rock culture and orthodox Russia don't jibe so I was rather surprised to find Hard Rock Cafe in Moscow. I am never a fan of Hard Rock Cafe but a dinner has been scheduled for us there.

We used the Moscow Metro and alighted at Smolenskaya Station which is a comfortable walking distance from the cafe. Moscow Hard Rock Cafe is located at No 44, Old Arbat Street which happens to be the most famous street in Moscow.

The cafe spans over three floors and walking around I have to admit I am very impressed.

The decor of this cafe from the door handle to the wall posters and exhibits befit the intended ambiance.

There are miniature band instruments on display near the entrance.

Just like any Hard Rock Cafes there are collectibles for sale. The things are not cheap but it must have been heavenly for its die hard fans to spend their money here.

The walls look sprightly as they are filled with interesting exhibits. The entire cafe is well decorated.

Even ceilings have a creative display to gawk at.

The cafe exhibits an amazing collection of memorabilia that used to belong to superstars.

Among the many is a pair of Michael Jackson's boots.

Prince's vest and Paula Abdul's dress that these superstars once donned on stage were also on display. There are a lot others, some of which belonged to superstars who are unknown to me.

There is a live band on one of the floors.

Much to my pleasure we were seated on the topmost floor which was very quiet. 

We had a very simple course meal. The menu looked uninteresting but surprisingly the taste was good.

So, Russia does rock!

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Old Arbart Street

Just outside Hard Rock Cafe is old Arbat Street. This is one of Russia's oldest surviving street. Records show it already existed during the 15th century but it could have been older than that. It is a pedestrian street about one kilometre long. Because of its historical significance, it has become a major tourist attraction.

The street is lined with shops, restaurants, pubs, and artists' stalls. It is a great place to hang out but not to shop as the things are really expensive here.

The street is well adorned with special walkways decorated with hanging flowers and beautiful arches.

There are statues of prominent figures and beautiful shops.

Statue of Bulat Okudzhava, a renowned Russian poet, writer, musician, novelist, singer and song writer.

Princess Turandot fountain in front of Vakhtangov Theatre

Statue of Pushkin and Natalia Goncharova

Arbat Street's Beautiful Shops

The shops lining the streets are worth admiring.

Though I didn't walk the length of Arbat Street, it was enough to see its charm and allure.

Click To See Other Related Posts:
1. A Trip To Russia - Introductory Post
2. Russia: A Day Out At Sergiyev Posad
3. My Russian Dining Experience
4. Russian Souvenirs

MOSCOW
5.  Cathedral Of Christ The Saviour
6. Moscow Hard Rock Cafe And Old Arbat Street
7. Russia: Moscow Metro
8.  Moscow Kremlin
9. Sparrow Hill And Victory Park
10. Museum Of Cosmonautics And Ostankino Tower
11. Red Square (Krasnaya Ploshchard)
12. Saint Basil's Cathedral
13. GUM Department Store
14. Milan Hotel Review
15. What I Like About Moscow

ST PETERSBURG
16. From Moscow To St Petersburg On Sapsan High Speed Train
17. Winter Palace/ State Hermitage Museum
18. St Isaac's Cathedral And Some Nearby Attractions
19. Seeing St Petersburg From Its Rivers
20. St Petersburg Most Gorgeous Building
21.St Petersburg's Peter And Paul Fortress
22.A Traditional Village , A Modern City
23. A Visit To 2 Summer Palaces


24. Smolninskaya Hotel