Where to Buy Cheap Souvenirs in Russia

Tips on Affordable Shopping in Moscow and St. Petersburg

Mar 17, 2009

The world's most expensive city, Moscow, offers a wide array of luxuries in every aspect of tourist or business tours. Learn where to buy affordable souvenirs.

The best places where you can obtain absolutely unique souvenirs are bazaars. They are spread around different areas of all Russian cities. In Moscow, you can shop in the vicinity of the Red Square and other places popular among tourists. Bazaar sellers in Moscow and St. Petersburg are very likely to speak English with you, so there shouldn’t be too many problems with communication.

What to Buy at a Russian Bazaar?

Russian bazaars are perfect for lovers of traditions and avid collectors of emblematic artifacts. Rustic handicrafts such as lacquer boxes, golden plates, crafty lighters, T-shirts with Russian sayings, and communist-era souvenirs relating to the military history of Russia – are all very easy to find. If your travel budget is limited, you might want to consider buying only the most symbolic and famous souvenirs such as the below.

Russian Matrioshka

This traditional Russian souvenir, the so-called Matrioshka, is available on literally every corner of Moscow. It’s sold in shops, galleries, subways and bazaars. Apart from typical peasant themes, one can find unique models featuring top Russian and foreign politicians, artists, and popular soccer players. They come in both traditional and modern styles.

The prices of Russian Matrioshkas vary in accordance with size and quality. The smallest models can cost as little as 3$ while bigger ones can cost well over 100$.

Russian Balalaika

Balalaika is a traditional stringed Russian instrument. Balalaikas come in different types and sizes. Prices start at around 40$. It’s not so easily accessible – in search of balalaika you should visit galleries and peasantry shops. There are, however, souvenir balalaikas whose prices start at just 7$.

Traditional Russian Winter Huts

Russian winter huts are famous the world over. Those featuring elements of the military in its historical contexts are available for purchase at nearly every bazaar, shop, and gallery. No less popular than matrioshkas, winter huts in Russia come in different designs, sizes, and colors. Their prices start at approximately 10$.

Online Shops Selling Russian Souvenirs

If you aren’t going to visit Russia, but are genuinely interested in purchasing some famous Russian artifacts, you can use several online services selling them.

Some of the souvenirs are genuinely practical in nature (winter huts), others are decorative (matrioshkas, balalaika), and still others are just for fun (T-shirts with Lenin). All the above tips on shopping and entertainment will give you a chance to truly enjoy Russia, even if your budget is tight.

The copyright of the article Where to Buy Cheap Souvenirs in Russia in Russia Travel is owned by Daria Przybyla. Permission to republish Where to Buy Cheap Souvenirs in Russia in print or online must be granted by the author in writing.