5 Best Places to Shop in City Center, St. Petersburg

Army surplus—belts, flasks, caps, pins, and marine shirts with Russian and Soviet army symbols—is a much better bargain here, at this state-run store, than in touristy souvenir markets. You'll find a huge variety.

At this glass gallery, the city of St. Petersburg is reflected in carved Easter eggs, stained glass, vases, and candlesticks. Each work is handmade, and many are one-of-a-kind.

Jewelry, ceramics, and other types of Russian traditional art, all made by members of the Russian Union of Artists, are sold here. They can provide the documents necessary to export artwork.

This is a good source for linen goods created in the traditional Russian style of the 19th century. There are several branches throughout the city. There's another branch nearby at 3 ulitsa Pushkinskaya.

At this open-air market outside the Church of the Savior on Spilled Blood, more than 100 vendors sell nesting dolls, paintings, Soviet icons, and miscellaneous trinkets. It is probably the easiest and quickest market to locate if your time in St. Petersburg is limited; there are sure to be items here that make good gifts and keepsakes. Most vendors speak several languages but the prices can be rather inflated. Don't accept the first price quoted, and try to pay a third or so less than that.