Food/Groceries

Paterson

The cornerstone of the Olymp shopping center, Paterson carries the widest range of western and Asian ingredients, sauces, spices, liquor, and a host of other items that, until it opened, were rare if they existed at all in Tver. Ranging from a little more to a lot more expensive as compared to other grocery stores downtown, it also has its own bakery, butcher, and deli on the premises. Another big plus is that it is the only major grocery store that is open 24 hours.

Detsky Mir (Antek)

Before Paterson came to town, Detsky Mir ("children's world") reigned as the city center's only true "supermarket", which is a concept that only entered into this sphere after the fall of communism. Though small and cramped by western standards, Detsky Mir provides a decent variety of Russian grocery items, locally produced meat and produce, and a limited number of imported goods at relatively good prices. Upper levels also sell house wares, electronics, and music. Located in the heart of the busy city center on Tverskoy Prospekt, between Bulvar Radishcheva and Ulitsa Novotorzhskaya.

Central Market

Absolutely, without a doubt, the best place to buy the freshest local meats, cheeses, and produce is at the Central Market. While there are a few food vendors working inside the main pavilions every day, the bazaar goes into full effect on the weekends when thousands of people make their way to purchase just about anything you can imagine: house wares, health and beauty products, fur hats, boots, jackets, plumbing hardware, electronics, furniture, pirated MP3's, DVD's, software, tools, knick-knacks, candy, and many species of animals. Not all of the items are licensed, but all of them are sold for mere kopeks on the ruble. An excellent place to hunt for souvenirs, shop for farm fresh food, music, or just to take in as a unique experience. For further adventures into provincial Russian retail chaos, be sure to check out the neighboring "Tver" shopping center as well. Located across the T'maka river from the Circus and Central Hotel.

Dom Hleba

Need some fresh bread? Dom Hleba ("bread house") is your answer. Offering a wide variety of freshly baked breads and pastries, this place can't be beat when it comes to quality and price. One word of warning, however: if you don't speak Russian, don't go it alone, as the cashier kiosk is located well away from the baked goods in a Soviet-style "pay first, take receipt to counter, get bread" system. (In other words, pointing and mumbling will get you nothing). Located on Trekhsvyatskaya, near Bulvar Radishcheva (just follow your nose!).

Gifts/Souvenirs

Art Club

Art Club has perhaps the best selection of handmade gifts and Russian craftwork, including wooden nesting dolls (matrioshka), glassware, lacquer boxes, etc. Located in the Volga Hotel.

Russian Art

Also a great place to hunt for that perfect matrioshka doll, lacquer box, decorated egg, "tree of life", and other knick-knack items to prove to one and all that you have actually been here. Located on the Trekhsvyatskaya pedestrian street near the Kalinin Bar (look for the smiling red-cheeked matrioshka above the door).Also a great place to hunt for that perfect matrioshka doll, lacquer box, decorated egg, "tree of life", and other knick-knack items to prove to one and all that you have actually been here. Located on the Trekhsvyatskaya pedestrian street near the Kalinin Bar (look for the smiling red-cheeked matrioshka above the door).

Jewelry (a special note)

Tver has an abundance of stores, sprinkled throughout the city center, that sell jewelry. While some have better selections than others, quality, both in design and in materials, is more often than not somewhat lacking. However, there are a few places we suggest you direct your search when purchasing such a gift for that special someone: Antek (Detsky Mir) located on Tverskoy Prospekt at Ulitsa Novotorzhskaya, the Volga Hotel, and the Olymp shopping center. Each of these stores are known to be reputable and carry quality items.