Markets/Shopping can be an interesting experience in Russia. They have markets for old used stuff, food markets, clothing markets, record markets, computer software markets and so on. One market of good interest is the Exhibition of Economic Achievements of the USSR (Metro: VDNCh), it has a large market inside of electronic equipment, cars, new age items, etc.; and the Park itself is very large and beautiful, with huge gold fountains (that actually work, most fountains in Russia have long since been turned off), a must see in Moscow.

Another must see in Moscow is Izmalovski Park (Metro: Izmalovskaya), it has a market there just made for tourists, and it will take you all day to see it. But be warned, most items you purchase there cannot be taken from the country as they are considered antique or made before 1945. Don't be fooled into purchasing some antique unless you don't plan to claim it with Customs. But if Customs finds it, they will just take it away if you claim ignorance, Hopefully! Best days to go to Izmalovski Park is on Saturday and Sunday, on weekdays there is much less to see and buy. If you want the Russian Shopping Mall experience then head to GUM Department Store next to Red Square, there is lots inside but most Russians can't afford what they sell, and very little merchandise inside for sale is from Russia. Or you can go to New Arbat St. (Metro: Arbatskaya) which has numerous large shops with lots of interesting stuff, lots of Russian items for sale.

In Moscow by the entrance to Red Square there is now a new underground mall, but it is strictly high-end merchandise, very expensive! If you are looking for a good souvenir, purchase a Black Lacquer box. They are the most beautiful things you will ever see in Russia. And there are so many to choose from, the hardest part will be deciding what one to purchase or how many you can afford. Izmalovski Market is the best place in Moscow for this or in Saint Petersburg behind the Church of the Resurrection of Christ.

There are three kinds, one is hand painted in regular paint, then some which are done in Mother of Pearl and the most expensive is hand painted in gold and sliver with great detail.

If you’re looking for Soviet items, or the Red Army or Lenin or Stalin materials, go to Izmalovski Market or Old Arbat street (Metro: Arbatskaja), or the Museum of Revolution (Metro: Pushkinskaya), all in Moscow. If you can't find it there you won't. In Saint Petersburg, try in front of the Peter & Paul Fortress or behind the Church of the Resurrection of Christ or by the Tzars Aurora Battle Ship.

As for shopping to buy food, this can be a very frustrating experience, However, Russia now has normal Western style food stores, with buggies, cashiers and an excellent selection of food products. Before, very few Russian food shops allow you to shop by putting what you want in a shopping cart or hand basket and go to pay for the food product at the Kassa (cashier). Most Russian shops you must look for what you want behind a counter on a shelf on the wall. See what it costs, remember the prices of the items you want, then go to the cashier and pay for the items, then go back, show your receipt and get your product. Be sure to bring your own packets and carrying bag, as seldom they are supplied. And if packaging is supplied you will pay extra.

Some food stores have separate departments, bakery, meats & cheese, canned goods, etc. You can't add up all the prices of all the items you want from each department combined and then go pay for it and pick up what you purchased. You must pay for each department separate and get separate receipts. This can be very time consuming as there is always a line up. And the cashier on numerous occasions never has change, and never smiles. But as I said this is changing and you can avoid these stores now and go to a normal grocery store like the West has now. As for cigarettes and alcohol, it is cheap and most likely copies of the real product. Russia has no copyright protection laws. So those cheap American cigarettes were made in Russia. As for buying Russian Vodka, be sure the seal is not broken and the bottle has a Russian Government paper seal over the bottle cap. Vodka labels can be purchased in mass and then stuck on old Vodka bottles with home made Vodka put inside, and sold as the manufactured Vodka. Purchase Vodka in the larger shops, it will be the real thing, and safe to drink. But don't purchase the real cheap Vodka as some of it is very harsh to drink. Russian beer is quite good, just check for sediment in the bottom of the bottle before buying. And yes, you can drink alcohol in public!

Clothes that have designer labels in the markets are not made where they say they were. Russia's neighbor, Turkey, mass produces copies of designer labels and Russian merchants go there to buy them along with numerous other clothes that are copies like Nike, Adidas etc., then return to Russia to sell them in the markets. Again the same applies to buying anything, it’s BUYER BEWARE! If it sounds to good to be true, it is. If possible, have a Russian person help you haggle the price for you. You will end up paying much less.