Moscow is a city where traditional craftsmanship meets modern design, offering an array of handcrafted goods that capture the essence of Russian culture and artistry. Whether you’re looking for jewelry, textiles, pottery, or other unique pieces, Moscow is home to some hidden gems that offer authentic handmade items. Here’s a guide to the best places in Moscow where you can find unique handcrafted goods.
1. Izmailovo Market
Location: Izmailovo, near the Izmailovo Kremlin
Izmailovo Market is a treasure trove for handcrafted Russian goods, offering a wide variety of authentic, handmade products. From wooden toys to traditional textiles and Soviet-era memorabilia, this market has it all. The market has been a popular spot for local artisans to sell their crafts for generations.
Why It’s Great
The market is known for its authentic and affordable handcrafted goods. The open-air atmosphere adds to the experience, and you can interact directly with artisans who take great pride in their craftsmanship.
What to Look For
- Hand-painted Matryoshka dolls.
- Handmade leather goods, such as wallets and belts.
- Woolen textiles and traditional Russian scarves.
- Unique jewelry and folk art pieces.
2. Vernisazh Market
Location: Vernisazh, 57 Vernisazh Street
Located near the Izmailovo Kremlin, Vernisazh Market is another popular destination for finding handmade crafts. The market features a wide array of traditional Russian handicrafts, from folk art to hand-carved wooden figurines, offering a glimpse into Russia’s artisanal traditions.
Why It’s Great
Vernisazh is a local favorite and a great place to find unique, authentic crafts that are often overlooked by tourists. You can find one-of-a-kind items from local artisans who are eager to share their expertise.
What to Look For
- Hand-carved wooden souvenirs, like animals and religious icons.
- Handmade pottery and ceramics.
- Russian folk costumes and embroidered textiles.
- Traditional jewelry and silver crafts.
3. GUM (State Department Store)
Location: Red Square, 3
While GUM is known for its high-end luxury stores, it also offers a selection of handcrafted goods that reflect Russia’s rich cultural heritage. Inside GUM, you’ll find local artisan stalls that feature beautifully crafted Russian textiles, pottery, and jewelry.
Why It’s Great
GUM offers a blend of modern luxury and traditional Russian craftsmanship, making it an excellent place to find fine, handmade souvenirs in a sophisticated setting.
What to Look For
- Handwoven textiles and scarves.
- Handmade Russian jewelry, including amber and silver.
- Traditional Russian lacquerware and pottery.
4. Arbat Street
Location: Arbat Street, Central Moscow
Arbat Street is one of Moscow’s most famous pedestrian streets, offering a mix of art galleries, craft shops, and local boutiques. It’s the perfect place to find unique handmade goods, including artistic jewelry, traditional Russian crafts, and vintage items.
Why It’s Great
Arbat Street has a bohemian atmosphere, with local artisans and craftspeople showcasing their handmade creations. You’ll find both traditional Russian crafts and modern artistic interpretations, offering a truly diverse shopping experience.
What to Look For
- Handmade wooden crafts, such as chess sets and painted boxes.
- Local artwork, including paintings and sculptures.
- Unique jewelry and custom-made accessories.
5. Design Market at Winzavod
Location: Winzavod, 4 2nd Vrazhsky Pereulok
Winzavod is a creative hub and art district in Moscow, housing an assortment of contemporary galleries, design studios, and craft shops. The Design Market at Winzavod is a great place to find handcrafted goods, including modern design pieces and artisanal crafts.
Why It’s Great
Winzavod is perfect for those who appreciate modern artisanal crafts and innovative design. The market offers a curated selection of handmade items from up-and-coming Russian designers.
What to Look For
- Contemporary jewelry and handmade bags.
- Artisan furniture and home decor.
- Unique ceramics and modern glassware.
6. Tsvetnoy Central Market
Location: Tsvetnoy Boulevard, 15
Tsvetnoy Central Market is a stylish, upscale shopping destination that not only offers luxury goods but also features a section dedicated to handcrafted goods. You’ll find a curated collection of Russian-made textiles, pottery, and personalized accessories in the market’s more artisanal boutiques.
Why It’s Great
Tsvetnoy offers a modern, stylish atmosphere for shopping, combining luxury fashion with authentic handmade products. It’s a great place to find exclusive handcrafted items from emerging Russian designers.
What to Look For
- Handmade jewelry and custom accessories.
- Handwoven textiles and scarves.
- Unique ceramics and pottery.
7. Old Arbat Street
Location: Old Arbat Street, Central Moscow
Old Arbat Street is one of Moscow’s oldest streets, known for its vibrant atmosphere and mix of traditional handicrafts and contemporary fashion. Many local artisans have their shops along Arbat, offering a wide variety of handmade goods that range from artisanal jewelry to wooden crafts.
Why It’s Great
Old Arbat is a charming and historic street, offering a variety of handcrafted goods that reflect both traditional Russian culture and modern trends. It’s also perfect for strolling and experiencing the artistic energy of Moscow.
What to Look For
- Wooden toys and hand-carved figurines.
- Hand-painted ceramics and folk art.
- Unique handmade scarves and textiles.
8. Barvikha Luxury Village
Location: Rublyovskoye Highway, 100
Barvikha Luxury Village is a high-end shopping destination just outside of Moscow. While it’s known for luxury brands, the village also offers a selection of high-quality Russian-made artisanal goods. The shopping complex features exclusive boutiques offering handmade jewelry and luxury home decor.
Why It’s Great
Barvikha offers luxury craftsmanship in a refined setting, making it the ideal place for those looking to purchase exclusive handcrafted goods.
What to Look For
- Luxury handmade jewelry.
- Fine Russian textiles and home decor.
- Exclusive accessories and designer goods.
9. GUM (State Department Store)
Location: Red Square, 3
GUM is a stunning historical shopping mall that offers a wide selection of Russian-made handicrafts alongside its high-end fashion stores. The crafts section of GUM offers some of the best handmade jewelry, Russian lacquerware, and wooden carvings.
Why It’s Great
GUM’s craft section showcases authentic Russian artisanship in a sophisticated environment. It’s perfect for those looking for high-quality handcrafted goods in the heart of Moscow.
What to Look For
- Russian lacquerware and painted boxes.
- Handmade jewelry and wooden crafts.
- Traditional Russian dolls and folk art.
10. Sokolniki Park Crafts Fair
Location: Sokolniki Park, Moscow
Held regularly in Sokolniki Park, the Crafts Fair is an excellent place to find local handmade items directly from artisans. The market offers unique crafts, including jewelry, textiles, and pottery.
Why It’s Great
The fair offers a direct connection with local artisans, giving visitors the opportunity to purchase one-of-a-kind handmade goods in an open-air, casual setting.
What to Look For
- Handmade pottery and ceramics.
- Traditional Russian textiles and scarves.
- Custom-made jewelry and crafts.
Conclusion
Moscow offers a wide range of places to shop for authentic handcrafted goods that reflect the rich cultural heritage of Russia. Whether you’re wandering through Izmailovo Market for unique folk art, visiting Tsvetnoy Central Market for contemporary artisanal items, or exploring Vernisazh Market for traditional Russian crafts, you’ll find one-of-a-kind pieces that make the perfect souvenir or gift. Each location offers a unique glimpse into Russian craftsmanship, making these handcrafted goods truly special.