Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
GIFTS/SOUVENIRS
Babushka
This homey, stylized store (its name means “grandma”) is part of a group
of souvenir stores around town offering a large selection of lacquer boxes, amber and
other jewelry, nesting dolls, and many other, more original gifts. Prices are relatively high,
but quality is assured and it makes an easy all-around shopping destination.
33 Naberezh-
naya Leytenanta Shmidta.
&
812/321-1477.
www.souvenirboutique.com. Metro: Vasileostrovs-
kaya.
Katarina
Part of the same chain as Babushka (above), this store has a similar selection
plus some Russian filigree and Fabergé eggs. Prices and quality are slightly higher.
46 Angliiskaya Naberezhnaya.
&
812/312-7072.
www.souvenirboutique.com. Metro: Nevsky
Prospekt.
Vernisazh
This is your best one-stop souvenir shopping bet in town, a compact but
rich outdoor market across from the Church of the Savior on the Spilled Blood. Hand-
painted tea sets, mountains of lacquer boxes and
matryoshka
dolls, Soviet maps, wooden
Christmas ornaments, decorative eggs, hand-knit wool shawls, fur hats, malachite chess
sets, flasks with the hammer and sickle, and amber brooches are among the multitude of
wares here. In sharp contrast to the market's haphazard, earlier days, the vendors now are
neatly organized and registered, and many take credit cards. Prices, often quoted in dol-
lars, are very negotiable. Vernisazh is run by the Center for the Support of Art and
Entrepreneurship.
1 Canal Griboyedova. No phone. Metro: Nevsky Prospekt.
See also Art Market, above, and more specific listings elsewhere in this chapter.
279
ICONS
Also see chapter 8 for history and advice on Orthodox icons.
Russian Icon
An extensive array of icons is on display in this convenient boutique.
They're all recently made, meaning you'll have no problem taking them out of the coun-
try, but they follow the same rules icon painters have adhered to for centuries. The icons
are more expensive than those at the monasteries, but the selection is larger.
15 Bolshaya
Konyushennaya.
&
812/314-7040.
Metro: Nevsky Prospekt.
JEWELRY
See also review under “Amber” and the reviews for Babushka and Vernisazh under “Gifts/
Souvenirs.”
Ananov
This exclusive shop exhibits some original designs using unusual stones and
gems, at high prices.
7 Michurinskaya Ulitsa.
&
812/235-8338.
www.ananov.com. Metro:
Gorkovskaya.
15
MUSIC
Iceberg
This new chain offers a range of international artists, modern and classical at
reasonable prices.
10 Zagorodny Prospekt.
&
812/315-5843.
www.icebergspb.ru.
Severnaya Lira
This treasure trove of cheap sheet music emphasizes Russian com-
posers.
26 Nevsky Prospekt.
&
812/312-0796.
Metro: Nevsky Prospekt.
Tsentr Design
You'll find a great selection of classical, choral, and Russian folk
music, mostly labeled in English as well as Russian. Instruments on sale, too.
2 Mikhailovskaya Ulitsa.
&
812/710-4428.
Metro: Nevsky Prospekt.
