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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 someregarded 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.

Bucharest City Guide - Tourist Travel Information

Sightseeing & Attractions in Bucharest

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 Museum 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.

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! Practice your gaming skills online here before
you encounter the real deal!

 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

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