Hanul cu Tei craft passage

Hanul cu Tei is a historic inn courtyard at Strada Lipscani 63-65 in the Old Town of Bucharest, Romania, now used as a craft and gift passage. The covered courtyard, with its arched galleries, houses small shops and stalls selling ceramics, handmade items, antiques, art, books and local gift goods. Unlike a typical souvenir strip, the passage leans towards crafts and curiosities, though some stock is aimed squarely at visitors, so the ratio of authentic handmade work to generic trinkets varies by shop. Visitors who look closely can find hand-painted ceramics, traditional textiles and small antiques, and those wanting authenticity should ask who made an item and where. Prices for souvenirs generally fall between 20 and 200 lei, with antiques and larger pieces costing more. Bargaining is possible in antique and craft stalls, where a modest discount is often offered, but boutique-style shops keep fixed prices. Many shops accept cards, though small stalls may prefer cash in lei, so carrying both is wise. Non-EU visitors may be eligible for VAT refunds on qualifying purchases above the national threshold when the retailer provides the required paperwork, but should confirm with the shop before buying. The atmosphere is quieter than the busy Lipscani street outside, with a sheltered courtyard feel and cafes and bars in and around the passage offering coffee, drinks and light food. The layout is a single rectangular courtyard with shops along its galleries, so the whole passage can be covered in about 30-45 minutes. Must-visit corners are the ceramics and craft shops, the antique stalls and the courtyard seating areas. The location makes it easy to combine with a walk through the surrounding Lipscani streets, Stavropoleos Monastery and the Old Princely Court. Listed hours are daily 10AM-8PM, though individual shops vary, and some close earlier or on certain days.