The Izmailovsky Market is a souvenir market located around 25-30 minutes outside the main city centre area of the city. It is a good market to visit if you want to search for Matryoshka dolls or other Russian souvenirs during your visit to Moscow.
Note: To conveniently reach Izmailovsky Market, take the Dark Blue (line 3) Metro to Partizanskaya Station. From there, walk past the large hotel complex. Keep the hotel to your left and after 300 metres or so, you'll approach a whimsical theme park of sorts. This is where you'll find the market.
We visited during a midweek afternoon and found the market rather devoid of other tourists, only a handful of others around. Stall workers were mostly friendly and didn't attempt high pressure sales techniques. This made it enjoyable to discuss the Matryoshka dolls with them.
What you find here is a wide range of variety, shapes and quality. Do look around at a handful of stalls to see what you are interested in. Those selling factory made dolls mostly have the same items which we found to be priced similarly.
Other stalls sell handmade Matryoshkas. This is where you start to see more uniquely painted and decorated dolls. Yet this is where prices start to go up rather quickly as well. Again, shop around and don't feel bad about walking away if you want to see what is available at other stalls before making a purchasing decision.
As for prices, we found them to be noticeably lower than the souvenir shops and stalls we found while sightseeing in Moscow. We also found stall keepers would come down on prices somewhat but not significantly during our midweek visit. They seemed comfortable coming down from offering price perhaps 10-20% from their initial asking price. Weekend situation will likely be different.
Overall, we enjoyed our visit to the Izamilovsky Market. Allowing an hour to shop and an hour to travel to/from the market, this was a fun way to spend a couple of afternoon hours during our recent...
Read moreIzmaylovskiy Bazar is a truly unique and vibrant flea market that captures the essence of traditional Russian culture, making it a must-visit for anyone exploring Moscow. Located at Izmaylovskiy Proyezd, this sprawling weekend market is a treasure trove for those interested in antiques, collectibles, and quirky souvenirs. My visit here was an unforgettable experience filled with remarkable finds.
One of the highlights of my shopping trip was purchasing a beautiful Gzhel-style figurine, which is a traditional Russian ceramic with delicate blue and white designs. The craftsmanship was exquisite, and I was thrilled to find such an authentic piece. In addition, I picked up a set of Matryoshka dolls, a quintessential Russian souvenir, and an original oil painting that truly captures the essence of Russian art.
The market itself is massive, and you can easily spend hours wandering through the endless stalls. The variety of items is impressive—from vintage furniture to Soviet-era memorabilia, jewelry, and handcrafted goods. The vendors are friendly and passionate about their items, many of which have fascinating stories behind them.
What makes Izmaylovskiy Bazar even more special is the lively atmosphere. It’s not just a place to shop; it feels like a cultural journey. The market is bustling with energy, and you’ll find street musicians, artists, and food vendors offering delicious Russian snacks to fuel your shopping adventure.
Overall, Izmaylovskiy Bazar is a fantastic spot for both serious collectors and casual tourists. Whether you’re searching for unique souvenirs or simply want to soak in the local culture, this market has something for everyone. Highly...
Read moreIzmailovsky Market is a must-visit destination for anyone traveling to Moscow. This sprawling bazaar is a treasure trove of unique souvenirs, antiques, and handmade crafts. The market is located in a beautiful park setting, making it a pleasant place to spend a few hours browsing and shopping.
The variety of goods available at Izmailovsky Market is impressive. From traditional Russian nesting dolls to Soviet-era memorabilia, there's something for everyone here. The vendors are friendly and eager to share their knowledge about the products they sell.
One of the highlights of the market is the food stalls. Visitors can sample traditional Russian dishes such as blinis, pelmeni, and borscht. There are also plenty of sweet treats on offer, including honey cakes and pastries.
The prices at Izmailovsky Market are reasonable, but bargaining is expected. Visitors should be prepared to haggle with vendors to get the best deals. It's also worth noting that some of the items sold here may not be genuine antiques, so buyers should exercise caution when making purchases.
Overall, Izmailovsky Market is a fascinating and enjoyable destination that offers a glimpse into Russian culture and history. Whether you're looking for souvenirs to take home or simply want to experience the vibrant atmosphere of a bustling bazaar, this market is well...
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