 |
|
 |
explore the world with the destinia.com travel guides
Shopping
Moscu
Shopping
Text
The showpiece of the Soviet economy was the GUM department store, which faces the Kremlin across Red Square. Goods can be found at much cheaper prices in other parts of the city, so it is a good idea for visitors to see what is on offer at GUM and then buy elsewhere. Popular shopping streets in the area include Novy Arbat (a major thoroughfare to the west of the Kremlin) and Arbat ulitsa, which runs parallel to it. Okhoktny ryad, the newest of the arcades in Moscow, is also worth a visit, if only to see Russian aspirational consumerism gone mad. Built by Moscow’s mayor, Yuri Luzhkov, for a princely sum of US$350 million, it is as much a tribute to consumerism as his other brainchild, the Christ the Saviour Cathedral, is a symbol of Russia’s religious renaissance. Tverskaya ulitsa, heading north from Red Square, is Moscow’s most fashionable shopping street and the address of some expensive boutiques. Classic Russian chic can be found at Valentin Yudashkin, on Kutuzovsky prospekt, one of the grandest shopping streets in Moscow, which is also home to the exclusive Moskva Shopping Centre.
For the souvenir hunter, Palekh and Kholui lacquered boxes make attractive gifts, as do the traditional Matryoshka dolls (wooden dolls within dolls) and samovars. Other options are Khokhloma wooden cups, saucers and spoons (painted gold, red and black) and Dymkovskaya Igrushka pottery figurines based on popular folklore characters. Engraved amber, Gzhel porcelain, Vologda lace and Fabergé eggs and jewellery are highly sought after. Mementoes from the Red Army abound. Izmailovskii Park has a good craft market at the weekends and with careful bartering can stretch those Dollars a bit further. Antiques, valuables, works of art and manuscripts, other than those offered for sale in souvenir shops, may not be taken out of the Russian Federation without an export licence.
For a real taste of Russia, the Cheremushinsky Rynok, on Lomonovksy prospekt, gathers together fresh produce from all corners of the former Soviet Union. The market is open Monday-Saturday 0700-1900 and Sunday 0700-1700. Visitors should not expect pristine hygiene, although bargains are plentiful. The Konkovo Fair, open daily 0800-2000 and located on Profsoyuznaya ulitsa, is Moscow’s largest market and caters to function rather than form, selling clothes, household goods and food.
Shopping hours are generally Monday to Saturday 0900-1800, although some larger stores open from 1000-2000, while smaller shops still take a break from 1300-1500. VAT stands at 20% (10% for certain foodstuffs and items for children).
For the souvenir hunter, Palekh and Kholui lacquered boxes make attractive gifts, as do the traditional Matryoshka dolls (wooden dolls within dolls) and samovars. Other options are Khokhloma wooden cups, saucers and spoons (painted gold, red and black) and Dymkovskaya Igrushka pottery figurines based on popular folklore characters. Engraved amber, Gzhel porcelain, Vologda lace and Fabergé eggs and jewellery are highly sought after. Mementoes from the Red Army abound. Izmailovskii Park has a good craft market at the weekends and with careful bartering can stretch those Dollars a bit further. Antiques, valuables, works of art and manuscripts, other than those offered for sale in souvenir shops, may not be taken out of the Russian Federation without an export licence.
For a real taste of Russia, the Cheremushinsky Rynok, on Lomonovksy prospekt, gathers together fresh produce from all corners of the former Soviet Union. The market is open Monday-Saturday 0700-1900 and Sunday 0700-1700. Visitors should not expect pristine hygiene, although bargains are plentiful. The Konkovo Fair, open daily 0800-2000 and located on Profsoyuznaya ulitsa, is Moscow’s largest market and caters to function rather than form, selling clothes, household goods and food.
Shopping hours are generally Monday to Saturday 0900-1800, although some larger stores open from 1000-2000, while smaller shops still take a break from 1300-1500. VAT stands at 20% (10% for certain foodstuffs and items for children).
 |
add to favorites
destinia.com
© Copyright Destinia S.L. Travel Agency C.I.C.M.A. nº 1257. general conditions
Inscrita en el R.M. de Madrid Tomo 15.973, F. 206, Sec. 8, Hoja M-270179 . C.I.F. B82826991 Gran Vía, 22 Dcdo. 4º Madrid, 28013 Spain.
Tel. (+34) 913 605 670 Fax: (+34) 902 196 339
Inscrita en el R.M. de Madrid Tomo 15.973, F. 206, Sec. 8, Hoja M-270179 . C.I.F. B82826991 Gran Vía, 22 Dcdo. 4º Madrid, 28013 Spain.
Tel. (+34) 913 605 670 Fax: (+34) 902 196 339