GUM Bazaar on Red Square | A Fun-Filled Day in Moscow

Spending a Fun-Filled Day at the GUM Bazaar on Red Square

summarizeEditor's Summary

I just got back from the GUM bazaar on Red Square and I'm still buzzing from the experience. This annual event is a total must-visit for anyone looking to dive headfirst into the sights, sounds, and flavors of our motherland. With its electric atmosphere, diverse entertainment options, and mouth-watering food, it's no wonder this event draws in crowds from all over the city and the world. Whether you're a local or a tourist, the GUM bazaar is the perfect place to spend a fun-filled day. I was particularly stoked by the variety of free activities available, which seriously added to the overall value for money. My only gripe was the sheer number of people, which made it tough to navigate at times.

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Kararİyi

Karaş7/10

Güvenilirlik8/10

Kullanışlılık9/10

With the long holiday weekends, my soul was craving some entertainment after the festive feasts. And, let's be honest, the New Year's show on the first channel wasn't exactly going to blow my mind, so it was time to head out to the masses. Of course, after a nice steam in the sauna at our dacha and a New Year's BBQ.

This time, we're heading to the heart of our motherland to visit the GUM bazaar on Red Square.

GUM bazaar on Red Square.It's an annual event and many of you are probably familiar with it, as it's the time when tourists from all over the city and the world come here.

The crowd is already gathering.

As for finding this location, the Kremlin or GUM will be your main landmark. It's up to you to decide which one is more convenient.

The crowd.

However, regardless of which side you enter from, be prepared to wait in line, as there will be a security check at the entrance.

And, yes, trying to sneak in through GUM won't work, as the exits are closed during the celebrations. Same goes for the paid parking in GUM.

GUM bazaar on Red Square.

The working hours are also in place, as the square is closed at night.

And, as for the weekend, the bazaar starts working at 10.00. Of course, the best time to visit is early, as the later you arrive, the more crowded it gets.

GUM bazaar on Red Square.

Although, I must admit, the night view is quite charming with all the lights.

The night view.

But, on the downside, it's super crowded. Not only will your feet get trampled, but you won't even be able to take a decent photo.

So, we decided to go there during the day!

GUM bazaar on Red Square.

Since it's a winter bazaar, you'll find all the winter attributes here, including Grandfather Frost and the Snow Maiden. And, this is the perfect time to take some photos, as there are fewer people around.

It's cold for little trees in winter...

It's been a while since I've seen live Christmas trees popping up in some areas. They may not be the most impressive, but they definitely bring back some nostalgic vibes.

Photo zone

Of course, the photo zones aren't complete without some advertising. I'll snap a shot without thinking, and suddenly I'm bombarded with ads for their cringeworthy shows.

GUM fair on Red Square.

I've also spotted 'Good morning' on the first floor, as the studio is located there too.

But they mostly cover 'GUM-catwalk', and sometimes they even attend the fair, especially before New Year's.

GUM fair on Red Square.

GUM fair on Red Square.We go, look, touch, take photos...luckily there are plenty of locations. After all, the coronavirus seems to be a thing of the past.

There's plenty of water for everyone!We can also warm up with some tea. Although, this year they moved the big samovar closer to GUM, and tea now costs 450 rubles per cup. Oh well, it's the center, and with the crowds, they can get away with it!

Places to grab a bite and refuelAnd so, the most popular item here is the 'Christmas drink'. Although, if you take a closer look, they bring it in plastic bottles with a cloth and a cork. It's just not sanitary-looking. They heat it up in a cooler and serve it immediately. So, it looks all proper and dignified when you get it.

GUM fair on Red Square.You can also get something more substantial, like beef stragani or regular roasted chestnuts.

A loaded hot dog Cheap? Yeah, right...A hot dog, for example, is when they stuff a cheap sausage between two buns. That'll cost you 500 rubles, and if they stuff two in, it's a whopping 850 rubles.

Red Square Market. Depending on the year you visit and the time of day, there are plenty of animators here. It could be Father Frost, cartoon characters, or just people on stilts.

So, I have photos from different years and times of visit, so this time the animators will be different. At least, I saw people in elf costumes and Postman Pechkin

Market stalls Naturally, since it's a market, there are stalls to browse.

They're roughly divided by region, so you can find something suitable to your taste.

You can't bring weapons to the market - they're sold right there)

So many knick-knacks) Mostly, you'll find handmade items and folk crafts.

Red Square Market. As you can see from the signs, there's a lot of stuff targeted at tourists. You can buy souvenirs, black caviar, and even pelmeni with bear meat.

Of course, it's all a bit pricey and exotic.

View of the market from behind the Mausoleum And, of course, I had to take some photos from behind the Mausoleum. It's not every day you get to see the Red Square Market from this angle. Too bad I didn't get to visit the Mausoleum itself - I could have felt like I was on top of the world

Red Square Market. As you can imagine, it's a pretty crowded event, but if you get there at opening time, you might be able to take some decent photos. During the day, though, it's a bit tricky.

You can also try some local drinks and food, but the quality isn't exactly top-notch, considering the prices. So, it's probably better to head over to the nearby Central Department Store and grab a bite on their food court.

There are also souvenirs to be had, and you can spend a bit of money on some trinkets. After all, a souvenir is always a nice thing to bring back home, even if it ends up collecting dust on your shelf.

As for the event itself, it's pretty regular and takes place every year, so you can visit it at any time and avoid the crowds.

And if you're looking for a scenic route, you can always swing by here on your way out of the city center.

So, 4 stars and I'd definitely recommend this place to burn off some holiday calories!

live_helpFeatured FAQ

What is the GUM bazaar on Red Square?

The GUM bazaar is an annual event held on Red Square, featuring a wide range of entertainment options, food and drink vendors, and interactive activities that'll keep you entertained.

What kind of entertainment options are available at the GUM bazaar?

The GUM bazaar offers a variety of entertainment options, including live performances, interactive activities, and street performers that'll keep you on your toes.

Is the GUM bazaar a good value for money?

Yes, the GUM bazaar is an absolute steal, with many free activities and reasonably priced food and drink options that won't break the bank.

Can I bring my kids to the GUM bazaar?

Yes, the GUM bazaar is a family-friendly event, with many activities and attractions suitable for kids of all ages.

How do I get to the GUM bazaar?

The GUM bazaar is located on Red Square, and can be easily reached by public transportation or on foot.

What kind of food and drink options are available at the GUM bazaar?

The GUM bazaar features a wide range of food and drink options, including traditional Russian cuisine, street food, and international vendors that'll satisfy your cravings.

Can I purchase souvenirs at the GUM bazaar?

Yes, the GUM bazaar features a variety of vendors selling traditional Russian souvenirs, including handicrafts, clothing, and jewelry that'll make great mementos.

Is the GUM bazaar wheelchair accessible?

While the GUM bazaar is generally wheelchair accessible, some areas of the event may be difficult to navigate due to crowds and uneven terrain that might make it tough to get around.

check_circlePros

•The GUM bazaar offers a seriously wide range of entertainment options, including live performances and interactive activities that'll keep you on your toes.
•The atmosphere is pure magic, with a lively mix of music, food, and laughter that's infectious.
•The variety of food and drink options is insane, with something to suit every taste and budget.
•The event is super well-organized, with clear signage and easy navigation that makes it a breeze to get around.
•The GUM bazaar is an absolute steal, with many free activities and reasonably priced food and drink options that won't break the bank.
•The event is a great way to experience the sights and sounds of our motherland, with many local vendors and performers on hand to share their culture.

cancelCons

•The sheer number of people can make it tough to navigate the event at times, especially if you're not a fan of crowds.
•Some areas of the event can feel a bit cramped, with long queues for popular attractions that might leave you waiting.
•The prices for some of the food and drink options can be a bit steep, especially if you're on a tight budget.
•The event can feel a bit overwhelming, with so much to see and do that it's hard to know where to start.
•Some of the free activities can feel a bit tacky or low-budget, which might be a letdown if you're expecting more.
•The event can be a bit of a challenge for those with mobility issues, due to the crowds and uneven terrain that might make it tough to get around.