Carturesti
Carturesti is a superb book store for children’s books, toys and games. They stock a very good range, including a decent range of English-language books too. There are a number of branches around Bucharest and all have their own character; from the towering ‘ark’ sculpture outside the Verona branch near Piata Romana, to the architect’s dream inside the newly opened Lipscani branch. Carturesti can also be a good place to shop for souvenirs and books about Romania (they even have Romanian wine in their gift section!).
Visiting Carturesti Verona can be a little trip out if you want it to be, as they have a cafe downstairs and the top floor children’s section is large enough to explore and browse with places to sit and sometimes storytelling sessions too.
Website: http://librarie.carturesti.ro/
Address: Various branches, but the Verona branch is listed here as they have a dedicated Children’s Room on the upper floor. Str. Arthur Verona 13-15, Sector 1, Bucharest
Open: 10am – 10pm
Phone: 021.317.34.59
Toys are accessible and always nice to be able to sit down for a moment with my kid and read a book to him. A good spot when the afternoon is a big long.
We like the outdoor Cafe Verona when the weather warms up – lots of kids friendly food to choose from and space to run around.
Carturesti has lots of great gifts and my 9 year old could sit in the book section for hours.
The cafe is a great spot to have dinner or a late lunch after completing the free walking tour that ends near the romanian athenaeum http://bucharest.walkaboutfreetours.com/. The walking tour was too long for our kids but great for visitors 🙂
The kids section on the top floor of Carturesti Verona is large and has space to sit and browse – it kept my toddler entertained for nearly an hour! Similarly with the kids section in Baneasa Mall (near the cinema).