The best shopping districts are Calea Victoriei and Bulevardul General Magheru. The main department stores are Cocor and Unirea 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 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.