Must-see shopping in Romania

  • Arts & Crafts

    Sighişoara

    Inside Casa Vlad Dracul, this wondrous handicraft shop is the brainchild of self-styled 'Spoonman' Mark Tudose, who employs traditional woodcarving…

  • Cărtureşti Carusel

    Bucharest

    This impressive branch of the Cărtureşti chain of books and gifts is located in an opulent, restored early-20th-century shopping emporium in the Historic…

  • Museum of the Romanian Peasant Gift Shop

    Bucharest

    For beautifully woven rugs, table runners, national Romanian costumes, ceramics and other local crafts, don’t miss the excellent folk-art shop at the…

  • Cărturești & Friends

    Bucharest

    This delightful cafe-cum-art-gallery hosts the microgallery of Studio Receptor, showcasing original Romanian illustrations, and the Cărturești bookstore…

  • Vinexpert

    Bucharest

    Beautiful, well-stocked wine shop with a comprehensive selection of Romanian and foreign wines, plus knowledgable salespeople to help you sort it out. In…

  • Cărtureşti Verona

    Bucharest

    This bookshop, music store, tearoom and funky backyard garden is a must-visit. Amazing collection of design, art and architecture books, as well as…

  • AFI Palace Cotroceni

    Bucharest

    The city's biggest and nicest mall, with lots of top-end shops and brands, plus an indoor skating rink, children's playground and IMAX cinema.

  • Târgul Vitan-Bârzești

    Bucharest

    A sprawling flea market operates here, southeast of the centre, on Sundays till 4pm. Come early to get the best deals on everything from antique jewellery…

  • Strada Hanul cu Tei

    Bucharest

    The little courtyard Strada Hanul cu Tei is a hidden passageway in the Historic Centre with a few art galleries and art supply and antique shops. Enter…

  • Izvoru Crişului

    Transylvania

    Driving west from Cluj-Napoca towards Huedin, you can't fail to notice the famous 'souvenir village' of Izvoru Crişului (Körösfő to Hungarians). Shops are…

  • Piața Obor

    Bucharest

    For an authentic Romanian experience, head to Piața Obor, the biggest market in Bucharest. It’s the best place to shop for fruits and vegetables, as well…

  • Ethic Wine

    Bucharest

    Impressive wine shop and tasting room, featuring some of the best Romanian wines as well as a carefully chosen list of international producers. Labels…

  • Okian Bookstore

    Braşov

    Daydreaming patrons mill around this enjoyably creaky bookstore, which sells travel books including Lonely Planet guides (some in English) plus regional…

  • Gossip Tree

    Sibiu

    Hand-stitched kitten ears, painted shoes and bags made from repurposed floppy discs… The imaginations of over 40 Romanian designers have run riot, filling…

  • Librăria Humanitas

    Sibiu

    Buy road maps for Romania and other European countries, pick up some hiking maps, or grab a drink in the cavernous cafe attached.

  • Folk Arts Shop

    Wallachia

    This small shop inside the Natural Science Museum sells traditional textiles, ceramics and clothing.

  • Madison

    Bucharest

    Madison is an upscale perfume shop selling high-end personal-care products and made-to-measure scents.

  • Humanitas

    Romania

    Humanitas is a small but helpful bookshop, with a tiny collection of titles in English.

  • Unirea Shopping Centre

    Bucharest

    This sprawling shopping centre has a handy location just as you exit the Piaţa Unirii metro station. There's a grocery store in the basement, and ground…

  • Transylvania Folk Art

    Braşov

    Beckoning across the road from the Black Church, this handicrafts shop sells sparkly decorative eggs, woven linen shirts, and other gifts with a taste of…

  • Artisan Shop

    Transylvania

    A little hut on the main street, opposite the church, sells a cheerful range of T-shirts, handmade jewellery, woollen rosettes, painted eggs, and ceramics.

  • Himalaya

    Braşov

    On the upper floor of number 23, this outdoor gear shop sells ski and hiking kit, walking maps, fleeces, sleeping bags, tents and rock-climbing equipment.

  • Ethnographic Museum Gift Shop

    Cluj-Napoca

    Well-stocked handicraft shop adjoining Cluj's Ethnographic Museum, with delicate embroidered linens and handpainted ceramics.

  • Souvenir Market

    Sibiu

    On weekends and in high summer, this small pop-up souvenir market peddles jewellery, fridge magnets and other trinkets.

  • Fun Ride

    Sinaia

    Top up your winter sports kit at this handy outdoor store, selling ski accessories, clothing, helmets and more.

  • Craft Market

    Cluj-Napoca

    Stalls selling jams, honey, jewellery and flowers occasionally pop up along the river, east of the bridge.

  • Hereus Art Bazaar

    Sibiu

    Snap up painted eggs, glass, scarves and postcards at this souvenir spot by the Bridge of Lies.

  • Gaudeamus

    Cluj-Napoca

    Sells regional maps and richly illustrated books about Romania (mostly in Romanian).

  • Flower Power

    Sinaia

    Buy hiking maps at this souvenir and book shop on the main street.

  • Schiller

    Sibiu

    Good source for maps of Romania and books about Transylvania.

  • Sport Virus

    Braşov

    Jackets, walking shoes, tents, rock-climbing gear and backpacks. And don't be fooled by the sign that reads 'Jack Wolfskin', this is Sport Virus.

  • Central Market

    Cluj-Napoca

    For fresh produce, visit this bustling, indoor market, behind the Complex Commercial Mihai Viteazul shopping centre.

  • Lotus Center

    Romania

    Lotus Mall, 2km southeast of the centre, has a modern cinema, bowling alley, supermarket and a number of boutiques.

  • Librăria Humanitas

    Cluj-Napoca

    Foreign-language novels and academic books are piled up in this literary haven in the student quarter.

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