Shopping in Moscow: A Guide to the Best Spots
Shopping in Moscow can be quite a daunting experience – you can walk for miles without finding anything but mass-market brands and overpriced boutiques. However, if you do it right, it can also be quite fun. Here are our top tips on how to get the most out of your shopping trip in Moscow.
Shopping Malls
There are many shopping malls all around Moscow, with three that double as bona fide tourist attractions: GUM, TsUM, and Detsky Mir, all within walking distance from each other. GUM is one of the oldest department stores in the country. It’s famous for the glass roof designed by one of Russia’s most celebrated architects, Vladimir Shukhov. Today, it serves as a high-class shopping mall. You will find plenty of luxury shops, a supermarket that sells lots of signature Russian goods, and several dining options. Head to the more expensive Bosco Cafe with a Kremlin view or, for a budget option, try the Soviet-style cafeteria Stolovaya No 57. Additionally, GUM often hosts contemporary art exhibitions in one of its three main aisles.
TsUM is another shopping mall from the pre-revolutionary era, recognized as the most luxurious store in the city, renowned for its iconic paper bags that many Muscovites flaunt on social media. It features numerous haute couture boutiques and a rooftop restaurant Buro, frequented by Russian celebrities. The Tsentralny Detsky Mir children’s store is perfect if you’re looking for a gift for kids or want to enjoy its impressive viewing platform with stunning views over central Moscow, all for only R50.
Food Stalls and Markets
There are two food markets that are worth checking out in Moscow. Danilovsky Market became the trailblazer of Moscow’s foodie revolution after its revitalization in 2017. This market not only boasts many trendy food stalls but also hosts lectures, film viewings, and even theatre productions, and recently opened an antiques section. It’s an architectural landmark, a masterpiece of late Soviet modernism that resembles a UFO. On the other hand, food at Usachevsky Market tends to be a bit more pricey and upscale. Both markets sell plenty of fresh produce, local cheeses, and cured meats.
Antiques and Flea Markets
Shopping can also be a way to escape from major landmarks and explore some sights off the beaten path. Moscow’s top flea market is Izmailovsky, located in and around the pseudo-historical complex ‘Izmailovsky Kremlin’ with its colorful walls and domes. Open daily, visiting on the weekends often leads to better deals. Although it leans towards the tacky side, the Kremlin has a handful of odd museums like the Vodka History Museum or Baba Yaga Museum (Baba Yaga is a Russian fairy tale character). Part of the market has undergone gentrification into the creative cluster Vernissage, hosting trendy coffee shops, various workshops, and Svalka, an enormous two-floor secondhand shop filled with everything from used books to vintage clothing.
For high-class antiques, rare books, and icons, visit Antikvarnaya Lavka (Antique Store), located just off Bolshaya Nikitskaya street (5 Kalashny Pereulok). Here, you can snag real masterpieces – paintings or sculptures – although prices can be quite steep.
Where to Shop for Russian Designs
Gosha Rubchinskiy may be the only Russian clothing designer of global acclaim, particularly after his collaboration with Kanye West, but many more emerging fashion stars deserve your attention. One notable spot is KM20, which is popular among Moscow’s fashionistas, showcasing streetwear brands from across the globe alongside rare items. Notably, there’s one of the best vegetarian cafes in Moscow located on the second floor.
The GUM shopping mall also has a two-storey store dedicated to Russian designers – Sektsiya (Section). This section features products from 50 Russian brands, including accessories and Heart of Moscow souvenir pins, along with a bar overlooking Red Square.
If high fashion isn’t your style but you’re still interested in obtaining a unique outfit with Cyrillic script, explore the creative cluster centered around two abandoned factories: Flakon and Khlebozavod. One of the largest stores is Zaporozhets Heritage at Flakon, which sells clothing and accessories styled after various Soviet pop culture icons. The northern part, Khlebozavod, hosts several shops such as Yunost and Khlebny, featuring a more punk-rock approach to streetwear. After shopping, enjoy a pint at a great local craft beer bar Svoboda or grab a coffee at Floo.
Sputnik 1985 is a Russian clothing brand specializing in hoodies and hats featuring quotes in Cyrillic and retro prints. This store is located in a courtyard on Pokrovka street (19 Ulitsa Pokrovka).
