Shopping In Russia

[chippie27]

i'm going to be in russia this spring and definitely want to stock up on things like caviar and vodka!! have any of you been to moscow recently and if so do you have any tips about things it's a good idea to buy there, where to shop, how to haggle over prices, etc.? any tips would be much appreciated!! thanks!

 

[PrinceOfCats]

Yes,

Vodka - you don't need any tips on buying Vodka in Russia...

Caviar - don't buy Russian caviar, it's highly unethical. If you want to eat caviar you'll have to go for Iranian. The stocks are carefully controlled and none of the money goes to the Mafia, unlike in Russia itself where over 80% of caviar is poached.

The only shops in Moscow with real designer clothes are in the state department store on Red Square. I didn't see any real designer clothes when in Petersburg.

 

[faust]

lol! vodka and caviar, huh? there is much more to russia than that. for food visit Eliseevsky - it's a big famous supermarket with original details in tact from ages ago (i think it opened in the 19th century, but really not sure). Arbat is the touristy walking street where they'll sell you soviet memorabilia, but still worth visiting - it's pretty. As far as fashion, Moscow has EVERYTHING - not just flashy crap that the newly rich wear. However, the prices are at a substantial premium, especially compared to Europe. I strongly suggest that you visit St.Petersburg which is the cultural capital of Russia - I like it much better than Moscow. Oh, yea, a Moscow subway ride is a must - just don't fall off the platform when you see how amazingly gorgeous the central stations are - each is a museum in its own right.

 

[faust]

Originally posted by PrinceOfCats@Mar 10th, 2004 - 12:23 pm
Yes,

Vodka - you don't need any tips on buying Vodka in Russia...

Caviar - don't buy Russian caviar, it's highly unethical. If you want to eat caviar you'll have to go for Iranian. The stocks are carefully controlled and none of the money goes to the Mafia, unlike in Russia itself where over 80% of caviar is poached.

The only shops in Moscow with real designer clothes are in the state department store on Red Square. I didn't see any real designer clothes when in Petersburg.

Ehh, you obviously was taken for a tourist ride. High fashion is sprawling in moscow, there are tons of high end boutiques, brand name and independent. As far as St.P., they don't have much, except Versace and Hugo Boss stores.

 

[chippie27]

thanks faust. i am indeed going to st. petersburg too. incidentally i'm planning to devote the majority of time, money and energy to things like the ballet, the art museums, opera, sampling georgian food, etc.--i swear i'm not completely hopeless (re: my caviar and vodka comment!) thanks again.

 

[PrinceOfCats]

igh fashion is sprawling in moscow, there are tons of high end boutiques, brand name and independent

And a great proportion of the independent ones are fake. I didn't spend a lot of time in the expensive districts but I still saw enough fakes to say that high fashion isn't 'sprawling' and you have to be very careful...I stayed with friends so I certainly didn't go for a tourist ride.

 

[faust]

Originally posted by chippie27@Mar 10th, 2004 - 1:12 pm
thanks faust. i am indeed going to st. petersburg too. incidentally i'm planning to devote the majority of time, money and energy to things like the ballet, the art museums, opera, sampling georgian food, etc.--i swear i'm not completely hopeless (re: my caviar and vodka comment!) thanks again.

You are welcome, enjoy your trip! If I remember something else, I'll post again or PM you. What part of US are you from and who are you going with?

I am sure you heard of Hermitage if you did some research, it's a must in St.P. Balet and theater are incredibl too, if you can score tickets for Bolshoi Balet in Moscow - GO! If you are in St.P, try to get your hotel manager to book you a trip to Petergof (a summer house for russian tzars) - it puts Versailles to SHAME! If you know someone with a car there or will be renting one, there are several excellent georgian restaurants right on the Finnish gulf - shish kebab, vodka, gorgeous views!

If I remember something else, I'll post again or PM you. What part of US are you from and who are you going with?

 

[DressageChick]

I wouldn't by clothes there if I were you. Most of the stuff is fake and even at the boutiques, the prices are much higher than in europe or the us. Don't stock up on the really cheap vodka thats like 80 roubles a bottle or something. No idea about where the caviar's from, but I buy it and I love it. I also always bring bread and chocolate with me. You have to go to the Bolshoi theater and the circus. The restaurants in the center of Moscow are pricey but most are really nice.

 

[PeaRL_MiLK_Tea]

Markets in Russia

Im planning on travelling to Russia this coming May, the main reason is for shopping;antiques and vintage things. I love doing the flea markets and finding really special bits and pecies. Now I know Russia is a huge country and ive never been before, so i'd like to ask for a few tips~
where are the good markets?
is there anything i should be aware of before going?
how about the pricing?

 

[StellaMare]

bump!

I'm planning a trip to St Petersburg this summer and I want information
Any cool shops to visit?

 

[LucieRibbons]

Now that Kira Plastinina is officially bankrupt in the US, I think it would be sin not to visit her Russian stores.