Although located a short distance from the centre of Moscow, Vernisazh in Izmailovo (Вернисаж в Измайлово) is easy to find, marked by the colourful 'second Kremlin' at its entrance. Flea markets in Russia are known and loved for the opportunities they provide for visitors to interact with and experience local culture, and Vernisazh in Izmailovo offers this in spades.
Vernisazh in Izmailovo is the largest market in Moscow and one of the most famous. It is also the largest applied arts market in the world. It has the fantastic atmosphere of an old Russian market, captured by the stallholders of course, but also in the layout; traditional wooden stalls display items ranging from matryoshki (nesting dolls) and lacquered wooden boxes to Soviet posters, badges, bronze busts, antique coins, carpets, and vintage books. The best antiques are found on the second floor of this huge flea market.
Open most of the week, but much more popular (with both sellers and buyers) at weekends, Vernisazh in Izmailovo is the place to come for any souvenir you might want and, of course, the chance to pick up a treasured antique for the right collector. As always, it is best to arrive at the crack of dawn to find the very best and most unique goods, although of course it is towards the end of the day that bargains are most likely to be found.
Bargaining is certainly encouraged at Vernisazh in Izmailovo, but the vendors know the value of their wares and are unlikely to negotiate much more than a 10% discount off their original price. However, good bartering often leads to the best conversations, which can often be just as valuable as the item in question.
There is a small fee to enter Vernisazh in Izmailovo, which gives access to a huge souvenir market, as well as the Kremlin and some of the museums within. Refreshments are available, which is great as you can easily spend a day exploring this vast and excellent market.
Add a review