The cobblestoned Tretyakovsky Proezd in Kitay Gorod, Moscow, is synonymous with extreme exclusivity and extravagant luxury.
Locals and visitors who understand the street’s atmosphere prefer to walk it after dusk, when delicate fairy lights illuminate the thoroughfare. “The streets are almost empty in the daytime,” says Roxanne Génier, president of LuxeInACity, a digital concierge that connects clients with top-tier brands. “True Russian wealth prefers to socialize and shop well into the evening.”
Génier speaks from experience. She spent a year aboard a superyacht employed by a Russian billionaire and emphasizes that Russian tastes tend toward the ultra-luxe. “When two Russian businessmen decided to transform Tretyakovsky Proezd into one of the world’s most expensive and exclusive shopping arcades, they spared no expense.”
The history of the area dates back to 1871, when Pavel Mikhailovich Tretyakov, founder of The State Tretyakov Gallery, and his brother-in-law, architect Alexander Kaminsky, developed the district.
First-time visitors often notice an absence of domestic brands: the street is dominated by international names from Armani to Tiffany & Co., showcasing imported luxury at every turn.
Start a day of shopping with a test drive: Bentley, Maserati and Ferrari maintain showrooms on the street. Génier names a few dream choices—Maserati Grand Cabrio, Ferrari F12berlinetta and Lamborghini Gallardo LP 550-2 Spyder—each reflecting the street’s high-octane glamour.
To get the most from the boutiques, consider hiring a personal shopper. A good starting point is Ermenegildo Zegna at Tretyakovsky Proezd 1, where you can commission a made-to-measure suit from more than 700 fabric options.
Make time for indulgence at the Tretyakov Spa by Anne Semonin, located on the top floor of the Hermès store. Génier recommends the Anne Semonin Black Sand Body Scrub Ritual for a rejuvenating treatment.
For refined dining and a touch of crystal elegance, visit Cristal Room Baccarat on the second floor of Maison Baccarat. A short walk to nearby Nikolskaya Street is rewarded by dramatic decor, including a striking chandelier suspended above the dining room.
Génier’s dinner suggestions include smoked Scottish salmon, confit of duck with red sauce, and a classic Paris-Moscou cake—dishes that complement the sumptuous surroundings.
After dinner, return to Tretyakovsky Proezd to witness an informal evening display of fashion and power: rows of Bentleys, Ferraris, Maseratis, Lamborghinis, Porsches, Mercedes-Benzes and BMWs, coupled with the carefully styled men and women stepping from those cars. It’s a vivid tableau of wealth and taste.
“Remember,” Génier notes, “if it’s Russian, it is über-luxury, not merely luxury.”