Bucharest

Bucharest, Romania's capital, blends communist-era architecture with Belle Époque buildings. In the Old Town, you'll find cobblestone streets lined with bars and restaurants. The Palace of the Parliament, one of the world's largest administrative buildings, offers tours of its ornate interiors. You can visit museums like the National Museum of Contemporary Art, relax in Herăstrău Park, or attend a concert at the Romanian Athenaeum. Bucharest's affordable prices and distinct atmosphere make it an interesting destination for travelers exploring Eastern Europe.

Exploring Bucharest's Old Town

The Old Town, known as Lipscani, is the entertainment center of Bucharest. This area survived Ceaușescu's urban planning and now has many bars, restaurants, and shops in restored 19th-century buildings. Visit Stavropoleos Monastery, a small 18th-century Orthodox church with intricate stone and wood carvings. The Old Princely Court, once home to Vlad the Impaler, provides information about medieval Bucharest. In the evenings, the Old Town is busy with locals and tourists enjoying its many venues.

The Palace of the Parliament

The Palace of the Parliament is a prominent landmark in Bucharest's skyline. Nicolae Ceaușescu commissioned this enormous structure, which is now the world's largest civilian building with administrative function. It has 1,100 rooms that reflect the communist era's excesses. You can take a guided tour to see its large halls, wide staircases, and decorated interiors. The palace also contains the National Museum of Contemporary Art, where you can view works by Romanian artists.

The Romanian Athenaeum

The Romanian Athenaeum is an impressive concert hall in Bucharest. Built in 1888, it has a circular fresco inside its main auditorium. You can attend a performance by the George Enescu Philharmonic Orchestra to experience the venue's acoustics. Even without a show, the building's decorated facade and elegant interior are worth seeing.

Green Spaces in Bucharest

Bucharest has several parks where you can take a break from the city streets. Herăstrău Park, the largest in Bucharest, surrounds a lake and includes the Village Museum, which displays traditional Romanian rural architecture. Cișmigiu Gardens, the oldest public garden in Bucharest, has a lake, flowerbeds, and trees over a hundred years old. These parks offer a change of scenery from the urban environment.

Bucharest's Culinary Scene

Romanian cuisine includes dishes influenced by neighboring countries. You can try sarmale (cabbage rolls stuffed with meat), mici (grilled meat rolls), or covrigi (soft pretzels) from street vendors. For a local experience, visit Caru' cu Bere, a historic beer hall serving traditional dishes in an Art Nouveau interior. Bucharest also has newer restaurants offering modern versions of Romanian cuisine and international dishes.

Getting Around Bucharest

Bucharest has a comprehensive public transportation system. The metro is efficient and covers most of the city center. Buses and trams complement the metro network, reaching areas not served by underground lines. Taxis are common and affordable, but it's best to use reputable companies or ride-hailing apps like Uber to avoid overcharging. Walking is a good way to explore the Old Town and central areas, allowing you to see the city's architecture up close.

Day Trips from Bucharest

If you want to see more of Romania, consider taking a day trip from Bucharest. Bran Castle, often linked to the Dracula legend, is about a 3-hour drive from the city. The mountain resort of Sinaia, home to Peleș Castle, is closer and makes for an interesting day out. These excursions give you a chance to see Romania's landscapes and history beyond the capital.