Shopping
The best shopping districts are Calea Victoriei and Bulevardul General Magheru or Bucharesti Mall, Calea Vitan 55-59 (open daily 1000-2200). The main department stores are Cocor, Bulevardul Bratianu 29-33, and Unirea, Piata Unirii 1, which also has a large supermarket. In the upmarket shopping districts, shoppers can expect to find every top European chain, from Benetton to Max Mara and Terzoatto. But bargain hunters can also have plenty of fun in the old neighbourhoods around Strada Lipscani, at shops such as Palarierul, Strada Gabroveni 2-4, which sells handmade hats, made to order.
Folk crafts, such as embroidered clothing and linen, painted Easter eggs, carpets, pottery, woodcarvings and icons, make interesting purchases. These can be found at the Romanian Peasant Museum, most department stores and the Village Museum shop, where traditional clothing (men’s felt coats and women’s embroidered skirts and blouses) sits alongside Transylvanian ritual masks. Antiques are another good buy and can be found in art galleries along the Calea Victoriei or the historic centre.
Visitors interested in Romanian music should try the massive Muzica, Calea Victoriei 43, where there are CDs of anything from Romanian hip-hop groups, like Genius and Candy, to the panpipe music of Gheorghe Zamfir and popular folk singers such as Maria Tanase. Western music is also a bargain.
Other special purchases are Dr Ana Aslan’s anti-ageing products Gerovital and Aslavital – famous among old Hollywood film stars and available in most department stores – and Romanian wine. The best reds include fulsome Cabernet Sauvignons and light Pinot Noirs – whites tend to be fruity but also excellent. Some good wine houses are Murfutlar and Vinul Cavalerului. Tuica, a sweet Romanian liquor made from plums, is also popular.
There are two weekend flea markets at Strada Mihai Bravu, on the east side of the city, and Militari, Strada Valea Cascadelor, on the west side of the city. Here bargain hunters can find everything, from old books to antiques, clothing and even used cars.
Shops generally open 0900-1800 on weekdays and until 1400 Saturdays (some department stores open until 2000 or 2100 weekdays). VAT currently stands at 19% in Romania and is included in all bills and transactions. Tax-free shopping is available for purchases over US$125. To get tax back, visitors must fill out a form, available from most shops.
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