Travelling to Moscow soon? Besides the stunning sights, culture, and history, shopping is also probably one of the things you are most excited to experience. The city has many things to offer in terms of gifts and souvenirs.
You can go the traditional route and buy Russian nesting dolls, fur hats, or hand-painted crafts, all of which make great keepsakes. Or, you can dive into a different side of Moscow’s shopping scene.
Hidden among the city are markets where you can find all kinds of replica items that mimic high-fashion brands like Gucci, Dior, Chanel, and Balenciaga. You will also come across popular high-street styles from big names like Zara, Nike, and Adidas. These may not be real designer pieces, but many of them look very close and come at just a tiny fraction of the price.
This is one of the most famous markets in Moscow, and while it is known for its souvenirs and antiques, it also has a section full of fake designer goods. It is located in the northeast of the city, and looks like a fairytale village, with wooden buildings and colourful roofs.
In the lower levels and hidden corners of the market, vendors sell a wide range of replica goods of brands like Gucci, Louis Vuitton, Nike, Adidas, Rolex, and more. Some items are high-quality copies, while others are clearly just fun imitations. Either way, the prices are low, especially if you can bargain.
Lublino Market is not as pretty as Izmailovsky, but it is a powerhouse for bargains. It is located in southeast Moscow, and is popular with locals who want to buy everything from clothes to electronics at budget prices. It is a huge market, with multiple small shops and outdoor stalls, and has a very busy, everyday feel.
Here, you will find a large section of fake brand goods. Clothes, shoes, and accessories with big-name logos are everywhere. You will also find fake perfumes and watches, "designer" sunglasses, and leather goods.
Sadovod Market is one of the biggest wholesale markets in Moscow. It is located a bit outside the city centre, but it is worth the trip. Many shopkeepers from smaller markets actually come here to buy in bulk, which means you are shopping close to the source, and that usually means better prices.
This market is massive. You will find endless rows of stalls selling clothes, shoes, bags, jackets, and more, with lots of goods with famous brand logos, especially fashion brands. There are also sections for beauty products, electronics, and home goods.
It is not very touristy, so it helps to speak a few words of Russian or go with someone who does. But even if you don’t, the sellers are used to people from different places, so they know how to easily handle the business. Just take your time, explore, and always compare prices before buying.
While these might not be real designer goods, you can find really high-quality clothes and shoes, some of which look exactly like the originals. These are perfect if you want to add a touch of a luxurious feel to your style, without having to spend too much.
If you are looking for genuine luxury items, go to the official shops. But if you are just looking for some fun styles, the fake markets in Moscow would be a great place for you.
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