Kyiv
Kurazh Bazar is a fantastic monthly weekend flea market on Kyiv's left (east) bank. You'll find some 400 vendors selling all manner of new and used…
Must-see shopping in Eastern Europe
Lviv
A chocoholic's dream, nothing quite prepares you for this branch of Lviv's most famous franchise export. Over several floors of a seemingly endlessly…
Belgrade
Make your way to Makadam across the original Turkish cobblestones of Kosančićev venac, a lovely slice of old Belgrade. The concept store only sells…
Belgrade
With its old-fashioned interior, gorgeous vintage bottles and delectable scents wafting throughout, this traditional perfumery is a doorway into the…
Kyiv
The ‘biggest store selling Ukrainian brands in the world’ (as it markets itself) is strategically set on the central bul Khreshchatyk. Set over four…
Vilnius
The tools, materials, processes and final results of a whole range of traditional crafts – weaving, papermaking, bookbinding, leather-working,…
Old Town
The stunning medieval lane of Katariina Käik is home to the Katariina Guild, comprising eight artisans’ studios where you can happily browse the work of…
Lviv
This award-winning gingerbread shop is a must-see, even if you are on a sugar-free diet. The delicious tooth-rotters are decorated in everything from…
Kyiv
Kyiv's beautiful, light-filled, central market, built in 1910–12 for traders coming to Kyiv from Bessarabia, is not to be missed. The arrangements of…
Old Town
Archetypal of Tallinn's amber-suspended medieval beauty, this cobbled 13th-century courtyard offers rich pickings – a cosy chocolaterie-cafe, a guesthouse…
Dubrovnik
Selling 'wonderful items made by Croatians', this very cool design store sells everything from wines and craft beers to jewellery, clothing, homewares and…
Moscow
From the courtyard, look for the black metal door that leads down into this dungeon of a shop, which houses room after room of CDs, in every genre…
St Petersburg
This Style Moderne stunner is St Petersburg's most elegant grocery store, selling plenty of branded goods from tea blends to caviar and handmade…
Ohrid
Ohrid-born Marta trained as an architect and decided to dedicate herself to the traditional Macedonian craft of filigree – silver thread weaving that has…
St Petersburg
This treasure trove of Soviet ephemera, pre-revolutionary antiques, WWII artefacts and bonkers kitsch from all eras is truly worth travelling for. Exit…
Sighişoara
Inside Casa Vlad Dracul, this wondrous handicraft shop is the brainchild of self-styled 'Spoonman' Mark Tudose, who employs traditional woodcarving…
Pag Island
Pag's most award-winning cheese producer has a wonderful shop where you can taste many of the cheeses before you buy; there are dozens to choose from and…
Central & Eastern Istria
Occupying the extensive cellars of the elegant 1907-built Narodni Dom (People's House), this Aladdin's cave is filled with glistening bottles, hip flasks…
Vilnius
Dedicated to preserving and teaching traditional techniques of ceramics, Amatų Gildija is a hive of industry and beautiful handicrafts. It's an open…
Klaipėda
Did you know that Colombian amber comes in emerald, ruby or even deep blue colours? This part-museum, part-jewellery shop has a remarkable range of items,…
Skopje
A brilliant local carpentry enterprise, Monozero makes everything out of solid wood sourced from responsibly harvested forests. Each object is handmade…
Veliko Târnovo
Veliko Târnovo's historic quarter is a true centre of craftsmanship, with genuine blacksmiths, potters and cutlers, among other artisans, still practising…
Lithuania
An excellent choice of amber pieces made by Lithuanian master craftspeople. There's something for every price range, from small earrings in a variety of…
Central Rīga
As much a cafe and cultural centre as it is a bookshop, the namesake owner used to write for the Economist. Browse used and new titles, especially…
Kaunas
Imagine a pistachio or salted-caramel eclair so picture-perfect that you're loath to take a first bite, plus macarons in every imaginable colour and…
Kaliningrad
Easily the biggest and best of several amber shops along the riverfront promenade in Fish Village. Counters full of amber stones, necklaces, bracelets and…
Vilnius
Artist and designer Saulius Vaitiekūnas has been making striking, unusual jewellery from Baltic stone for many years and there's a great deal of symbolism…
Central Rīga
Renowned local designer Elīna Dobele specialises in exquisite handmade shoes for men and women. They're true artisanal products, as artful as the nearby…
Zadar
This gorgeous little shop, tucked away on a quiet old-city street, sells high-quality Croatian wines, olive oils, honeys, truffles and liqueurs, all from…
Krk Island
This excellent little shop in the old town sells local wines, grappa, olive oils and truffles, as well as its homemade brandy and jams. Everything has an…
Vilnius
Lithuanian artist Bugailiškis turns out all manner of weird and beautiful things from his woodwork workshop: sculptures, ornate crosses and even musical…
Rijeka
Shopping for a picnic? This fine little shop sells all manner of Croatian cheeses and you can usually try some before you buy.
Belgrade
Once Belgrade's first mall and later abandoned, this revitalised complex is now home to more than 30 boutiques showcasing up-and-coming local fashionistas…
Belgrade
Literally the last of its kind, this family-owned store is the only remaining one in Belgrade selling handmade sweets. The Bosiljčić family has kept the…
Belgrade
Crate-diggers will find plenty to paw through at Yugovinyl, hailed as one of the best record stores in Europe. It's got about 20,000 records in about as…
Belgrade
In the heart of the refined Vračar neighbourhood, near the Sveti Sava Temple, this bustling green market with produce brought from all over Serbia is…
Moscow
One of Russia’s oldest furriers, this place has been manufacturing shapky (fur hats) and shuby (fur coats) since 1912. While Yekaterina has always…
St Petersburg
Dating from 1906–7, the one-time Esders and Scheefhaals department store has been beautifully restored and is one of the most glamorous places to shop in…
St Petersburg
This is one of the city's largest 'creative clusters' with around 13,000 sq metres of space over several floors hosting a variety of art galleries,…
Belgrade
The newest edition from Jane Doe – real name Bojana! – expands from the vintage realm of the Kapetan Mišina shop to include designer jewelry, clothing and…
