Even if you don't like markets, you have to have visited Izmailovo market at least once. First of all this is the best place to buy (relatively cheap) Russian souvenirs, which are perfect to bring home as gifts. Second of all, you can find really nice antiques and carpets, if you have the patience to browse around. And last, this market is recently developing with nice coffee and food places.
Tripadvisor
Happy Pottery - Uzbeki & Polish ceramics
Happy Pottery
We can't leave this market without buying colorful ceramics from Happy Pottery! This is a family run shop and the owner speaks very well English. He's very helpful and will tell you honestly about price&quality differences and will give you 15% discount if you mention moscowliving. You can never have enough platters, bowls and cups at home, but don't forget to bring them home as gifts. They can wrap the platters so they are travel-proof. It's one of the first shops (not stall) on your right after entering the market.
On Saturdays and Sundays there is a big antique market. You have to be a bit more hardcore into browsing around and finding the real nice stuff, but if you are, you'll love it! And if you're looking for reasonably priced carpets, this is the place to be. You can even take a few home to try it out with your furniture and return them later.
Matroesjka's - dolls & Christmas decoration
Tripadvisor
You can find matroesjka's anywhere in the stalls in the center. They do vary in quality and price. The more standard designs are very affordable, but for the handpainted and unique matroesjka's you have to pay a bit more. We are a big fan of the Christmas decoration with little colorful matroesjka's and cathedrals, which are also a great gift to bring home. We recommend to buy more at the same stall and negotiate for a better price. There's definitely room for negotiation, but as said, for the more unique ones you have to pay.
Izmailovsky Market is open daily from 9:00 - 20.00 (in winter until 17.00). On Wednesdays the prices are more affordable than on the weekend, but the antique market is only on Saturdays and Sundays.
Location: 73 Izmaylovskoye shosse
Metro: Partizanskaya
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