Bessarabian market

Market · Kyiv

Bessarabian market

Market · Kyiv

Bessarabs'ka Square, 2, Kyiv, Ukraine, 01004

Highlights

Nestled in a stunning early-20th-century building, this round-the-clock market in Kyiv buzzes with locals sourcing fresh meats, fish, and produce amidst its vibrant stalls.

Bessarabs'ka Square, 2, Kyiv, Ukraine, 01004 Get directions

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@onthegrid

"This market stands at the southwest end of Khreshchatyk street. The building was erected in 1910-1912 in late modern style by Polish architect Henryk Julian Gay. His project was so high-tech it took an incredible effort for local constructors to bring it to life. This indoor market survived through number of wars and revolutions, was under threat of demolition by the soviets but luckily still remains one of the most colorful and authentic Kyiv place. You can buy fresh meat, fish or any kind of greens (all considered much overpriced by locals) from the loud Ukrainian tradeswomen or calm Uzbek fellows. Have a cheap quick bite at numerous fast-food spots (including VeganoHooligano and Linas deserving stand-alone mention in this guide) available from the inside or outside of the market building. The Bessarabsky market is open 24/7 so you can try your luck during the night asking security guys to bring you to the large basement by 100 years old elevator which served as a large morgue for bolsheviks due to high demand for spaces of this kind during Stalin’s rule." - DepositPhotos

On the Grid : Bessarabsky market

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@onthegrid

"Bessarabsky market, Lypky. This market stands at the southwest end of Khreshchatyk street. The building was erected in 1910-1912 in late modern style by Polish architect Henryk Julian Gay. His project was so high-tech it took an incredible effort for local constructors to bring it to life. This indoor market survived through number of wars and revolutions, was under threat of demolition by the soviets but luckily still remains one of the most colorful and authentic Kyiv place.You can buy fresh meat, fish or any kind of greens (all considered much overpriced by locals) from the loud Ukrainian tradeswomen or calm Uzbek fellows. Have a cheap quick bite at numerous fast-food spots (including VeganoHooligano and Linas deserving stand-alone mention in this guide) available from the inside or outside of the market building. The Bessarabsky market is open 24/7 so you can try your luck during the night asking security guys to bring you to the large basement by 100 years old elevator which served as a large morgue for bolsheviks due to high demand for spaces of this kind during Stalin’s rule."

Kyiv

View Postcard for Bessarabian market

Kir Vladimirovich

Google

This place should be treated as an architectural monument. Yes, this building is more than 100 years old, the market opened in historical Kyiv in 1912. If you look at the towers along the edges of the building and the small balconies - these were advertising places where people shouted to the whole street about the fresh goods at the market. Of course, don’t necessarily buy groceries inside. Prices are a little higher than normal, but you should come in and look at it as a piece of history.

Farida Elchuzade

Google

Here is a big “open air” market for organic and fresh products in the centre of the city. You can find vegetables, fruits, fish and meat of all kinds. It was a smaller area than I expected. I don’t like to be pushed to buy something, but this is part of the sales cultures so you will hear from each person to buy their product. It’s nice to see what locals buy , so I would suggest you to check it out if it’s on your way 😊

George Benaroya

Google

A good place to visit to check out food quality and assortment. I also recommend to have lunch in one of the small restaurants (the food is spectacular and prices are incredible). Watch a short video of the market on Youtube here: https://youtu.be/U7bK7bCLiSg

Romualdas Isoda

Google

Bessarabsky Market - the market has great variety of food, products as meat, vegetables, fruits, nuts and drinks. There you can find food prepared according local tradition as for example salted pork fat and curd pies. Be aware, that the price for these tasty things can be higher twice for tourist which will be find out by sellers immediately when you enter the market.

Ankit Patel

Google

At the southern end of Khreshchatyk, a couple of streets across from Taras Shevchenko, is Kiev’s historic market. Even plastered with advertisements, the early-20th-century market hall is imposing, and was the work of the Polish architect Henryk Julian Gay. Shopping here can be intimidating as the stalls are run by fierce babushki. Also, none of the produce is labelled with prices, as haggling is the way people do business. So if you want to do some shopping you may need a Ukrainian friend with you. If not, come for a snapshot of day-to-day life and grab something from one of the bars and cafes on the edge of the market.

Nishan M

Google

I used to live in Kiev for a few years and worked not far from this market. As I arrived I loved just walking through the market. Even now ten years later, and even though it's smaller after Covid, I still found it cool to walk through!

Petr Vasicek

Google

It was kind of weird. There was almost no customers and when you get within 5 meters of a any stall the seller starts pushing you to buy their stuff. Especially caviar and sausages when they see you're a tourist.

Andrew Schultz

Google

There’s some nice non Ukrainian food outlets here but it’s mostly local produce on sale. Great place to purchase some caviar. #BeatTheGrind