Bucharest, the city formerly called "Little Paris of Eastern Europe"
People have an idea about what to expect when they want to visit big cities such as Berlin, Budapest, London, Paris, Rome or Prague. But what makes Bucharest so special? It's a cocktail of contrasts and the main ingredients are: history, modern identity, stunning architecture, blocks of the communist era, immense parks, delicious food & cakes and especially very very very beautiful ladies.😉👌💃
Did you know that Michael Jackson came twice in Bucharest? This city is considered one of the biggest cities in Europe. I made a list for you about top things to see in the capital of Romania. Let's have a look together what can you see here in your next trip:
1. Palace of the Parliament - Is the world’s second-largest administrative building (after the Pentagon) and former dictator Nicolae Ceauşescu’s most famous creation. If you want to visit it don't forget to bring your passport. For more info click the link http://cic.cdep.ro/en .
2. Sands of Therme - It's the biggest urban beach in Europe (yellow sand and palm trees) and the most amazing Thermal SPA in Europe. Even in winter you can enjoy the magic water pools. For more info click the link https://therme.ro/en/ . Hint!!!! See the virtual tour! You won't regret it!😉
3. The Bucharest Unirii Square Fountains (Dancing Fountains/The Water Symphony) - Water, fire and lights in the middle of Bucharest!!! 🔥👌 Artesian fountains are the main attraction of the Bucharest people and tourists. Modernism has merged with fountain architecture, lasers and video mapping. The show takes place every week from May to October on Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays:
- May: from 9 P.M.
- June, July, August: from 9:30 P.M.
- September, October: from 8 P.M.
The hours may change because of the weather conditions. Each show it's different. I found for you a great video so click the link https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8YA5gZKb5ZY. It's amazing!!!💖😍🎶🎉
4. Romanian Athenaeum - Is a concert hall in the center of Bucharest. The overall style is neoclassical, with some more romantic touches. Go inside the building! For more info click the link https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Romanian_Athenaeum.
5. The Bucharest National Opera House - Is one of the four National Opera Houses in Romania, being the country's largest lyrical theater. Go inside the building! For more info click the link http://operanb.ro/.
6. The Old Town/Centrul Vechi - A little quiet in the morning, restless during the day and lively in the evening. It is well known for the night life: bars, pubs, restaurants, clubs and so on. If you are a coffee & ice cream lover, visit Coffeol Bucharest. Here is the link http://www.coffeol.ro/blog
7. Cărturești Carusel Library - It's a picturesque bookstore & souvenir shop in Old Town. For more info click the link http://carturesticarusel.ro/.
8. The Cotroceni Palace - It's the residence of the President of Romania. Cotroceni Palace was rebuilt after the earthquake of 1977. This institution is one of the reasons why Bucharest was once called "Little Paris". Today you can visit Cotroceni National Museum. Click the link for virtual tour http://www.muzeulcotroceni.ro/viziteaza/tur_virtual_eng.html.
9. The CEC Palace - Is the headquarter of CEC Bank, built in 1900 and situated on Calea Victoriei opposite the National Museum of Romanian History.
10. The Palace of the National Military Circle - Is considered a historic and architectural monument. It represents the central cultural institution of the Romanian army and it is also used for various cultural events and for representation and protocol purposes. The restaurant and the terrace are open to the public. For more info click the link https://visitorcenter.ro/tour/the-national-military-palace/.
11. Museum of Senses - It's a great place to spend time with your friends. Live an unimaginable experience in a world of sensations and mind-blowing optical illusions and test your senses at an extraordinary museum. For more info click the link https://www.museumofsenses.ro/en.
12. Latin Dance & Rio Club - Do you like salsa, bachata or kizomba? Thursday, Friday and Saturday night, after 11 P.M., let your spirit free and "just dance" like Lady Gaga said. Both are dance clubs and very close one to another. I learned salsa and bachata at Latin Dance Romania.
13. Revolution Square - Is a square in central Bucharest, on Calea Victoriei. Known as Piața Palatului (Palace Square) until 1989, it was later renamed after the Romanian Revolution of December 1989. The square also houses the building of the former Central Committee of the Romanian Communist Party (from where Nicolae Ceaușescu and his wife fled by helicopter on December 22, 1989). The former Royal Palace (now the National Museum of Art of Romania), the Athenaeum, the Athénée Palace Hotel are located here.
14. Arch of Triumph - Bucharest has its very own Arch of Triumph located on the Kiseleff Road, in the northern part of the city. This monument was made to celebrate the end of World War I.
15. Village Museum & Herăstrău Park - Is the biggest park in the city build around Herăstrău lake. Here you can hire a boat, visit Village Museum (http://muzeul-satului.ro/en/ ) or eat delicious food at Hard Rock Cafe (https://www.hardrockcafe.com).
16. The Cișmigiu Gardens or Cișmigiu Park - Is a public park near the center of the city, spanning areas on all sides of an artificial lake. The gardens' creation was an important moment in the history of Bucharest. They form the oldest and, at 16 hectares, the largest park in city's central area. The main entrance is from Regina Elisabeta Boulevard, in front of the City Hall; there is another major entrance at the Știrbei Vodă Street, near the Crețulescu Palace.
17. Stavropoleos Monastery - Is an Eastern Orthodox monastery for nuns in central Bucharest, Romania. Its church is built in Brâncovenesc style. Is located in The Old Town.
18. 18 Lounge by the Embassy - 18 Lounge is located on the roof of City Gate South Tower. Large glass panels around the room offer an impressive view of the horizon, Herastrau Lake and Kiseleff Boulevard. Whether you are staying for a glass of wine, dinner, business meeting or reception, the 18 Lounge offers a relaxing atmosphere and an unforgettable panorama. Reservation is needed before!!! For more info click the link https://www.18lounge.ro/.
19. NOR SKY Casual Restaurant - Is the first Sky Casual Restaurant in Bucharest, situated at 136 meters high. Romania enters in the stylish circle of metropolises. The NOR restaurant, set on the 36th floor of Sky Tower, is the tallest building in Romania. Passport and reservation is needed before!!! For more info click the link http://www.norbucharest.ro/en/.
20. Promenada Mall - Promenada Mall is the first mall in Bucharest opened after the financial crisis of 2007-2009. It's near NOR Sky Casual Restaurant and metro station Aurel Vlaicu.
21. Băneasa Shopping City - Is a big modern shopping center in northern Bucharest. Băneasa Shopping City is the fifth mall opened in Bucharest after Bucharest Mall, Plaza Romania, City Mall and Unirea Shopping Center. Here you can find also IKEA, Carrefour, Bricostore. Also it's a great place to watch a movie with your friends at the modern Grand Cinema Digiplex (https://www.grandentertainment.ro/en ) or to play billiards/bowling.
22. AFI Palace Cotroceni - Is the biggest mall in Romania. Includes 300 stores, 2,500 parking spaces, Auchan hypermarket, 20 cinema halls, IMAX's first cinema in Romania (3D), restaurants, a carting track, two casinos, an ice rink of about 1,000 square meters, a climbing wall, an artificial lake, a children's playground, a roller coaster, bowling and snooker.
23. ParkLake Shopping Center - ParkLake Shopping Center stands out as a unique shopping complex, designed according to the latest urban and architectural standards, in a natural, welcoming setting, right next to the Titan Park and Lake. It is designed to bring together three main concepts: nature, park and family.
24. Mogoșoaia Palace - Is situated about 10 kilometres (6.2 mi) from Bucharest, Romania. It was built between 1698-1702 by Constantin Brâncoveanu in what is called the Romanian Renaissance style or Brâncovenesc style. The palace bears the name of the widow of the Romanian boyar Mogoș, who owned the land it was built on. After 1714, when Constantin Brancoveanu was executed with his entire family in Constantinople, all the family's wealth was confiscated by the Ottomans and the palace was converted into an inn. Rebought by Prince Stefan Cantacuzino, he returned it to Brâncoveanu's grandson Constantin, and remained with the family until the early nineteenth century. It's a wonderful place for photo shooting and to relax with your family/friends.
25. “Grigore Antipa” National Museum of Natural History - Is one of the oldest research institutions in the field of biodiversity and public education. Is the largest museum of natural history in the country. Ethnographic exhibits can also be studied, though, undeniably, the highlights refer to the mineralogical, zoological and paleontological collections. Two of the highlights of the museum refer to a dinosaur fossil and to an extensive butterfly collection. It's near Piața Victoriei metro station.
Currency in Romania
The Romanian Leu is the currency of Romania (RON). Even it's part of European Union, Romania doesn't use yet Euro. For more info about exchange rates click the link https://www.xe.com/currency/ron-romanian-leu.
Bucharest Public Transport
Bucharest has a good metro system. Click the link for the map (http://romaniatourism.com/maps/bucharest/subway_map.html). Trains start at 5 A.M. – 11 P.M. every day of the week. Also you can use buses, trams, trolleybuses and trains if you want to go outside the city. Click the link for travel maps (http://romaniatourism.com/maps.html). From the airport you can use the bus 783 or Über. Usually people use Über.
Where to stay in Bucharest? 🏨🏡
A fancy choice is JW Marriott Bucharest Grand Hotel (click the link https://www.booking.com/hotel/ro/jw-marriott-bucharest-grand.en.html?aid=1971070&no_rooms=1&group_adults=2&label=ATB). It's a 5* hotel and nearby you can admire from your bedroom the No. 1 attraction of Romania (Palace of the Parliament). Of course, you can choose other accommodations so click this link https://www.booking.com/city/ro/bucharest.en.html?aid=1971070&no_rooms=1&group_adults=2&label=ATB.
I hope you enjoyed the article and took some great info for your trip! Thank you for your time and have a wonderful and inspiring day!
Andra😘💋
Source for describing the sights: Wikipedia
