We’d heard that The Arbat is Moscow’s premier pedestrian shopping street for Russian souvenirs like matryoshki (nesting dolls), amber, and lacquered boxes. But in all honestly, we found most of the merchants were Chinese and were practically accosted and forced into visiting a few with “You loookee!” being shouted as we tried to pass by. We quickly abandoned the overpriced souvenir shops and hopped on the metro for more authentic Russian handiwork at the Izmailovsky Market.
The Izmailovsky Market is inside the walls of the Izmailovo Kremlin. Fairy tale like, I’m convinced this is what a Russian Disney castle would look like! Not surprising, because the design was in fact inspired by Russian fairy tales and it was built as a wedding complex, complete with a wedding palace. The huge, and I mean huge, open-air bazaar is filled with organized stalls of vendors with a garage-sale like feel.
I could immediately tell the difference in the quality of the nesting dolls; these matryoshki were hand-painted and clearly not made in China. Not only were there 10 times the selection of nesting dolls than at The Arabat, there were the famed Russian furs, Russian space-program and Soviet memorabilia, intricate amber jewelry, lacquered boxes, beautiful wooden chess sets, traditional Russian costumes, and even a row of delicious smelling street food that lured us over.
Most prices were negotiable and it was the one place we found of the cities and villages we visited in Russia that most of the vendors spoke at least a little bit of English. In terms of choice and value, Izmailovsky Market really is the best place to look for traditional Russian souvenirs. Enjoy some photos of the various handicrafts on offer at the market!
I might actually learn to play chess with a cute nesting doll chess set!
Lacquered canisters and wares
Russian nesting…sports team?
The tiniest nesting dolls I’ve ever seen!
I loved these painted with St. Basil’s and the Moscow Kremlin
Tim modeled quite a few of the fur hats! I didn’t get a photo though.
Colorful Russian costumes
Some of the beautiful artwork for sale
Know Before You Go
- Izmailovsky Market is open daily from 9am – 6pm, though there are many more vendors on weekends.
- There is a 50 rubles entrance fee per person (about $1.50).
- Izmailovsky Market is easily reached on the metro and is at the Preobrazhenskaya (Преображенская) stop. Turn left out of the metro station and walk across the street to the entrance to Izmailovo Park. For tips on easily using the Moscow Metro, click here.
Dana Carmel says
The canisters and wares are particularly beautiful. Good tip about this market. I’d definitely be curious to visit Russia someday!
Jennifer Dombrowski says
The canisters and boxes are very beautiful. We don’t really collect souvenirs, but they were tempting!
Valen says
I love all of the fur hats!! Looks like a fun market…
Ali says
Looks like a fun place to wander around in! I love markets when I travel, but I’m with you, the first one with people trying to force you into buying cheap stuff doesn’t sound so great.
Jennifer Dombrowski says
We didn’t spend much time on that shopping street. It was nice it was pedestrian and away from all the craziness of the cars, but that was about it. Oh, and there is a Hard Rock Cafe on the street. We did enjoy a big ‘ol American style burger there before ditching it and heading out to this gem.
Jennifer says
Me too! It's fun trying them on.
Heather says
What a gorgeous building! It’s a shame that cheap Chinese trinkets are making their way west, but at least it’s possible to still find traditional, hand-made artifacts. They were few and far between in China! That nesting doll chess set is the cutest!
Devlin says
Those unglossed matryoshki are great, as are those drawings.
Jennifer Dombrowski says
There were a lot of great finds at this market! Definitely the place for authentic souvenirs.
Steven Tan says
Update
1. Entrance fee is no longer collected
2. The line 3 metro stop is Partizanskaya (renamed in 2005)