Shopping in Moscow
Discover 11 markets, shops, and shopping spots in Moscow, Russia. From local markets to specialty stores — curated from real traveler tips.
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Moscow GUM Department Store
=In 1819 Catherine II of Russia commissioned Giacomo Quarenghi, a Neoclassical architect from Italy, to design a huge trade centre along the east side of Red Square. The existing structure was built to replace the previous trading rows that had been designed by Joseph Bove after the 1812 Fire of Moscow. Contained more than 1200 shops – once filled with Soviet-era goods of mediocre quality, it is now a mall with international labels and hyper-expensive boutiques. Even if you don't buy anything, it's highly recommended you go inside and look at the architecture. - With the façade extending for 242m along the eastern side of Red Square, the Upper Trading Rows were built between 1890's. The trapezoidal building features an interesting combination of elements of Russian medieval architecture and a steel framework and glass roof, a similar style to the great 19th-century railway stations of London. - The glass-roofed design made the building unique at the time of construction. The roof, the diameter of which is 14m, looks light, but it is a firm construction made of more than 50,000 metal pods 743t, capable of supporting snowfall accumulation. Illumination is provided by huge arched skylights of iron and glass, each weighing some 740t and containing in excess of 20,000 panes of glass. The facade is divided into several horizontal tiers, lined with red Finnish granite, Tarusa marble, and limestone. Each arcade is on three levels, linked by walkways of reinforced concrete.
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Detskiy Mir – Children's World
Has lots of toys but other stores selling books, DVDs, and Peruvian souvenirs. Again, even if you do not buy anything, its worth going to explore this building. Now this building is subject to be closed for "renovation", which will probably kill the remnants of architectural and historical attraction of this building, equalling it to regular malls like Evropeiskiy or MEGA. Nevertheless, "Detskiy Mir" extended its network to almost Soviet-era scales, having outlets of different size (but vast choice of children's goods anyway) in many malls in Moscow and other major cities of Russia.
Daily 10:00-22:00 Website -
GOROD - The City mall
Huge mall opened in late 2006. Situated in the former territories of Karacharovsky Mechanical Plant, offers standard range of "everything-consumer-needs", including Auchan hypermarket, fastfoods, boutiques, outlets, cinemas, ice-skating etc. Operated by Auchan group. - Consider significant traffic jams caused by the mall itself and intersection with the Third Ring.
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Atrium shopping mall
has a lot of very nice stores that sell anything from cosmetics to world-known clothing brands & there are plenty of Russian fast-food chains, like Kroshka - Kartoshka with their delicious potato dishes, Pelmeshkina and Cheburekos that serve Russian pelmeni, and Rostik's, which is basically a Russian version of McDonalds, although not a very successful one.
ulitsa Zemlyanoy Val, 33 Website -
Petrovsky Passage department store
Built in 1906. The engineer Vladimir Shukhov, also responsible for the GUM and the Shabolovka tower, designed a covered arcade with two wide three-storey galleries covered with high-pitched semi-cylindrical glass vaulting. The second storeys of opposite galleries are connected by exquisitely designed ferroconcrete catwalks.
Petrovka Street Very expensive -
Moscow TSUM
Built in 1857 by "Muir & Mirrielees" - a trading company founded by Scottish entrepreneurs. The building was itself a landmark - designed by the famous architect Roman Klein, it was the first store in Moscow with elevators. Today, the store sells more than 400 world brands of anything from apparel to perfume.
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Izmaylovskiy Market
Grocery and storage market. But, here can get cheaper souvenirs, although the performing bears at the entrance of the market suggest that it is a tourist trap. Walking out in the middle of a bargaining session will most likely NOT get you the price you want. Instead insults will be hurled towards you.
Izmaylovskiy Prospekt (Измайловский просп.), 3 -
IKEA chain, Mega Khimki unit
– There are more two large Ikea stores in Moscow, all just outside the ring road, and located in large shopping malls ('''MEGA''', also operated by IKEA). They all offer free bright yellow buses from the nearest metro stations. Metro: Lyublino or Kuzminki (South-East), Tyopliy Stan (South).
Khimki, microraion № 8, building 1 Website -
Evropeiskiy shopping mall
A new opened in 2006. Eight floors of many international brand-name shops e.g. Marks and Spencer, Next, Levi's, Calvin Klein, and Swatch can be found here. There is also a multi screen cinema, food gallery, supermarket, opticians, and probably everything else if you care to look for it.
Ul. Kievskogo vokzala 2 -
Tretyakov Drive
It is a short street with boutiques and shops with many luxury goods and known as one of the most expensive shopping areas in the world. The mediaeval-looking archway onto Theatre Drive was designed in 1871.
Kitay-gorod -
Dorogomilovsky Market
Even if not buying anything just to see what for sale also a good time spending. There are tables full with fresh produce from green to fish.
Travel tips by Wikivoyage contributors (CC BY-SA 3.0). Data may have changed — verify opening hours before visiting.
Shopping Guide for Moscow: Markets, Stores & Souvenirs
Shopping in Moscow is one of the best ways to experience the city's local culture beyond the usual tourist trail. Whether you're browsing open-air markets for fresh produce and local delicacies, hunting for antiques in backstreet shops, or searching for artisan crafts and design goods to take home, Moscow's shopping scene has something for every kind of traveler and every budget.
This guide covers 11 shopping spots in Moscow sourced from Wikivoyage — the traveler-written travel guide — ensuring you're getting recommendations from real visitors who've been there. Unlike algorithmically ranked lists, these are the shops, markets, and stores that travelers actually tell each other about.
Types of Shopping in Moscow
Moscow's shopping landscape includes several distinct categories. Markets are the heart of local commerce — weekly or daily gatherings where you'll find fresh food, second-hand clothing, handmade goods, and antiques at prices far below tourist shops. Specialty stores in Moscow often have decades of history and deep expertise — bookshops, wine merchants, tea rooms, craft suppliers, and independent fashion boutiques. Souvenir and gift shops vary widely in quality: the best ones in Moscow sell locally made products, while others sell identical mass-produced goods found in every city. This guide steers you toward the former.
Shopping Tips for Travelers in Moscow
- Visit markets early. The best stalls at Moscow's markets fill up fast. Arrive in the first hour of opening for the widest selection and freshest goods, especially for food markets.
- Carry local currency. Many independent shops and market vendors in Moscow prefer cash. Have small denomination local currency on hand to avoid problems at card-only or cash-only stalls.
- Check opening days carefully. Many specialist shops in Moscow close on Sundays and some close on Mondays or Wednesday afternoons. Always verify hours before making a special trip.
- Ask about provenance. When buying what appears to be locally made or artisan goods in Moscow, don't hesitate to ask where items are made. Genuine local products make far better souvenirs than imported look-alikes.
- Budget for customs limits. If you're traveling internationally, keep in mind duty-free allowances for your home country, especially for food products, alcohol, and tobacco bought in Moscow.
- Bargaining culture varies. In some markets in Moscow light bargaining is expected; in most established shops, the price is fixed. Follow local cues — if other shoppers are negotiating, it's acceptable; if prices are clearly marked, they typically aren't.
Best Souvenirs to Buy in Moscow
The most meaningful souvenirs from Moscow are the ones that can't be bought elsewhere — locally produced food and drink, handmade objects by local artisans, books published in the city or about the region, and items that reflect the city's distinct cultural identity. Avoid mass-produced miniatures and branded merchandise that you'll find in identical form in every tourist shop. Instead, focus on the specialty stores and markets listed in this guide where authentic local products are the norm.
Shopping Neighborhoods in Moscow
Like most cities, Moscow's best independent shopping is concentrated in specific neighborhoods rather than spread evenly across the city. Historic city centers and old towns tend to have the highest density of specialty shops, antique dealers, and design boutiques. Residential neighborhoods often host the best local food markets and everyday shopping that tourists rarely discover. This guide's listings span the city so you can plan your shopping around whichever neighborhoods you're already visiting.
Meet Fellow Travelers While Exploring Moscow
Solo travel and group shopping are not mutually exclusive. Many Nomax users find travel companions for market days, afternoon shopping strolls, or finding someone who knows the city well enough to point you to the best local stores. Download Nomax to connect with other travelers currently in Moscow — whether you want a market guide, a fellow bargain hunter, or simply someone to share the discovery of a great find.
Frequently Asked Questions: Shopping in Moscow
Where to shop in Moscow?
Moscow has 11 curated shopping spots including markets, specialty stores, and local boutiques. This guide covers the best places to shop, from open-air markets with local produce and handmade goods to bookshops, antique dealers, and souvenir stores. Use the Nomax app to connect with fellow travelers who can share their favourite shopping finds in Moscow.
What souvenirs to buy in Moscow?
The best souvenirs from Moscow are those that reflect the city's culture and craftsmanship — local food specialties, artisan products, books about the city or region, handmade ceramics or textiles, and locally produced beverages. Markets are the best place to find authentic souvenirs at fair prices. Other travelers on Nomax often share tips on where to find genuinely local products versus tourist-trap shops.
Are there any markets in Moscow?
Yes, Moscow has several markets listed in this guide including weekly food markets, antique fairs, and craft markets. Markets are excellent for experiencing local daily life and finding unique items you won't find in chain stores. Opening days and hours vary — check individual listings for current schedules before visiting.
What are the best specialty shops in Moscow?
Moscow has a range of specialty shops covering books, design, fashion, food and drink, antiques, and local crafts. Many of the shops in this guide are independent stores with deep expertise in their niche — a far better experience than mall shopping. The listings here are sourced from traveler community knowledge, so they tend to be the kinds of places locals actually recommend.
How do I find shopping companions in Moscow?
Download Nomax to instantly connect with other travelers in Moscow. Whether you want a local recommendation, a shopping companion for a market day, or someone who knows where to find the best local products, Nomax lets you chat with and meet fellow travelers in the city. It's free and available on iOS and Android.
Is it safe to shop in Moscow as a solo traveler?
Shopping in Moscow is generally safe for solo travelers. At markets, keep an eye on your belongings and use a secure bag. For valuable purchases, ask for receipts and check the return policy. When browsing late-evening markets, stick to well-lit areas. Connect with other travelers on Nomax for up-to-date safety tips from people currently in Moscow.
Explore Moscow with fellow travelers
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