Everything You Need to Know About Bucharest

Bucharest is the capital of Romania and a major metropolitan area. With a vibrant cultural life and plenty of fascinating and fun activities, it has become a hugely popular destination for tourists and locals alike. From its stunning architectural landmarks to chic nightlife and culinary scenes, this city has a lot to offer. In this guide, we will cover everything you need to know about Bucharest, including its history, sights, culture, dining, and more. So, if you’re looking for a unique holiday experience, you should definitely consider Bucharest!

History of Bucharest

Bucharest’s history dates back to 1245 when it was part of the Dacian Kingdom. Over the centuries it was ruled by successive empires including Ottoman, Byzantine, and eventually Romania. By the end of the 19th century, Bucharest had become a modern city and the capital of an independent Romania. During the 20th century, it went through turbulent times with the World Wars, Communist rule, and eventually the Romanian revolution and end of Communism. Today, Bucharest is a thriving cosmopolitan city combining its past influences with modern influences.

Sights in Bucharest

Bucharest is a city full of interesting sights that are sure to delight all visitors. Some of the must-see attractions include:

• The Palace of Parliament – This impressive structure is the world’s second largest administrative building after the Pentagon and serves as the home of the Romanian Parliament.
• Cotroceni Palace – This former royal palace was home to Romania’s last king – Carol I – and is open to visitors today.
• Kretzulescu Church – This charming church in Central Bucharest dates back to 1722 and is now a National Historic Monument.
• Victoriei Avenue – Known as “Bucharest’s Champs-Elysées” and lined with stunning buildings from the 19th and 20th centuries.
• The Village Museum – This outdoor museum showcases traditional houses from around Romania.
• The Old Town – The Old Town of Bucharest is full of cozy cafes, bars, galleries and boutiques.

Cultural Life in Bucharest

Bucharest has an incredibly vibrant cultural life with a wide variety of experiences available. From theatrical performances to classical music concerts, art exhibitions, and festivals, there is always something interesting happening in Bucharest. There are also several popular annual events in Bucharest such as Street Delivery (a street food festival), the Jazz in the Park summer music festival, Christmas Market, and others.

For an even more unique cultural experience, consider taking a Bucharest Bar Crawling tour with Viator! This exciting tour takes you bar hopping through some of the city’s coolest pubs and bars, giving you the chance to experience Bucharest’s nightlife from an insider’s perspective. Plus, you’ll sample some traditional Romanian delicacies along the way. So grab your friends or join as an individual traveler for an unforgettable evening out in Bucharest! Experience Bucharest’s nightlife with a Bar Crawling tour on Viator!

Dining in Bucharest

Last but not least is Bucharest’s culinary scene. With so many restaurants and cafes offering different cuisines from all around the world, there’s something for everyone in Bucharest! Traditional Romanian cuisine is definitely worth trying, as it is famous for its rich flavor combinations. Some of the must-try dishes include mici (spicy grilled sausages), sarmale (stuffed cabbage leaves), ciorba (a sour soups) or zacusca (vegetable spread).

If you’re looking for something a little more international, there are plenty of restaurants serving Italian, French, Indian, Chinese and more. In addition to restaurants, there are many lively market stalls where you can get freshly cooked kebabs or other snacks on-the-go. However you decide to eat, you’re sure to find something delicious in Bucharest!

Conclusion

Bucharest is a vibrant city full of fascinating sights and experiences waiting to be discovered. From its cultural landmarks to unique culinary scenes and wild nightlife, there’s something for everyone in this city. If you’re looking for an exciting holiday hideaway, then definitely consider Bucharest for your next vacation! Experience Bucharest’s nightlife with a Bar Crawling tour on Viator!

The Insider’s Guide to Bucharest: Everything You Need to Know

Bucharest, the vibrant and lively capital city of Romania, is a city rich in history, culture, and entertainment. Amongst grand buildings and bustling streets, this charming city has plenty to offer. Here’s an insider’s guide to Bucharest, as we reveal hidden gems, traditional flavours, and cultural experiences which will leave a lasting impression on your visit.

Local Attractions: Discover the Offbeat Gems

While Bucharest is known for its iconic landmarks, such as the Palace of the Parliament, Old Town, and Athenaeum, there are also many hidden gems to be found in this city. Explore the hidden streets of Strada Smardan, where you can discover unique stores and beautiful street art. Take a stroll through the stunning Carol Park and check out the impressive statues, fountains, and lakes. Moreover, don’t miss out on Cismigiu Gardens, a favourite spot for locals to picnic, take a boat ride or enjoy a book under the warm sun.

Dining Spots: Taste the Local Flavours

Romanian traditional cuisine is a rich blend of Balkan, Greek, and Ottoman influences. Bucharest has many restaurants, cafes, and bakeries that offer authentic traditional dishes that any visitor should try. Get a taste of acrid Țuică, a strong plum brandy local drink, as you get ready to indulge in a full meal. An absolute must-try is ‘sarmale’, cabbage rolls filled with minced meat and rice, served with polenta on the side. When in the mood for something sweet, be sure to visit one of the oldest pastry shops in the city, ‘Grigore Antipa’. The rugelach and ‘papanași’ (little fried doughnuts covered with sour cream and jam) are my favourite.

Cultural Experiences: Discover the Arts and Traditions

Bucharest is a city that treasures the arts and traditions, from music and dance to theatre and cinema. If you visit in the summer or autumn, be sure to check out some of the city’s jazz music festivals, from Jazz in the Park to the Bucharest Jazz Festival. Art lovers will enjoy visiting the National Museum of Art of Romania, an impressive collection of Romanian and European art housed in a beautiful former royal palace. Birdwatching enthusiasts should head to the Văcărești Nature Park, a peaceful oasis in the heart of the city, where over 100 bird species reside. Lastly, don’t miss the traditional folk costume of Romania, made of a beautiful mixture of bright colours that represent different regions.

Local History: Stories That Will Fascinate You

Bucharest has a rich and fascinating history, full of legends and tales. Discover the story of Vlad the Impaler, also known as Dracula, at the Old Princely Court. Another historical highlight is the Military Museum, featuring an impressive collection of weapons, documents, and artefacts, some dating back to the Roman era. Finally, don’t miss the story of Henri Coandă, the inventor of the world’s first jet engine. Visit the Coandă Aviation Museum and learn about the influential achievements of this Romanian inventor.

Off-the-Beaten-Path Suggestions: Unforgettable Experiences

To make your Bucharest experience unforgettable, here are some off-the-beaten-path suggestions. Visit the Bellu Cemetery, one of the most ancient cemeteries in the city, to witness impressive grave monuments, statues and mausoleums, as well as the graves of some of the most famous Romanian novelists, poets, and scholars. Get a glimpse of the city’s Communist past and visit the communist-era mega-structure of Titan Park, a large landscape park that was intended to be the aesthetic and social centrepiece of Bucharest’s entire Eastside at one time. Lastly, if you feel you need a break from the noise, check out a film at Romania’s first 100% digital cinema in Victoria City Mall, the Cinema City IMAX.

In Conclusion, Bucharest has it all! The city offers rich and diverse experiences for every kind of traveller. With its hidden gems, culinary delights, cultural experiences, historical wonders, and unique suggestions, Bucharest is waiting to be explored by you.