Traditional folk arts in Bucharest such as embroidered linen and clothing, beaded or painted eggs, pottery, woodcarvings, icons and carpets are great options to take back as souvenirs.

This Bucharest Shopping Guide gives you an idea of the best places to go shopping whilst in the city, and what to shop for. Our Romania Shopping Guide has further information about the best things to purchase whilst in the country. And don't forget to enjoy a traditional meal in one of the fantastic Bucharest restaurants.

Bucharest Shopping Guide

A popular item in Romania are anti-ageing products made by Dr Ana Aslan, Gerovital and Aslavital, which are very well known among old time Hollywood stars. These are available in most department stores in Bucharest.

Another great local item is wine from the region, from wineries in Moldavia, Transylvania as well as the Black Sea Coast. Red wines with popular names like Kitsch, Dracula and OK usually get exported. Other superior wines available are the sweet red wine Feteasca Negra, the sparkling Feteasca Regalas, light Pinot Noirs, which tend to be rather fruity and quite good, as well as fulsome Cabernet Sauvignons. The popular local Romanian Tuica is a hard liquor made from plums. Another Romanian traditional alcoholic beverage is Palinca, witch resembles Tuica, except is a lot stronger and more flavoured.

Antiques

Bucharest has a wonderful selection of antiques of all kinds, which are best found in the art galleries on Calea Victoriei and in the Old Historical Centre or Lipscani Street area.

If you’re keen on ceramics, china, glass and crystal, head to the 150-year-old building in Sticerom. Here in the courtyard of the Glassmakers’ Court or Curtea Sticlarilor you can find glassmakers working from 5.30 am to 2 pm.

Carturesti on 13 Pictor Verona is a charming bookstore and teashop that has a good selection of Romanian books translated into English. CDs and DVDs of local Romanian films can also be bought here. Another central book store is the Libraria Noi, on Bulevardul Nocolae Balcescu 18, which has a great section on antiques.

Handicrafts

The peasants of Romania have a wonderful way with embroidery on wool, leather and cotton showcased on skirts, blouses, coats, rugs, lacework and tablecloths. Traditional icons, in both glass and wood, are beautiful. The Romanian Peasant Museum and the Village Museum are great places to find examples of such work. Most department stores and handicraft stores, such as Unirea Shopping Centre, Artizanat shops, Bucharest Mall etc., are good places to shop for authentic pieces.

In the Oltenia region, 240 km away from Bucharest is the village of Horezu, one of the largest pottery centres in the country. About a century ago, nuns in Horezu taught the locals how to make as well as paint pottery and since then the village has become famous for its own style of Horezu ceramics.

Music

If you’re interested in listening to Romanian music, head to Muzica on Calea Victoriei 43, where you can find CDs of traditional folk singers, such as Maria Tanase, Romanian rock bands, such as Iris and Compact, and even local hip hop groups, such as Paraziti, La Familia etc.

Fresh Produce Markets

Piata Amzei – Bucharest’s most central outdoor market has many small stores selling medicinal plants, meats and flowers.

Piata Dorobantilor – This posh neighbourhood market sells fresh flowers and other produce.

Piata 1 Mai – This market resembles an Oriental bazaar and sells fresh fruit and vegetables, eggs, cheese and household items.

Piata Obor – The city’s largest outdoor market stocks food and also has a mini-bazaar.

Boutiques

If you’re looking for popular brands and upscale boutiques, head to the main boulevard from Piata Romana to Piata Unirii, as well as the smaller streets off this boulevard. Other areas for high-end shopping are Calea Victoriei, Calea Dorobantilor (between Blvd. Lancu de Hunedoara and the Piata Dorobantilor), and on Calea Mosilor (between Blvd. Carol I and the Piata Obor).

Shopping Centres

The city’s popular shopping centres include the brand new Baneasa Shopping City on Soseaua Bucuresti-Ploiesti, Bucuresti Mall on Calea Vitan 55-59 and the centrally located Unirea on Piata Unirii 1, which is a communist style mall with a big supermarket.

Flea Markets

Flea markets are held on the weekends in Bucharest, with the best one on Strada Mihai Bravu, located on the eastern side of Bucharest. Bargain hunters will be able to find everything from clothing, antiques and even cars.

Shopping Hours

Shops in Bucharest are open Monday to Saturday, from 9 am to 6 pm, while department stores remain open till 9 or 10 pm. Many shops in the city remain closed on Sunday afternoons. There is a 19% VAT on all bills and transactions.