Beer lovers are in for a treat when visiting Samara. The one-closed city is known as the beer capital of Russia, and while the city’s Zhigulevskoye beer has mixed reviews it is difficult to argue with its history. The name was synonymous with ‘beer’ during the Soviet times, and is as much a part of history as it is the present day. Be sure to visit the brewery and pick up a souvenir or two.

The usual roster of souvenirs are also available throughout the city, all decked out in local colours and showcasing Samaran customs and culture. Keep an eye out for wooden souvenirs painted in the style typical of Syzran, the third largest city in the Samara region. Beer wins out though, and a beer mug at the very least is a mandatory purchase.

If you thought that shopping was something that you could only do in Moscow and St. Petersburg, relax – in Samara there are numerous shopping malls featuring all of the latest brands and fashions. Strolling through the city you are bound to come across some of these but here's a list of a few malls that pretty much cover all the options no matter where you are based in the city.