Good Day,
We are traveling to Romania soon, to both Bucharest and Brasov. I am writing to inquire about the traditional/local markets and shopping areas. We are highly interested in locally produced goods such as textiles, clothing, handicrafts etc. We are only interested in real local/traditional items, NOTHING COMMERCIAL OR TOURISTY.
Would anyone kindly suggest good places and shopping areas.
Highly appreciate your assistance.
I spent 17 days in Romania last summer, but I'm afraid I don't have much specific information for you. People still wear traditional costumes on Sundays up in Maramures, the northwestern part of Romania known for its beautiful wooden churches. At a couple of the more visited churches, there were folks selling embroidery and other items. I'm no expert, but I had the feeling that the embroidery--or at least some of it--really was produced locally. I realize that's not the type of sales venue you're asking about, but I'd guess that Maramures might be a place to look for embroidery.
Romania has a lot of forests, so woodwork is popular. A lot of the homes in Maramures have huge, intricately carved wooden gates; those aren't for sale, obviously.
Pottery production also seems big. I happened to hit Sibiu's outdoor ceramic market (early September last year). The city has a pretty historic district but doesn't seem heavily visited by western Europeans. Most of the shoppers seemed to be Romanian; they were buying functional pottery for everyday use. There were some vendors with different styles of work, but much of it followed what I assume are traditional patterns. Costs were generally low.
Aside from seeing what pops up in Google, I'd suggest stopping at the tourist office as soon as you reach Bucharest and Brasov. I found the T.O. personnel very helpful.
For future reference, my favorite shopping experiences in many trips to Europe were in Bulgaria. Again, lots of pottery, but of a more contemporary style. Also inexpensive jewelry.
You should find good information in the Lonely Planet Romania book and especially the Bradt Guide to Transylvania. Also check out museums specifically dedicated to traditional art (e.g., Astra Traditional Folk Civilization Museum in Sibiu)...I think the more you get away from big cities, the more likely you'll see more authentic goods. Romania is hardly touristy (except the tacky Dracula stuff) compared to other countries in Europe so you shouldn't have problems finding traditional handicrafts. Having said that, probably the most lovely ones are in rural areas like Maramures, etc.
For destinations formerly behind the Iron Curtain, the In Your Pocket series is very helpful. They are available on line, as downloadable PDF's, and locally as hard copy magazines. Here's their shopping in Bucharest page: http://www.inyourpocket.com/bucharest/shopping
I was there a few years ago and there were plenty of little roadside stands in the country selling fruits, vegetables, some strange looking drink in coke or soda bottles and a few that had textile items. There was a market with lots of little tourist stands right by Draculas castle, but possibly not authentic. If you are traveling by car there are lots of little towns and villages that I am sure never see many tourists, so perhaps stopping in one of the local stores.
I will also be going to Bucharest this April. Looks like the Museum of the Romanian Peasant sells some nice, authentic Romanian items.
Best bets for non-touristy experiences:
Piata Obor (pronounced like Italian Piazza) in northeast Bucuresti, just off Highway E85 (Obor Metro stop).
Piata Ramnicu Sarat in east Bucuresti, off Highway E81 (Dristor Metro stop).
A more touristy place but still great for traditional clothing, decorative eggs and local crafts is Muzeul Satului (The Village Museum) at Herastrau Park in north Bucuresti off of Sos. Kiseleff/Highway 1. (15 minute walk from Aviatorilor Metro stop, passed Bucuresti's Arcul de Triumf).
Someone also mentioned Muzeul Taranului Roman (The Peasant Museum) which also has great local handicrafts. It's located at Piata Victoriei, also on So. Kiseleff/Highway 1 about 1.5 miles before the Village Museum (Piata Victoriei Metro stop, one stop before Aviatorilor).
Also, along Highway 1 on the way to Brasov, before Sinaia, there are roadside vendors on the West side of the road with great clothing and handicrafts. I bought an excellent wooden chess from such a vendor. Bring your negotiation skills.
