Shopping - Wander Russia Guide 2025

The ushanka is one of Russia’s most iconic winter accessories, known for its warmth, style, and practicality. Traditionally made from sheepskin, rabbit fur, or mink, this hat features ear flaps that can be tied up or worn down for extra warmth. If you’re looking to buy a high-quality Russian fur hat (ushanka) in Moscow, here are the best places to shop for this classic piece of Russian winter fashion.1. Izmailovo MarketLocation: Izmailovo, near Izmailovo KremlinIzmailovo Market is a well-known spot in Moscow for purchasing authentic Russian souvenirs, including ushankas. The market offers a range of fur hats in different...

Yekaterinburg, Russia’s fourth-largest city, is not only a cultural and industrial hub but also a treasure trove for vintage lovers and secondhand shopping enthusiasts. Whether you are hunting for unique fashion items, retro furniture, or quirky collectibles, Yekaterinburg offers a range of vintage and secondhand shops that cater to diverse tastes. These stores provide an opportunity to embrace sustainability, find rare and one-of-a-kind pieces, and uncover hidden gems that reflect the city's evolving history. This guide will take you through some of the best vintage and secondhand shops in Yekaterinburg, helping you navigate the city’s hidden shopping treasures.The Charm...

Moscow is a city rich in history, culture, and vibrant marketplaces, offering an exciting experience for those looking to explore the city’s eclectic flea markets. Flea markets in Moscow are a treasure trove of vintage items, antique furniture, Russian handicrafts, soviet memorabilia, and even local food specialties. Shopping at these markets gives you a unique opportunity to experience the city like a local and find authentic, often one-of-a-kind, items. Here's how you can shop like a local at Moscow's best flea markets.1. Vernisazh MarketWhy It’s Great:Located near Izmailovsky Park, Vernisazh Market is one of the most popular flea markets...

Matryoshka dolls, or Russian nesting dolls, are iconic symbols of Russian folk art. These intricately painted wooden figures, which nest within one another, make for cherished souvenirs and collectibles. Whether you're a collector or simply looking for a unique piece of art, Saint Petersburg offers several excellent spots where you can purchase high-quality matryoshka dolls. Here’s a guide to the best places in the city to find these beautiful and intricate works of art.1. Matreshka TanushkaLocated near the heart of Saint Petersburg, Matreshka Tanushka offers an extensive collection of traditional and contemporary matryoshka dolls. The shop specializes in both...

Moscow is renowned for its luxury goods, and one of the most iconic items on the list is Russian caviar. This delicacy, often regarded as one of the finest foods in the world, is a must-try during a visit to Russia. Whether you’re looking to bring some home as a gift or simply indulge in a luxurious culinary experience, here are the best places to buy Russian caviar in Moscow.1. GUM (State Department Store)Location: Red Square, 3GUM, Moscow’s iconic department store, is home to some of the finest luxury foods, including the coveted Russian caviar. The gourmet food section...

Saint Petersburg, often referred to as the cultural capital of Russia, is home to some of the most renowned art galleries and exhibitions in the world. From classical masterpieces to contemporary art, the city offers a vast array of artistic treasures, attracting art lovers from all over the globe. Whether you're a fan of Russian art, European classics, or modern installations, Saint Petersburg has something to offer for every art enthusiast. Here’s a guide to some of the top art galleries and exhibitions in the city that should be on every art lover’s list.1. The State Hermitage MuseumThe State...

Nizhny Novgorod, a city with a rich history and vibrant culture, is also home to a growing number of vintage shops and secondhand markets. These hidden gems offer a fantastic opportunity for those looking to find unique clothing, antique treasures, and nostalgic items from the past. Whether you’re a vintage enthusiast or simply enjoy hunting for a one-of-a-kind item, Nizhny Novgorod has plenty of spots to satisfy your cravings for all things retro and secondhand.In this guide, we’ll explore the best vintage shops and secondhand markets in Nizhny Novgorod, where you can uncover hidden treasures, shop sustainably, and experience...

Saint Petersburg, with its rich artistic heritage and modern luxury scene, is the perfect place to explore high-end Russian designers. From contemporary fashion to traditional craftsmanship, Russian designers offer unique, high-quality pieces that reflect the country's rich culture and modern flair. Whether you’re in search of elegant ready-to-wear pieces, luxurious accessories, or exclusive couture, Saint Petersburg’s boutiques showcase some of the best that Russian fashion has to offer. Here’s a guide to where to shop for high-end Russian designers in Saint Petersburg.1. AizelAizel is one of the top destinations in Saint Petersburg for discovering high-end Russian designers. This boutique...

Moscow is home to some of the world’s most luxurious shopping areas, where fashion enthusiasts can find exclusive designs, high-end boutiques, and world-renowned brands. Whether you're seeking Russian designers, international luxury labels, or something uniquely Moscow, here are some of the best shopping areas in the city for exclusive fashion.1. GUM (State Department Store)Why It’s Great:Located on Red Square, GUM is one of Moscow's most iconic shopping destinations. It combines historic architecture with a variety of luxury fashion brands, making it an essential stop for fashion lovers looking for exclusive pieces.What to Expect:International Luxury Brands: GUM is home to...

Moscow is home to a vibrant fashion scene, with a wide range of styles that reflect both traditional Russian craftsmanship and modern trends. While the city boasts numerous luxury boutiques, it’s also a great place to shop for affordable Russian fashion that offers quality and style without the hefty price tag. From local designers to trendy high-street brands, there are several destinations in Moscow where you can find affordable fashion that captures the essence of Russian style. Here’s a guide to the best places to shop for Russian fashion at affordable prices in Moscow.1. Afi MallWhy It’s a Must-Visit:Afi...

Moscow is home to a thriving creative scene, and the city’s concept stores offer a perfect blend of fashion, art, design, and lifestyle. These stores focus on offering unique, one-of-a-kind items that you won’t find in typical shopping malls. Whether you’re looking for vintage fashion, cutting-edge art, or exclusive souvenirs, Moscow’s concept stores provide an exciting shopping experience. Here’s a guide to the best concept stores in Moscow where you can find distinctive and original items.1. GUM (State Department Store)Why Visit:Located on Red Square, GUM is one of Moscow’s most iconic shopping destinations, blending luxury shopping with historical significance....

Moscow is becoming increasingly aware of the importance of sustainable living and eco-friendly products, with more and more options for those interested in organic food, green beauty products, and sustainable fashion. Whether you’re a local or a visitor looking to make environmentally conscious purchases, Moscow offers a variety of markets, stores, and initiatives where you can shop for organic and eco-friendly Russian products. Here’s a guide on how to find the best sustainable and organic products in the city.1. Visit Moscow’s Eco-Friendly and Organic MarketsMoscow is home to several markets that specialize in organic food and eco-friendly goods. These...

Moscow is a city that blends rich history, art, and craftsmanship, and if you’re looking for a unique and timeless souvenir, a Fabergé-inspired egg is an exceptional choice. These exquisite decorative eggs, often adorned with precious gems, intricate enamel, and finely crafted metals, are more than just beautiful pieces of art—they represent a rich legacy that dates back to the opulent Russian Imperial Court. Though Fabergé eggs are most famously associated with the legendary Fabergé brand, today, you can find stunning Fabergé-inspired eggs created by skilled artisans in Moscow. Whether you are an art collector, a lover of history,...

Bargaining is a common practice in many of Moscow’s local markets, and it can be an essential skill for getting the best deals, especially when shopping for souvenirs, fashion, and handcrafted goods. While larger department stores and malls have fixed prices, many smaller shops, street vendors, and markets in Moscow are open to negotiation. Here’s a guide to bargaining and negotiating prices in Moscow’s markets so you can save money and enjoy the thrill of a good deal.1. Know Where to BargainWhile bargaining is not acceptable everywhere in Moscow, it’s a common practice in certain places. The best markets...

Saint Petersburg, the cultural capital of Russia, is not only known for its stunning architecture, rich history, and vibrant art scene but also for its impressive shopping experiences. The city has become a thriving hub for both high-end luxury shopping and unique local finds. Whether you're in the mood for luxury brands, high-street fashion, or something more quirky and independent, Saint Petersburg’s malls offer something for every type of shopper. From massive modern shopping complexes to boutique-style centers, here’s a guide to the best mall experiences in the city.The Growing Shopping Scene in Saint PetersburgSaint Petersburg’s shopping landscape has...

Amber is one of Russia’s most treasured gems, and its use in jewelry dates back centuries. Known for its warm, golden hues and natural beauty, Russian amber has long been prized for its rich cultural significance, especially in regions such as Kaliningrad, which is renowned for its high-quality amber deposits. If you’re looking to take home a piece of authentic Russian amber jewelry in Moscow, there are several top boutiques and specialized stores offering stunning collections that capture the essence of Russian craftsmanship and the unique allure of amber. Here’s a guide to where you can find the best...

Okey Mall is one of Saint Petersburg's most popular and expansive shopping centers, offering a diverse range of stores that cater to every need, from fashion and home goods to electronics and groceries. Its convenient location, extensive variety of shops, and wide selection of services make it a go-to destination for both locals and visitors looking to shop, dine, and enjoy some leisure time. Whether you’re after the latest fashion trends, upgrading your home, or picking up some electronics, Okey Mall has something for everyone.What to Expect at Okey Mall1. Fashion and ApparelOkey Mall is home to a variety...