Carturesti Carusel
A breathtaking, multi-story bookstore in Bucharest's Old Town, famed for its ethereal white architecture and curated selection of books and gifts.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Combine with Old Town exploration
Carturesti Carusel
Best Time
Combine with Old Town exploration
Highlights
Must-see attractions
A breathtaking, multi-story bookstore in Bucharest's Old Town, famed for its ethereal white architecture and curated selection of books and gifts.
"Stepping inside the Cărturești Carusel location in the Old Town is a truly magical experience."
📸 Capture the Architecture
The stunning white interior and spiral staircases are incredibly photogenic. :camerawithflash:
☕ Cafe Closes Early
The cafe on the top floor might close before the bookstore. Check hours if you want a drink with a view. :coffee:
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
The Grand Atrium
Central space
A breathtaking, multi-story white space with sweeping staircases and delicate columns reaching toward the glass roof.
Curated Collections
All floors
Discover English books, unique stationery, designer pens, games, local products, music, and local wines.
Rooftop Cafe View
Top floor
Enjoy coffee or a drink with a view of the bustling Old Town streets below.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Embrace the Atmosphere
Timing is Key
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
Perhaps one of the most beautiful bookstores in Europe, Cărturești Carusel, in Bucharest, is located in a stunning 19th-century building that was recently restored to its former glory. Spread over six floors, it offers 10,000 volumes.
📸 Capture the Architecture
The stunning white interior and spiral staircases are incredibly photogenic. :camerawithflash:
☕ Cafe Closes Early
The cafe on the top floor might close before the bookstore. Check hours if you want a drink with a view. :coffee:
Cărturești Carusel gets all the credit, but let me show you Cărturești Verona, Bucharest
Carturesti Carusel, a bookstore in Bucharest, Romania
🎁 Souvenir Paradise
Beyond books, find unique stationery, local products, and themed merchandise for perfect gifts. :gift:
📚 English Books Available
A good selection of English titles is available, making it great for international visitors. :books:
Carturesti Carusel Bookshop, Bucharest, Romania
Tips
from all over the internet
📸 Capture the Architecture
The stunning white interior and spiral staircases are incredibly photogenic. :camerawithflash:
☕ Cafe Closes Early
The cafe on the top floor might close before the bookstore. Check hours if you want a drink with a view. :coffee:
🎁 Souvenir Paradise
Beyond books, find unique stationery, local products, and themed merchandise for perfect gifts. :gift:
📚 English Books Available
A good selection of English titles is available, making it great for international visitors. :books:
💳 Cashless Payments
The bookstore accepts cashless payments, so you don't need to worry about carrying much cash. :credit_card:
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Cărturești Carusel is overwhelmingly praised as a magical, architecturally stunning destination that transcends being just a bookstore. Visitors adore the ethereal white interior, the grand spiral staircases, and the diverse selection of books, gifts, and local products. The rooftop cafe offers a pleasant respite with views of the Old Town. Some minor drawbacks include the cafe closing earlier than the bookstore and the lack of dedicated parking.
"Visiting Cărturești in Bucharest is an absolute must-do, even if you're not a bookworm. Stepping inside the Cărturești Carusel location in the Old Town is a truly magical experience. The moment you walk through the door, you're immediately struck by the stunning, almost ethereal architecture.
The space is a brilliant white, with sweeping, curving staircases that seem to float as they spiral up through the central atrium. It's a breathtaking, multi-story space with delicate columns reaching toward the glass roof and books lining the walls up to the very top.
It's so much more than just a bookstore. Beyond the huge selection of books, which includes a great number of English titles, each floor feels like a new discovery. There are sections dedicated to all sorts of unique and creative goods, from beautifully designed stationery and quirky notebooks to designer pens, unique games, and an amazing array of local products.
You can also find a fantastic selection of music and local wines. On the top floor, there’s a lovely cafe where you can grab a coffee or a drink, sit down, and just soak in the incredible view of the bustling streets below, a stark contrast to the quiet calm inside.
It truly feels like a cultural haven, an amazing escape from the busy and loud streets outside. It's a place to get lost for a while, to simply wander and appreciate the beauty of the space. Cărturești is absolutely worth a visit just to experience the stunning atmosphere, and it's the perfect spot to find a unique souvenir or simply to enjoy a moment of inspiring calm.
Also I wanted to exchange something without my receipt and they were so kind to allow for it."
Shanit Raphael
"The entire structure is beautiful, designed specifically for visitors. If you're a book lover, you might want to stop and look at everything and want everything. Prices are also affordable for tourists. The only flaw is that the bar upstairs closes too early and from there there is a nice view"
Gianluca Morisco
"beside the books you can buy here plenty of other stuff - notebook, pencils, bags, umbrellas, toys, vinyls, stare wars/squid games/etc themed merch..
anyhow it's worth visiting, we dropped in at about 9PM and since the store is in the old town district, you can easily combine it with sightseeing or pub visit.
parking: no
toilets: i did not see any
cashless: yes"
-p-
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
Cărturești Carusel is located in the heart of Bucharest's Old Town, making it easily accessible by foot if you're exploring the area. The nearest metro stations are Piata Unirii 1 and Piata Unirii 2, both a short walk away. Taxis and ride-sharing services are also readily available in the Old Town.
Parking directly at Cărturești Carusel is not available as it's situated in a pedestrian-friendly Old Town area. It's best to use public transport or park in a nearby paid parking lot and walk.
Absolutely! Cărturești Carusel is perfectly situated for combining with sightseeing in the Old Town. You can easily visit after exploring landmarks like Stavropoleos Monastery or enjoy it before or after a meal at one of the many restaurants.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
No, entry to Cărturești Carusel is free. It's a public bookstore and cultural space, so you can wander through its beautiful levels without purchasing a ticket.
Cărturești Carusel typically has generous opening hours, often staying open until late in the evening, especially on weekends. It's advisable to check their official website or social media for the most up-to-date hours, as the cafe on the top floor may have different closing times.
Yes, reviewers have mentioned that Cărturești is accommodating with exchanges, even without a receipt in some cases. It's always best to inquire with staff for specific return policies.
📸 📸 Photography
Photography is generally allowed and encouraged inside Cărturești Carusel, as the architecture is a major draw. However, be mindful of other visitors and avoid using flash photography that might be disruptive.
The central atrium with its grand spiral staircase is the most iconic spot. The upper levels offer unique perspectives looking down, and the cafe area provides a different ambiance.
You can photograph the products, but it's always polite to be discreet and avoid lingering too long if you're not purchasing. Focus on capturing the overall atmosphere and unique displays.
🍽️ ☕ Food & Dining
Yes, there is a lovely cafe located on the top floor of Cărturești Carusel. It's a great place to relax with a coffee or drink and enjoy the views.
The cafe offers coffee, tea, and other beverages. While not a full restaurant, it's perfect for a light refreshment while you soak in the ambiance.
Indeed, Cărturești Carusel features a selection of local wines available for purchase, adding another unique element to its offerings beyond books.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
📚 Book Lovers
📸 Photography Enthusiasts
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The Architectural Marvel
Reviewers consistently praise the stunning, almost ethereal architecture, noting how it transforms the space into more than just a bookstore. It's described as a cultural haven and an amazing escape from the busy streets outside. The multi-story layout encourages exploration, with each floor offering a new discovery, from the vast book collections to the curated selection of gifts and local products. The contrast between the quiet calm inside and the bustling city outside is a recurring theme in visitor experiences.
Beyond the Books: A Curated Experience
The top floor hosts a lovely cafe, offering a tranquil spot to enjoy a coffee or drink while taking in the panoramic views of the Old Town. This blend of retail, culture, and relaxation makes Cărturești Carusel a destination in itself. It's a place where you can easily spend hours browsing, discovering new treasures, and simply appreciating the thoughtfully curated environment. The availability of English titles also ensures it's welcoming to international visitors looking for literary finds.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit