Thanks to the French style boulevards, neoclassicalpalaces and large parks, Bucharest was known asthe 'Paris of the East' during the communist period. Since the fall ofcommunism, they’ve tried to restore the city to the original state. Visit ittoday and you will find restored palaces, churches full of frescoes,restaurants, an exciting nightlife and rich cultural experiences.
Start your visit by walking along the architecturalhighlights of Bucharest. Visit this Arculde Triumf and admire its sculptures and the large granite monumentthat honours the Romanian soldiers who fought during the First World War. Makesure you take in the PalatulParlamentului (Parliament Palace), one of the largest parliamentbuildings in the world.
Visit RevolutionSquare and behold the former royal palace, house to the former royalrulers of the country. The palace is now the location of the Muzeul National deArta al Romaniei. You will also find the Kretzulescu Church here: this prayerhouse from the 18th Century is an example of the Brancoveanu style,with architectural features from the Renaissance, Baroque and Byzantine andOttoman style.
Bucharest has lots ofbeautiful green spaces to relax in. An example is the Gradina BotanicaBucuresti, which is no less than 17.5 hectares. In Cismigiu Garden you can renta rowboat on the lake and, in the winter, you can skate on the icerink.
Visit the old town if you want to drink, eat and bemerry. Find a restaurant that serves typical Romanian dishes consisting ofsausage and cabbage before hitting the bars. Most of the clubs and bars stayopen until sunrise. If you’re looking for some high culture, catch a show atAteneul Român, the domed concert hall putting on the best classical music andballet performances in the region.
International flights arrive at Henri CoandaAeroportul Internaţional, about 16 kilometres north of the city. The city canalso be reached from several surrounding European countries by train. Explorethe art, history, culture and cafes of Bucharest onfoot, by taking an inexpensive taxi or rent your own car.
