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Bucharest source: www.bravofly.com .The City .Do & See .Eating .Cafés .Bars & Nightlife .Shopping .Essential Information .Maps The City  Population: 2,600,000 Currency: 1 leu (plural lei) - 100 bani Opening hours: Shops are usually open 10.00-18.00 Mon-Fri, 10.00-17.00 Sat. Internet: www.romaniatourism.com www.atlantic.ro www.sapteseri.ro Newspapers: Expat Life - the latest clubs, restaurants etc aimed at non-Romanian residents Nine O'Clock - Bucharest's only English-language daily Vivid - catch up on the latest gossip and events, plus find out where you should be eating, drinking etc. Emergency numbers: Ambulance, Fire, Police - 112 Tourist information: The closest you'll find to tourist office is Atlantic Tours. Address: Calea Victoriei 202 BUCHAREST Bucharest is undoubtedly Europe's best kept secret. Restaurants, bars, art galleries and museums are now springing up on every newly renovated corner. Travellers are steadily discovering this little gem of a city and seeking out Bucharest's hidden character. Its treasures are well worth hunting for and visitors will find in their quest a place of warmth and spirit. Welcome to Bucharest! |
Bucharest 
© Stockxpert |
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Romanian legend tells that Bucharest was founded on the banks of the Dambovita River by a shepherd named Bucur, whose name literarily means "joy". Playing the flute he amazed the people and his wine from nearby vineyards was very popular among the local traders, who gave his name to the place!
As one of Europe's most up and coming destinations, Bucharest has had to react quickly to its newfound status. As a result, there are a bevy of recently opened venues to eat, drink, shop, club and sleep. Not only this, but standards are high and local residents have come to expect the best. From Piaţa Universitatii most sights of interest are easily accessible and equally the nearby Calea Victoriei is a great starting point for shopping particularly. These two landmarks constitute the central Bucharest area where many, though by no means all, of the most well-known restaurants and bars are situated. Walking in this part of the city is the best way to see Bucharest, but don't be afraid to venture further north, east and west to discover many more treasures. Wander the tree-lined streets, take in some authentic folk art and sample a range of international cuisine. Whether you want traditional Romania or contemporary city life, come and find it all here before the rest of the world does. TOP Do & See Palatul Parlamentului (Palace of Parliament) Built during Ceausescu's regime, the Palace of Parliament is Romania's most famous building. A public tour of the opulent staircases and chandelier-filled rooms offers a fascinating insight. Address: Calea 13 Setembrie 1; Phone: +40 21 311 3611  Arcul de Triumf (Arch of Triumph) Similar to its Paris namesake, Bucharest's Triumphal Arch remembers Romania's Great War soldiers and its reunification in 1918. Initially the arc was built of wood in 1922, and then finished in Deva granite in 1936. Address: Piata Arcul de Triumf 
 Lipscani District Lipscani, Bucharest's historic centre, retains an old town charm which is almost irresistible! It is located between Calea Victoriei, Blvd. Bratianu, Blvd. Regina Elisabeta and the Dambovita River and its collection of winding streets boasts antique markets, bric-a-brac spilling out from tiny boutiques and some of the city's most appealing restaurants and bars. 
 National Art Museum Romania's most impressive art collection is displayed in this sprawling royal palace (Muzeul National de Arta). Take in works by Rembrandt and El Greco, among a host of European works. Address: Calea Victoriei 49-53; Phone: +40 21 313 3030 
 Piata Universitatii In addition to being the centre for Bucharest's intellectual and political events and the most popular meeting place in Bucharest, the Piata Universitatii has a dramatic history. During the 1989 revolution some of Romania's fiercest fighting took place here. Close by are also the University of Bucharest's School of Architecture, the National Theatre, the Coltea Hospital and the Sutu Palace (History Museum). Address: Piata Universitatii, B-dul Regina Elisabeta 
 Romanian Athenaeum (Ateneul Român) The superb Romanium Athenaeum is the hub of Bucharest's musical activity. Exquisite mosaics and historical frescoes adorn the 19th century circular building, which hosts impressive orchestral concerts. Address: Str. Benjamin Franklin 1; Phone: +40 21 315 0026 or +40 21 315 2567 
Museum of the Romanian Peasant This delightful museum (Muzeul Taranului Roman) opened in 1906 and is widely regarded as Romania's best. A veritable treasure trove of pottery, icons and clothing, it also houses the fascinating Communism Exhibition and the ruins of an 18th century Transylvanian wooden church. Address: Sos Kiseleff 3; Phone: +40 21 650 5360  Jewish History Museum This museum, situated in a stunning synagogue built in 1850, bears testament to Romania's Jewish population. Address: Str Mamulari 3; Phone: +40 21 311 0870; Internet: www.romanianjewish.org  Old Princely Court & Church The Old Princely Court (Curtea Veche) was built in the 15th century by Vlad Tepes, also known as Vlad Dracula. According to the legend, he kept his prisoners beneath the court! What remains today are a few walls, arches, tombstones and a Corinthian column. Here stands also Bucharest's 16th century Old Princely Church (Biserica Curtea Veche), the city's oldest church. Original frescoes and Wallachian architecture are among the star features in this ancient Romanian veteran. Address: Strada Franceza 25-31; Phone: +40 21 314 0375 
 Piata Revolutiei Whilst Piata Universitatii saw some of the darkest days of Ceausescu's regime, events at Piata Revolutiei heralded the beginning of a new age. This building now houses the Senate. Close by are the former Royal Palace, now home to the National Art Museum, the Romanian Athenaeum and the Athenee Palace Hotel. Also the Kretzulescu Church. Address: Piata Revolutiei 
 Parcul Carol I One of the most beautiful parks in Bucharest, designed by the French landscape architect Eduard Redont. Plenty of open-air concerts in the summer, at Arenele Romane. Address: Calea Serban Voda 
 TOP Eating Bucharest offers a fantastic selection of international dishes. French, Spanish and Italian cuisines are all available, though sampling local fare is a must. Traditional restaurants are inspiring and offer top notch food in lively surroundings. Here are a few international and local choices.  © Stockxpert Casa Doina A terrace garden draws Bucharest's most influential diners. Politicians and executives talk business over superb Romanian dishes. Address: Sos Kiseleff 4 Phone; +40 21 222 6717 Internet: www.casadiona.ro Caru' Cu Bere Beer connoisseurs will be in their element at Caru' cu Bere. Bucharest's oldest beer hall dates from 1875 and sports a Dracula-esque, Gothic-style interior. Address: Str Stavropo/eos 3-5 Phone; +40 21 313 7560 Internet; www.carucubere.ro Burebista Vanatoresc Tuck into wild boar, venison steaks and meatballs in this rustic, cheerful tavern. Portions are large and you'll eat surrounded by the heads of boar and deer pinned up on the walls. A hearty folk band adds to the country atmosphere. Address: Str Batistei 14; Phone: +40 21 211 8929; Internet: www.restaurantburebista.com Valencia Casa Spaniola Wash down Spanish specialties with jugs of sangria in this Mediterranean eatery. Situated in an old villa, Valencia oozes Latino charm with exciting dishes including tortillas, the best paella and delicious seafood. Address: Str Dr Leonte 12; Phone: +40 21 312 8196; Internet: www.valencia.ro La Villa With two born and bred French chefs, La Villa offers genuine French cuisine. Enjoy the gastronomic delights in a refined setting. Address: Str Al Constantinescu 65; Phone: +40 21 224 1505; Internet: www.lavilla.ro De Gustibus This Italian has got everyone talking. Serving simple but exquisite Tuscan fare. Address: Str Marcel Iancu 10; Phone: +40 21 211 1449; Internet: www.degustibus.ro Balthazar Balthazar is hugely popular with local residents. Though combining French and Thai tastes, it is the choice on the extensive wine list that really raises the stakes. Address: Str Dumbrava Rosie 2; Phone: +40 21 212 1460; Internet: www.balthazar.ro TOP Cafés  © Stockxpert Cafe & Latte A Bucharest old-timer, Cafe & Latte is a popular choice for local students. Address: B-dul Schitu Magureanu Turabo Cafe Turabo is where the young, rich and idle hang out. The cakes, coffee and even cocktails are outstanding. Address: Str Episcopiei 6; Internet: www.turabo-cafe.ro Nova Brasilia Coffee coffee coffee - don't go anywhere else to get your caffeine fix. Address: Str Radu Beller 6 Sandwich Factory Doing exactly what it says on the tin, this cafe offers bagels and other breads with a wide range of fillings! Address: Piata Dorobanti 28; Internet: www.snackattack.ro TOP Bars & Nightlife Bucharest's bars are scattered around the city at random, but seeking out the best venues is all part of the fun. Among these you'll find intimate dens, chic cocktail lounges and trendy newcomers to the city drinking scene. As with Bucharest's bars, the city's most exclusive clubs are invariably hidden away. However, there are enough top nightspots here to cater to everyone's taste. Dance the night away or chill out in more mellow venues. Here are a few of the rather extensive bunch.  © Stockxpert Las Tapas This homely spot is popular with Bucharest's expats, who gather here for a beer and a bit of football. Address: Str Covaci 6; Internet: www.lastapas.ro Opium Studio Attracting an eclectic crowd, Opium offers a relaxed atmosphere and wild decor in this cellar-located bar. Address: Str Horei 5; Internet: www.opiumstudio.ro Jazz Cafe Bar Pick the right night and you'll find yourself drinking to the tune of Bucharest's most soulful jazz. Address: Sos Stefan cel Mare 6 Deja-vu Order Deja-vu's most exotic cocktail to make the most of the extensive drinks menu. If you're feeling risque, a Russian barmaid will obligingly squeeze lemon into your mouth with her teeth, to accompany whichever concoction you choose. Address: B-dul Nicolae Balcescu 25; Internet: www.dejavu-club.ro Cafeneaua Actorilor As the name suggests, this bar is frequented by next door's National Theatre actors. Intimate and cosy, the spians whisper dramatically in dark corners. Address: B-dul Nicolae Balcescu 2 Bonsai A newcomer on Bucharest's club scene, Bonsai has been greeted with unanimous applause. Glitz and glamour are the order of the day. Address: B-dul Magheru 24; Internet: www.clubbonsai.ro Allure The uber-trendy Allure sports animal print decor and creative cocktails. Bucharest's hip and happening crowd fills the space. Address: Calea Floreasca 110 Salsa III The Salsa club's perfect for a seductive taste of Latino dance. Address: Str Mihai Eminescu 89; Internet: www.salsagroup.ro The Office Well-loved by the city's coolest movers and shakers, make sure you look as cool as the rest to skip the queue. Address: Str Tache Ionescu 2; Internet: www.theoffice.ro Underworld Remaining loyal to local musical influences, Underworld plays a mix of Eastern European pop and rock in addition to more regular house beats. Address: B-dul Mihail Kogalniceanu 3 TOP Shopping  © Stockxpert New shops like Vivienne Westwood and Versace in Bucharest are on the rise. You can easily stock up on designer wear like you could in Paris, Milan or London. Equally if you're hunting down souvenirs, there are no end of little boutiques that sell Romanian knick-knacks, some more authentic than others. There are four major shopping centres which should cater to all needs. World Trade Plaza (www.wtcb.ro), the Unirea Shopping Centre, Plaza Romania (www.plazaromania.ro), and Jolie Ville Mall (www.jolieville.ro) house departments for fashion, electronics, home wares, food, cosmetics, antiques and souvenirs. Mario Plaza and Bucaresti Mall are also worth a look, though they are slightly less extensive in their choice. Bucaresti Mall also houses the city's largest cinema. There are also plenty of intimate places to seek out more home-grown goods. For hand-woven rugs, painted eggs, pottery and Romanian costumes, spend some time rifling through the wares at the folk art shop of the Peasant Museum. Elsewhere Pasajul Villacross along Calea Victoriei is a stretch of funky boutiques, while art galleries and antique shops are also dotted about in this area. If you are looking for antiques here are plenty and can easily be found in art galleries along Calea Victoriei and around the Old Historical Center (Lipscani street). Piata Obor, at Campul Moslior 5, is Bucharest's larges outdoor market with all sorts of food and a mini bazaar. Piata 1 Mai, at Blvd. Ion Mihalache 123, is an Oriental bazaar where you will find everything from fresh cheese, fruits, vegetables to flowers and household items. TOP Essential Information  © Stockxpert Airport Bucharest is served by two airports: Otopeni and Baneasa. Otopeni (www.otp-airport.ro) is 17km from central Bucharest (40 mins) and most international and domestic flights leave regularly from here. Baneasa (tel. +40 21 232 0020) is 8km north of the centre (20 mins) and mainly serves charter flights for package holidays and internal flights. Buses run to/from both airports - catch bus no. 131 or 783 from the city centre (Piata Unirii) and get off at either the 'aeroportul Baneasa' stop or Otopeni's departures/arrivals hall. This works in exactly the same way for the opposite journey. Taxis are very expensive and have a monopoly at the airport which you would be wise to avoid. If a taxi is needed, look for one with a meter to avoid an 88 lei charge to the centre of town. Public Transport Walk, bike, take the bus or the metro around Bucharest. With these forms of public transport you can get around the city safely and efficiently. Bus, tram and trolleybus tickets cost 1.3 lei and can be purchased at any RATB kiosk. Punch your ticket in the machine board to avoid a fine and note that for longer visits 10-trip tickets (8 lei) can be bought. Transport runs from 05.00 to around 23.30. Bucharest's metro has four lines and 45 stations. Metro trains run every 5-7 mins and from 05.30-23.30. Tickets can be bought for single/return (2.5 lei) or 10-trip journeys (8 lei) in addition to the above mentioned monthly pass. Sit at the front of trains to avoid missing station signs which are not clearly signposted. Taxi Always make sure your taxi has a meter to avoid unnecessarily high fares. Once this has been established, you are in for a comfortable and inexpensive ride. Just hail a taxi down from the side of the street. Two reputable companies are: CrisTaxi - Phone: 9461 Prof Taxi - Phone: 9422 Post The main post office is located at Str Matei Millo 10 (Central Post Office). Post offices are called "Posta". Opening hours: Mon-Frv 07.30-20.00 Sat 08.00-14.00 closed Sun. Internet: www.posta-romana.ro Pharmacy Pharmacies in central Bucharest are well stocked. And several of them stay open 24 hours a day. Sensi-Blue Pharmacy has two main branches at B-dul Nicolae Balcescu 7 Calea Victoriei 12A; The Emergency Clinic Hospital (Spitalul de Urgenta Floreasca) is located at Calea Floreasca 8. Please call +40 21 317 0171 or +40 21 317 0121 for advice and more information. Dentist Pro-Dental Care Address: Str Hristo Botev 7; Phone: +40 21 313 4781; Internet: www.prodentalcare.ro Telephone Country code: +40 Area code: 21 Electricity 220V / 50Hz TOP Maps Transport Map Subway Map 
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