Bucharest City Guide travel tourist sightseeing attractions information

Bucharest City Guide Business Toourist Travel Information

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EU member state / currency the lei

Related Pages   Rail services to and from Bucharest  – International Coach services to and from Bucharest / Romania Skiing

Local Pages   Bucharest Airport and Public Transport information / Romania Skiing  Nightclubs In Bucharest

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 commissioned 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 Europe’s grandest residences..

In 1946 Communism ended this Bohemian era as Stalin made his customary contribution to the architecture of acquired 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 intrigues – whatever your tastes are.

Sightseeing & Attractions in Bucharest

 There are a significant number of religious and cultural landmarks along with entertainment for the kids in the form of Bucharest’s first Theme Park, ironically titled Terra Park. This romantic city has often been referred to as ”The Paris Of Balkans” but many be surprised to find Bucharest a more fascinating and charming city than the French capital.Romanian Palace of Parliament, Calea 13 Septembrie Bucharest – This multi Purpose building houses both chambers of the Romanian parliament. This is the former home of Ceausescu, a residence which he built for himself and his wife as an opulent palace. It’s reportedly the largest Presidential building in the world second only to the Pentagon in Washington. This extremely lavish building was the brainchild of Romanian Architects, designed in a Neoclassicism Style. The construction took 4 years between 1994 and 1998 and cost around 3 Billion Euro’s. The Palace is Bucharest’s number one attraction  and offers guided tours in English, French and German. Opening  hours are 10 am till 4 pm and the tour costs 6 Euro’s and an extra 10 Euro’s for the use of camera’s. website n/a 

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  (sponsored link) before you encounter the real deal!

Crime and Personal Safety & Security In Bucharest Petty theft, pickpockets and bag snatchers operate in busy areas especially near ATM’s, on public transport, main stations and the airport. Travel to and from the airport poses similar 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.

Official Bucharest Tourist Board  http://www.romaniatourism.com/bucharest.html

 Nightclubs in Bucharest