Bessarabian market

Market · Kyiv ·

Bessarabian market

Market · Kyiv ·

Indoor market with fresh produce, local foods, and fast bites

Information

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

@onthegrid

18,031 Postcards · 836 Cities

On the Grid : Bessarabsky market

"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

https://onthegrid.city/kyiv/lypky/bessarabsky-market

Bessarabian market

@onthegrid

18,031 Postcards · 836 Cities

"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

Bessarabian market

Poseidónas G.

Google

The Bessarabsky Market in Kyiv, built in 1910–1912 by architect Henryk Gay, is a national architectural landmark. For more than a century, it functioned as a traditional food market selling meat, dairy products, vegetables, and fruit. Three major renovations are historically documented (1960s, 2015–2022, 2024–2025). The latest renovation, completed in December 2025, modernized the interior and technical infrastructure while preserving the historic structure. The market was turned into a food hall with upscale stalls—farmers and small-scale growers are now barely represented.

Кирил К.

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 E.

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 B.

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 I.

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.

Petr V.

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 S.

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

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!