72 Best Places to Shop in Russia

Even fur-decorated wedding dresses can be found at this palace of a store that caters to modern-day "tsarinas." The many kinds of fur here include such rarities as lynx and Russia's famous sable (a type of the weasel-like marten that's found in Siberia).

One of the newest and largest department stores on Nevsky prospekt, this Finnish retailer specializes in quality clothes, lingerie, toys, kitchen gadgets, linens, and bathroom goods, much of it by Finnish and Scandinavian producers. A vast supermarket located on the lower level offers as wide range of hard-to-find delicacies (at least in Russia) from around the world and an extensive wine selection.

For romantic collections with a note of restraint, this designer uses only natural materials, with an emphasis on wool, silk, and cashmere. Kotegova's soaring classical silhouettes capture the essence of St. Petersburg, and her velvet evening dresses, simple yet exquisite, are the dream of a good half of the local female population.

St. Petersburg's most famous clothing designer offers her jewel-toned designs in flowing silk and velvet, as well as a line of housewares that includes linens, tableware, furniture, and even original paintings.

All things printed are the specialty of this snug shop, with original Soviet posters, prerevolutionary postcards bearing portraits of Romanov family members, and prints, maps, and books on offer. There is also some silverware and bric-a-brac. The store is popular with both serious collectors and museum researchers, who sometimes manage to fish out rare manuscripts.

TsUM (Central Department Store), a historical rival of GUM, has upgraded itself to an expensive emporium with collections of nearly all the top European designers. Although TsUM is nowhere near as stunning as GUM architecturally, it usually has the larger choice.

Many Russian celebrities prefer Yudashkin's clothes to those of Western designers. Look for extravagant evening dresses, jeans embellished with Swarowski crystals, and golden accessories, all tailored to attract the eye of Russia's rich and fabulous.

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.

This modern and spacious four-story mall, just outside the Dostoyevskaya metro station, has numerous small boutiques selling jewelry, clothes, shoes, bags, lingerie, and cosmetics at less than exorbitant prices. The basement houses a large, 24-hour supermarket that offers a wide selection and there's a great bakery on the ground floor—an excellent budget choice for a quick refuel.

This French-owned chain now has three branches in Moscow, where you can buy freshly baked cookies, pastries, and bread, and also drink coffee in a small café. This branch is a perfect place to stop after a walk around Patriarch's Ponds.

Stroll this tree-lined street filled with posh boutiques, hair salons, and restaurants for a taste of upper-crust Sochi. This is the spot to find high-end designer clothes, wine for your hotel room, souvenir books and trinkets, and tea and coffee for an afternoon break.

This shop is devoted to St. Petersburg's hugely popular local soccer team, which has produced international stars that include Andrei Arshavin, who went on to play for London's Arsenal. Merchandise includes printed scarves, sweaters, balls, mugs, bed linens, and wallpaper. There are even jumpsuits and outfits for babies and toddlers emblazoned with the Zenit's light-blue colors.