Perm is a multicultural kaleidoscope. Entering its central street, everyone gets impressed immediately by the unique mixture of the colourful Russian goods and souvenirs in the countless little kiosks, bright Tatar jewelry, Georgian and Armenian original spicy kebabs and shawarma. Being more than a thousand kilometers away from the megalopolises of Moscow and St. Petersburg, it tries to maintain a very calm and relaxed atmosphere with the typically Russian traditions.
Perm is the 6th largest city in Russia and the most Eastern city of Europe. Perm Region, called “Prikamye”, occupies a wide area in the centre of the Ural Mountains. During the Soviet times Perm was one of the main producers of the artillery, rocket vehicles and engines for the jetfighters, but the Soviets did their best to hide the city from the public and didn’t even mark it on the Soviet-made maps. That is why most people didn’t even guess about the existence of Perm and its citizens. Actually, nowadays Perm has become accessible, attractive and friendly to guests and tourists. Besides, it is considered to be one of the most multicultural cities of Russia, and it really is. Various ethnic groups, such as Russians, Georgians, Armenians, Uzbeks, etc. inhabit its territory. They make the local culture and the places of interests very diverse, impressive and memorable.
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Markets
Shopping in Perm differs from other largest Russian cities. There are no huge and Western-style high streets with the famous brand names. The most popular and best-loved place for the citizens is the largest central market. It is always overcrowded with people. It seems possible to buy everything you need here: fresh fruits and vegetables, different kinds of clothes and shoes, various audio and video gadgets, tools for gardening, and so on. Right in the centre of this market there is a large spacious building where all kinds of meat and milk products are sold. Besides, plenty of Perm souvenirs can be found here. One of the most demanded is a bear figurine, because this animal is considered to be a symbol of the city. What is more, all the prices are quite low, but nevertheless everyone tries to bargain in order to get some discount. This place is really worth visiting, as a spirit of ancient Russia with its traditions is still alive here.
Shopping malls
At the moment, the central “Komsomolsky avenue” is undergoing reconstruction in order to become the largest shopping and entertainment street in Perm. Some modern fashionable stores, jewelry shops, cafes and restaurants have already started to operate. “Gostiniy Dvor” (Komsomolsky Prospekt, 54; open: 10 a.m.- 9 p.m.) is one of them.
“Semya (“Family”)” (Revolution street, 13; open: 10 a.m. – midnight) is the best place to spend weekends with children. They offer so many amusing things to do, that you will never get bored. Here is a cinema, a kids’ club, “Play Day club”, where competitions and games for children are organized, and “Creative work studio” both for children and their parents.
Shopping here will also bring a lot of pleasant moments because of the variety of brands and stores, such as Betty Barclay, Mexx, Lacoste, Incity, Tom Tailor and many other. What is more, an impressive range of restaurants and cafes will never make you feel hungry.
“Iceberg” (Popova street, 16; open: 10 a.m. – 9 p.m.) is a modern shopping centre where various clothes and cosmetics brands, computer and other digital gadgets can be bought. More than 60 stores occupy five spacious floors. Upstairs to the fifth floor you will find a beauty salon and a tailoring shop.
“Zemlyanika (“Wild Strawberry”)” (Parkovy avenue, 17, open: 10 a.m – 9 p.m.) will please those shopaholics who are looking for sales and discounts. Here is a discount centre that operates the whole year round.
Anna Dorozhkina
Author:
Anna Dorozhkina
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