Detsky Mir

Located on Lubyanka Square, Detsky Mir, or Children's World, is a department store specialised in children's products, but nowadays it sells almost everything from mobile phones to painting tools.

Detsky Mir has a certain Soviet flavour. Although their range of products reminds one that it is capitalist Moscow, the rest --- the windows, the escalators, the stairs and the toilets --- remains as it was during the Soviet era. The toy section of the store is worth a peek. It stands out in this otherwise dull-looking building. It looks like a little fair, and there is a carousel in the centre. The carousel is out of order now, but it must have been nice when it was still in operation. Russian toys and plastic models make good souvenirs too.

On the basement floor, there is a counter where they sell Russian stamp collections (used stamps). If you happen to collect stamps, this is a good place to buy them. Some stands in the building sell Russian souvenirs, and it's usually cheaper than GUM or TsUM.

On the fourth floor, there is a cafeteria. While western-style cafes are popping out all over Moscow, this one stands out as a genuine Russian/Communist-style cafe. It has a Soviet ambience, plus a wonderful view of Lubyanka Square. The food is good (if you like Russian food) and relatively cheap.