Shopping in Saint Petersburg
Discover 13 markets, shops, and shopping spots in Saint Petersburg, Russia. From local markets to specialty stores — curated from real traveler tips.
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Dom Knigi
A six-story building, built in 1902-1904 on the project of Paul Suzor to be the Russian headquarters of Singer sewing machines American company. Art Nouveau is not typical of the Nevsky Prospect, however it blended well into the face of St. Petersburg. It is believed that the company wanted to build a multi-story building, like its skyscraper in New York City. However, the height regulations prohibit building structures up more than 23.5 meters. The architect thus decided to build a graceful tower, crowned with a glass globe, which creates the illusion of elevation, while not overshadowing either the Kazan Cathedral or the Savior on Spilled Blood church. The sculptural decoration of the tower and the facade were created by Estonian sculptor Amandus Adamson, also worked on the design of the shop and school Eliseevsky Baron Stieglitz. Today it is the city's biggest and most important bookstore, a tourist attraction on its own right. A cafe operates on the second floor.
Nevsky Prospekt 48 Website -
Gostiny Dvor
— The city's oldest and largest shopping centre, dating to the mid-18th century. The name means "Merchant Yard", as its old role was to provide both shops and housing to merchants from far away. It sells almost everything from PlayStations to Saint Petersburg Vodka. On the north side is a decent store for second-hand photo equipment selling cameras and lenses (Nikon, Canon, Sigma etc.). The prices of goods are the highest in St.Petersburg. More see above at Saint Petersburg/Center#Along Nevsky Prospekt
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Udelnaya Market
A combined market and a flea market, selling mostly clothes and shoes but some shops also sell books and mobile phones and other small electronics. Items are sold both in the small white numbered buildings that hold more permanent shops and the more casual vendors are selling the stuff on the street.
along Fermskoye Shosse -
Warsaw Express
In the former Warsaw station at Obvodny canal, d.118. In the complex there are cafes and restaurants, a cinema and an ice rink, a bowling alley, a platform for the game of curling, children playing machines, Railway Museum, and various shops.
metro station Baltyskaya -
Apraksin Dvor
The Apraksin Market (Apraksin Dvor) is perfect for people watching, but keep your purse and camera close since it is a favorite of both shoppers and pickpockets. You can find almost anything here.
Sadovaya St.(ул. Садовая), 28-30 -
Nevsky Prospekt
Saint Petersburg's Champs-Élysées, lined with department stores and fancy shops. A recommended shop for souvenir hunters is Nevsky Gifts on the corner of the road entering Palace Square.
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Passazh
The Harrods of Saint Petersburg, a smaller and very beautiful shopping center for the elite. More see above at Saint Petersburg/Center#Along Nevsky Prospekt
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Rainbow
The complex has cafes and restaurants, a cinema, children's slot machines, a variety of shops. Free bus from metro station "Park Pobedy" to mall.
Prospect Cosmonauts d.14 -
Souvenirs Market
This market appears to have closed in Spring 2014, though there are still some souvenir stalls around the Church of the Spilt Blood
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Pyatyorochka Grocery
This is a unit of All Russia Grocery store chain. [http://www.pyaterochka.ru/spb/shops/list/ List of Spb shops]
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Yuzhni Polyus
In addition to various shops, there are cafes and restaurants, a bowling alley, game machines for children.
Prazhskaya ulitsa, 48/50 -
Rio
In the complex there are cafes and restaurants, a cinema, children's slot machines, a variety of shops.
2 Fucika street -
Auchan hypermarkets
hypermarket located in TC MEGA IKEA.
Murmansk Highway, km 12 (Всеволожский район, Мурманское шоссе, 12 км)/Narodnaya ulitsa, 82 8:30—22:00 Website
Travel tips by Wikivoyage contributors (CC BY-SA 3.0). Data may have changed — verify opening hours before visiting.
Shopping Guide for Saint Petersburg: Markets, Stores & Souvenirs
Shopping in Saint Petersburg 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, Saint Petersburg's shopping scene has something for every kind of traveler and every budget.
This guide covers 13 shopping spots in Saint Petersburg 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 Saint Petersburg
Saint Petersburg'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 Saint Petersburg 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 Saint Petersburg 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 Saint Petersburg
- Visit markets early. The best stalls at Saint Petersburg'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 Saint Petersburg 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 Saint Petersburg 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 Saint Petersburg, 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 Saint Petersburg.
- Bargaining culture varies. In some markets in Saint Petersburg 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 Saint Petersburg
The most meaningful souvenirs from Saint Petersburg 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 Saint Petersburg
Like most cities, Saint Petersburg'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 Saint Petersburg
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 Saint Petersburg — 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 Saint Petersburg
Where to shop in Saint Petersburg?
Saint Petersburg has 13 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 Saint Petersburg.
What souvenirs to buy in Saint Petersburg?
The best souvenirs from Saint Petersburg 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 Saint Petersburg?
Yes, Saint Petersburg 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 Saint Petersburg?
Saint Petersburg 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 Saint Petersburg?
Download Nomax to instantly connect with other travelers in Saint Petersburg. 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 Saint Petersburg as a solo traveler?
Shopping in Saint Petersburg 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 Saint Petersburg.
Explore Saint Petersburg with fellow travelers
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