Today I went for a walk at Izmaylovskiy Market, one of the most famous flea markets in Moscow! I left from Mendeleyevskaya metro station, made a quick transfer, and arrived at the nearest station to the bazaar. As soon as I got there, I was greeted by a fairy-tale-like atmosphere because the buildings are made of wood with unique traditional Russian architecture, just like an old castle.
There are so many stalls selling matryoshka dolls, handmade jewelry, Soviet propaganda posters, vintage paintings, and wooden chess sets. The prices vary a lot, so you really need to bargain skillfully to get the best deals. Luckily, the sellers here are super friendly and kind, and they’re happy to give discounts if you take time to chat with them.
Besides shopping, I also tried various traditional Russian food and drinks like shashlik (Russian-style kebabs), blini (Russian pancakes), and kvass. The place felt even livelier with traditional Russian dance performances happening around, making the whole atmosphere so festive and fun.
If you’re ever in Moscow, I definitely recommend stopping by. It’s not just a place to shop, but also to enjoy local culture, meet friendly people, and experience a different side of Russia.