Novaya Basmannaya street (‘New Basmannaya’), unlike its ‘colleague’ Staraya Basmannaya Street, is quieter, although it’s also located in the very center of Moscow, where traffic is usually pretty intense. But for good reason it’s called ‘New’ — this street is younger and was established no earlier than the 2nd half of the 17th century.
On this street lived the foreign officers of troops organized by Peter the Great, Emperor of All Russia. He himself preferred to use this road to get to his residence of Preobrazhenskoye. After Saint Petersburg became the capital of Russia, all military men moved there, and Novaya Basmannaya Street became home to many merchants. Later on, in the 18th century, came the noblemen. Many mansions, charity houses, as well as houses with apartments for rent, were built. After the 1812 Fire of Moscow, all the wooden houses were burnt, and new ones had been built of stone.
My favorite building there is the Shibaevs' Estate (number 23a, bldg 1 is the address). In fact, it belonged to different people and families, and Shibaevs were the Old Believers merchants. Later, it was bought by the treasury and became one of the Basmannaya hospital compounds. During Soviet times, it served administrative purposes. The most outstanding part of the Shibaevs’ Estate is its facade. It was restored in 2016, and now looks gorgeous and colorful.
It’s not the only gem of Novaya Basmannaya Street you can admire. Just walk it down slowly, looking at both sides, and enjoy, as it hasn't changed much.
Novaya Basmannaya Street
RUB
free
Explore cities like a local with Spotted by Locals - discover hidden gems and all our locals’ favourites! Get full access to our Moscow guide.
"Cheburechnaya Druzhba" in Moscow never changed in the last 30 years. hHre you can get authentic Chebureki, the 'national' Soviet middle-class fast food...
By
"Cape Stroginskaya Kosa" is in Moscow's suburbs in a green park. It's a calm, quiet place with many trees, surrounded by water from three sides...
By
If you ever dreamed of meeting a unicorn, you have the chance here in Moscow! This Neo-Gothic building actually inspired Mikhail Bulgakov...
By
"Ekologiya Garden" in Moscow is a sculpture park right next to busy Arbat Street dedicated to ecology. It's a real open-air museum!
By
"True Cost Live" is a restaurant in Moscow that has an entrance fee, but everything you order is priced at cost. It's not just cheap: I love the food!
By
"Craftland Cultural Bar" in Moscow is a cool pub with red brick walls, extremely happy & helpful staff! I love the unusual beers & the 'Cocky Tony' burger.
By
"Vanya Nalyot" in Moscow means 'Vanya will pour you a drink' - indeed he will. This bar is completely unpretentious and I love its terrace for a draft beer
By
"Flacon", or 'design factory Flacon' in Moscow, used to be a Soviet crystal factory. Now it's a must-visit hotspot for hipster design & architecture
By
"Gastroferma" in Moscow is an untypically hip food market with plenty of restaurants. Here I can find every kind of international food I wish...
By
"Strelka" is one of the most trendy and lively places in Moscow. I love the lectures at the institute, but the rooftop terrace bar is also great...
By
"Friends Forever" in Moscow is the place you just have to go for your breakfast. I recommend their scrambles on a bread with avocado paste...
By
"Hermitage garden" in Moscow (don't mix it up with St. Pete!) is a tiny park in the centre I like for the atmosphere, romantic hints and the 32.05 cafe...
By
134 Insider Tips from Locals
Authentic Stories
Escape the Crowds
Full Access to our Moscow Blog & App!
✓ 134 Hidden Gems only Locals know
✓ Full Access to the Moscow City Blog & App!