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Bucharest History Overview
Bucharest is sometimes referred to as the 'Paris of the Balkans' Fortunately it lacks anything as hideous as the Eiffel tower but its mere location between the Carpathian Mountains and the Black Sea has a certain romance about it. The earliest documentary reference to Bucharest is dated 1459. The document was signed by the ruler of Wallachia (the first Romanian State) Vlad Dracula, better known as 'Vlad the Impaler' as he would impale a stake into the chest of those who crossed him and then watch them slowly die. In the Old town in Bucharest there is a ruin of a palace which some say was once his.
Between the 16th and 19th centuries Bucharest was the centre of many conflicts and wars. In 1595 it was burnt to the ground by the Ottomans. Several times It was the battleground for the armies of the Austrians Ottomans and Russians. In 1862, it became the capital of the new united Romania. In an attempt to create a new identity it commisioned French architects who initiated French style boulevards aligned with buildings inspired by classical French architecture. Post WW1 these styles were supplemented by native Romanian artist who had travelled abroad. As a result Bucharest became home to those who could afford what some regarded as examples of Europes grandest residences.
In 1946 Communism ended this Bohemian era as Stalin made his customary contribution to the architecture of accquired lands. Later Romanian President Nicolae Ceausesce destroyed many of the city historic buildings and churches as he sought to repeat the French experience. Consequently this city is a compendium of intriques - whatever your tastes are.
Sightseeing & Attractions in Bucharest
The former home of Ceausescu which he built for himself and his wife as a palace, reportedly the largest in the world and second in size only to The Pentagon in Washington is now known as The Palace Of The Parliament. This extremely lavishly decorated building was designed by Romanian architects and built using only Romanian materials. Situated at Calea 13 Septembrie it is Bucharest's no.1 attraction and offers guided tours in English, French and German. The Romanian Athenaeum at Revolution Plaza was built in 1834 and the former residence of Romania's Royalty. This buiding which is an example of French influence on classical architecture is now used for orchestral concerts and classical music festivals.
More down to earth is The Village Museum at Sos Kiseleff 28 is a fascinating open air museum which features over 250 buildings and farm homes from all over Romania on a 10 hectacre site. The National Muse um of Romanian History at Calea Victoriei 49 includes over 70,000 exhibits. Also worth visiting is The National Cotroceni Museum at St Geniului 1 which features a collection of Old Romanian art.
Restaurants In Bucharest
A curious Romanian restaurant with tables surrounded by stuffed birds and chairs with sheepskinsis The BureBista at Calea Mosilor 195 (Tel 201 9704). Good food and the sarmale - stuffed cabbage, meat rice and herbs is especially good. The night live folk music creates a good ambience. The Bisto Atheneu at Str. Episcopie 3 (Tel 313 4900) aesthetically seems French but in reality it has a fairly European menu and a number of Romanian dishes. The best of the latter is varza a la cluj - chopped meat and cabbage under a sea of sour cream. Good food - averagely priced.
The Silviu at Str. Louis Pasteur 44 (Tel 410 9184) is a good italian restaurant especially if you appreciate meat and pasta dishes. In the summer you can eat in the garden and they have a private dining room as well. Reasonably priced. The Bradet at Str. Caro Davila 60 (Tel 410 8215) is a small establishment with wood panelling offering traditional Romanian dishes as well as the more common beef, chicken and fish dishes. Good food and average prices.
The Casa Venescu at Calea Victoriei 133 is a particularly attractive French restaurant. It serves some elaborate dishes including lobster in rice and a very good goose in red wine sauce. This said it also offers some local dishes. In the summer you dine in their garden.
| Accommodation In Bucharest Hotels & Apartments etc |
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please see accommodation advice > |
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If you live in Bucharest or any other city we feature and would like to send us information, news, about your city - its culture, music scene or life in general please email us: post@euromost.info
Public Transport In Bucharest
The overground transport system in Bucharest is made up of buses, trolleybuses and trams. Services generally start around 5am with the morning rush fro 06.00am to about 09.00. The return home is between 15.00 and 17.30. At these peak times the transport can become very cramped.
Tickets have to purchased in advance and, cost 8,000 lei for single journeys. They must be stamped /punched in one of the many machines on board - this part of the excerise s not straight forward so see how other people do it! Beware of pick pockets. Plain clothed ticket inspectors operate on all services and will fine fare evaders on the spot.
Another option for visitors are Maxi Taxis which connect central Bucharest with the main tourist attractions. There are five routes. Maxi-Taxis are white with 8 to 10 seats that you hail like ra normal taxi. Tickets are bought on board and cost about .33€.
The Bucharest Metro is only about 25 years old and currently being extended. Tickets cost 8,000 lei but are much cheaper if bought in sets of 10. Lines M1 & M3 are not very frequent. Line M2 which serves key areas and Bucharest University is busy. All lines are remarkably clean. Officially services run from 04.30 -23.30 with a 5-10 minute frequency - though the latter is debatable in the evenings.
For more information on public transport in Bucharest: we advise visiting www.ratb.ro
A City For Gambling!
Bucharest is a city where gambling has become socially acceptable. Many of the cities 18th and 19th century former palaces and mansions have been converted to Casinos which have an elegance that is not found anywhere else in Europe.
They offer blackjack, poker, craps, roulette, baccarat and other games of chance. Many also offer indulging food and live music all night long if you want to party!
Crime and Personal Safety & Security In Bucharest
Petty theft, pickpockets and bag snatchers operate in busy areas especially near ATMs, on public transport, main stations and the airport. Travel to and from the airport poses similiar risk. When paying by credit card do loose site of it as copying fraud is increasing.
Beware of bogus policeman wanting to check documents - do not leave valuables in your hotel room.
| Bucharest Night Life - Nightclubs Music Dance |
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Once Upon A Time plays decent techno music, but the surrondings are bland. Str. Gheorghe Manu 34, Bucharest, Telephone : 0722/654-191. The Tunnel Club is for those who appreciate dancing to serious dance music. Str. Academiei 19-21 Bucharest, Telephone: 021/312-6971. Salsa 2 is a very popular techno dance club with the locals and its seems to always be busy. Str. Lutherana 9 Bucharest, Telephone: 0723/412-267. Green Hours is a bar often offering live jazz and classical guitar sessions plus the occasional theatre production. Calea Victoriei 120, Bucharest, Telephone: 021/211-9592.
The Yellow Bar has a very relaxed bright atmosphere with retro music in the backrgound, Str. Edgar Quinet 10, Bucharest, Telephone: 021/310-1351. Another venue that gets packed out is the Planters. Open all night Thursday, Friday and Saturday with on the ball DJS. Str. Mendeleev 10, Bucharest, Telephone: 021/659-7606. The Office is a bar with an impressive range of drinks. It's upmarket clientele are mostly proffessional or those posing as the same. Str. Tache Ionescu 2
Bucharest, Telephone: 021/659-4
Weather Forecast & average and extreme monthly temperatures in Bucharest Romania
| Ave Sun hours | Temperature | ||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Average | Record | ||||
| Min | Max | Min | Max | ||
| Jan | 2 |
-7 |
1 |
-32 |
16 |
| Feb | 3 |
-5 |
4 |
-26 |
20 |
| Mar | 5 |
-1 |
10 |
-19 |
29 |
| Apr | 6 |
5 |
18 |
-4 |
32 |
| May | 8 |
10 |
23 |
0 |
37 |
| Jun | 9 |
14 |
27 |
5 |
37 |
| Jul | 11 |
16 |
30 |
8 |
39 |
| Aug | 10 |
15 |
30 |
7 |
41 |
| Sep | 8 |
11 |
25 |
0 |
39 |
| Oct | 5 |
6 |
18 |
-6 |
35 |
| Nov | 2 |
2 |
10 |
-14 |
24 |
| Dec | 2 |
-3 |
4 |
-23 |
18 |
| Very Cold | Cold | Mild |
|---|---|---|
Warm |
Very Warm |
Hot |
Bucharest International Airport Information
Bucharest Airport Code - BBU
Airport Information Telephone: (021) 204 1200
Latest Live Flight Information From Bucharest Airport
Airport Facilities:
A small airport but facilities include several cafes three restaurants, pharmacy and a hairdressers, an internet access, bank, exchange, post office and ATM .
Airlines Flying To & From Bucharest Romania
- Aeroflot, Air France, Alitalia, Austrian Airlines, British Airways, KLM, Lufthansa, Malev, Olympic, Romavia, Romanian Air, Czech Airlines, Hemus Air, Swiss International Airlines, TAROM Romanian, Turkish Airlines, Syrian Arab Airlines.
Low Cost Airlines Flying To & From Bucharest Romania
Travel From Bucharest Airport To Central Downtown Bucharest
The airport is 17 Klm from central Budapest. The 783 Express Buscovers this jouney in about 50 minutes. Departs From outside the International Departures Terminal every 15 minutes daily and 30 minutes at weekends.
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