Must-see shopping in Eastern Europe
Altai
The souvenir shops around the start of the bridge sell all manner of interesting items, from Altai honey (R100 a small jar), Altai pop and traditional…
Golden Ring
If you're after Russian souvenirs, take a look at the trading rows on Torgovaya pl as well as ul Kalashnaya, a tiny street stemming off it that's been…
Central Ukraine
As well as selling mouthwatering slabs of chocolate and other tooth-rotting goodies, the central Vinnytsya branch of hometown chocolatier Roshen has a fun…
Minsk
If you want a general browse, a good place to start is the Stolitsa Shopping Centre, a three-level subterranean mall housing reasonably priced boutiques…
Veliko Târnovo
The four-floor mall is home to European clothing and sports outlets as well as bowling, a casino and the Arena cinema.
Braşov
Jackets, walking shoes, tents, rock-climbing gear and backpacks. And don't be fooled by the sign that reads 'Jack Wolfskin', this is Sport Virus.
St Petersburg
Apart from selling mainly Russian books, this long-established business also has posters, prints and reproductions of antique maps.
Cluj-Napoca
For fresh produce, visit this bustling, indoor market, behind the Complex Commercial Mihai Viteazul shopping centre.
Romania
Lotus Mall, 2km southeast of the centre, has a modern cinema, bowling alley, supermarket and a number of boutiques.
Golden Ring
This large complex on the main street has a tiny food court and a coffee shop with free wi-fi on the top floor.
Sofia
One of the better selections of English-, French- and German-language novels, with a little cafe on-site.
Old Rīga
One of myriad branches of a popular chain of liquor stores selling the trademark Latvian Black Balzām.
Cluj-Napoca
Foreign-language novels and academic books are piled up in this literary haven in the student quarter.
Chişinău
Delightful open-air flower market that runs along the northwestern edge of Parcul Catedralei.
Plovdiv
Busy fruit-and-veg market between the old town and the main shopping streets.
Kaliningrad
A big selection of (mainly Russian) books, cards, magazines and some maps.
Western European Russia
Pick up fresh food and ogle the bustle at Smolensk’s main market.
Vilnius
Pop your head through the archway at number 6, take the few steps below the sign of the giant bow tie, and you'll find yourself in what is, perhaps…
Crimea
Self-caterers should make a beeline to this conveniently located, Western-style supermarket, located inside Univermag. The grocery section is on the…
Central Rīga
Scandi-sleek design inhabits every polished nook and cranny at this new design enclave in the heart of Centrs. Look out Sweden, Latvian design is on the…
Central Rīga
Open through the night for those post-midnight mea culpas, when you suspect 'Sorry I'm late, honey' just won't do the trick.
Nida
In season the one-stall market sells plastic cups of wild strawberries, blueberries and other berries picked fresh from the forest.
Rīga
If you need to stock up for an outdoor adventure of any variety, head across the Daugava to this excellent shop.
Vilnius
Everything from produce to livestock and cheap clothes is on display at this market, going strong since 1903.
Klaipėda
Arguably the best bookshop in Klaipėda, Pegasas is south of Old Town, in the Akropolis shopping centre.
Vilnius
A scientific and academic book store that also sells fiction, including titles in English.
