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Emergency numbers: Ambulance 112, Fire 112, Police 112

Tourist information: The closest you’ll find to tourist office is Atlantic Tours. Address: Calea Victoriei 202.

Location: Bucharest is located in the southeastern part of Romania. As with many Eastern European capital cities, Bucharest was built on the banks of a river - the Dambovita. Bucharest has been the capital of Romania since the 19th century.

THE CITY

Romanian legend tells that Bucharest was founded on the banks of the Dambovita River by a shepherd named Bucur, whose name literarily means “joy”.

Playing the flute he amazed the people and his wine from nearby vineyards was very popular among the local traders, who gave his name to the place!As one of Europe’s most up and coming destinations, Bucharest has had to react quickly to its newfound status. As a result, there are a bevy of recently opened venues to eat, drink, shop, club and sleep.

Not only this, but standards are high and local residents have come to expect the best. From Piaţa Universitatii most sights of interest are easily accessible and equally the nearby Calea Victoriei is a great starting point for shopping particularly.These two landmarks constitute the central Bucharest area where many, though by no means all, of the most well-known restaurants and bars are situated. Walking in this part of the city is the best way to see Bucharest, but don’t be afraid to venture further north, east and west to discover many more treasures. Wander the tree-lined streets, take in some authentic folk art and sample a range of international cuisine.

Whether you want traditional Romania or contemporary city life, come and find it all here before the rest of the world does.

DO & SEE

Palatul Parlamentului (Palace of Parliament). Built during Ceausescu’s regime, the Palace of Parliament is Romania’s most famous building. A public tour of the opulent staircases and chandelier-filled rooms offers a fascinating insight. Address: Calea 13 Setembrie 1

Arcul de Triumf (Arch of Triumph). Similar to its Paris namesake, Bucharest’s Triumphal Arch remembers Romania’s Great War soldiers and its reunification in 1918. Initially the arc was built of wood in 1922, and then finished in Deva granite in 1936.Address: Piata Arcul de Triumf

Lipscani District. Lipscani, Bucharest’s historic centre, retains an old town charm which is almost irresistible! It is located between Calea Victoriei, Blvd. Bratianu, Blvd. Regina Elisabeta and the Dambovita River and its collection of winding streets boasts antique markets, bric-a-brac spilling out from tiny boutiques and some of the city’s most appealing restaurants and bars.

National Art Museum. Romania’s most impressive art collection is displayed in this sprawling royal palace (Muzeul National de Arta). Take in works by Rembrandt and El Greco, among a host of European works.Address: Calea Victoriei 49-53

Piaţa Universitatii. In addition to being the centre for Bucharest’s intellectual and political events and the most popular meeting place in Bucharest, the Piata Universitatii has a dramatic history. During the 1989 revolution some of Romania’s fiercest fighting took place here. Close by are also the University of Bucharest’s School of Architecture, the National Theatre, the Coltea Hospital and the Sutu Palace (History Museum).

Address: Piaţa Universitatii, B-dul Regina Elisabeta

Romanian Athenaeum (Ateneul Român). The superb Romanian Athenaeum is the hub of Bucharest’s musical activity. Exquisite mosaics and historical frescoes adorn the 19th century circular building, which hosts impressive orchestral concerts. Address: Benjamin Franklin 1 Street.

Museum of the Romanian Peasant. This delightful museum (Muzeul Taranului Roman) opened in 1906 and is widely regarded as Romania’s best. A veritable treasure trove of pottery, icons and clothing, it also houses the fascinating Communism Exhibition and the ruins of an 18th century Transylvanian wooden church. Address: Şos Kiseleff 3.

Jewish History Museum. This museum, situated in a stunning synagogue built in 1850, bears testament to Romania’s Jewish population.
Address: Mămulari 3 Street. Internet: www.romanianjewish.org

Old Princely Court & Church. The Old Princely Court (Curtea Veche) was built in the 15th century by Vlad Tepes, also known as Vlad Dracula. According to the legend, he kept his prisoners beneath the court! What remains today are a few walls, arches, tombstones and a Corinthian column. Here stands also Bucharest’s 16th century Old Princely Church (Biserica Curtea Veche), the city’s oldest church. Original frescoes and Wallachian architecture are among the star features in this ancient Romanian veteran. Address: Franceza 25-31 Street.

Piaţa Revoluţiei. Whilst Piaţa Universitatii saw some of the darkest days of Ceauşescu’s regime, events at Piaţa Revoluţiei heralded the beginning of a new age. This building now houses the Senate. Close by are the former Royal Palace, now home to the National Art Museum, the Romanian Athenaeum and the Athenee Palace Hotel, also the Kretzulescu Church. Address: Piaţa Revolutiei.

Parcul Carol. One of the most beautiful parks in Bucharest, designed by the French landscape architect Eduard Redont is Carol Park. There are plenty of open-air concerts in the summer, at Arenele Romane. Address: Calea Serban Vodá

The Cotroceni Palace: is a part of the Cotroceni National Museum. The Cotroceni Palace, church and monastery reflect a three-century old history that interweaves political, military, diplomatic, religious and cultural aspects, with the general evolution of Romanian society. The palace was built in the 17th century by the Prince Serban Cantacuzino. The Cotroceni National Museum exhibits a rich range of objects of art, illustrative of the Romanian decorative art. The Cantacuzino space is most suitable for organizing presentations of old art objects that can only outline the exceptional artistic accomplishments of a distant epoch. Visiting hours: 10 a.m. - 5 p.m., Tuesday through Sunday (By appointment only)

EATING

Bucharest offers a fantastic selection of international dishes. French, Spanish and Italian cuisines are all available, though sampling local fare is a must. Traditional restaurants are inspiring and offer top notch food in lively surroundings. Here are a few international and local choices.

Casa Doina. A terrace garden draws Bucharest’s most influential diners. Politicians and executives talk business over superb Romanian dishes.Address: Şos Kiseleff 4Phone: +40 21 222 6717Internet: www.casadiona.ro

Caru’ Cu Bere. Beer connoisseurs will be in their element at Caru’ cu Bere. Bucharest’s oldest beer hall dates from 1875 and sports a Dracula-esque, Gothic-style interior. Address: Stavropoleos 3-5 Street, Phone: +40 21 313 7560, Internet: www.carucubere.ro

Burebista Vanatoresc. Tuck into wild boar, venison steaks and meatballs in this rustic, cheerful tavern. Portions are large and you’ll eat surrounded by the heads of boar and deer pinned up on the walls. A hearty folk band adds to the country atmosphere. Internet: www.restaurantburebista.com

Valencia Casa Spaniola. Wash down Spanish specialties with jugs of sangria in this Mediterranean eatery. Situated in an old villa, Valencia oozes Latino charm with exciting dishes including tortillas, the best paella and delicious seafood. Address: Str Dr Leonte 12. Internet: www.valencia.ro

La Villa. With two born and bred French chefs, La Villa offers genuine French cuisine. Enjoy the gastronomic delights in a refined setting. Address: Str Al Constantinescu 65. Internet: www.lavilla.ro

De Gustibus. This Italian has got everyone talking. Serving simple but exquisite Tuscan fare. Address: Str Marcel Iancu 10. Internet: www.degustibus.ro

Balthazar. Is hugely popular with local residents. Though combining French and Thai tastes, it is the choice on the extensive wine list that really raises the stakes. Address: Str Dumbrava Rosie 2. Internet: www.balthazar.ro

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