Shopping in Ukraine - outlets, shopping streets and boutiques

Fancy shopping centers with expensive brands’ shops, noisy markets where sounds mix, colors and smells, cozy departmental stores hidden in yards and basements, selling vintage treasures for nothing – Ukraine can offer all of these and even more. The popular shopping center “Gulliver” in Kiev is one of the biggest in the country. It is full of shops of famous brands, both expensive and average in terms of prices. There is also a large supermarket in the basement. You can find in the mall too, a fitness center, bowling, children’s area, bar, cinema, many cafes and restaurants. In Kherson there is a shopping center called “Fabrika”. Despite its not very interesting name, this building has roots in the Soviet past, and the mall will not let you get bored. Here is a large selection of clothes and shoes of popular brands, a supermarket, children’s area with trampolines, and cinemas.

The legendary market “Privoz” in Odessa has a nearly two-century history. Fresh vegetables and fruits, flowers, fish, shrimps, cheese, meat, sweets, spices, honey, clothes – the huge selection of goods can confuse an inexperienced guest of the bustling Odessian market. You can also see wonderful colorful characters of Odessian people, both as buyers and as traders. Merely taking a walk through this place is already a small adventure in itself and a guaranteed mood boost. It is only important not to forget to keep an eye on your pockets. The market is mostly covered. It is open from Tuesday to Sunday, from 8am to 5pm.

The famous “Courage Bazar” in Kiev is a monthly flea market where you can find the most incredible and unexpected things. Every time a buyer thinks that nothing can surprise him, the market shocks him again. Hundreds of traders come here to sell used and new clothes, jewelry, tableware, table lamps, and watches – this is the place where you can really watch the fusion of vintage and ultramodern, ordinary and strange, taking place. Let us not forget to mention, the food here is always varied and wonderful. There are musicians performing on the market, and there are areas for having a rest. In a word, people go there not only for shopping, but also for rest, socializing, entertainment and impressions. There is “Manufactura” in Khodosovka village, which is not far from Kiev. It is not even a market, but an outlet-town filled with Dutch style two-storey houses where you feel pleasure walking along the well-groomed neat streets of the city. Quality products are sold at low prices in the shops, and there is a cafe or a restaurant in every house. Copyright www.orangesmile.com

Everybody likes the “Bookin” shop in Odessa, both locals and foreigners who love to read and just collectors of books. Here you can find unique books, both old and new. The assortment is very large and varied; an embarrassment of riches. You can come across rare books here. Lovers of comics should have a look into the Odessa’s “On the Bus”. From the “Marvel” comics and less known editions from the middle of the last century, to manga and comics of Russian authors – the choice is really great, and the atmosphere of the store will not allow you to leave it earlier than after an hour. Even those who do not plan on buying anything and do not like “visual novels” will not leave the store empty-handed.

The “Pravda B” gallery in Lviv is an unusual art museum-shop filled with unique pieces of modern art. This simply means that not everyone will like it. But still, many, rejecting prejudices, will be able to find here something they like: jewelries, clothes, fabrics, books. There is another Lvivian shop which tourists cannot help but fall in love with at first sight. We are referring to “Koza Dereza”. The atmosphere in this shop-workshop that sells things with clear ethnic motives is charming and calming. Here you can find Easter wreaths, Christmas tree decorations, tea sets for gift, and real embroideries. The characters in here are easily recognizable: The Nutcracker, Gerda, Little Red Riding Hood and other heroes from folk and authorial fairy tales loved since childhood.

There is a shop “Mriyi Mariyi” in Kiev, which will be a good idea to buy memorable ethnic souvenirs from: ceramics, clothes, jewelries, paintings, dolls, decors and many other things. All products are of a high quality, and the interior of the store itself looks like a lovely souvenir. At the souvenir shop of the capital “Folkmart”, customers will find books, paintings, dishes, toys, magnets – simply put, a lot of interesting things that capture the history and culture of Ukraine. There are also two more shops in Kiev that cannot be missed. The first one is the cozy “Dobro Store” which sells Ukrainian hand-made goods: toys, socks, and jewelries. You can also buy natural honey and sweets here. The second is the vinyl store “Diskultura”, in which, it seems that there are records of all possible genres and of all possible eras. It is a find for both fashionistas and retrogrades.

For a souvenir to become a really pleasant reminder of your trip, it is necessary that it be real and has the character of the country in which it was purchased. A good souvenir from Ukraine can be an embroidered blouse. Traditional Ukrainian dresses are very beautiful. The ceramic products in each region of the country have their own characteristics; you just need to choose what you like more. Handmade products made of wool will be a beautiful and practical souvenir; these are mainly socks and blankets. Ukrainian Easter painted-eggs do not look like others. A “motanka” doll with a sun instead of a face is a “protector” that has centuries old history. From among treats you can take Carpathian tea and Lviv chocolate from Ukraine.