Food and transport in Romania are relatively cheap and shopping in traditional markets is even less expensive. Buying things outside Bucharest, the capital, is also more economical. As in many other capital cities, prices in Bucharest are slightly higher, particularly in the city centre. You can buy some pretty lace, thread work like macramé tablecloths and doilies, point lace and embroidered tablecloths.
Interesting examples of folk art in Romania are necklaces, vests, shoulder bags, belts and aprons, scarves, traditional textiles, carpets and rugs.
Shopping in Romania is a great experience. Read our Romania Shopping Guide below and learn about the best deals and places to shop in Romania. If you get hungry whilst shopping, stop for a traditional meal in one of the tasty Romania restaurants. For further local shopping information, visit out Bucharest Shopping Guide or Transylvania Shopping Guide.
Romania Shopping Guide
The Weekly Fairs
If what you're looking for is a glimpse of local traditions, don't miss out on târg, bâlci or obor - the traditional weekly country fair, usually held on Sunday. Originally, these fairs were primarily for livestock trading among farmers. Today, the variety of goods has expanded to include fresh produce, clothes and even second-hand automobiles and tractors.
The atmosphere is filled with shoppers striking hard bargains, dance, music and fun rides. The aroma of "mititei", the delicious Romanian mini sausages, and charcoal grilled steaks wafts out from fast food stalls.
Sometimes, fairs are organised to coincide with an important religious event, such as St. Mary's Day in Oltenia. Such occasions attract thousands of residents from surrounding villages, making for a colourful and thoroughly enjoyable experience.
You can even get a taste of these fun-filled events at the Obor fair right in the capital, Bucharest. This is a permanent fair in the heart of the city that's been going on uninterrupted for over three centuries!
Local Handicrafts
Romania's regional crafts include ceramics and pottery, wooden carvings and glass paintings.
If you're looking to pick up specialised craftwork, the choice is wide - porcelain, ceramics, silverware, crystal, glassware, woodcarvings, metal craft and leather goods. Traditional rugs, woollens and silk garments are also worth picking up. The Artizanat showrooms are a good place to pick up quaint, charming mementoes and gifts like exquisite handmade lacework, embroidery and painted eggs.
While touring the countryside, look out for souvenirs carved from wood, pottery and wild boar skins (yes, you can legally export them). There are also plenty of gift shops in Romania that sell a range of handmade or factory-produced products, though you can't be sure if everything is genuinely Romanian. Look out for embroidered blouses and home linen, wooden products for home use and décor and woollen clothes.
You don't have to stick to the regular shops, though. While exiting the town of Cluj on the way to Oradea you'll find local artisans selling authentic Romanian crafts along the road. Similarly, farmers in Izvorul Crisului, en route to Oradea, and virtually every other household have a variety of tempting stuff on display for tourists.
If you're picking up hand-embroidered products, look for pretty blouses and typical Romanian costumes and skirts.
Shopping hours
Generally, shops are open Monday through Saturday, from 9 am to 6 pm, with variations depending on the season and region.
It's wise to preserve your shopping receipts, in case you're asked to prove the legality of your purchases to the authorities. Art bought at specific government stores like Apollo Gallery (National Theatre Building, Bucharest) can be exported.
While entering Romania, declare your valuables and retain the customs-endorsed documents to show while leaving the country.
