If you love to collect various little things and decorate your home with non-trivial gizmos that emphasize an individual style, then flea markets in Moscow will certainly be waiting for you. It is there that you can find those things that even the most fashionable metropolitan stores cannot boast of. In this article I will tell and show you the best flea markets of Moscow and Moscow region.
origin of name
Flea markets in Moscow offer things made many years, or even centuries ago. Let's see how this name appeared. There are several common versions. If you believe one of them that the “flea market” came to us from France, where this form of buying and selling has been popular for more than a hundred years. Although the sale of old things and objects is characteristic of Tsarist Russia. Today, a flea market is a place rather for lovers and connoisseurs of real antiques and rarities.
By the way, sometimes this name is associated with a French proverb, which literally translates as follows: "Anyone who goes to bed with dogs wakes up with their fleas in the morning." Of course, it can be interpreted in several ways. Firstly, the point is that the bad deeds that you committed today will lead to terrible consequences tomorrow. But we are interested in a second, more literal interpretation of this unusual proverb: you can easily catch fleas if you have such a dog.
The clothes that flea markets in Moscow used to offer often looked bad, were in terrible condition, and often small insects lived in it. And if you look at traffic in such places from the side, you will notice that visitors are similar to those who catch these same fleas.
In fact, a flea market in Moscow resembles a collection of some kind of an interest club. A lot of people come here not for new purchases, but for the sake of communicating with interesting, sometimes creative personalities that can only be found here. Well, and, of course, it’s quite realistic to find cool things from the 60s or 70s that are also suitable for modern looks.
Flea market in Moscow: addresses
Now I will tell you the most famous flea markets of the capital and the suburbs, as well as tell you how to get there and what to buy there.
- The market at the Mark station is very easy to find: you just have to walk on foot from Savelovsky Station. After 20 minutes you will be in place. By the way, it works only on weekends, but is considered to be one of the most diverse in terms of assortment.
- The flea market in Izmailovsky Vernisage is a 10-minute walk from Partizanskaya Metro Station.
- The market on Shkolnaya Street is slightly different from the first two, as it is a program of assistance to pensioners. It should be noted that this is the only flea market where strict restrictions apply: you can not sell linen, socks and some types of shoes. If you are planning to visit it, then remember that the market operates twice a month on Saturdays.
- Toluchka on Tishinka.
- Flea market near the Transfiguration market.
Once, the authorities wanted to organize a flea market in every district of Moscow, but this idea did not find its response, and therefore was not implemented.
Market at Mark Station
It can rightfully be called the largest antiques market. In addition to a bunch of useless things, here you can find rare ancient coins, interesting figurines and things from the times of the Soviet Union. It is best to visit it in the morning. At this time of day there is a chance to find something really worthwhile, and there is still no crowd.
Flea market in Izmailovo
This flea market is best known in the city. Here you can also find expensive valuables, or you can find antiques at reasonable prices. If you choose wisely, there is a chance to stumble upon a real treasure.
Silence
Previously, this market gathered thousands of people, but now it does not exist, although once a season unusual fairs are held there that are interesting for visitors.
The bird market in Moscow
It is located in the shopping center "Gardener". This is undoubtedly the largest pet selling site. There you can choose a pet for every taste. In addition, purchase feed and necessary equipment, various accessories. A huge plus is that on the territory of the bird market there is a veterinarian who will examine your new friend absolutely free.
Tips for lovers to visit flea markets
A visit to the flea market is not shopping, but a fascinating pastime that can be compared to sports or gambling. It is unlikely that somewhere else you can meet so many different products collected in one place. In addition, they all belong to different eras.
You should not go to flea markets in Moscow without an accurate shopping list, otherwise you risk buying a lot of unnecessary or not buying anything. It is also recommended that you look in advance at the sites of antiques to roughly ask the price. Then the market price will not surprise you. Be sure to ask about the flea market's schedule of work so as not to arrive at the wrong time. Take a large bag with you to put your trophies in, and a small snack so as not to stand in a huge line for goodies.
As mentioned above, it is better to go to the market in the morning, but do not forget that by the evening the seller can significantly reduce the price, especially if it concerns large things. Most importantly, always bargain. So you can pay less, dropping even up to half the cost. And keep an eye on your wallet. Flea markets are favorite places for pickpockets.
If you do not need antiques, but want to buy something truly stylish and unusual, then you should try your luck in thrift stores or even second-hand ones. Things there are many times cheaper than in shopping centers, and the chance to find really high-quality goods in a single copy is much higher.
Experienced collectors also recommend a glimpse into the notorious in Moscow retro-shop “At the Backyard”. Fairs of ideas and hobbies are also flourishing, where young designers sell handicrafts. Such events gather real talent in one place.
Travel the flea markets wisely, and then you will leave from there with unique gizmos, which will then delight you for a long time. Enjoy the shopping!