Shopping

GUM
The elaborate 19th-century facade on the northeastern side of Red Square is the Gosudarstvenny Universalny Magazin (State Department Store). GUM once symbolised all that was bad about Soviet shopping: long queues and shelves empty of all but a few drab goods. A remarkable transformation has taken place since perestroika and today GUM is a bright, bustling place with over 1000 fancy shops.
Address: Krasnaya pl 3, Red Square

Actor Gallery
This three-storey shopping centre is at the hub of one of Moscow's busiest shopping streets. Stores are upscale but not exclusive.
Address: Tverskaya ul 16/2

Art Stalls
Many artists set up their stalls on Krymsky Val opposite the entrance to Gorky Park, particularly on Saturday and Sunday. Unlike at Izmailovsky Park, this is more arts than crafts.

Central Supermarket
The most convenient and reasonable places to stock up on foodstuffs. Products available are Russian and imported.
Address: ul Bolshaya Lubyanka 12/1

Izmaylovo Market
This sprawling area is packed with art, handmade crafts, antiques, Soviet paraphernalia and just about anything you might want for a souvenir. You'll find Moscow's biggest original range of matrioshkas (Russian dolls), Palekh and Khokhloma ware, as well as less traditional woodworking crafts. This place is technically open every day, but many vendors only come out on weekends.