A city of boulevards and parks
Romania's capital was founded 500 years ago and is a natural starting point for visits to the country. During the 1930's its treelined boulevards and fin de siecle architecture earned it the nickname "The Little Paris of the East". There is even an Arc de Triomphe on the handsome Soseaua Kiseleff, itself longer than the Champs Elysees and alive with blossom in the spring.
Despite the massive reconstructions of the 1980s, Bucharest remains a Garden City, leafy and pleasant.

Exploring the city
Finding your way is easy in Bucharest. The metro system offers a standard fare and covers much of the city. Major boulevards run north-south from the Arcul de Triumf down to the Centrul Civic, crossed by others going east - west. Calea Victoriei - a continuation of Soseaua Kiseleff - is where locals like to promenade on summer evenings and you will find distinguished public buildings like the History Museum and - more practically- the main Post Office, while close to its southern end are the lovely Cismigiu Gardens. Parallel to Calea Victoriei runs Bulevardul Magheru, home to tourist offices, airlines, cinemas and hotels.

An eclectic mix of styles
You'll be intrigued by the city's eclectic mix of architecture, from the Curtea Veche, the remains of Prince Vlad Tepes 15th century palace - he was the city's founder as well as the inspiration for "Dracula"- to Orthodox Churches, Second Empire mansions, the stolid Stalinist architecture of the communist years and the colossal 6,000 room House of the Republic (now the Palace of Parliament) , the second largest building in the world after the Pentagon. Bucharest is always interesting.

What to see
Bucharest's museums are a destination in themselves, especially the open-air Village Museum (Muzeul Satului) in the Herastrau Park near the Arcul de Triumf. Here you find village architecture and crafts from all over Romania, including wooden churches from Maramures.
Other "musts" include the National Museum of Art, once the Royal Palace, the History Museum on Calea Victoriei, housing the superb silver of the Treasury and the Curtea Veche with its ornate little 16th century church. Close by stands the magnificent Church of the Patriarchate, built in 1688 and preserved amongst the contrasting modernity of the Centrul Civic. And don't miss the Stavropoleus Church near the Curtea Veche, a veritable jewel of Romanian Orthodox architecture. If you are fortunate enough to be in one of these churches during a christening or wedding you will witness an unforgettable ritual.

La Boheme in Bucharest
The city's artistic life backed its Parisian nickname and today is as vibrant as ever. A classic repertoire - Puccini, Verdi, Rossini, Mozart- is maintained at the Opera House. The splendid neo-classical building of the Atheneul Roman lends grace to international-standard concerts by the George Enescu Philharmonic Orchestra. Yet ticket prices are a fraction of the price you would pay elsewhere.

Downtown delights
Every tourist likes to shop and you'll find department stores around Piata Unirii and on the main boulevards. Alternatively a bazaar district of small traders thrives during the day on the narrow streets around Strada Lipscani, close to the Curtea Veche. Specialities to look for include local ceramics, glassware, linens and woodcarvings.
The capital's restaurants are regaining their vigour, with grilled beef, chicken or pork the basis of many dishes, followed by a variety of pastries for dessert. Enliven your eating with Romanian wines and with plum brandy (tuica) the national drink as an aperitif. Prices are gratifyingly low and the atmosphere in bars, restaurants and night clubs is welcoming. Romanians are warm-hearted people and like to enjoy themselves. Why not join their fun?

The city's countryside
Forests and lakes encircle Bucharest, with ancient Palaces and Monasteries set amongst them. The towered Snagov Monastery, dating from 1408, is a favourite for locals and you can canoe on the lake. Or visit the elegant 18th century Mogosoaia Palace, only 14km to the north on Lake Buftea. There are many other possibilities, too. Ask your hotel or a travel agency for advice.

Back to Romanian Home Page