Târgul Vitan

How do you really rate this place? Firstly it’s huge and massively varied - lots of new fake branded stuff, worrisome sausages, car parts, plus bin bags of porn dvds and second hand dildos. Who buys sex toys second hand from a flea market? Anyway, once you get over the fact it’s much more a junk market than antique market, and the older stuff is often just tipped onto a tarp on the floor, it’s a lot of fun. You’re unlikely to find much; a lot of the stuff should have been committed to landfill eons ago. But maybe you’ll get lucky, or, at least have fun trying. Like most Romanian markets, if you’re into collectibles you’re likely to find coins, banknotes and endless books of stamps. You’ll need luck and patience because you’re looking for a piece of hay in a stack full of needles!

When we first arrived we weren’t sure about the place- it’s got a car dealership at the front and there was a heavy police presence. However once you get further in there are gems to be found. There’s a whole area of vintage coats, loads of paintings and brass ornaments and the odd bit of jewellery.

Best for car parts

Crowded smelly crazy, but if you dare, you might get some good bargains

As an expat looking for cars this place is a great convenience to see people selling cars. They have shades, so it's comfortable looking around. As always, people in Romania are pleasant to talk to. Just like any market, you will find people not telling the full truth, but that is everywhere. I found two cars that I am narrowing down, and one is from this place, so it was a good visit to get a feel of the prices.

Everything under the sun is here. Great spot to buy junk (but other than water I bought nothing) and people watch. Lits of people. Most vendors try very hard to help.

A place full of memories for me, the biggest car market in east Europe.

Entrance fee is 6lei- it can be paid by card or in cash, but I didn’t receive a change from 10lei bill…