Introduction
Balashikha, a fast-growing satellite city just east of Moscow, offers travelers more than residential neighborhoods and commuter links to the capital. This city has developed into a dynamic destination for shopping, leisure, and cultural exploration. While it is often overshadowed by Moscow’s glittering malls and historic shopping arcades, Balashikha presents its own fascinating blend of modern retail spaces, bustling local markets, and hidden corners where traces of Soviet-era culture still survive. Visitors interested in “things to do in Balashikha” often find themselves drawn to its malls, traditional bazaars, and the hunt for authentic Soviet souvenirs that reflect Russia’s complex history.
Exploring shopping in Balashikha is about more than acquiring goods—it is a window into everyday Russian life, past and present. Sleek shopping centers stand beside long-established markets where bargaining and social interaction are part of the experience. Souvenir stalls bring to life the legacy of the USSR, offering badges, posters, porcelain figurines, and household relics that speak to an era still embedded in the collective memory. For travelers who enjoy immersing themselves in both modern and historical layers of a destination, Balashikha’s retail landscape provides a unique opportunity.
This guide takes an in-depth look at the city’s shopping culture, from modern malls and vibrant street markets to the cultural significance of Soviet memorabilia. Whether a visitor wants to purchase a fashionable outfit, taste local delicacies, or bring home a nostalgic artifact, shopping in Balashikha offers authentic insight into Russian daily life and tradition.
Historical and Cultural Background
Balashikha has historically been an industrial hub, home to textile factories, military production, and Soviet-era workers’ neighborhoods. During the USSR, markets were essential for supplementing state stores, and many families relied on them to acquire fresh produce and goods unavailable elsewhere. Even after the collapse of the Soviet Union, these markets retained their cultural role as social spaces where people not only shopped but also exchanged stories, gossip, and news.
As Moscow expanded eastward, Balashikha began to modernize rapidly. In the 2000s, shopping malls emerged as new cultural centers, offering not only retail outlets but also entertainment complexes with cinemas, cafés, and family activities. These malls symbolize Russia’s embrace of consumer culture and Western-style leisure, while traditional markets continue to thrive as spaces of local identity.
Soviet souvenirs form another cultural layer. They are not just objects for tourists but reminders of a shared past that shaped generations. Badges from pioneer camps, propaganda posters, or enamel pins once commonplace in every Soviet household now carry a nostalgic value. Collecting such items has become a way to preserve memory and identity in the face of rapid change.
Thus, shopping in Balashikha reflects the city’s transformation—from Soviet traditions and industrial culture to modern lifestyles shaped by proximity to Moscow. Visitors experience this duality when they move from an open-air market to a sleek shopping mall within a short taxi ride.
Key Highlights and Features
Balashikha City Mall
Balashikha City Mall is more than just a shopping center—it is one of the city’s most prominent modern landmarks. For many locals, it has become the go-to destination for shopping, dining, and entertainment, while for visitors it offers a chance to observe how Russian consumer culture has evolved in the post-Soviet era.
The mall’s design reflects contemporary urban aesthetics, with glass facades, spacious interiors, and wide corridors that create a sense of openness. Inside, international fashion brands stand alongside popular Russian retailers, giving shoppers access to both global trends and local style. Electronics shops and home décor stores attract young professionals setting up their first apartments, while supermarkets and pharmacies ensure that everyday needs are met under one roof.
A distinctive feature of Balashikha City Mall is its entertainment offering. Families often spend entire afternoons here, moving from toy stores and children’s play areas to multiplex cinemas that show both Russian and international films. The food court is another highlight, blending fast-food chains with cafés serving Russian and European cuisine. For travelers, this mix of dining options provides a convenient way to sample local flavors while enjoying familiar international comfort foods.
The mall also functions as a community hub. On weekends, it fills with groups of teenagers socializing, young couples shopping for household goods, and parents treating their children to leisure activities. Seasonal events, from New Year decorations to school-supply fairs in late summer, create a rhythm that aligns with Russian holidays and traditions.
From a visitor’s perspective, Balashikha City Mall is worth exploring not only for its stores but also as a cultural snapshot of modern Russian life. Spending a few hours here reveals how locals combine leisure with practicality, how Western consumerism merges with Russian habits, and how malls now serve as gathering places in suburban cities.
Novaya Balashikha Mall
Novaya Balashikha Mall represents another side of the city’s retail culture—smaller, more intimate, and firmly anchored in the daily routines of local residents. While Balashikha City Mall draws attention with its scale and entertainment offerings, Novaya Balashikha Mall appeals to those who prefer convenience, accessibility, and a community-oriented atmosphere.
The mall is strategically located near several large residential neighborhoods, making it a practical choice for families who want to shop close to home. Its layout is less grandiose than that of Balashikha City Mall, but the design emphasizes comfort and efficiency. Wide walkways, natural light from skylights, and neatly arranged shopfronts create a welcoming environment without the overwhelming feel of a mega-mall.
Inside, visitors find a balanced mix of retail outlets. Fashion boutiques offer clothing from Russian and European brands, while specialty shops cater to household needs, cosmetics, and accessories. A well-stocked supermarket provides groceries and essentials, often attracting locals who combine daily shopping with casual browsing. Pharmacies, electronics shops, and service-oriented outlets such as banks or mobile phone providers make the mall a one-stop destination for practical errands.
The food options are another highlight. Instead of large international chains dominating the scene, Novaya Balashikha Mall leans more toward local cafés and bakeries. This gives it a warmer, neighborhood feel. Visitors can enjoy fresh pastries, Russian-style fast food, or coffee before continuing their shopping. On weekends, families often gather here for a relaxed meal, creating a lively but still manageable crowd.
For children, dedicated play areas and small entertainment corners provide safe and engaging activities. Parents often appreciate the mall’s family-friendly design, which allows them to run errands while keeping their children entertained. Seasonal decorations and occasional community events add to the sense of belonging, making the mall part of local social life rather than just a commercial space.
From a traveler’s perspective, Novaya Balashikha Mall offers a more grounded view of everyday life in Balashikha. While it may not boast luxury stores or vast entertainment complexes, it reflects the rhythms of the city’s residents. Visitors looking for an authentic experience—observing how locals shop, eat, and spend time together—will find this mall particularly insightful.
Local Food Markets
The local food markets of Balashikha are among the city’s most vibrant and authentic attractions, offering visitors a true taste of everyday Russian life. Unlike the polished interiors of shopping malls, these markets thrive on atmosphere—open stalls, lively conversations, and the scent of fresh produce, smoked fish, and homemade baked goods filling the air. For travelers searching for “things to do in Balashikha” beyond the standard itinerary, exploring the markets provides an unfiltered cultural experience.
Seasonal Abundance
One of the defining features of Balashikha’s food markets is their strong connection to the seasons. In summer, stalls are stacked with ripe strawberries, cherries, and fragrant herbs brought from nearby dachas. Autumn brings an explosion of mushrooms, apples, and honey harvested from rural apiaries. Winter transforms the markets into showcases for pickled vegetables, preserved berries, salted fish, and hearty staples designed to last through the cold months. This cycle highlights the deep ties between Russian cuisine and nature, a tradition that remains central even in an urban environment.
Products and Atmosphere
Walking through the markets, visitors encounter a kaleidoscope of sights and sounds. Farmers proudly display their cucumbers, tomatoes, and cabbage, while butchers offer cuts of beef, pork, and lamb prepared according to local preferences. Fishmongers tempt passersby with salted herring and smoked mackerel, staples of Russian dining tables. Stalls selling homemade pastries, dumplings, and breads invite visitors to taste flavors straight from the oven. The market is not just a place to shop—it is a space to connect, to talk with vendors, and to witness how food traditions are passed down through generations.
Cultural Importance
Markets in Balashikha are more than commercial hubs; they are cultural institutions. During the Soviet era, they were vital for families seeking products unavailable in state-run shops. Today, they remain social meeting points where neighbors exchange news and advice while shopping. Elderly women selling jars of jam, pickled cucumbers, or knitted socks embody this spirit of continuity. Each purchase feels personal, with sellers often sharing stories about their produce or recipes passed through their families.
Visitor Experience
For international travelers, visiting Balashikha’s local food markets offers insight into the rhythm of Russian daily life. Sampling smoked fish, tasting local honey, or buying fresh herbs provides a sensory experience that goes far beyond packaged souvenirs. Travelers may also notice the art of presentation: apples carefully polished, berries arranged in neat pyramids, and mushrooms displayed with pride. These details reveal the importance of food not only as sustenance but also as a reflection of hospitality and identity.
Practical Tips
Most markets open early, often around 7:00 in the morning, and gradually wind down by late afternoon. Arriving early ensures the best selection, especially for seasonal produce. While many vendors accept cash only, the prices are usually lower than in supermarkets, and the quality is often superior. Bargaining is not common for basic groceries, but for bulk purchases or souvenirs like honey and pickles, a friendly negotiation may be possible.
Balashikha’s food markets bring together history, culture, and taste in a way that few attractions can. They are living museums of Russian cuisine and social tradition, making them a must-see for anyone wanting to understand the city beyond its malls and monuments.
Balashikha Flea Markets
If Balashikha’s malls showcase the city’s modern lifestyle and its food markets embody living traditions, then the flea markets reveal its memory. These eclectic spaces are where history, nostalgia, and commerce converge. For travelers who enjoy uncovering hidden stories through objects, the flea markets of Balashikha are some of the most fascinating attractions in the city.
Atmosphere and Character
Flea markets in Balashikha are not sleek or polished. They are often set up in open-air lots, near old warehouses, or in temporary stalls on weekends. Walking through one feels like entering an open museum where every item has a story to tell. The atmosphere is lively but also reflective—vendors chatting with buyers, collectors searching for rare finds, and curious locals browsing without hurry. Unlike the uniformity of malls, flea markets thrive on unpredictability.
Soviet Souvenirs and Memorabilia
One of the biggest draws for visitors is the abundance of Soviet-era souvenirs. These range from enamel pins of pioneer camps and Olympic mascots to propaganda posters once displayed in factories or schools. Old banknotes, medals, and badges from the Red Army are common, alongside household relics such as samovars, porcelain figurines, or vintage radios. For collectors, these items are treasures; for casual travelers, they are tangible pieces of Russian history that can be taken home.
What makes these souvenirs unique is their authenticity. Unlike mass-produced replicas sold in tourist-heavy areas of Moscow, many items in Balashikha’s flea markets come directly from attics, basements, and family collections. This gives them not only monetary but also sentimental value.
Beyond the Soviet Past
While Soviet memorabilia dominate, flea markets also feature antique furniture, vinyl records, second-hand books, and vintage clothing. Some stalls sell old cameras, watches, and typewriters that still carry the craftsmanship of another era. Others display icons and religious items, reminders of faith that survived decades of secular rule. The diversity of goods ensures that no two visits are the same.
Cultural Insight
Shopping in Balashikha’s flea markets offers a deeper understanding of how Russians relate to their past. For some vendors, selling these objects is practical, a way to earn money. For buyers, it is about preserving heritage or collecting mementos of a bygone time. The exchange itself becomes part of the story—negotiations over price often evolve into conversations about the origins of the item, memories of the Soviet years, or reflections on how life has changed.
Practical Advice for Visitors
Most flea markets in Balashikha operate on weekends, especially Saturday mornings, when vendors bring out their best items. Arriving early improves the chances of finding rare souvenirs before they are picked up by collectors. Cash is essential, as most stalls do not accept cards. Bargaining is expected but should be polite and good-natured—many sellers enjoy the process as part of the experience.
Travelers should also be prepared for variety: some items are genuine antiques, while others are everyday objects with sentimental rather than historical value. The joy lies in the discovery, whether it’s a rare medal from World War II or a set of vinyl records that once defined Soviet pop culture.
Why They Matter
For anyone compiling a list of “things to do in Balashikha,” visiting a flea market should not be overlooked. It provides not only the opportunity to purchase unique souvenirs but also a way to engage with local culture at its most grassroots level. Unlike malls or supermarkets, flea markets are raw, personal, and unpredictable. They embody the city’s layered identity—modern yet still deeply connected to its Soviet roots.
Street Bazaars and Seasonal Fairs
Street bazaars and seasonal fairs add a colorful and festive dimension to shopping in Balashikha. Unlike permanent malls or structured food markets, these events appear temporarily—linked to cultural traditions, national holidays, or local celebrations. For visitors, they offer not just shopping opportunities but also an immersive experience into Russian community life, where commerce, festivity, and heritage merge.
A Festive Atmosphere
When a bazaar opens in Balashikha, the city’s streets and squares come alive with energy. Wooden stalls decorated with garlands, music playing from speakers, and the scent of freshly baked pastries create a celebratory mood. Locals wander slowly between booths, sampling snacks, chatting with vendors, and buying seasonal goods. For travelers, this is one of the best chances to observe how traditions are kept alive outside of museums or tourist shows.
New Year and Winter Fairs
The highlight of the year is undoubtedly the New Year bazaar, which usually begins in mid-December. Stalls offer everything from handmade tree ornaments to woolen socks and fur hats. Children sip hot cocoa, while adults enjoy mulled wine or medovukha (a honey-based drink). Local bakeries sell pryaniki (spiced gingerbread) and pirozhki, adding warmth to the winter air. For international visitors, this season provides a magical glimpse of Russian holiday traditions that rival those of European Christmas markets.
Maslenitsa Celebrations
In late winter, Balashikha celebrates Maslenitsa, also known as Butter Week. This Slavic festival marks the end of winter and the approach of spring. Street fairs feature stalls selling blini (thin pancakes) with toppings like sour cream, caviar, or jam. Live folk performances, puppet shows, and games add to the atmosphere, making it not just a shopping event but a cultural festival.
Spring and Summer Fairs
Warmer months bring farmers’ fairs filled with honey jars, fresh berries, herbal teas, and handicrafts from surrounding villages. Balashikha’s proximity to dacha regions ensures a steady flow of homemade jams, pickles, and cheeses. Summer bazaars often include open-air concerts or dance performances, blending entertainment with commerce.
Autumn Harvest Bazaars
In September and October, harvest fairs dominate the city. Stalls overflow with apples, pumpkins, and mushrooms freshly picked from nearby forests. Local artisans sell woven baskets, embroidered textiles, and ceramics. These fairs emphasize self-sufficiency and the celebration of abundance before the long Russian winter sets in.
Why They Stand Out
Street bazaars and seasonal fairs highlight Balashikha’s dual character as both a modern city and a keeper of traditions. They are temporary, but their impact is lasting—families plan outings around them, and visitors leave with souvenirs that carry cultural meaning. Unlike malls, where products are standardized, bazaars showcase individuality, with every item crafted, cooked, or grown by someone local.
Visitor Tips
- Bring cash in small denominations, as many stalls are run by private vendors without card machines.
- Try seasonal specialties—honey in summer, pryaniki in winter, blini during Maslenitsa—for an authentic taste of Russia.
- Arrive early on weekends to explore before crowds become too dense.
- Keep an eye out for handcrafted souvenirs, as many artisans sell one-of-a-kind pieces unavailable elsewhere.
- Don’t rush—half the joy of bazaars lies in wandering slowly, tasting samples, and enjoying performances.
Street bazaars and seasonal fairs in Balashikha are more than shopping events; they are celebrations of community spirit, cultural pride, and seasonal change. For any traveler compiling a list of “things to do in Balashikha,” they provide some of the most memorable and authentic experiences the city has to offer.
Antique Shops and Collectors’ Corners
While Balashikha is best known for its lively markets and modern malls, the city also has quieter, more hidden spaces where time seems to slow down—its antique shops and collectors’ corners. These small establishments, often tucked away on side streets or in basements of residential blocks, cater to those who appreciate history in tangible form. For travelers interested in “things to do in Balashikha” beyond mainstream attractions, exploring these shops provides both cultural depth and the thrill of discovery.
Atmosphere and Setting
Stepping into an antique shop in Balashikha feels like entering a personal museum. The air carries the faint scent of old books, polished wood, and sometimes even Soviet-era cologne. Glass cabinets display delicate porcelain, military medals, and vintage cameras. Walls may be lined with bookshelves filled with worn volumes, maps, and photo albums. Unlike malls, these spaces are intimate, sometimes cluttered, and designed more for browsing than for speed.
Types of Items for Sale
The range of goods reflects Russia’s layered past:
- Soviet relics such as enamel pins, busts of Lenin, or propaganda posters.
- Household antiques like samovars, embroidered textiles, or cut-glass vases once common in Soviet homes.
- Books and prints, from 19th-century literature to children’s stories published in the 1960s.
- Military memorabilia, including medals, uniforms, or field equipment that provide glimpses into Russia’s wartime history.
- Art and collectibles, ranging from paintings by local artists to vinyl records that capture the soundscape of the 20th century.
Each item is a fragment of memory. Some carry monetary value for collectors, while others are treasured more for their stories. Vendors often know the background of their goods and are eager to share details, making conversations as rewarding as the purchases themselves.
Cultural Significance
Antique shops in Balashikha serve as cultural time capsules. They preserve artifacts that might otherwise be discarded, offering locals and visitors alike a chance to engage with personal and national history. For older residents, browsing these shops can evoke nostalgia; for younger generations and foreign travelers, they provide education about how daily life looked across decades of change.
The Collector’s Experience
Collectors often frequent these corners in search of rare stamps, coins, or Soviet badges. Serious hobbyists may establish relationships with shop owners, who alert them when special items arrive. Even casual visitors, however, can enjoy the thrill of stumbling upon unexpected treasures. Whether it’s a hand-painted icon, a gramophone record, or an intricately carved jewelry box, every object invites the imagination to consider its journey.
Practical Advice for Visitors
- Be patient and curious: The best finds are often hidden in boxes or stacks of seemingly ordinary objects.
- Bring cash: While some antique shops accept cards, smaller ones often prefer cash payments.
- Ask questions: Vendors usually know the provenance of their goods, and conversations can add cultural value to your purchase.
- Don’t hesitate to negotiate: Polite bargaining is common, especially if buying multiple items.
- Transport with care: Fragile antiques like porcelain or glassware should be carefully wrapped, and sellers often provide basic packaging.
Why Visit as a Traveler
For travelers, antique shops and collectors’ corners are not just about shopping—they are about storytelling. Each object is a link between personal memory and collective history. Visiting these places adds depth to any Balashikha itinerary, complementing the modern buzz of malls and the social warmth of food markets. It is here, in these quiet corners, that the echoes of Russia’s past can be held in your hands.
Souvenir Kiosks and Cultural Shops
While Balashikha’s malls, food markets, and flea markets each reveal a different face of the city, its souvenir kiosks and cultural shops form the bridge between tradition and tourism. These small but significant outlets are where visitors can pick up iconic Russian keepsakes—objects that carry meaning far beyond their decorative function. For travelers looking for “things to do in Balashikha” that combine convenience with cultural depth, exploring these kiosks is both rewarding and practical.
Everyday Presence
Souvenir kiosks in Balashikha are often found in busy pedestrian zones, near transport hubs, or around public squares. Their modest wooden booths or brightly lit storefronts catch the eye with colorful displays of nesting dolls, painted plates, and miniature Kremlin replicas. Unlike larger antique shops, these kiosks specialize in accessibility—shoppers can browse quickly, ask a few questions, and walk away with a tangible memory of their trip.
Iconic Russian Keepsakes
The range of items often reflects both national identity and regional character:
- Matryoshka dolls: Hand-painted nesting dolls remain the most recognizable symbol of Russian folk art. Each set tells a different story, from traditional peasant women to modern interpretations featuring politicians or pop culture icons.
- Wooden crafts: Khokhloma tableware with its red-and-gold floral motifs, or Gzhel porcelain painted in distinctive blue patterns, are staples of Russian souvenir culture.
- Samovars and tea sets: Though often smaller than their historical counterparts, souvenir samovars represent Russia’s tea traditions and make meaningful gifts.
- Religious icons and crosses: Reflecting Russia’s Orthodox heritage, many shops offer small icons or pendants, often blessed in local churches.
- Soviet-themed gifts: From enamel pins to fridge magnets featuring retro designs, these items blend nostalgia with affordability.
Cultural Shops with Local Character
In addition to kiosks, Balashikha has cultural shops that specialize in artisan crafts, textiles, or folk clothing. These stores often collaborate with local artists and craftsmen, ensuring that many of the items are handmade and unique. Visitors may find embroidered tablecloths, felt boots (valenki), or birch-bark boxes decorated with traditional carvings. Unlike mass-produced souvenirs, these carry the personality of the maker and a stronger link to regional culture.
Social and Cultural Role
For locals, these shops are not just tourist stops—they are places to find gifts for holidays, birthdays, or religious celebrations. Many residents buy souvenirs to send to relatives abroad or to bring on trips to represent Russian culture. The act of purchasing a matryoshka or an icon is as much about cultural expression as it is about commerce.
Practical Tips for Visitors
- Quality check: Hand-painted items such as matryoshkas vary widely in craftsmanship. Look for clear brushstrokes and solid wood rather than printed imitations.
- Support local artisans: If possible, choose cultural shops over generic kiosks. The prices may be slightly higher, but the authenticity and craftsmanship are worth it.
- Consider portability: While samovars and ceramics are beautiful, they can be heavy. Smaller items like pins, icons, or textiles are easier to carry home.
- Ask about the story: Many sellers enjoy explaining the background of their goods—this can add cultural value to the purchase.
- Bring cash: Some kiosks may not accept cards, especially those located in outdoor areas.
Why They Matter
Souvenir kiosks and cultural shops in Balashikha serve as gateways into Russian identity. They allow visitors to take home more than just objects; they bring back pieces of history, tradition, and artistry. For anyone building a list of Balashikha attractions, these shops round out the experience by offering tangible connections to the culture encountered in markets, fairs, and antique corners.
Local Experiences and Traditions
Shopping in Balashikha is deeply tied to social life. Markets are not only places for transactions but also spaces for interaction. Elderly women selling homemade jams or knitwear often share stories about their families, creating connections between vendors and buyers. For visitors, this tradition provides authenticity beyond mere retail.
Seasonality plays a major role. In autumn, markets overflow with mushrooms gathered from nearby forests, while spring brings fresh herbs and the first berries. During winter holidays, souvenir stalls offer traditional gifts, from felt boots to festive decorations. Shopping becomes part of the celebration, reinforcing cultural traditions and community bonds.
At malls, shopping is also a leisure activity. Families spend weekends there, combining retail with dining and cinema visits. Teenagers gather in cafés or gaming zones, treating malls as modern social hubs. This duality—traditional markets as heritage spaces and malls as modern leisure complexes—captures the essence of Balashikha’s evolving identity.
Practical Information for Visitors
Balashikha is located about 25 kilometers east of Moscow and is easily accessible by public transport. Travelers can take suburban trains from Kursky Railway Station or buses from various metro stations, reaching the city in 40–60 minutes depending on traffic. Taxis and ride-hailing apps also provide convenient options.
Shopping malls generally open daily from 10:00 to 22:00. Local food markets often start early in the morning, around 7:00, and close by late afternoon. Flea markets and seasonal fairs operate on weekends or during specific holidays, so visitors should check local schedules in advance.
Prices vary. While malls offer products at standard retail costs, markets often provide opportunities to negotiate. Cash is still preferred in many smaller stalls, though larger malls and shops widely accept credit cards.
The best times to visit malls are weekdays, when crowds are lighter. Markets are most vibrant on weekends, when farmers and vendors bring their freshest goods. For Soviet souvenirs, flea markets require patience and exploration, as rare items may be hidden among everyday household goods.
Insider Tips
- Visit markets early in the morning for the freshest produce and the widest selection of goods.
- Bargaining is acceptable at flea markets, but it should be done politely and with respect.
- Look out for authentic Soviet pins or posters signed by artists—these are highly collectible.
- Combine mall visits with nearby cafés to experience local dining culture alongside shopping.
- During New Year or Maslenitsa (Butter Week), explore seasonal fairs for unique souvenirs and festive foods.
- Carry some small denominations of rubles, as vendors at markets may not have change for larger notes.
Conclusion
Shopping in Balashikha, Russia, is more than a practical activity—it is a journey through time, culture, and everyday life. Modern malls reveal the city’s rapid growth and its embrace of global consumer culture, offering visitors convenience and entertainment. At the same time, lively food markets and bazaars connect travelers to local traditions, agricultural heritage, and community spirit. Soviet souvenirs, whether found in flea markets or antique shops, remind one of the historical experiences that shaped the lives of millions.
Balashikha’s shopping scene illustrates the coexistence of past and present, tradition and modernity. Visitors can stroll through a sleek mall in the morning, enjoy bargaining at a farmers’ market in the afternoon, and end the day browsing Soviet relics that echo Russia’s twentieth-century history. Including these experiences in a Balashikha itinerary provides not only unique souvenirs but also a deeper appreciation of Russian identity. For travelers seeking things to do in Balashikha, exploring its malls, markets, and Soviet souvenirs offers an enriching perspective on how commerce, culture, and memory intertwine in this dynamic city.