Izmaylovo Market

Lonely Planet review

This sprawling area is packed with art, handmade crafts, antiques, Soviet paraphernalia and just about anything you might want for a souvenir. You'll find Moscow's biggest original range of matrioshkas (Russian dolls), Palekh and Khokhloma ware, as well as less traditional woodworking crafts.

There are also rugs from the Caucasus and Central Asia, pottery, linens, jewellery, fur hats, chess sets, toys, Soviet posters and much more. Feel free to negotiate, but don't expect too much flexibility in prices. Vendors normally come down in price by about 10 per cent with little or no argument; with some hard work you can get them down further. This place is technically open every day, but many vendors only come out on weekends, when your selection will be greater.