- Lipscani Street in the Old Town is a must-visit for a mix of vintage shops, modern boutiques, and a lively atmosphere, ideal for souvenir hunting.
- Major malls like AFI Palace Cotroceni, ParkLake, Unirea, Baneasa Shopping City, and Mega Mall offer extensive shopping and entertainment options.
Calea Victoriei and Magheru Boulevard are key shopping areas, with Calea Victoriei particularly noted for luxury boutiques. - Fashion House Outlet Centres in Militari and Pallady provide discounted branded goods, with around 60 stores each.
- Luxury shopping is concentrated on Calea Victoriei, Baneasa Shopping City, and the upscale Dorobanti neighborhood.
Shopping Streets
- Lipscani Street: Nestled in Bucharest’s historic Old Town, is a pedestrian-friendly hub that blends the city’s rich history with modern retail. This cobblestone street is lined with a diverse array of shops, from traditional stores selling handcrafted Romanian souvenirs to high-street brands like Adidas and H&M.
- Magheru Boulevard: Connecting Piata Romană to Piata Universitătii, Magheru Boulevard is a bustling street known for its modernist architecture from the 1930s and a mix of retail options. While it’s one of Europe’s more expensive shopping streets, it features a variety of stores, from high-end retailers to more affordable and eclectic shops, including some less reputable outlets. The boulevard’s art deco buildings add a unique charm, making it a vibrant spot for shopping and exploring Bucharest’s history.
- Calea Victoriei (Victoriei Street): This historic avenue, stretching from Piata Victoriei to the Dâmbovita River, is Bucharest’s most prestigious shopping street. It’s lined with luxury boutiques, including flagship stores for brands like Gucci, Max Mara, and Rolex, as well as art galleries and cafes. Notable shops include Frey Wille for exclusive jewelry and Magazinul Victoria for high-end fashion. Its blend of historic architecture and modern retail makes it a must-visit for upscale shopping.
Malls and Additional Areas
Bucharest’s shopping malls are modern retail giants, offering a mix of international and local brands, dining options, and entertainment facilities.
AFI Palace Cotroceni
🚇 Metro: Politehnica station (M3)
🚊Tram: 1, 11, 35
🛍️ Major Stores: Zara, H&M
⏰ Opening Times: 10:00 to 22:00 (23:30 on weekends)
Located in the western part of Bucharest near the Cotroceni and Eroilor neighborhoods, AFI Palace Cotroceni is Romania’s largest shopping mall, with over 350 stores across approximately 90,000 square meters. It features major brands like Peek & Cloppenburg, Zara (the largest in Europe outside Spain), and H&M, alongside a hypermarket like Auchan.
Beyond shopping, the mall is a family-friendly destination with an IMAX cinema, a year-round ice skating rink, an indoor roller coaster, a climbing wall, karting, bowling, and a large children’s playground. With over 2,500 parking spaces, it’s easily accessible via metro (Politehnica station) or trams (1, 11, 35). Opening hours are typically 10:00 to 22:00, extending to 23:30 on weekends.
ParkLake Shopping Center
Situated near Titan Park, ParkLake Shopping Center stands out for its modern design and natural setting, adjacent to Lake Titan. While the exact number of stores isn’t specified, It hosts a wide variety of shops, including the first Primark store in Romania, which opened on December 15, 2022, marking a significant milestone as Primark’s 15th international market. The Primark store spans 3,700 square meters across two floors, offering affordable fashion, homeware, and accessories.
The mall’s glass atrium and proximity to green spaces make it a pleasant spot for shopping and leisure. It’s accessible by metro (Dristor, Titan, or Nicolae Grigorescu stations) and tram lines (19, 23, 27). ParkLake also hosts events like music performances and exhibitions, enhancing its appeal as a community hub.
Unirea Shopping Center
Located in the heart of Bucharest at Unirii Square, Unirea Shopping Center is a historic mall, opened in 1976 and converted into a modern shopping center in the 1990s. Spanning approximately 84,000 square meters with a rentable commercial area of 44,500 square meters, it features a variety of stores across five floors, including fashion, jewelry, and electronics.
However, recent years have seen a decline, with many empty spaces due to deteriorating building conditions. Despite this, it remains a convenient option due to its central location near Piata Unirii metro station and 1,000 parking spaces. It’s particularly noted for local jewelry brands like Adorri.
Baneasa Shopping City
In the northern Băneasa neighborhood, Baneasa Shopping City is a premier retail destination with 280 stores across 85,000 square meters. Opened in 2008, it offers a mix of luxury brands like Gucci and accessible stores like Zara, alongside Romanian designer boutiques.
The mall also features refined dining options and the Grand Cinema & More for entertainment. Its proximity to Bucharest’s Băneasa Aurel Vlaicu International Airport makes it convenient for travelers.
Operating hours are 10:00 AM to 10:00 PM, with ample parking, though it can be crowded during peak times.
Mega Mall
One of Bucharest’s newest malls, Mega Mall opened in 2015 near the National Arena on Bulevardul Pierre de Coubertin. It houses over 200 stores, including Peek & Cloppenburg, H&M, Zara, Mango, and Marks & Spencer, as well as a Carrefour hypermarket.
Entertainment options include a 14-screen Cinema City with 4DX technology and a fitness club with a swimming pool. With 3,000 parking spaces across seven levels, it’s highly accessible via public transport (metro lines M1, M3). Opening hours are generally 10:00 AM to 10:00 PM, with extended hours on Mondays until 11:00 PM.
Bucharest Mall (Mall Vitan)
Situated in Bucharest’s Vitan neighborhood, close to Dudesti and Văcresti, Bucharest Mall is Romania’s first modern shopping mall, opened in 1999, covering 50,000 square meters. It features over 140 stores, including major retailers like H&M, C&A, and Deichmann, alongside electronics and cosmetic shops.
The mall is easily accessible via the Tineretului metro station (M2 line) or bus lines (124, 133). Opening hours are 10:00 AM to 10:00 PM daily.
Outlets
Bucharest offers two main outlet centers operated by Fashion House, both providing significant discounts on branded goods:
- Fashion House Outlet Centre Militari: Located in the west of Bucharest within West Park Retail, this was Romania’s first outlet center, opened in 2008. Spanning 14,000 square meters, it features nearly 60 stores with brands like Nike, Adidas, Guess, and Puma, offering daily discounts of at least 30% and up to 90% during events like Black Friday. The center includes a children’s play area and dining options, with hours from 10:00 AM to 9:00 PM (8:00 PM on Sundays).
- Fashion House Outlet Centre Pallady: Opened in 2021 in eastern Bucharest, this outlet spans 12,000 square meters and houses 62 stores, including Puma, Tom Tailor, and Ecco. Its open-air gallery, inspired by Bucharest’s Belle Époque architecture, offers discounts up to 70%. The center also features restaurants and a children’s play area, making it family-friendly.
Luxury / High-End Shopping
For those seeking luxury, Bucharest has several prime destinations:
- Calea Victoriei: The city’s epicenter for high-end shopping, this avenue hosts flagship stores for global luxury brands like Gucci, Max Mara, and Rolex. Exclusive boutiques such as Frey Wille offer fine jewelry, watches, and accessories, located near landmarks like the Romanian Athenaeum. The street’s historic charm and upscale vibe make it a top choice for luxury shoppers.
- Băneasa Shopping City: This mall stands out for its mix of luxury and mainstream brands, with high-end stores like Gucci alongside accessible options. Its 280 stores and premium dining options make it a preferred destination for upscale retail in Bucharest.
- Dorobanti: This upscale neighborhood, centered around Calea Dorobantilor and Piata Dorobanti, is known for its luxury shops, including French boutiques offering high-end fashion and cosmetics. The Mario Plaza Shopping Center in Dorobanti provides additional upscale retail options, complemented by trendy cafes and restaurants, making it a sophisticated shopping destination.