Nikolskaya Street is one of Moscow’s most charming and historic shopping streets, lined with a variety of shops, cafés, and cultural landmarks. Located near Red Square and the Kremlin, it’s an ideal place to explore if you want to experience Moscow’s vibrant shopping scene while enjoying a mix of high-end fashion and traditional Russian souvenirs. Whether you’re looking for designer clothing or unique local crafts, Nikolskaya Street has something for everyone. Here are the best shopping spots along this famous street.
1. GUM Department Store
Why It’s Great:
- GUM (Glavny Universalny Magazin) is one of Moscow’s most famous shopping destinations, located at the eastern side of Red Square. This historic department store, housed in a stunning 19th-century building, offers a combination of luxury fashion, Russian brands, and international labels.
What to Expect:
- Inside GUM, you’ll find an impressive range of high-end brands like Gucci, Louis Vuitton, and Chanel, alongside Russian designer boutiques offering locally crafted clothing and accessories.
- Beyond fashion, GUM is known for its selection of Russian souvenirs, such as traditional ceramics, Matryoshka dolls, and handcrafted jewelry.
- Cafés and restaurants inside GUM make it a great place for a shopping break. You can enjoy Russian delicacies or European cuisine in a sophisticated environment.
Why You Should Visit:
- Luxury shopping and designer boutiques are perfect for those looking to splurge.
- Unique Russian gifts and high-quality souvenirs make for perfect mementos.
2. Tsum Department Store
Why It’s Great:
Another high-end shopping destination near Nikolskaya Street is TSUM, a famous department store located just a few steps from Red Square. It’s one of the oldest and most prestigious shopping centers in Moscow and is ideal for those seeking the latest in luxury fashion and exclusive international brands.
What to Expect:
- TSUM offers a wide selection of designer brands, including Prada, Burberry, and Saint Laurent.
- For Russian fashion lovers, you can find collections from top local designers, including Valentin Yudashkin and Alexander Terekhov.
- The store also features a variety of Russian souvenirs, including unique hand-painted trays, matryoshka dolls, and fine jewelry.
Why You Should Visit:
- Luxury shopping lovers will find exclusive collections here.
- Russian art and craft lovers can pick up unique, high-quality items.
3. Okhotny Ryad Shopping Mall
Why It’s Great:
Located next to Red Square and just a short walk from Nikolskaya Street, Okhotny Ryad is a modern shopping mall offering a mix of international fashion brands, electronics, and Russian goods. It’s the perfect place for a more casual shopping experience, catering to all tastes and budgets.
What to Expect:
- A range of international clothing brands like H&M, Zara, and Uniqlo offer affordable fashion choices.
- For those looking for unique gifts, Okhotny Ryad offers plenty of shops selling souvenirs, including Russian handicrafts, ceramics, and chocolates.
- The mall also has a selection of Russian-themed stores, where you can find traditional crafts, including lacquer boxes, matryoshka dolls, and felted wool items.
Why You Should Visit:
- It’s perfect for those looking for affordable fashion and souvenirs in a modern shopping environment.
- You’ll find Russian-made products alongside international brands, offering a diverse selection.
4. Kuznetsky Most Street
Why It’s Great:
While not directly on Nikolskaya Street, Kuznetsky Most is nearby and offers some of the best shopping in Moscow. This street is known for its boutiques selling Russian-made clothing, jewelry, and unique souvenirs. It’s a great place to find local designers and high-quality craftsmanship.
What to Expect:
- Look for boutiques featuring Russian designers offering contemporary and stylish clothing with a local flair.
- Handmade jewelry and craft items, such as embroidered textiles and wooden toys, make perfect souvenirs or gifts.
- Russian gourmet food stores offer fine vodka, caviar, and local delicacies that make great gifts for food lovers.
Why You Should Visit:
- For a more authentic shopping experience, with a focus on Russian craftsmanship and local designers.
- Ideal for those interested in unique gifts and one-of-a-kind finds.
5. Teatralnaya Square (Near the Bolshoi Theatre)
Why It’s Great:
Close to Nikolskaya Street, Teatralnaya Square is another hub for shoppers seeking a blend of fashion, art, and history. The Bolshoi Theatre sits here, adding cultural value to the area, while the surrounding stores offer an eclectic mix of fashion boutiques, antique shops, and souvenir stores.
What to Expect:
- Explore small boutiques that sell high-quality Russian fashion and accessories. The area is great for shopping if you’re looking for something more unique.
- There are several stores that specialize in Russian antiques, folk art, and historical souvenirs that celebrate the country’s rich heritage.
Why You Should Visit:
- Teatralnaya Square is perfect for those interested in art and fashion and want to explore shops with a cultural touch.
- If you’re a theatre lover, the proximity to the Bolshoi Theatre is a nice bonus.
6. Gastronom
Why It’s Great:
Located just off Nikolskaya Street, Gastronom is a high-end food store that offers a wide variety of Russian gourmet products. It’s a great place to shop for delicacies, sweets, and local specialties that make for excellent souvenirs.
What to Expect:
- Russian delicacies like caviar, chocolates, vodka, and artisanal cheeses.
- High-quality Russian souvenirs such as kitchenware, tea sets, and handcrafted goods.
Why You Should Visit:
- If you’re looking to take home tasteful souvenirs like Russian food products or gourmet treats, this is the spot for you.
7. The TsUM Souvenir Shop
Why It’s Great:
Located within the TSUM department store, this souvenir shop is perfect for picking up premium Russian gifts and designer items. Whether you’re looking for luxury souvenirs or stylish gifts, this shop offers a mix of traditional Russian handicrafts and modern design.
What to Expect:
- A wide range of luxury Russian products, including handmade crafts, fine art, and traditional jewelry.
- Designer Russian gifts, like matryoshka dolls with a contemporary twist or Russian-style home décor.
Why You Should Visit:
- If you want unique souvenirs and high-end gifts, this is the place to visit for quality Russian-made products.
Conclusion: Shop and Discover Moscow’s Fashion and Souvenir Treasures
Nikolskaya Street and its surrounding areas are a shopper’s paradise, offering a mix of luxury fashion, Russian craftsmanship, and unique souvenirs. Whether you’re looking for a designer piece, a historic souvenir, or a delicious local treat, these shopping spots provide something for every taste. Here’s a summary of the best shopping spots:
- GUM – Luxury brands and iconic Russian souvenirs.
- TSUM – Designer and Russian high-end fashion.
- Okhotny Ryad – Affordable fashion and modern shopping.
- Kuznetsky Most – Boutique Russian designers and unique gifts.
- Teatralnaya Square – Fashion, antiques, and cultural flair.
- Gastronom – Gourmet Russian delicacies and premium souvenirs.
- TSUM Souvenir Shop – Premium Russian crafts and luxury gifts.
Exploring these shops will give you a diverse and rich experience of Moscow’s shopping culture, combining the best of Russian tradition and modern fashion.
