Bessarabian market — Local services in Kyiv

Originally building was the first refrigerator in Ukraine. Despite the expensiveness, it the only market in the center of the city, one of the local landmarks, huge choice for groceries and good vegan restaurants. Pros: Interesting place to visit, great variety of products, cheap vegan cafe, literally in the center of the city. Cons: Price, smell, watch your pockets. Conclusion: Pretty interesting place to visit, or even buy something, to stop&eat, but beware of pickpockets (nothing exceptional, but just don't leave your wallet or Iphone on table in cafe) and do not mind rude sellers (happens sometimes). Also, always check your change, when you...

A lot of various products. There is a lot of Ucrainean National Food "Salo" (pig fat). There, you can find it in many types and very very delicious. Also, you can find fresh meet. Also, fruits and all products specific to "Bazar". The sales person even give you the possibility to try the product, before you buy it. If you don't know the language, people are very nice and try to help. But anyway, be prepared to know at list some basic of the Ucrainean or russian language. If you don't know, don't worry. The language of signs will help you. ) Also, it is situated almost in the centre of the city, very close to Independence...

At the southern end of Khreshchatyk, a couple of streets across from Taras Shevchenko, is Kiev’s historic market.

Even plastered with advertisements, the early-20th-century market hall is imposing, and was the work of the Polish architect Henryk Julian Gay.

Shopping here can be intimidating as the stalls are run by fierce babushki.

Also, none of the produce is labelled with prices, as haggling is the way people do business.

So if you want to do some shopping you may need a Ukrainian friend with you.

If not, come for a snapshot of day-to-day life and grab something from one of the bars and cafes on the edge...