Souvenir stalls
You will find many of those in central St. Petersburg. As obvious a choice as they would seem, regular souvenir stalls don’t offer a wide range of souvenirs, and are a decent option only when you are really short on time or don’t care much what to bring back home.
Still, souvenir stalls found at the many historic sights in St. Petersburg’s famous suburban towns or events such as festivals are a lot different. The former usually feature specific items associated with the sight, and during festivals many local artists, designers, and artisans offer all kinds of goods at bargain prices - which make them just the perfect spots to look for the more unique and personalized gifts! By the way, you can learn about St. Petersburg’s best fairs and bazaars from our Experience St. Petersburg series.
Gift shops & specialized stores
Gift shops are easy to find and offer a wide range of goods at “tourist” prices: basically, finding something similar at a better price is always possible, provided you have the time. Still, if you are yet to choose what kinds of souvenirs to buy, visiting one can be a huge help.
Another type of shop you should consider are specialized stores that focus on a particular kind of items; for instance, there are company stores of certain manufacturers, like those of St. Petersburg’s Imperial Porcelain Factory or the Pavlovo Posad Shawl Manufactory, which are basically the best places you can get these original souvenirs from. Also, when looking for ushankas, telnyashkas or any other military collectibles, going to a military shop is the better option, as that will allow you to get the “real thing” for a much lower price.
Commission stores & the Udelnaya Flea Market
Choose this option if you’re looking for the real “souvenir hunting” experience; commission stores are a true treasure trove for anyone who wants to find something really unique. What is more, the prices at commission stores often depend on one’s haggling skills, so shopping there can be considered an adventure by itself.
Yet another great spot for finding unique souvenirs and getting a different kind of experience is the Flea Market near the Udelnya subway station - a truly traditional bazaar that has been around since the 1920s; vintage apparel and accessories, WWII relics, old coins and rare books - there, you can find all of those, and much more. Still, mind that this place was once notorious for its pickpockets, so just be careful, and be smart!
Internet
Finally, there are several websites that you will definitely find helpful! Apart from the official online stores that we’ve already mentioned, there are such services as Avito and Youla where you can search for good deals on particular items, as well as communities like Masters’ Fair where you can browse through the different handmade goods by people from all over Russia.
We hope you’ve found our tips useful - and wish you the best souvenir hunting experience! Yours, ITMO.NEWS.
