Bessarabsky Indoor Market, Kiev

Besarabsky Market (also known as Bessarabian Market) is a historic indoor marketplace and cultural landmark, built between 1910 and 1912. At the time of its opening, it was considered one of the most modern trading facilities in the region, notable for featuring an early refrigeration system—an impressive innovation for its time.

The market's name honors the Bessarabian (known today as Moldovan) farmers who regularly came to sell their produce here long before the structure was built.

It was created to replace chaotic open-air stalls that once crowded the square, and has since withstood wars, political changes, and a near-demolition in the 1980s—remaining a central part of the city’s commercial life.

Today, Besarabsky Market is home to nearly 400 stalls offering a wide variety of goods—from fresh fruits, vegetables, and meats to beloved Ukrainian specialties like salo (which means cured pork fat) and red caviar. The bustling atmosphere and central location make it an ideal stop for sampling local tastes or picking up unique edible souvenirs.

Beyond food, the market also houses small service businesses including a barbershop, tailoring and shoe repair services, a wedding shop, and currency exchange.