13/11/2024
TOP SHOPPING MALLS AND LOCAL MARKETS IN MOSCOW.
1.GUM ON RED SQUARE
GUM is the largest and most iconic department store in Russia, situated on Red Square. A symbol of Russian capitalism throughout the ages, it is not just a shop but a landmark that has been intertwined with the upheavals of Russian history. In GUM, you can experience the grandeur of Imperial Russia, enjoy the entertainment of Soviet Russia, and browse the luxury shops lining its grand arcades.
GUM is home to 135 shops, arranged along three 200-metre long arcades and set over three floors. Staying true to its roots, the ground floor arcade closest to Red Square is lined with luxury brands, including Louis Vuitton, Dior, Prada, Cartier, Gucci, Chanel and Burberry. These designer stores are famed for their elaborate window displays which are updated seasonally. Among the other shops in GUM, there are a large number of accessories, shoes and jewellery shops, as well as thirty different souvenir stores.
2.ARBAT STREET
Spend many happy hours browsing Arbat's eclectic selection of shops. This area positions itself as Moscow's main shopping district and includes one of the capital's most famous tourist spots - Arbat Street. Whether you're craving a russian souvenir or looking for unique antiques and expensive Russian handicrafts, this is the place to be.
A special pleasure from walking along the street, most of which is pedestrian, is visiting craft workshops. Their shelves are filled with traditional goods such as Russian dolls, hand-embroidered tablecloths, shawls and boxes depicting Russian fairy tales. When you feel hungry, stop by one of the many cafes and restaurants.
3. IZMAYLOVO MARKET
The Izmaylovo Market is a special place in Moscow, where a flea market and many folk art stalls run by private artists exist today.
In the wooden Izmaylovo Kremlin that was creaed there are streets doing a brisk trade: you will find a wide range of typically Russian crafts and keepsakes. Here, people buy knitted gloves, scarves, sweaters, fur hats, items from wood and stone.
4. OUTLET VILLAGE BELAYA DACHA
Outlet Village Belaya Dacha hosts successful International and local brands, from luxury, fashion, sport, kids, accessories and jewelry. It is a very pleasant open air village, only 19 km from Moscow city center, and 4 km from the MKAD.Some of the most leading and prestigious brands worldwide now offer at Outlet Village Belaya Dacha.
5. EVROPEYSKY SHOPPING MALL
This atypical triangular-shaped shopping mall nestled between the Kiev Railway station and Dorogomilov in Moscow. This 19,37,503 square foot (1,80,000 square meters) is a landmark building due to its unusual design and architecture inspired by famous structural marvels from around the globe. The mall features more than 500 high-end establishments ranging from home appliance stores to upscale restaurants.
Quality restaurants and bars, saunas and health treatments and all the European brand shops that gave the centre its very name. The perfect hideout when you're in need of that injection of Western culture.
6. AVIAPARK SHOPPING MALL
Aviapark is a six-storey shopping centre in the Khoroshyovsky District of Moscow, Russia. With a total area of 390,000 square metres and 230,000 square metres of leasable space, it is the largest shopping mall in Europe. It opened in November 2014 with more than 500 shops and a four-story aquarium that extends to the ceiling of the retail section. The aquarium was recognised by Guinness World Records as the tallest cylindrical aquarium in the world at 22.31 metres.
7. OKHOTNY RYAD
Okhotny Ryad was opened in 1997 and is located underground. The shopping mall can be entered through Alexander’s Garden, from the Manegh side, as well as from “Ohotny Riad” subway station and through the connecting passage paved from the underground parking. Each underground level is decorated in the styles of different eras: 18th century, classicism and modern. The roof is decorated in the style of the 19th century. At the top of the main decoration is the dome-fountain "Clock of Peace". The ground part is decorated with numerous lanterns, sculptures by Zurab Tsereteli and 12 fountains. The TAX FREE system operates in retail stores of the Okhotny Ryad shopping center. Okhotny Ryad - shop TAX FREE.
Okhotny Ryad shopping mall hosts over 160 stores on its 3 floors, as well as grocery supermarket and food court.
Advisable to admire the northern hemisphere clock dome in the ceiling of the central part of the shopping mall. The only thing is that the towns names are upside down since you are looking at it from below.
8. CENTRAL CHILDREN'S STORE
The Central Children's Store on Lubyanka Square has been the country's major department store for kids since 1957. You are sure to find what you need in one of the almost 100 stores featuring Russian and foreign brands of toys, goods for newborns, clothes and shoes for children, teenagers and expectant mothers, accessories, cosmetics, medicines, fabrics for your nursery, books, stationery, equipment for hobbies, sweets, snacks and electronics as well.
If you count the basement, the building has seven floors. On the bottom and the top two floors you can find entertainment and catering venues. The roof of the Central Children’s Store serves as a viewing platform from which you can enjoy a panorama of the capital.
The interior decoration of the Central Children’s Store, and the decoration of the shop windows, that look like works of art, help to create a fairy-tale atmosphere. It’s particularly effective in the winter months when Christmas cheer abounds.
9. DANILOVSKY MARKET
Many centuries ago there was a Danilovsky market in the square neighbored by the Danilov monastery, the first and oldest monastery in Moscow that was founded in 1282 by a son of Alexander Nevsky.
Now it is a huge area where seasonal fairs and gastronomic festivals are held. Here you can buy fresh produce from Russian regions and have a great lunch at one of the numerous restaurants from more than 30 categories described by the motto “Around the world in 80 minutes”. Thanks to the complex and costly re-development project that employed some cutting-edge high-tech solutions, including a top-notch sound system by Biamp, the Danilovsky market has become a new point of attraction and a favorite rendezvous place for Moscow inhabitants and tourists.