All the top international brands and
designer fashion names are here,
lining up on Nevsky Prospekt, and
the shops are as glitzy and glam as in
any European capital.
Gostiny Dvor on Nevsky is an 18thcentury
merchants’ arcade beautifully
restored and packed with boutiques,
not all of them expensive. Just across
the street, Pazzazh is an atmospheric
19th-century shopping arcade much
used by locals. Nearby, Yeliseyevsky is
a must-see food emporium, glittering
with chandeliers and Art Nouveau.
Knigi and Isskustvo; CDs, DVDs and
computer games are on offer at 505,
which stays open until 23.00.
Off Nevsky, look for classical
music CDs at the Philharmonia on
Mikhailovskaya ul and Otkrity Mir,
Malaya Morskaya 16. Detsky Mir,
Bolshaya Konyushennaya ul 29, is the
place for children’s toys, clothes and
games.
the open air market stalls clustering
behind the Church on Spilled Blood,
and bargain hard. Browsing a local farmers’ market (rynok) is both fun
and interesting – Kuznechny is the
best, metro Vladimirskaya, which
is the same metro stop you need
for the giant Vladimirsky Passazh
shopping centre. Ogle at sushi bars
and fur emporia, and check out Lend,
the best supermarket in town.