Everything You Need To Know About Shopping In Bucharest

When it comes to fashion, shopping in Bucharest may not be like London, Paris, or New York, but it certainly is getting there. Romanians are trendy people who love street fashion as much as they love their coffee shops. Luckily the changes in the city are noticeable not only for consumers and shopaholics but for museum lovers and people appreciating architecture.

While locals do most of their shopping in the shopping centers, shopping in Bucharest is not limited to the malls. There are many shopping options in Bucharest, and the shopping areas are spread all over the city so you can find what you need almost anywhere. With so many antique shops, flea markets and fashion shops, shopping in Bucharest is never dull, expensive or cheap.

The dynamic city, also known as Little Paris has a little bit of everything for everyone, and here is where to find the best deals. But before you go on your shopping spree, don't forget to store your luggage at our safe luggage lockers in Bucharest.

Department Stores and Malls in Bucharest

AFI Palace Cotroceni

Located in the city center, AFI Palace Cotroceni is one of the best and largest shopping centers in Bucharest. And with approximately 970,000 sq ft of retail floor, it is Romania's largest shopping center. What sets this shopping center apart from other malls are the countless entertainment options.

The mall offers plenty of activities, like climbing walls, a bowling rink, boat rides, children's playgrounds, a rollercoaster, karting, and other fun options you don't see in many malls. There is an IMAX cinema and ice rink open all year long. There is a large food court offering international menus for every taste.

And visitors can choose to shop from 300 different stores including Aldo, Bershka, Lacoste, L'Occitane, Zara and Nike.

Location: Bd vasile Milea No 4, Bucharest Romania

Hours: Monday - Sunday 10 am - 10 pm

Baneasa Shopping City

Located on the outskirts of the city, to the north of Bucharest is another popular shopping center ideal for high-end fashion lovers. Products and services you will find here cover anything from clothes, souvenirs, shoes, watches, electronics, cosmetics, cinema, beauty salons, dry cleaning and free Shopping Counseling services for which you need to book a session in advance.

Expect to see shops like Armani Exchange, Boss, Longines, Christian Dior, Yves Saint Laurent and many more high profile international brands as well as Romanian designers. Customers have over 250 stores to choose from, and when the hunger kicks in there is a large food court, restaurants and cafes with an excellent variety of delicious food.

Unless it is a season sale, prices are not for those visitors traveling on a shoestring budget.

Location: 42D Bucuresti - Ploiesti Road District 1, Bucharest 015011 Romania

Hours: Hours: Monday - Sunday 10 am - 10 pm

Mega Mall

Mega Mall is the newest shopping center in Bucharest. It is located in the south of the city and has easy access from the street, whether you are arriving by bus or a taxi. There is plenty of parking for those arriving by car.

Mega Mall features stores selling anything from furniture, souvenirs, accessories, clothing, cosmetics and electronics. Brands you will find include MAC, Sephora, Office shoes, Zara, H&M, Lego Store and many more! Like any other mall, Mega Mall features a food court and many restaurants and cafes for their hungry visitors.

It is genuinely a good place to visit during your stay in Bucharest, where you can grab some lunch and watch a movie in the 4D cinema at the top level. Try the TrickShot Restaurant for the ultimate dining experience. Apart from shopping and entertainment, customers can work up a sweat in the fitness center or get their hair done in one of the beauty salons.

If you are up for the challenge, maybe even try your luck in the casino. Essentially, even just walking around this modern and futuristic mall will lift your spirits for the day.

Location: 3-5 Pierre de Coubertin Street, Bucharest Romania

Hours: Monday - Sunday 10 am - 10 pm

Outlet Centers in Bucharest

Fashion House Outlet Centre

Located in the western part of Bucharest, within West Park is the first outlet destination in Bucharest built within a large retail park. This large outlet sits on a nearly 21, 500 square feet area featuring stores like Adidas, Puma, Numero Uno, Under Armour, Guess, US Polo, Factory Outlet, LeeCooper, Levi’s, Otter, Hummel, and many more! You can find deals from 30% to 90% almost every day.

It takes about 30 minutes to get there, but it is a great place to visit with kids, considering the large surrounding area. The architecture of the outlet is inspired by the Old Town in Bucharest.

Location: Str. Comerțului 7-13, București 077090, Romania

Hours: Monday - Saturday 10 am - 9 pm & Sundays 10 am - 8 pm

Vintage and Specialized Stores in Bucharest

Frey Wille

Frey Wille is the perfect shop for all those looking for exclusive jewelry. This chic boutique has locations all over the world. Explore through large collections of fine jewelry, watches, silk scarves and many more accessories for both men and women.

There is nothing but luxury and style in this amazing boutique located between Radisson Blu Hotel and the Ateneul Roman concert hall. If you find something you like but can't make up your mind, you can order it online when you decide.

Location: Calea Victoriei 118, Piata Revolutiei

Hours: Monday - Friday 10 am - 8 pm & Saturdays 10 am - 6 pm; Sundays closed

AlbAlb

If you are interested in buying Romanian products, this is your shop! From artworks and design items, this store has gathered all of the best work from Romanian artists in one place. Fifty designers to be more precise!

Expect to find exquisite jewelry, ceramic art, leather products, books and much more. AlbAlb is where you will find that perfect gift you've been looking for to take back home. The shop is located in the Dorobanți area.

Location: Lt. Av, Strada Locotenent Aviator Șerban Petrescu 1, București 011891, Romania

Hours: Tuesday - Thursday 11 am - 6 pm

Shopping Streets in Bucharest

Piata Unirii

Major key areas for shopping with plenty of shops for every budget are located between metro station Piata Unirii and Piata Romana. The largest square in the city, Piata Unirii offers everything you see in most metropolitan cities in the world. From shops, restaurants and cafes to traffic, large crowds, fountains and light water shows and some of the biggest and most amazing buildings in Bucharest – you'll see it all here.

Unirea Shopping Mall is here, along with H&M, McDonald's, Carrefour, Avon, Cocor Shopping Mall, Himalaya sporting goods store and plenty more!

Calea Victoriei

The main shopping street in Bucharest is Calea Victoriei lined up with stores for every budget. While it used to be the most crowded street for shopping, today it remains less popular because of the shopping centers. However, the street still attracts visitors from all over the world.

If you are a history buff and love architecture, Victoriei Avenue is aligned with some of the most renowned Romanian museums and palaces on both sides. Walking along the oldest street in Bucharest you will come across imposing buildings like the Museum of Art Collections, Stirbey Palace, Roman Athenaeum, National Museum of Art, the National History Museum, and many more landmarks worth taking a look at.

Shoppers will enjoy the variety of stores and unique boutiques, coffee shops and restaurants with side-ally entrances that show a good picture of Romanian life. This 1.7 miles street stretches all the way from Piata Victoriei to the Splaiul Independentei bridge over the Dambovita river.

The nearest metro station is Piata Unirii Universitate Piata Victoriei.

Lipscani Street

Lipscani district is located between Piata Unirii and park Cismigiu, the heart of Old Town Bucharest. Lipscani Street is one of the main streets in the Old Town. It is quite touristy and an excellent choice for a sunny day window-shopping, or chilling in one of the many cafes.

The cobbled street in the heart of the Old Town is aligned with old buildings on both sides, some of which have been renovated. Shoppers can choose from a variety of small hip shops unlike the ones on Calea Victoriei. Some of the more popular shops here are Art Souvenirs, Touch and Buy, Lulu Boutique, Prego Lipscani Flagship Store, Lo Spacio, Marelbo and many more!

Markets in Bucharest

Piata Obor

Romanians get their fresh produce from nearly 60 different fruit and vegetable markets in the city. One of the biggest, oldest, and most famous is Piata Obor. This market is the complete opposite of touristic Bucharest, ideal for those travelers wanting to experience the way the locals live.

You will find all kinds of things like meat, fish, cheese, nuts, wine, honey, handcrafted items, and clothing for very affordable prices. Piata Obor is located just across Veranda Mall. Getting there is quite easy, with the market offering easy access to people arriving by tram, bus, metro (Obor station), or trolley. For those commuting by car, there is an underground parking lot.

Location: Str. Ziduri Mosi Nr. 4, Sector 2, Bucharest 077085 Romania

Hours: Monday - Friday 7 am - 8 pm & Saturday 7 am - 6 pm & Sundays 7 am - 4 pm

Platoul Piata Amzei

In just a 3-min walk from Piata Romana or the Roman Square is Piata Amzei or Amzei Market, one of the oldest markets in Bucharest. The market has been revamped and offers anything from traditional food, wine, fresh produce, natural soaps and traditional wood spoons to a wide display of antiques, and restored traditional Romanian clothes. If you are lucky you may be on time for the fun entertainment they organize on special occasions, like special events and family activities.

Located between Piata Romana and the Mercure Bucharest City Center Hotel, you can get to Amzei Market by metro, bus or train. Prices vary between 10$ and 100 $.

Location: Strada Piata Amzei, Bucharest 010343 Romania

Hours: Monday- Friday 6 am - 9 pm & Saturdays 6 am - 7 pm &Sundays 6 am - 3 pm

Memories Bazaar

You won't find many permanent markets selling vintage clothes and items in Bucharest. One of the few, where you can find over a hundred stores selling anything from old Romanian banknotes and stamps to vintage photos but also new products, is the Memories Bazaar. It is open every Thursday, Saturday and Sunday from 6 am to 1 pm.

Getting to the Bazaar is easy. Located on Boulevard Timisoara, it is within a 20-minute walk from the metro station Pacii. The entrance fee is about 2 lei.

Street Shopping and Delicious Food, Too

Bucharest is a great city for shopping. Besides the grand and modern shopping centers, locals and tourists alike also like to visit farmer's markets, flea markets, museums and vintage shops. For those who want a little change from indoor shopping, Calea Victoriei street and Piata Unirii are excellent choices for people traveling on a budget but also luxurious shoppers.