The article deals with some theoretic aspects of urban environment research from ethnologic perspective. Cities and urban space are subjects of research in many scientifi c fi elds, for in the present period of intensive urbanization and dynamic social processes cities became arenas of multilayered economic, political and cultural practices, and therefore of complicated relations on regional, local and micro levels. Social/ethnologic approach allows focusing on intraurban processes, refl ecting values and aspirations of a citizen. Urban space research on macro- and micro-levels includes historical and cultural context of city development and individual/group everyday practices, formed in the city, as well as urban space functioning. Chisinau is the biggest and the most complicated city in the Republic of Moldova, thus presenting an important phenomenon for research of ethnocultural resources of identity maintenance, including urban traditions, urban life style, practices, holidays etc.