Shopping in Russia is definitely different from anywhere else that I’ve ever shopped. Stores come in several sizes, each with a particular kind of character. You can see what I mean when you visit any one of the local stores in Russia.

If you’re looking for the most basic of necessities like food, be prepared for a different kind of shopping. Groceries in Moscow, Russia are set up quite differently. When you go into the store, you will see several counters, each with store personnel. Behind those counters, you will see a choice of products. If you want to purchase something in these peculiar stores in Russia, you have to go up to each counter, make your choices, the personnel weighs it if need be and then you pay for it at the cashier which is usually located behind a small desk in a corner by the door. The same setup can also be found in and around all of Russia’s grocery stores, bookstores, toy shops, fabric shops and even some department stores. I bet shoplifting is a pretty unheard of event in Russia – Moscow at the very least. And Also, the rule is that you have to bring your own bags when it comes to these stores in Russia.

If you’re looking for a place to shop in Moscow, Russia in the traditional sense, head to a yarmarka – basically a market. People set up stands and sell their goods. It’s the best place in Russia to find a bargain due to the competition of many vendors selling the same things.

One weird thing I notice when shopping in Moscow, Russia is, while everything may be available, it’s not always that easy to find. Some of the stores in Russia don’t sell what other stores sell. I’ve seen butcher shops that sell only beef for one day then pork the next. Shopping in Russia can really be odd for first timers.

But of course, a shopping trip in Russia isn’t really a shopping trip if all you buy is food, right? What happened to all my talk of big-named Western brands at the start of this thing? Those stores will probably give you the type of shopping experience in Moscow, Russia that you would expect anywhere else.

Here’s the thing, the people in Moscow, Russia happen to be some of the more liberated partygoers out there. They always look good and mind you, the things they shop for are expensive. They are name brands after all. If you can get used to the odd store setups, I suggest you find a yarmarka or a warehouse if you want to go bargain shopping in Moscow, Russia.

Photo credit: http://www.sxc.hu

One thing that newcomers will learn of Moscow, Russia is that a bar or nightclub is not just as it is. Almost every bar in Russia’s center doubles up as a restaurant, a bowling alley, billiard hall, casino, concert venue or even book shop. I think the reason is that Russia, or specifically Moscow, has such a vast metropolis and cabs are so expensive and bar owners want to provide their customers with everything you could possibly want to do for nightlife entertainment in Russia.

In other words, Moscow, Russia isn’t the best place to go bar hopping especially considering that these multi-purposes bars charge an entrance fee. It would be best to choose a spot for the night and stick with it.
Try going to Propaganda. It’s a staple of the Moscow, Russia nightlife scene if you want my opinion. A friendly crowd of local students and tourists often pack this club and a night of drinks and dancing rarely disappoints this stop in Russia.

For a more full on club experience in Russia, try going to Fabrique. It’s more glamorous than Propaganda but perhaps not as fun. Fabrique has a decent set of foreign DJs to entertain you as you experience the nightlife in Russia.

If you’re more the type who like alternative nights out and live music, Russia’s B2 is the place for you. This nightlife spot is dedicated to live acts of every variety. The scope for listening to live jazz music in Russia, specifically Moscow, isn’t narrow either. You can check out homely jazz dens like Forte or go more upscale and check out suave joints like Le Club. Moscow, Russia is a place that real jazz lover’s will find appealing.

Moscow, Russia is also known as the city of sin. Just flash your cash and you’ll see how far you can get with sultry members of the opposite sex. Don’t expect Russia to be an exception to the rule that the best things often come with a huge price tag though. Bars like Piramida and Nightflight are located on prime properties near Russia’s Red Square and are notorious meeting places for rich men and naughty girls. You can avoid the ambiguity and head straight for Dolls if you want to check out one of the classiest strip joints in Russia though.

So whether you’re a partygoer or a music enthusiast or even a guy looking for a bit of sultry indulgence and find yourself stuck in Russia, there’s a place you can go to in Moscow, Russia.