Flakon

Moscow


Flakon is arguably the most visually attractive of all the redeveloped industrial areas around town, looking a bit like the far end of London's Portobello Rd, especially on weekends. Once a glassware plant, it is now home to dozens of funky shops and other businesses. Shopping for designer clothes and unusual souvenirs is the main reason for coming here.

The main shopping area covers three floors of the factory's central building. Climb to the top to find Zaporozhets Heritage – a shop representing a brand that produces clothes themed on classic Soviet children's cartoons. Weekends are the best time to visit as this is when you are most likely to encounter a festival or craft fair. You'll also find several cool cafes, a cinema and even a summertime swimming pool.

With the redeveloped area now expanding into the adjacent Soviet-era bread factory, this is a cool place to lose a couple of hours, or more.