In just one day, explore Bucharest’s iconic sites in the morning and immerse yourself in authentic Romanian crafts in the afternoon.
Planning a trip to a foreign country can be both exciting and daunting. Romania offers a unique blend of historical landmarks, delicious local cuisine, natural wonders, breathtaking landscapes, and a rich cultural heritage. Chances are, you’ll be landing in Bucharest, the country’s vibrant capital — so let us take you on a journey through some of our favorite spots. We’ll walk you through places that shouldn’t be missed and share an unforgettable cultural experience along the way.
☀️Morning: Discover Bucharest with TravelMaker
As you settle into the rhythm of a new city, a half-day tour with TravelMaker is an ideal way to begin your time in Bucharest. In this guided five-hour experience, you’ll discover the city’s must-see attractions along a classic driving route from the vibrant center to the leafy northern districts. You’ll visit the iconic Palace of Parliament and the open-air Village Museum, while exploring Bucharest’s neighborhoods — comfortably and at a relaxed pace.
By lunchtime, you’ve seen the city. Now it’s time to feel it.
🛍️Afternoon: A Short Walk to Something Authentic
By now, you’re curious, relaxed, and ready to explore at your own pace — and perhaps feeling the natural need for a little pause. Just a short stroll from the Romanian Athenaeum, along the charming historic streets, you’ll arrive at My Romanian Store (Strada Episcopiei 6). Stepping inside feels like entering another world: every corner tells a story, every craft carries a touch of tradition, and contemporary design meets the warmth of Romanian culture. It’s a space made for lingering, for curiosity, and for letting your senses wander — a quiet immersion into the heart of Romania. ❤️
The Story of My Romanian Store
My Romanian Store is a charming boutique in the heart of Bucharest, celebrating Romania’s rich craft traditions. It opened in 2014, and in 2016 Diana Stirbei discovered it as an artist hoping to share her work. Passionate about art in all its forms and devoted to promoting Romanian creativity, Diana quickly became the soul of the shop — and in 2024, she became its official owner. Her first piece, “Surata Ileana,” crafted from resin and water that resemble stone, was dedicated to her mother. The dress was inspired by her mother’s best friend’s traditional clothes. The figurine celebrates everlasting friendship and the southern Romanian custom of “surata”, where friends share good food and life’s joys — a delicate embodiment of warmth, care, and heritage.
💡Travel Tip: As a visitor, you can feel this connection to Romanian heritage firsthand, making each purchase a story to take home.
Under Diana’s guidance, the store has grown into a space that celebrates Romanian art, crafts, and stories, inviting every visitor to feel the heart of Romania. Each product is carefully selected. Diana visits all the craftsmen’s families, staying connected with over 100 artists, with around 70 exhibiting regularly in her shop.
Let’s meet Diana and hear her perspective of the store!
Q: What kinds of objects do you showcase in the store, and what makes them special?
A: We feature handcrafted ceramics, textiles, woodwork, glass, and jewelry. Each piece is made with care, often by families who have passed their craft down for generations, making them both beautiful and meaningful. For example, one remarkable piece is a ceramic work from Baia Mare by the late artist Cornel Sitar — a traditional Master Craftsman’s Mug. This intricate vessel was once the ultimate test for an apprentice ceramist, as crafting the complex internal channel through which the liquid is poured required exceptional skill and precision.
Another example of unique masterworks are the traditional carpets from the north — Moldova and Maramureș — and the south of Romania, particularly Oltenia. Each carpet is full of symbolism: the Tree of Life takes pride of place at the center, while groups of birds represent successive generations within a family, weaving heritage and memory into every thread.
Q: Which regions of Romania are best represented in the store, and what kinds of crafts from those regions do you feature?
A: We showcase ceramics, textiles, and jewelry from Muntenia, Moldova, Maramureș, Oltenia (including Oltenia de Sub Munte), and Transylvania.
Q: Are there any other regions of Romania whose crafts you’d like to showcase?
A: I’d love to feature more from Dobrogea and Banat. There are fewer artisans there, but their work is beautiful and deserves to be seen.
Q: How would you like visitors to remember My Romanian Store?
A: As a place where your soul can leap with joy while discovering true beauty.
Q: Is there a special corner or hidden treasure in the store that only connoisseurs tend to discover?
A: Yes, we’ve created an intimate corner by the window, designed as a space for pause and reflection — a quiet spot to think, breathe, and absorb the beauty around you.
Q: What are your hopes and dreams for the store in the near future?
A: In the near future, I dream of developing cultural projects and collaborations, bringing artists and audiences together in new and inspiring ways.
After exploring the rich diversity of Romania’s crafts at My Romanian Store, it’s easy to see how each region has its own story to tell. From the intricate carpets of Maramureș to the colorful ceramics of Oltenia, every piece invites you to discover the landscapes, traditions, and people behind it.
If you are planning to stay a few more days in Romania, you might find yourself wandering through the rolling hills of Transylvania, exploring the painted monasteries of Bucovina, visiting artisan workshops in Muntenia, or discovering the wild beauty of the Danube Delta. Each destination reveals another layer of Romania’s cultural and natural richness.
Travel Tip: The Perfect Combo
☀️ Morning: Half-day city tour with TravelMaker (9:30–14:30)
🍽️ Lunch: Traditional restaurants in the Old City (Caru Cu Bere, Excalibur) or bistros near the Romanian Athenaeum (Café Chocolat, Mara Mura)🛍️ Afternoon: My Romanian Store for authentic souvenirs (Mon–Fri 11:00–19:30, Sat–Sun 11:30–18:30, lunch break 15:00–16:00)
Next days: Explore Romania’s regions with guided tours. It’s simple, logical, and memorable.
Final Thought
Romania is a country of regions, traditions, and stories.
TravelMaker helps you discover them — and My Romanian Store helps you remember them.