I’ve been planning to make a guide to markets in Saint Petersburg for a while.
Firstly, a local market is usually an interesting place for every traveller. Secondly, markets in Saint Petersburg are often underestimated because visitors primarily head to big museums and known attractions. This isn’t bad. But I hope this guide will help you to discover new places in the city and to get off the usual tourist path.
In this post, you’ll find information about different kinds of markets in Saint Petersburg:
- flea markets
- food markets
- for buying hand-made gifts and souvenirs.
I’ve also added markets’ addresses and some tips on what to pay attention to while you’re shopping.
Markets are an important part of everyday life in Saint Petersburg. Though nowadays people shop for groceries in supermarkets, food markets still attract visitors — often they sell unique products which can’t be found in supermarkets.
Besides, Saint Petersburg often hosts designer and handmade markets. Plenty of small workshops and creative studios sell their merchandise. It’s not a secret that they put their soul into what they make. I know that it sounds pathetic but it’s true. So let’s talk about designer markets and see what and where we can find.
While travelling, I usually buy something I can wear or use. Fancy bracelets, purses and scarves still remind me of good times abroad for many years. That’s why I always look for places beyond habitual souvenir shops.
3 Reasons To Visit Markets In Saint Petersburg
- First of all, a market is a reflection of local culture. Chain stores offer the same goods all over the world. Every market has its own atmosphere. Moreover, this is the right place to discover something unexpected and unique.
- Markets are the right place to taste food made by locals. Small coffee shops make for visitors lavender cappuccino. Confectioners experiment on pepper chocolate and buckwheat ice cream. Would you say “Yes!” to pancakes with bacon and salted caramel? Temptations are everywhere!
- Markets in Saint Petersburg are often held in historical places. 150 years ago those mansions belonged to Russian aristocracy. Nowadays they develop into cultural spaces. Unfortunately, they don’t look as luxurious as before. Years of looting and neglecting ruined the buildings and the decorations a lot. However, the mansions still possess an attractive ambience. Shabby columns and wide staircases remind of former richness.
Flea Markets in Saint Petersburg
Udelnaya Flea Market
Address: 36, Fermskoye Shosse, St Petersburg, Russia
At Udelnaya flea market you’ll find vintage books, mirrors, tableware, and porcelain figurines. There’s also a good choice of coins, pins, toys, and other small souvenirs. In short, sellers offer the widest range of unique stuff!
Pay attention to:
- Vintage Christmas tree decorations: balls, bells, pinecones, animals, icicles… These adorable figurines are made of the finest glass and hand-painted.
- Vintage mirrors, jewellery boxes, tableware. Theatre and movie designers come to Udelnaya flea market for inspiration and decorations. Why not follow their steps?
- Old-style devices like cameras or record players.
Don’t hesitate to bargain for reducing the price. And beware pickpockets!
Udelnaya flea market is open all year round. Better visit it on weekends.
Loft Etazhi
Address: 74, Ligovsky Prospect, St Petersburg, Russia
Loft Etazhi is located in the historical centre of Saint Petersburg. It’s a former industrial bakery factory turned into a creative space for youngsters. From all local markets in Saint Petersburg, Etazhi is the
The loft occupies a multistorey building and the surrounding yards. Don’t hesitate to wander up and down all the floors. I’m sure you’ll discover amazing things like handmade cosmetics, cool knitted hats and charming jewellery.
READ: 35 Things To Do in St Petersburg To Make You Trip More Fascinating
Food Markets
Food markets are an important part of Saint Petersburg’s life. Some markets in Saint Petersburg still have a USSR-style appearance (and service). Some markets have been transformed into contemporary spaces where people can shop for groceries as well as try cooked dishes at small cafes.
Vasileostrovsky Market
Address: 16, Bolshoy Prospekt on Vasilievsky Island, St Petersburg, Russia
Vasileostrovsky Market is the most vibrant market in Saint Petersburg. The market is located on Bolshoy Prospect of Vasilievsky Island, in the historical centre of the city.
The food market on Vasilievsky Island existed since the XVIII century. Since July 2019, the market, renewed and restored, is open and welcomes all food lovers.
Vasileostrovsky Market consists of 2 parts. The 1st part is a food market where visitors can buy plenty of tasty things: fruit and vegetables, dairy products, fresh meat and fish, caviar, pickles, etc.
The 2nd part of the Vasileostrovsky Market is a food hall. Though quite busy, the food hall is a good place for eating out. For instance, try Far Eastern crabs at Crabs are Coming, tacos at San Diego, avocado dishes at Avocado Point, or Vietnamese pho bo soup at Bò Cafe.
Dolgoozerny Market
Address: 14, Ilyushina Street, St Petersburg, Russia
Dolgoozerny Market is also a modern gastronomic market: clean, good-looking, and spacious. It includes a food court and a food market. Sellers offer a large variety of fresh cheese, vegetables, meat products, seafood, honey, tea, and pastry.
Kuznechny Market
Address: 3, Kuznechnyy Pereulok, St Petersburg, Russia
At the Kuznechny Market, more than a hundred sellers offer various types of food and agricultural products. This is where we can buy products made by local farmers.
By the way, inside the Kuznechny market looks like a typical Soviet-style market. Moreover, the building of the market is classified as a cultural heritage site.
Hand-Made Markets in Saint Petersburg
Hand-made markets in Saint Petersburg are temporary markets. They take place during weekends in different locations around the city. They attract locals and city guests. All visitors will find here nice hand-made items to treat their soul or body.
Annenkirche
Address: 8В, Kirochnaya Street, St Petersburg, Russia
Annenkirche is an ancient Lutheran church in Saint Petersburg. The official name of Annenkirche is St. Anne’s Church. Don’t be surprised to see a market in an old semi-ruined church. Currently, it’s more about art than about religion.
Markets usually take place in the main hall of Annenkirche. The hall is spacious enough to hold a hundred sellers. Besides, visitors also go up the stairs and enjoy a nice view from the balcony.
Golitsyn Loft (closed)
Address: 20, Fontanka River Embankment, St Petersburg, Russia
Golitsyn Loft is a creative cluster made of 5 buildings full of restaurants, time cafes, and designer shops. Golitsyn Loft is a city inside a city. As soon as you pass through the arch leading to its yard, you immerse into a vibrant atmosphere, a mix of history and youthfulness.
Wander around the inner spaces of the Loft. After that, go out to a balcony and make a picture of Mikhailovsky Castle. In addition, have lunch in the Georgian restaurant “Kazbegui”. Enjoy every minute of your life ))
Sevkabel Port
Address: 40, Kozhevennaya Line, St Petersburg, Russia
Probably, the most picturesque point is located far from the usual tourist paths. Sevkabel Port is a former industrial plant that is now a hot spot for cultural events. Concerts and markets take place in former warehouses and industrial halls. A cool place to chill out!
If you visit Sevkabel Port, I recommend grabbing a coffee and heading to the embankment. The view of the harbour during sunsets will take your breath away.
What To Buy From Hand-Made Markets?
- Ceramics. Handmade home decorations, mugs and plates have fancy forms and colours.
- Accessories. The weather in Saint Petersburg is very changeable. Therefore, a hat or a snood will protect you from cool winds while you’re walking along embankments or enjoying a boat trip. Buy one from local designers — isn’t it a useful “souvenir”?
- Jewellery. Elegant or brutal, it’s up to you to decide. I confess that for me it’s absolutely impossible to leave without a new ring or bracelet…
- Local food. I mean food made by locals. Saint Petersburg is a northern city. Thus, you won’t find exotic fruit or vegetables. On the other hand, farmers make excellent cheese and other dairy products, chocolate, jams, and honey. I’m sure gourmets would appreciate local parmesan, gorgonzola and chocolate camembert. If you’ve got a sweet tooth, then you’ll certainly fall in love with honey souffle with cranberries. Or jam made of pinecones!
This is not everything but the best. And I highly recommend including at least one market in your itinerary.
In conclusion, let me know if you visit local markets while you travel. What treasures have you found there?