The Art of Gifting: Unusual Souvenirs from Moscow
Moscow in Your Pocket: Souvenirs to Bring Home from the Russian Capital
It’s always hard to say goodbye to Moscow. If you still have to leave, you can take a piece of Moscow with you — a souvenir, a sweet treat, or even an item of clothing that will remind you of your trip long after it’s over. Here’s a guide to what’s worth buying before you go.
Iconic Moscow Souvenirs
If you’d like to keep the image of Moscow close, consider something practical that you’ll actually use. The “Moscow” brand (yes, it is named just as the Russian Capital) offers a wide range of stylish items — clothing, accessories, and stationery — that easily fit into your suitcase. Think T-shirts and hoodies, tote bags, reusable bottles (both glass and thermal), wireless power banks, keyrings, cardholders, and notebooks. If you’d prefer something more substantial, look out for a bomber jacket or trainers so that Moscow keeps you warm even when you’re back home.
Addresses:
Summer in Moscow Art Pavilions
The Moscow Tourist Centre
Matryoshka of Moscow — Varvarka Street, 6 (Zaryadye Park)
The Moscow Tourist Centre in Sber — Bolshaya Dmitrovka Street, 21/7
Other Spots
VDNH Souvenir Shop — Mira Avenue, 119c1
New Tretyakov Gallery — Krymsky Val Street, 10
Book Expedition — Varvarka Street, 7/11/14с1
Kremlyovskiy — 1st Tverskaya-Yamskaya Street, 3с1
Moscow’s Summer Pavilions: What to See
Summer in Moscow is a whirlwind of flavours, colours, and hidden gems. Seven unusual Made in Moscow art pavilions have bloomed in the city centre. Each one is a story of its own: from handmade toys to seasonal smoothies, from capital-themed merch to ice cream with a special summer flavour. Find a comfortable spot, take notes, and start your route. Summer has only just begun!
“Made in Moscow”
In the “Made in Moscow” boutiques, you’ll find much more than souvenirs. The range includes clothing from local designers, as well as cosmetics, homeware, accessories, jewellery, and other unique creations. In the stores, you’ll find house-shaped candles in traditional Russian style by Unification Love, scarves featuring original designs inspired by Russian fairy tales by Aliya Alieva, Christmas tree ornaments by Miracle Pot, and gift sets of teas from different regions of Russia by Sugrev.
Addresses
Meeting Point “Biryusinka” – Bulatnikovskaya Street, 9А
Meeting Point “Angara” – Chongarskiy Boulevard, 7
Meeting Point “Baikonur” – Dekabristov Street, 17
Meeting Point “Mars” – Inzhenernaya Street, 1
“Lomonosov” Cluster – Ramensky Boulevard, 1
Sweet Souvenirs
Did you know that Moscow has its own flavour? The city’s signature cake — the “Moscow” cake — might be difficult to take with you, but you can enjoy a slice in many local cafés. Alternatively, try the “Moscow” chocolates, which capture the same taste in bite-sized form. In 2024, the city also introduced a special branded tea called “Moscow,” sold in pretty tin boxes. You can find both the tea and the chocolates in souvenir shops and major supermarkets.
Moscow is also known for its confectionery. The city produces its own chocolate, so you can easily pick up a bar of “Babaevsky” or “Alyonka” chocolate, or traditional sweets such as “Moskvichka,” “Stolichnye,” and “Mishka Kosolapy.” If your friends or family have a sweet tooth, these make excellent gifts.
For the full experience, visit the Alyonka flagship store at Rozhdestvenka Street, 5/7с2, just a short walk from the Bolshoi Theatre. If you're exploring other iconic areas, you'll find charming branches on Strastnoy Boulevard, 2, in the Сentral Сhildren's Store and on the bustling Arbat Street, 1. These bright, candy-themed shop is filled with classic Russian chocolates, gift boxes, and limited-edition sweets — a perfect place to pick up edible souvenirs from Moscow.
Completing the sweet tour, the Moscow Tea Shop at Bolshaya Dmitrovka Street, 21/7, is a perfect next stop. Here, you can discover a wide selection of teas from the local "Moscow Tea Time" brand, perfectly paired with traditional confectionery from the capital. Also don't miss the Candy box Pavilion — the flagship Tea House of Summer in Moscow festival, where you can taste and buy sweets and tea!
Unique Merchandise from Museums
Many of Moscow’s museums have their own souvenir collections — usually two types: a permanent line with the museum’s branding and a temporary one linked to current exhibitions. For instance, the Pushkin State Museum of Fine Arts sells elegant enamel pins in the shape of Michelangelo’s David, as well as notebooks, pens, tote bags, and accessories featuring the museum’s logo. During special exhibitions, the museum also releases themed catalogues, scarves, brooches, and even wine stoppers related to the display.
Another good example is the Museum of Cosmonautics, where you can buy space-themed pins — a tiny cosmonaut, a rocket, a satellite, or even the first dog in space. The shop also stocks notebooks, planners, and stargazing journals, along with a wide range of merchandise: T-shirts, mugs, and pens. Most intriguingly, you can even purchase a fragment of a meteorite or artefacts found during archaeological digs.
If you happen to be there, the VDNH (Exhibition of Achievements of National Economy) is just a short walk away. Its own shop sells everything from standard souvenirs — tote bags, T-shirts, badges, and keyrings — to books on the history of VDNH and its pavilions, keychains, soft mascots, water bottles, and even beauty products.
Almost every major museum in Moscow has its own line of souvenirs, from art-inspired gifts to beautifully designed books and accessories. At the Tretyakov Gallery’s New Building on Kadashevskaya Embankment, you’ll find a spacious gift shop filled with art albums, exhibition catalogues, design objects, and exclusive branded merch — a great stop even if you’re not visiting the exhibition itself. The Museum of Russian Impressionism also stands out for its elegant boutique offering art prints, ceramics, and contemporary takes on classic motifs. Other institutions, such as the Bakhrushin Theatre Museum and the Museum of Moscow, have charming shops where you can pick up meaningful keepsakes inspired by the city’s history and culture.
