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

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The greatest attraction during Christmas season in Naples is the little shops selling the terracotta nativity scenes with quaint figures. They are open all year long and the Christmas season is the best time to visit this street. A number of nativity shops have flooded the streets of Naples. The nativity of Christ is the most indispensable object in the market. In Via San Gregorio Armeno, religious or not religiously inclined there are best buys for you.

Where to shop during the Christmas season in Naples isn’t so hard to go either. There are certain districts in Naples that are more specialized than others. There are designer clothes whre you’ll find the most expensive boutiques in and around Piazza dei Martiri, there is also an area around Via dei Mille which is not so expensive, but quality buys I must say. The Vomero district has a long line of clothing and accessory shops, from whre you could drop your eyeballs out and shop for sales. If you’re up for shopping for furniture and fittings, Piazza Municipio and via dei Mille is the place suited for you. Antique buyers must visit via D. Morelli or towards via Costantinopoli in the historic centre.

Although the transportation and some restaurants in Naples are closed during this season you can make your travel a lot easier by renting a car or by foot.  The restaurants of some hotels are also open where they serve special food in Christmas season.  Although Christmas dinners at Naples are meat based, people who are vegetarian are allowed and is given by the restaurant the food they want to eat, they also have Christmas cookies for everyone.  Aside from traditional Christmas beliefs, Naples also is a fun and amusing city.  The Edenlandia Amusement Park is filled with lights and a lot of promos to enjoy this Christmas season.  Children from 12 onwards will surely enjoy the treats.  Truly an educational trip to experience before the Christmas day.  Visit Naples in this holy Christmas season but don’t forget to bring your family along with you.

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Shops in Rome are generally open from 9am to 1pm, 9:30am in the center of the city, and reopens from 4pm to 7:30pm.  There are however a few exceptions: I must break every shopaholic’s heart by saying that clothing stores in Rome are closed on Sunday and Monday mornings. I know it hurts it’s when you still have lots of money right? But then, they follow the general hours of opening and closing.

For those gluttons shopping their stomachs through Rome, food stores are open from 8am to 1pm and reopen from 5pm to 7:30pm. Sadly though, that on Sundays and Thursday afternoons, these gluttons must take a break since food stores are closed during these days, except during summer since they are close on Saturday afternoons and Sundays. Vegetarians in Rome  must wake up early to catch the outdoor fresh vegetable markets such as Campo de’Fiori which is open from 7am to 2pm Mondays to Saturdays. Supermarkets on the other hand are 8am to 8pm all day, including Sundays.

Shoppers must consider the last two weeks of August as a summer holiday break for these shops as well as for their pockets.

If you’re looking for the best finds for clothes and the latest trends in Rome, you might want to try visiting the area between via del Corso and via del Babuino in the vicinity of the Spanish steps. Many of the posh shops and haute couture boutiques can be found in that area: those of Armani, Prada, Gucci, Ferragamo, Bulgari Jewelers, Cartier Jewelers, Swatch, Mont Blanc and La Perla can be found in Via Condotti. Other shops you must check out at the side streets of Piazza Mignanelli, Piazza di Spagna, Via Borgognona,  Fontanella Borghese, Via del Babuino and places surrounding the vicinity.

One top shop of hats that has a significant collection of hats worn by famous people such as Mussolini and Trilussa can be found at 7 Via Minghetti, the Fratelli Vigano men’s shop which dates back its existence back to 1873.

For those shoppers who would want to stick to a strict budget, Rome offers the lower cost clothing shops. You’ll find these budget friendly yet trendy stores near the Vatican centered on Via Cola de Rienzo and Via Ottaviano.

Cookware and kitchen wares are also very much affordable and available in Rome. You can check out C.U.C.I.N.A. at 65 Via Mario de’ Fiori for kitchenware and cookware that you might ever need and ‘Gusto at 7 Piazza Augusto Imperatore for cookbooks that will offer a variety of recipes that will surely satisfy your taste.

There are still a lot to see and a number of shops to go to in Rome. Just be ready to walk and have your feet sore as you empty your pockets in one shopping getaway of a lifetime!

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