SHOPPING
In order to satisfy the wishes of Russian
business women, chic designer stores have
opened their doors in Moscow. Today there
is a risk that visitors will return home with
considerably more expensive souvenirs
than fur caps and Russian dolls.
Popular shopping streets are Noviy Arbat
and the more exclusive Kuznetskiy most.
But the number one shopping street is
Tverskaya ulitsa. Stalin had the street
restored in the 30’s so here too there is
evidence of his liking for massive, grey
buildings.
at one of the shopping centres with the
finest old traditions in the world should
head for GUM. The building was designed
in the new Russian style at the end of 19th
century. During the Stalinist period, GUM
was temporarily converted to offices. Now
it accommodates, among other things,
Galeries Lafayette, Dior and Benetton
(address: Krasnaya ploshad’ 3).
Yeliseyev’s covered market is the name of
Moscow’s most famous delicatessen shop.
During the Soviet period it was called
Gastronom no. 1. It is here you buy your
ration of vodka and caviar (address:
Tverskaya ulitsa 14). The Russians are
professional tea drinkers and at Chudesa
Podnebesnoi you can find the finest
Chinese teas (address: Krivokollenniy
pereulok 12).
Izmailovo Park, is recommended. Here
there are hundreds of stalls selling
traditional souvenirs, but also porcelain
and jewellery. Don’t be afraid to bargain, if
it does not work at the first stall then
maybe at one of the subsequent 99
(address: Izmailovskoye shosse).
Families with children can have a
wonderful time at Detskiy Mir – the
children’s department store – which is full
of an interesting mixture of Russian and
imported toys (address: Teatralniy proyezd
5).