What city is Bucharest often confused with? Cities of Romania: Bucharest at night

Bucharest is the capital of a mysterious country that has preserved its medieval flavor combined with modern buildings. Unusual architecture, spacious boulevards, many parks - all this is Bucharest.

Bucharest was first mentioned in the chronicles of Prince Vlad the Impaler III in 1459, when a fortress was built to protect against the Turks. The city became the capital of Romania in 1862.

Residents of Bucharest speak Romanian, English and French.

In terms of population, it is the most populous city in Romania. It is here that the largest plants, factories and concerns are concentrated, as well as the best cultural sites of the country.

Holidays in Bucharest are suitable for couples and young people.

Region	Bucharest region
Population	1,678,000 people
Population density	8074.6 people/km²
	bani coin, romanian leu
Timezone	UTC+2, in summer UTC+3
Postal code
International dialing code

Climate and weather

Bucharest's contrasting temperate continental climate sets it apart from other cities in Romania. Summer in the city is very hot and stuffy, the average temperature reaches +27...+29 °C during the day, and at night +14...+16 °C. In this regard, it is better to refrain from traveling to Bucharest in August, since this month is characterized by particularly high temperatures (+32 °C).

In winter the weather is cool, with frequent precipitation in the form of snow. The air temperature ranges from -6 °C to +4 °C.

Nature

The city is located in the Lower Danube lowland, on Dymbovica River. Along the northern outskirts of Bucharest stretches a chain of natural lakes surrounded by parks and picturesque gardens.

Bucharest is the greenest city in Eastern Europe. Its parks, boulevards and Botanical Garden known outside of Romania. An interesting fact is that Bucharest extends over seven hills, just like Rome.

Attractions

In terms of the number of cultural monuments, Bucharest has surpassed many European cities. Most excursion routes are associated with the legends of Count Dracula and stories about him.

A good place to start exploring the city is Bucharest Square. In its center is the legendary Triumphal Arch . It was erected in memory of the victims of the First World War. Devi granite was used in the construction, which is considered a very rare type of granite. The arch is decorated with elegant sculptures, on which the best sculptors of the country worked. Co observation deck at the top of the arch you can see a panoramic view of Bucharest.

Not far from the arch lies Gerastrau Park. Here you can play tennis, take a boat ride on the lake, and buy various souvenirs.

Be sure to take a walk around Revolution Square: around it there are objects important for excursions.

Beautiful ancient frescoes can be seen in Creculescu churches, built of red brick.

Among the museums it is necessary to highlight Zambakyan Museum, where sculptures by Romanian masters and rare collections of paintings are presented to the attention of visitors. The museum is privately owned - it was founded by Krikoru Zambakyan, a famous art critic.

The largest building in Bucharest is considered House of the People, the height of which reaches one hundred meters. In terms of area, this building is second only to the Pentagon. The building is open daily Museum of Art.

Museum of the Romanian Peasantry is also a noteworthy cultural institution. The museum began its work in 1906. It displays ceramics and handicrafts.

Nutrition

The highlight national cuisine Budapest is considered corn porridge, which is popularly called hominy. Despite the constantly expanding range of Romanian dishes, this porridge is always in demand. In addition to mamaliga, it is customary to order kebab mich which is cooked on the grill.

The menu of local national cuisine is always changing and depends on the season.

Throughout the year you can enjoy unique fish dishes (some of which can only be tasted here), various desserts and Romanian wine. In the warm season, fresh salads are popular.

When you arrive in Bucharest, be sure to visit a gastronomic establishment called Count Dracula Club. The exclusivity of the restaurant lies in the presence of three completely different rooms: medieval, hunting and Transylvanian style. Each room has a special menu. You can taste the signature pheasants and roast made from bear paws in the hunting hall. National dishes from the Middle Ages are served in the medieval hall. And in the evenings, Count Dracula himself will entertain you here.

Family lunch can be arranged at American Beer House, located in the center of Budapest. American style, European dishes and traditional fast food attract many tourists here.

The restaurant will offer French cuisine, French champagne and wines. La Bastille.

The restaurant offers an interesting menu La Belle Epoque. In addition to Romanian dishes, they prepare French meat and aromatic Italian risotto.

It is considered a prestigious gastronomic establishment in Budapest Casa Vernescu. It always serves original signature dishes and rare delicacies.

Accommodation

There are more than 210 hotels and inns in Bucharest. You don't have to worry about where you will live. Cozy houses, comfortable temporary apartments, luxury hotels - there will always be a suitable option. However, remember: before the holidays, you need to think about booking in advance.

If you want a room equipped with a safe, air conditioning, TV, minibar and other amenities of life, you should stay in a hotel Novotel Bucharest City Center. Room prices here range from 87 to 197 €. There is also a gym, indoor pool and sauna at your disposal.

In the very center of Bucharest there is an equally convenient boutique hotel called Z Executive. The unique atmosphere will delight even the most demanding guest. Room price per night ranges from 55 to 500 €.

Five-star hotel Radisson Blu will offer you accommodation and service at the highest level. It is located in the center of Bucharest, close to the main attractions. Rooms in this hotel cost from 96 to 258 € per night.

Entertainment and relaxation

Everything is provided for relaxation and entertainment in Bucharest - the only question is what you want. Lovers of a relaxing family holiday can take a walk in the picturesque parks; many nightclubs are open here for young people; fans of various kinds of arts have the opportunity to visit the local cinemas, galleries, and museums. For shopping lovers, shopping centers and markets operate here every day.

For a walk in nature, you should choose Kismigui Park, which is a luxurious garden. It was founded back in the 19th century. Its territory is decorated with endless flower alleys, rare tree species and a picturesque lake. Walking along its winding paths will give you real pleasure.

For active rest best fit Gerastrau park. The park's landscape is great for cycling and playing tennis. Near the park there is Fair Square, where there is always a large selection of memorable souvenirs and gifts.

Nightclubs in Bucharest do not close until the morning. Several days a week at the club SkyBar Exciting themed parties are organized. The club will give you a calm, cozy atmosphere Interbelic. This is a great place to meet with friends.

Casino trips are popular in Bucharest. Considered the best casino Palace. It offers modern slot machines, roulette and table games.

Purchases

Shopping in Bucharest is considered the best in Romania, but prices are quite high. Moreover, they can be installed as in national currency, and in euros.

European quality goods await you at the Bucharest department store Unire, located in the city center. On the ground floor you will find jewelry, porcelain, costume jewelry and crystal. The upper floors sell clothing for adults and children, sporting goods, and household appliances.

Famous streets among shopping lovers are also Victoria and Bulevardul Mager streets. They will delight you with boutiques of famous brands such as Benetton, top quality sportswear, as well as designer shops.

Large shopping centers in Budapest are Mario Plaza And " Bucuresti Mall" These centers have summer sales and Christmas discounts on goods every year.

The best jewelry shops are located in the center of Bucharest. The prices here are not low, but the gold and silver are of excellent quality. The best stores are stores of Italian manufacturers from the company Cellini.

New books are sold in the store Humanitas bookstore, which is considered the best in the city.

If you want to purchase antiques, home decorations, paintings and other products from past centuries, you need to visit the store Thomas Antiques.

Excellent quality products from Romanian and Western manufacturers are sold in World Trade center. Here you can profitably buy leather, suede and fur products. Woven carpets in ethno style, as well as tablecloths, curtains and napkins, are very popular.

An excellent souvenir would be dishes from local artisans and jewelry made of clay and colored glass. Wool products and tablecloths with hand embroidery are in demand. When choosing Romanian wine as a souvenir, you should definitely try the varieties Odobesti And Cotnari. These wines are produced according to classic recipes in the oldest vineyards of the city.

Transport

Bucharest's transport network is well developed. City transport includes bus, tram, metro, trolleybus, and private taxis.

In total, the city has 119 bus routes, 19 trolleybus routes, 25 tram routes (three of them high-speed), four metro lines.

In Bucharest, you will not be able to buy a ticket from the driver, so you should take care of paying for the fare in advance. Tickets are sold at every stop. In addition, you will not find transport schedules at any stop.

For frequent trips, they sell special cards that are valid for a certain time. There are no tickets for a specific period of time. There is also no single ticket. The cheapest ticket costs 0.6 €. It will be valid for two trips.

The Henri Coanda international airport is located near Bucharest.

Connection

Hotels and hostels will always provide you with a local line and Internet. Postal services are losing their popularity, but you can always use postal services. Mobile communications operate in the GSM standard - 900/1800. Main mobile operators - Vodafone, Orange and Cosmorom. The average cost of outgoing communication on tourist SIM cards is about 0.5 €. Cosmote Romanian offers the best roaming rates (0.4 € per minute).

You can also call other countries using the card Romtelecom. They are sold in stores, post offices, train stations, and newsstands. There are denominations of 18,000, 135,000 and 300,000 lei.

Mobile Internet from 2 € per month is provided by the operator Orange. Wider range of mobile Internet services from the operator Cosmote Romanian. The card will cost you from 8.3 € per month. Vodafone Romania will provide you with Internet for 4 € per month, but the speed will be very low (7.2 Mbit/s).

Safety

The crime rate in Bucharest, compared to other cities in Romania, is slightly higher, but this is more likely due to the large population and tourists and the status of the city. To protect yourself, it is enough to follow the usual precautions, and nothing will spoil your holiday.

Business climate

Bucharest combines the economic and cultural center of Romania. The country's gross domestic product production here is about 21%.

About a quarter of the country's industrial production is concentrated in Bucharest. This city is a real industrial center.

Real estate

The real estate market in Bucharest is mostly represented by panel houses that are thirty years old. Prices for apartments in them range from 30,000 to 70,000 €.

In the last decade, Bucharest real estate has been renovated. Elite areas were built Pipera And Otoleni. The cost of apartments there is much higher. A one-room apartment with an area of ​​53 m2 costs approximately 100,000 €, a two-room apartment with an area of ​​72 m2 costs 110,000 €.

You should exchange currency at state banks, since they usually have the most favorable exchange rate and the minimum commission. Euros are accepted in shops and markets.

It is customary to leave a tip for waiters for service - 5-7% of the total amount to be paid.

When getting into a taxi, immediately agree on the cost of the trip, since many drivers here do not include specialized meters. The most expensive tariffs are offered by taxi drivers of private companies (they are marked with the letters “P” and “RO”).

If you have chosen a car as a means of transport, then it is worth considering that moving around the city during the daytime is very difficult. During rush hour, heavy traffic jams await you on the streets, and finding a parking space can be extremely difficult.

Bucharest has restrictions on smoking in public places. Almost every public institution has a special smoking area. Restaurants have a separate area for non-smoking and smoking guests. Be careful in this matter, because you may be fined for not following the rules of smoking in a public place.

Photo and video filming of bridges, port areas, and subways is prohibited. In ancient architectural monuments, photography is allowed only for a fee. You should ask about shooting conditions in advance.

One day I learned that Bucharest is called “Little Paris” and immediately decided to check this statement. Bucharest turned out to be huge and only partly similar. It seemed to me that it was similar to many cities and during my walks I discovered elements of Vienna, London, Belgrade, Moscow, Athens, Istanbul and other cities. Formed at the crossroads of Western and Eastern influences, Bucharest has its own unique charm and atmosphere.

Bucharest, as the capital of Romania, and before its unification the center of the Principality of Wallachia, has important historical and political significance. It is in Bucharest, unlike Transylvanian cities, that you can fully experience the Romanian culture and atmosphere. Walking through its streets, you have the chance to touch different eras of Romanian history.

Despite all its architectural charms and historical significance, Bucharest has a bad reputation. I even heard a joke in which a Frenchman, in response to the remark that Bucharest is small, replies: “Thank you, Lord, that this is not big Bucharest.” Many people are wary of traveling to Bucharest, describing it as ugly, dirty and unsafe. In my opinion, they are making a big mistake. The tourist areas are safe, the buildings are being restored, and what some people call ugliness, I would rather call architectural originality.

The name of Bucharest most likely comes from the word “joy”. Bucharest is often called the city of joy or the city of holidays. These names well characterize its spontaneous and lively atmosphere. There is something interesting going on regularly in Bucharest, during a casual walk in the city space you can find street concerts and contemporary art, Bucharest cafes have a unique relaxed atmosphere. The city has its own special rhythm and atmosphere, and if you feel them, you will never want to leave Bucharest.

How to get there

The most convenient and fastest way to get to Bucharest is by plane. There are direct flights from Moscow, as well as a large number of different options with transfers. By bus and train you will have to travel for a very long time and with transfers, and the price of this option is comparable to a flight. The road route, although less than 2000 kilometers, can take an unpredictably long time due to the abundance of borders crossed.

By plane

From Moscow

Romanian airline TAROM recently canceled its flights to Russia, so the only option is direct flight Aeroflot offers from Moscow. Aeroflot flies every day, departures are in the morning, the flight lasts three hours. If you buy tickets in advance, you can spend 200-250 EUR for a round trip flight.

It can be cheaper with transfers, but there are a lot of transfer options:

• Aegean offers options with connections in Athens and is one of the cheapest options. The duration of transfers on this route varies from one hour to 20 hours. The cheapest option I've ever come across costs 130 EUR. In general, prices for such a flight rarely exceed 200 EUR. You can compare them, for example, .
• Pegasus flights with transfers in Istanbul have convenient departure times and long connections (about a day, you can see). Round trip ticket prices start from 150 EUR.
• Austrian Airlines offers short connections and early morning flights on flights connecting in Vienna. Such tickets will cost more, approximately 180 EUR.
• If you don't like short or long transfers, then the best option for you is Luftganza. A flight with a four-hour layover in Munich will also cost 180 EUR.
• The LOT company has an option with an evening flight. You will have to fly through Warsaw, the price will be about 200 EUR.

From Saint-Petersburg

There are no direct flights from St. Petersburg, and options with transfers will cost more than similar options from Moscow.

• The cheapest option for residents of St. Petersburg is Turkish Airlines flights with a long overnight transfer in Istanbul. The cost of these tickets will be approximately 210 EUR.
• A little more expensive and with a thrill you can fly with AirFrance. The ticket price is about 220 EUR, and the thrill of the trip is added by an hour-long transfer at Charles de Gaulle airport.
• The LOT company offers a flight with long transfers in Warsaw for 230 EUR.
• The most convenient option is with Austrian Airlines with transfers in Vienna. What makes it convenient is the ability to choose from several options for departure times and duration of transfers (travel time from 5 to 26 hours). The cost of such tickets starts from 230 EUR.

How to get from the airport to the city?

Bucharest has two airports. The old Băneas Aurel Vlaicu airport, located closer to the city, now only accepts charters and private flights. The main international airport is Henri Coanda Airport, located in the suburban town of Otopeni, approximately 16 kilometers north of the center of Bucharest.

You can get to it in several ways:

By train

Once upon a time, Moscow and Bucharest were connected by a direct train, but now to get there by train you will also have to travel with transfers. As in the case of buses, the best option is a transfer in Chisinau. This journey will take almost two days, and its cost for a one-way journey will be approximately 110 EUR.

How to get there from the station

The main railway station is the northern station Gara de Nord. The monumental building, remarkable in itself, will instantly provide arrivals with an immersive atmosphere. The station is located away from the center. I prefer walking; you can walk at a leisurely pace in 45 minutes to an hour. You can use the metro or buses 123 and 85.

The eastern train station Gara de Est-Obor connects Bucharest with Constanta on the Black Sea coast. It is also located about an hour's walk from the center, but personally I don't like walking to the east. I advise you to use buses 85, 14 or 69.

By bus

Bucharest does not have direct bus connections with Russian cities, so the journey will take a long time and involve transfers. Among all the possible ones, a relatively convenient option is to travel from Moscow with a transfer in Chisinau. The journey will take about 40 hours. The ticket price for a round trip will be about 140 EUR. Bucharest is connected to many cities in the region (, Sofia) and Western Europe (mainly German and French). Also, for moving around the country, buses are a good alternative to trains because they travel faster and offer more non-stop options. However, the main and significant difficulty for tourists is the huge number of different bus stations, most of which are quite distant from the center. In addition, the infrastructure of the stations themselves leaves much to be desired.

I marked on the map the most frequently used stations: Filaret for buses to Chisinau, Eurolines and Rahova for departures to Western European cities, Obor for the Black Sea coast. The main rule is to pay attention to where exactly the bus departs from and budget enough time in the schedule to get there, and most importantly, get your bearings on the spot.

By car

The road route from Moscow will be less than 2000 kilometers. Travel time is about a day, you can spend one or two nights. The main difficulty and headache of this route is crossing borders. The logical, at first glance, option through Ukraine and Moldova involves crossing three borders (plus such a phenomenon as Transnistria). Therefore, I would advise going through Belarus or bypassing Moldova. This option will help you avoid not only Moldovan borders, but also the need to buy a Moldovan vignette (although it is inexpensive, only 4 EUR). In Romania itself you should also buy a vignette. It costs 3 EUR and is valid for 7 days. This cannot be done at border checkpoints; of all the options, the most convenient one is to purchase it at Rompetrol, Petrom and OMV gas stations or order it online on this website.

Clue:

Bucharest - the time is now

Hour difference:

Moscow 0

Kazan 0

Samara 1

Ekaterinburg 2

Novosibirsk 4

Vladivostok 7

When is the season? When is the best time to go

The tourist season in Bucharest is from May to September, with its peak in July. In my experience, the most pleasant time to visit is September. Among the advantages are the weather (still warm, no longer hot, not rainy), grape season, the end of the holiday season. Worth visiting Bucharest at Christmas or Easter. At this time the city is beautifully decorated and fairs are held.

Bucharest in summer

In summer the city is full of tourists, and prices, especially for housing, rise. During this period, the city will delight you with warm weather, numerous festivals and outdoor events. However, Bucharest's summer weather is not for everyone: June is rainy, while July and August can be very hot.

Bucharest in autumn

Although September, in my opinion, is the best time to travel, in general, autumn can present tourists with surprises with the weather. In October and November the city is already cloudy and gray. The golden foliage gives the city a special charm in autumn. This period is best for walks in numerous parks and the Botanical Garden.

Bucharest in spring

In spring, especially in April, the weather is comfortable for walking, and the Easter period, when fairs and folk festivals begin, gives the city a special charm. In May the temperature reaches +20°C, but it often rains in Bucharest this month. The main beauty of spring is the beginning of flowering. Like autumn, spring is a great time for a walk in the parks.

Bucharest in winter

December is a great time to visit Bucharest thanks to the holidays. Romanian Unification Day is celebrated on December 1, and the Romanian Orthodox Church celebrates Christmas on December 25. During this period, Bucharest is unforgettable thanks to the city's decorations and fairs.

In winter, the temperature in the city is slightly below zero, and snow often falls. During this period, the city is especially beautiful and has a fabulous charm, but walking a lot is already problematic. Therefore, in winter it is worth paying more attention to cafes and museums; besides, the queues at the museum will be shorter than in summer.

Bucharest - weather by month

Clue:

Bucharest - weather by month

Districts. Where is the best place to live?

In Bucharest, you should definitely live in the center (when booking through, he carefully marks this area in blue). No matter how low the price, options outside the center should be considered as a last resort. This is not a question of security, but rather of existential comfort. In the center, Bucharest resembles European cities, it is easy to get used to and adapt to it. However, further away from the center its urban features become apparent, and it is more difficult for visitors to navigate there.

• The exception is Grozăvești district, which is worth staying in if you plan to travel frequently from Bucharest by train, as it is located close to the Gara de Nord station.
• IN zone east of the center You can also find convenient and cheap options. This area has good walking and transport connections to the center.

The center itself can also be divided into zones from the point of view of choosing location.

• The most tourist options are located in Old town(indicated by the letter A): proximity to attractions. abundance of national restaurants, transport accessibility. However, prices in this area are among the highest in the city.
• North of the Old Town(zone B) you can find all the delights of a cultural center. There is good infrastructure, many events take place, but it is quite noisy. Prices are about the same as in the Old Town.
• In the direction of the red arrow prices will fall, but the development will no longer be pleasing to the eye.
• In the direction of the blue arrow begins the embassy district, where it is worth choosing housing for those who love silence more than city noise.
• In the direction of the green arrow, located between the historical center and the main station, is a quiet, cozy area that is a good compromise option if you want to see both Bucharest and the surrounding cities.

What are the prices for holidays?

Housing

Bucharest especially delights tourists thanks to its low prices. Accommodation in guest houses or apartments will cost 20-30 EUR, hotels on Booking about 40 EUR. Through various services (for example,) you can book an apartment in the center for 30 EUR, and a room for 15-20 EUR. I advise you to pay attention to hostels; they are at the highest level in Bucharest and have good ratings. A private room will cost about 20-25 EUR, and a bed in a dormitory room will cost about 8 EUR.

Nutrition

In Bucharest you can easily find cheap and tasty food. Even in the very center of the city in national restaurants, lunch can cost 10-15 EUR. In the city center you can easily find fast food for every taste (pizza, kebab, Asian cuisine). In local markets, fruits and vegetables are very cheap in season, so you can save a lot by cooking yourself.

Travel and entertainment

There are cheap taxis in Bucharest, if you follow a few simple rules when using them (more about them in the “Taxi” section). Transport, cinema, theaters and other entertainment will also be cheap. Bucharest has some of the cheapest museums in Europe - the average entrance ticket costs about 2 EUR. As in other cities, the tourism sector and entertainment are a little more expensive. The cost of excursions, for example, starts from 10 EUR per person for group excursions and 40-50 EUR for individual ones.

Many hotels and hostels offer a free Bucharest City Card, which gives discounts at major museums and some restaurants and shops. Full list discounts can be found at Please note that to activate it you must write your name and start date of use (the card is valid for three days).

Clue:

Cost of food, accommodation, transportation and other things

Currency: Euro, € US Dollar, $ Russian Ruble, Rub Romanian Leu, lei

Main attractions. What to see

I would call Bucharest a matryoshka city. In the core is the Old Town, a little provincial - the capital of the principality, with rare remains of ancient houses. Earthquakes and historical vicissitudes were not merciful to Bucharest buildings.

Around the Old Town, luxurious buildings in the historicist style open to the eye. These Bucharest streets represent what Bucharest is called “little Paris”.

The next stage is Bucharest modernist from the time of the united kingdom. After the First World War, all three Romanian principalities (Wallachia, Moldova (not to be confused with the neighboring state!) were finally united. The architecture of Bucharest of that period: austere, modernist and sublimely monumental, persistently demonstrates this political triumph.

Communist Bucharest, represented primarily by the Palace of Parliament, gives the appearance of Bucharest vaguely familiar features. The gigantomania of communist ruler Nicolae Ceausescu is still felt in urban areas.

In order to better understand the city itself and its history, you can take one of the free tours.

Top 5

• Old courtyard of Curtea Veche(Curtea Veche, Strada Franceza 25). The site is now an archaeological site and open-air museum based on a church and palace complex. This was once a royal residence. Its history dates back to the 14th century, but the key figure in this story is Vlad the Impaler (the prototype of Dracula). By his order, a fortress was built here, which became a residence. It was destroyed more than once by earthquakes and wars, and was also rebuilt. The museum that has emerged on the site provides visitors with an excellent opportunity to learn about Vlad the Impaler as a historical figure, rather than the mythical Dracula.
  
• Romanian Athenaeum(Ateneul Român, Strada Benjamin Franklin 1-3). This concert hall was built on the initiative of the Athenaeum cultural society, which included prominent representatives of Romanian culture and science. The design of the building in the neoclassical style was created in 1888 by the French architect Albert Galleron. Funds for construction were collected by subscription throughout the country.
  Music is of great importance to Romanian culture. For example, one of the key figures of the Romanian cultural pantheon is the composer and violinist George Enescu. The Philharmonic Orchestra and the International Classical Music Festival are named after him, both institutions are associated with this building. Tickets for a symphony concert cost from 9 to 15 EUR, and for chamber music concerts from 4 to 9 EUR. The program can be viewed at. Despite the acoustic qualities of the hall, I personally find it quite difficult to listen to music in it. All attention is drawn to the luxurious decoration of the hall and the huge fresco that surrounds the hall and depicts key events in Romanian history.
  
• Triumphal Arch(Arcul de Triumf, Piața Arcul de Triumf) Triumphal arches in Bucharest were erected several times in the second half of the 19th century in connection with significant events in Romanian history. All of them were temporary; after the First World War, it was decided to build a permanent monument in honor of the unification of all Romanians in 1918. The first arch designed by Petre Antonescu, built between 1921-1922, quickly fell into disrepair due to materials and weather conditions. Then Petre Antonescu created a modified project, the new arch was inaugurated on December 1, 1936. It seems to me that this is the most “Parisian” element of Bucharest; it is not for nothing that Petre Antonescu had a Parisian education. Now the Arc de Triomphe is not only a decoration of the city, but also an important symbolic place (for example, parades are held here).
  

Palace of Parliament(Palatul Parlamentului, Strada Izvor 2-4). One of the largest administrative buildings in the world for Bucharest, both a symbol of the city and an urban disaster. Built on the initiative of Ceausescu, its sheer size is reminiscent of communist times. Thousands of buildings were demolished to clear the area for this large-scale, literally megalomaniac, project. When you read, you are amazed and surprised by all the numbers: the number of architects, the number of materials used.


Visiting is possible daily from 10:00 to 16:00. A ticket to visit the palace itself costs about 6 EUR; you will additionally have to purchase tickets for the observation terrace (3.5 EUR) and the dungeon (2.5 EUR).
The building also houses the Museum of Contemporary Art (Muzeul Național de Artă Contemporană). It presents a collection of contemporary Romanian and foreign art, the entrance ticket costs 2 EUR.


• Revolution square(Piața Revoluției). This square has always had significant political significance; at one time the royal palace was located on it. and the building of the central committee of the Romanian Communist Party. The square now houses important, sometimes controversial, political monuments.
  

  Monument to King Carol the First. This equestrian statue, designed by the famous Croatian architect Ivan Mestrovic, appeared on the square in 1930 in honor of King King I, who ruled Romania from 1866 to 1914. During the communist era it was demolished and only recently restored.
  

  Memorialul Renaşterii. Dedicated to the Romanian revolution of 1989. The monument appeared on the square in 2005. Since then it has repeatedly become a victim of vandalism and criticism. Its design has been criticized as too abstract, with locals calling it "the potato of the revolution" or "an olive on a toothpick."
  

Churches and temples. Which ones are worth visiting?

In Bucharest you can also take advantage of the Bucharest City Tour bus service. The entire route lasts about an hour, you can get on and off at any of the stops, the interval between buses is about 20 minutes. A ticket, valid for 24 hours, costs about 5.5 EUR for adults, and 2 EUR for children over 7 years old.

Taxi. What features exist

In Bucharest, taxis are very cheap if you follow a few rules. Taxi drivers in Bucharest especially like to make money from tourists.

Trams

There are 23 tram routes in the city, plus one line light rail tram in the west of the city. Trams are being actively modernized. However, at the moment the trams are slow and old, but they are less crowded and crowded.

Metro

At the moment there are only four lines in the Bucharest metro, so it is easy to understand and get directions.

The trains are mostly new and comfortable, which cannot be said about the stations themselves. The M2 line will be especially useful for tourists - it connects the north and south, and therefore the main attractions along this axis. However, it is better not to use it in the morning and evening - during rush hours there is often a crowd here. The metro operates from 5 a.m. to 11 p.m. Two trips on the metro cost about 1 EUR, a day pass costs 1.7 EUR, and a weekly pass costs 5.4 EUR. In general, the metro in Bucharest is many times more comfortable transport for tourists than ground transport.

Buses and trolleybuses

There are about 85 routes in the city, both urban and suburban. To travel, you need to purchase a travel card, which should be presented to the validator upon entry. Bucharest also has a good network of night buses (every approximately 40 minutes). However, to travel at night, especially if you travel far, I advise you to call a taxi. Trolleybuses mainly connect the west and east of the city. There are 15 lines in total, some of them have new models of trolleybuses and then the journey can be quite comfortable.

Transport rental

The main international car rental companies operate in Bucharest. Most offices are located at the airport or north of the city center. First of all, for rentals in Bucharest I can recommend Avis or Sixt. You can search for offers, for example, . In large parks (Gerastrau and Tineretului) you can rent bicycles. The city also operates the iVelo system. In the parks you can rent a bicycle if you have an ID card. Renting for 1 hour costs 1 EUR, and for the whole day about 4 EUR. They also have bicycle parking lots in the city center, operating under the bike-sharing system. In order to use it you need to register on. There are several bicycle rental points in the city center; on average, renting a bicycle costs about 8 EUR per day.

Parking in Bucharest is divided into municipal and private. Municipal ones charge about 0.30 EUR per hour. Parking is paid from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.; at other times, parking is free, but there are no employees at this time, which means the parking lot is not guarded. Private parking lots are twice as expensive, but are equipped with cameras and other security features. You should not leave bags and valuables in the cabin or trunk of a parked car. In my experience, it is better to prefer a covered, 24-hour guarded parking lot.

In general, driving a car in Bucharest, especially during rush hours, is an exhausting experience. The traffic is chaotic, many people break the rules, so you should be very careful.

In the southeastern part of Romania, where the Lower Danube Lowland lies, is the main city of the country - Bucharest.

A small river, Dǎmboviţa, flows through the city, on which you will not find ships, while the full-flowing and navigable Danube lies 60 km from the capital.

The main ski resorts of Romania, concentrated on the Budge Mountains, are located at a distance of 124 km. A 300-kilometer route separates Bucharest from Black Sea coast.

The ethnic composition of Bucharest is homogeneous and is represented by Romanians. The remaining 3% comes from other nationalities, such as gypsies, who make up 1.4%, Hungarians, Jews and other nationalities. Almost the entire population of the capital is Orthodox, Roman Catholics account for 1.2%, and Muslims account for 0.5%.

In the south-eastern part of the city, not far from the Gara Nord train station, lies the neat city center. Lovers of antiquity will find the historical center near the Flower Market, on the left coast of Dymbovitsa.

It is better to start your tour of Bucharest from the train station or main metro stations. In the 19th-20th centuries, a new grandiose center appeared to the north of the ancient city streets, which became an example of the fusion of national romance, neoclassicism and functionalism. At the same time, the main highways of Bucharest appeared, connecting the northern and southern parts of the city. The street of greatest interest to tourists is Calea Victorei.

In the north of Bucharest, away from the historical center, lies Şos. Kiseleff, whose main attractions are the Arc de Triomphe and the Museum of Wooden Architecture. Signs are quite rare on the city streets, so it’s not difficult to get lost here.

In the 1950s, far from the city center, prefabricated and open-plan residential neighborhoods appeared: Floreaska, Titan (Balta Alba), Drumul-Taberei, Bucuresti-Noi (New Bucharest) and Ferentari. The city residents themselves highly celebrate the parks of Cismigiu, Freedom, August 23. In the north of the city, the most popular recreation areas are the areas located on the shores of lakes Tey, Floreaska and Herestrau.

City `s history

The first settlement on the site of modern Bucharest appeared during the Paleolithic period. However, at that time the main territory of Ilfov county was a wooded area, perhaps that is why the ancient cities looked more like small villages. Archaeologists have discovered small, scattered Dacian villages around modern Bucharest: Herastreu, Radu Vodă Damaroaia, Lacul Tei, Pantelemon and Popesti Leordeni. During excavations at Julestah and Lakul Tei, coins and jewelry from Ancient Rome were discovered, from which it can be judged that the Dacian tribes had established trade relations with the main civilization of that era.

Scientists believe that the founder of Bucharest, like most other Romanian cities, is the Vlach prince Radu Negru. Initially, this place housed ancient Daco-Roman villages, which were soon replaced by a fortress guarding the entrances to Targovishte, the former center of Wallachia.

Some of the villages around Bucharest, such as Snagov, Glina and Kazhna, were defeated by the Slavs. However, in the Middle Ages, the original founders mixed and dissolved among the Romanians.

Local residents love to tell a legend about how the shepherd Bucur once came down from the mountains with a flock of sheep and was so amazed by the splendor of the local lands that he settled here. On the banks of the Dymbovitsa River, he built a church, which became the heart of a small village. Centuries passed, and this small settlement turned into a huge city, which the locals called Bucuresti, from the Romanian word “bucuri” - “joy”.

The first written evidence about Bucharest dates back to 1459, when the representative office of the Vlach prince Vlad the Impaler was located here. After some time, the residence was replaced by the princely court. The Turks, who occupied the city in 1595, set it on fire. However, Bucharest soon rose from the ashes and began to develop at a rapid pace. In 1698, during the reign of Prince Constantin Brancoveanu, it became the capital of the country.

Throughout the 18th century, Turkish, Russian and Austrian soldiers replaced each other in Bucharest. In 1812, a peace treaty was concluded in this city, according to which Bessarabia and one third of Moldova went to other countries. In 1847, a fire broke out in the capital, depriving the city of 2,000 structures, which amounted to about 30% of all its buildings.

In 1848, the Romanian Revolution arose in the country, directed against Prince Bibescu. The result of this uprising was the occupation of the capital by the Russian army, which stood here until 1853-1854. However, Austrian troops continued to be in the city until the spring of 1857. In 1858, Bucharest became the venue for an international congress, which became fundamental in the formation of the Danube states. In 1861, the merger of Wallachia and Moldova was announced, with Bucharest becoming the administrative center.

The end of the 19th century was marked by a sharp increase in the capital's population. Europeans of that era called this city “Paris of the East,” which very accurately reflects the architecture and cultural life of this city.

The First World War did not bypass Bucharest: on December 6, 1916, it was captured by German soldiers, who left it only on November 17, 1918. At this time, the functions of the administrative center of the Romanian Kingdom were performed by the city of Iasi, but already in November 1918, Bucharest regained its title.

During World War II, the capital came under the rule of the Germans, who entered it in June 1941. Most of the city's buildings were destroyed during British and American air strikes. On August 23, 1944, a popular armed uprising managed to free itself from Hitler's rule in the country. Pro-monarchist protests throughout the country were suppressed by the Red Army on November 8, 1945, and on December 30, 1947, the country became known as the Romanian People's Republic.

Nicholas Ceausescu, who headed the country's Communist Party, ordered the destruction of the city's historical buildings, including ancient temples. Administrative buildings rose on this site, designed to make Bucharest a model of socialism.

Most of the surviving medieval buildings were destroyed in 1977 as a result of an earthquake measuring 7.4 on the Richter scale. Then the country lost 1,500 inhabitants.

In December 1989, the Romanian Revolution began in Timisoara, which soon captured Bucharest. These changes are commonly referred to as the “events of 1989.” As a result, the Ceausescu era was over. However, already in 1990, mass pickets began in the city, which were also supported by students. These protests were quickly suppressed with the help of the miners. However, following this, several more rallies took place across the country, as a result of which the Romanian government was dismissed.

Economic growth in 2000 led to Bucharest becoming a European city. Today, most of the historical areas have been restored.

Purchases

Classic Romanian souvenirs are considered to be: plum tincture tsuica, different types of wines (Murfatlar, Jidveu), bourdouf cheese and coreel cheese, various medicinal cosmetics, wooden objects and clay dishes, embroidery and knitted tablecloths, embroidered shirts.

The city's elite shops are located on Calea Victoriei street. However, Str. is of interest to tourists. Lipscani, which is located in the Old Town. It is full of small shops and gypsy street vendors. When making purchases, regardless of place, it is imperative to count the change and inspect the goods.

Almost all stores are open on weekdays from 9.00 am to 20.00 pm. On weekends they are open only in the first half and close at 13.00. Here you can find 24-hour shops that remain open on Saturday and Sunday.

Five mistaken capitals that are often confused with other cities

Some of the world's cities are so beautiful and well known that people often mistake them for the capital of the country. After all, who says that the capital should be the most beautiful and famous city in the country?

1. City of Bern and Zurich

Switzerland is a confederation of 26 cantons, most of which were fully sovereign states until 1848, when the Swiss Federal State was created. Currently, each canton has its own capital, government and constitution, and although Zurich is the largest, richest and most important city in the country, Bern is the de facto capital of Switzerland.

2. City of Brasilia and Rio de Janeiro

With its charming beach culture, fantastic carnival and picturesque natural beauty declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site, it's no wonder that Rio de Janeiro is often mistaken for the capital of Brazil. Well, it was actually until 1960, when Brasilia, a futuristic city built in the middle of the desert by architect Oscar Niemeyer and Brazilian urbanist Lucio Costa, took its place.

3. City of Canberra and Sydney

The city of Sydney and Melbourne had always competed to be Australia's foremost city, but in 1908 strong competition between the two cities eventually led to a compromise and the fully planned city of Canberra was to become the country's capital. Despite this, it was Melbourne (not Sydney) that acted as the capital of Australia until 1927, when the federal parliament moved to Canberra.

4. City of Ottawa and Toronto

The 21st century has witnessed a spirited rivalry between two wonderful and culturally vibrant Canadian cities. But surprisingly, the capital of Canada is Ottawa.

However, by the mid-19th century, both Toronto and Montreal (and even Quebec) served briefly as capitals of the united province of Canada. Everything changed on December 31, 1857, when, for strategic reasons, Queen Victoria chose the smaller Ottawa, a city located exactly between Toronto and Quebec, to become the country's capital. And it has remained that way ever since.

5. Wellington and Auckland

Although Wellington has been the capital of New Zealand since 1865, many people still mistake it for the beautiful city of Auckland, which is truly the country's largest and most populous area. Now, the debate about which of the two is better really just comes down to preference. At the same time, Wellington remains " coolest little capital in the world».

Other major misconceptions include: Ankara and Istanbul, Rabat and Marrakech, New Delhi and Mumbai, Pretoria and Johannesburg (or Cape Town), Tel Aviv and Jerusalem. It's not really a telling example, but it's still a good example of Bucharest (the capital of Romania) and Budapest (the capital of Hungary), which people always confuse with each other.

Do you know other similar situations?

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Since ancient times, the land on which modern Bucharest is located has been covered with dense oak, beech and hornbeam forests, which later became known as the Wallachian codri. The first people appeared on this territory back in the Stone Age, and in the ancient period the Thracian-Phrygian tribes of the Dacians settled here, traces of whose settlements were discovered by archaeologists in the vicinity of the Romanian capital.

In various legends, the foundation of the city is disputed by several heroes: a shepherd named Bucur, the semi-mythical Radu Negru - the first prince of Wallachia, as well as a very real character - Mircea the Old, a Wallachian governor and ruler, who expelled the Turks from his country in the 14th century. In Romanian the city is called București, and its name resembles the word “buku-rie”, meaning joy.

The first written evidence that mentions the city of Bucharest under its current name dates back to 1459 and is a charter establishing the rights of the local aristocracy to land. Under the document is the signature of the stern ruler of Wallachia, Vlad the Impaler, whose name in popular culture is inextricably associated with Count Dracula, a character in legends and traditions skillfully synthesized in the world bestseller of the Irish writer Bram Stoker. From the historical document it follows that by this time Bucharest was already the residence of the legendary Wallachian ruler. It is also known that the city walls built under Vlad the Impaler in the 15th century are not the oldest in Bucharest, and his residence was built on the territory of a fortress built a century earlier.

During the reign of Prince Vlad the Impaler, Bucharest was not the capital of Wallachia, but it was a reliable outpost in the Lower Danube Lowland, protecting Wallachia and its capital Targovishte from the persistent encroachments of the Ottoman Turks. In the second half of the 15th century, Bucharest became known as an important economic and political center, and in fact was the second most important city in Wallachia.

In the 16th century, it found itself at the epicenter of dramatic historical events, turning into an arena of fierce battles with the Turkish conquerors. In 1595, ruler Mihai the Brave defeated the enemy, temporarily expelling the Ottomans from Wallachia, but, retreating, the Turks thoroughly ravaged and burned most of Bucharest. However, the city was quickly restored, and in 1659 it became the capital of Wallachia, which by that time had already finally fallen under the vassalage of the Ottoman Empire.

In the second half of the 17th century, Bucharest actively developed, trade and handicrafts flourished here, inns were built, the first printing house opened, and the central streets adjacent to the Princely Court were built up. In 1688, Constantin Brâncoveanu, a brilliant statesman, erudite and innovator, ascended the throne. His reign was marked by the creation of a new style in Wallachian architecture, called the Brancoveanu style or Brancovean style. The works of architecture of that era are marked by the influence of both eastern architecture and the buildings of Northern Italy, and demonstrate the flowering of decorative forms. An ambitious and extremely wealthy ruler, gravitating toward a luxurious, brilliant lifestyle, built numerous residences in his vast country estates and in Bucharest itself, where at that time more than 50,000 citizens already lived, which he called not houses, but palaces, following the Western traditions. Under Brancoveanu, the central street of Bucharest, known today as Calea Victoria, was built, religious buildings were erected, the first hospital was opened, as well as the grandiose Academy at the Monastery of St. Sava, which was later transformed into the University of Bucharest.

By the middle of the 19th century, Bucharest acquired its original, unique appearance, demonstrating impressive contrasts. Brightly lit streets, elegant shops, palaces and respectable mansions coexisted here with gloomy dirty streets, real slums, where small artisans and workers lived, unaware of such benefits of civilization as sewerage and running water.

After the Russo-Turkish War of 1877-1878, the independence of the Romanian Principality was recognized at the Congress of Berlin, and Bucharest officially became the capital of this sovereign state. Twice, during the First and Second World Wars, the city was occupied by the Germans; during the last war, it was repeatedly subjected to destructive bombing by the allies of the anti-Hitler coalition, since Romania fought on the side of Germany.

From 1947 to 1989, Bucharest was the main city of the Romanian People's Republic, later of the Socialist Republic of Romania. Today Bucharest is the capital of Romania.

Population

Bucharest is one of the most populous cities in Eastern Europe. A tenth of the population of Romania lives here, and today the number of capital residents has already exceeded 2,400,000 people. More than 97% of local citizens are Romanian by nationality. The second largest population group is the Roma (1.5%), less than 1% are Hungarians, Jews, Bulgarians, Germans, Poles, Albanians, and Chinese.

About 96% of Bucharest residents profess the Orthodox religion, 1.2% are adherents of the Roman rite, 0.5% are Muslims, 0.4% are Greek Catholics.

Currency

The monetary unit of Romania is the Romanian leu (RON), equal to 100 bans. Banknotes are issued in denominations of 1, 5, 10, 50, 100, 200, 500 RON, coins - 1, 5, 10, 50 bans.

If you have euros or dollars with you, you can exchange them at one of the banks or exchange offices (casa de schimb) in Bucharest. Give preference to exchange offices that are located in hotels, large supermarkets, as well as at the airport and train station. It is recommended to exchange large amounts only in banks, and you will most likely be asked to present your passport. Receipts issued by banks and exchange offices should be kept until the last day of your stay in the country.

Credit cards from major payment systems are accepted in all major hotels, supermarkets and restaurants in Bucharest.

Safety

In the 90s of the last century, at the junction of the eras of collapsing socialism and nascent capitalism, Bucharest earned a poor reputation. Even today, despite the fact that Romania is a member of the European Union, many Europeans consider its capital a dirty and unsafe city. This attitude is well demonstrated in an anecdote in which a Frenchman responds to a comparison of Bucharest with little Paris with the words: “Thank God that Paris is not big Bucharest.” However, if we talk about the historical center and business districts, the capital of Romania is a fairly calm place; you can feel safe in the Old Town even at night.

But the outskirts of Bucharest, especially the Ferentari district, where mainly gypsies live, who are credited with close ties to crime, are indeed not the most suitable place for walking.

In Bucharest, as in any other major city, tourists should be wary of thieves. They mainly operate in transport, usually during rush hours, on the open terraces of restaurants and cafes.

Under no circumstances use the services of street currency exchangers - these are mostly scammers.

Geography and climate

Bucharest is located in the southeastern part of Romania in the center of the Romanian Plain, which lies between the foothills of the Carpathian Mountains and the Danube. It is generally accepted that the city, like Rome, was built on seven hills: Mihai Voda, Patriarchia, Radu Voda, Cotroceni, Spireus, Vacaresti, St. George. Today the capital covers an area of ​​about 228 km², which corresponds to approximately a tenth of the entire territory of the country.

From northwest to southeast, Bucharest is crossed by the Dambovita River, a tributary of the Danube, which carries its waters to the Black Sea 45 km from the Romanian capital. For several centuries, Dambovita was the main source of drinking water in Bucharest, but was often threatened by floods. Even at the beginning of the 18th century, its waters were called clean and sweet. Over time, it lost its enviable qualities, but still periodically flooded city streets. In 1986, to protect against floods, a dam was built on the river and an artificial lake was created, Moria, which is the largest in Bucharest. It is located 6 km from the center of the capital and covers an area of ​​about 246 hectares. In its northern part is the island of Lakul Moria. Volunteers planted hundreds of trees here in 2011, and today the island is a popular recreation area.

The meanders of Dymbovitsa formed a whole chain of picturesque lakes in the northeast of the city. The largest of them are lakes Floraska, Tei, and Herestrau. In the very center, surrounded by gardens and parks, is the artificial lake Cismigiu. This corner is one of the most charming in the city.

Bucharest, bordered by a necklace of lakes and adjacent forest, seems to grow out of this landscape, and the change of seasons does little to change the colorful appearance of the city. In spring and summer, as well as in early spring, its parks, flowering gardens, boulevards, and front gardens of houses look extremely attractive, and it is no coincidence that the period from May to September is considered the best time to visit the Romanian capital.

Bucharest has a temperate continental climate with fairly mild winters and hot summers. The coldest month is January (average daily temperature -2.9 °C), the warmest is July (+22.8 °C).

Spring in Bucharest comes into full force in April - this is when flowering begins and the weather becomes extremely comfortable for walking. In May the air warms up to +20...+22 °C, but it often rains this month.

June is also rainy, but in July-August the weather is usually dry and hot. During the day the air temperature can reach +35 °C.

September in Bucharest is sunny and warm (+24 °C). By mid-October the weather begins to deteriorate, the sky becomes cloudy and gray, and it often rains. In November, daytime temperatures drop to an average of +10 °C, and the amount of precipitation increases.

Winters in Bucharest are usually snowy, but the temperature only drops below 0°C only slightly. Bitter frosts are rare here.

Architecture and city districts

Several centuries ago, Bucharest occupied a relatively small area on the left bank of the Dambovita River. Today this area is called the Old Town, but this definition does not mean that ancient buildings predominate here. Actually, the architectural appearance of the historical district, as well as the entire Romanian capital, is distinguished by eclecticism and contrasts.

Almost until the mid-twentieth century, the architecture of Bucharest was dominated by French classic motifs, which is why it began to be called the little Paris of the East. Wide boulevards, as well as the most spectacular palaces and villas of the capital, are the creations of French and local architects who worked on the improvement of the city in the second half of the 19th century. The destruction brought by the Second World War, as well as the demolition of architectural monuments in the 60s and 70s, initiated by dictator Nicolae Ceausescu, destroyed part of the former beauty of the city. By order of the authoritarian ruler, many factories and industrial enterprises were built throughout the capital, including its center, and next to them - gloomy gray reinforced concrete box buildings for workers to live in.

Ceausescu's legacy - an architectural welter of magnificent pre-war structures and socialist buildings - is a distinctive feature of modern Bucharest. Sometimes it’s even difficult to imagine that behind some clumsy, bulky building a real architectural masterpiece can be hidden: an ancient temple, a boyar’s mansion or a palace.

The development plan for the Romanian capital began to take shape in the 17th century. At that time, the center of Bucharest was the Princely Court, and streets radiated from it in a radial direction. Today the capital is divided into 6 administrative sectors, designed in the form of wedges, expanding as they move away from the historical center. They are numbered clockwise, starting from the first one, located in the north of the city. Each of the sectors is divided into quarters, the main ones of which are indicated in all city guides.

• Victoriei is the area around the square of the same name in the center of Bucharest. This is one of the busiest corners of the capital, where palaces, government buildings, museums, hotels, and elegant shops are located. The street of the same name, Victoriei, stretching for 3 km, is the main and most beautiful in the city.
• Lipscani is an old street and at the same time the name of the historical core of Bucharest. Today it is a fashionable area with numerous cafes, bars, shops, and one of the centers of nightlife.
• Baneasa is a fashionable area in the northern part of the city. There are luxury residences, large shopping centers, and modern hotels here.
• Dorobanti is another upscale area, home to many expensive restaurants, as well as a number of embassies housed in elegant mansions.
• Herastrau is the largest park in Bucharest, located in the northeast.
• Pipera is a quarter where the offices of multinational corporations are located, as well as luxury residential complexes.
• Cotroceni is an elegant area with beautiful villas and mansions. The Presidential Palace and Botanical Garden are located here.
• Tei is a residential area located near Lake Tei.
• Crangasi, Drumul, Taberei, Militari are residential areas built in the western part of Bucharest.
• The civic center is an area developed at the end of the last century in the south of the capital. Here is the gigantic Palace of Parliament and a number of government institutions.

The recognized tourist center of Bucharest is the Old Town with its famous squares, churches, narrow pedestrian streets of Stavropoleos, Lipscani, Blanar, which still preserve the atmosphere and flavor of ancient centuries. The northern districts of the Romanian capital with their wide boulevards surrounded by greenery are also popular among travelers. Here you will find famous lakes and parks, as well as spectacular estate quarters where you can admire luxurious mansions and villas built in the 19th century.

Sights of Bucharest

The visiting card of Bucharest is the cyclopean building of the Palace of Parliament. This grandiose building, which causes controversial comments, began to be erected under Nicolae Ceausescu in the 80s of the last century. According to the dictator, it was supposed to become a symbol of the communist regime, but its construction served as one of the catalysts for the outbreak of popular anger that provoked the uprising in 1989.

Enormous amounts of money were spent on the construction and decoration of the interiors of the House of the Republic, as the palace was previously called. In addition, to implement this ambitious project, it was decided to demolish several ancient churches, architectural monuments, and residential buildings, which required the relocation of 40,000 citizens. Today, anyone, having paid from 25 to 45 RON, can go on a tour of the endless pompous mansions located on 12 above-ground and 8 underground floors. Tourists like to look at the luxurious halls with ceilings covered with gold leaf, decorated with marble, gilding, and stucco. In the Human Rights Hall, which occupies an area of ​​625 m², you can see a giant crystal chandelier weighing almost two tons, a pompous dining set that includes a huge oak round table and 60 oak chairs, and in the Union Hall, decorated with mirrors in marble frames, the imagination is amazing a colossal carpet weighing three tons.

The Palace of Parliament could house the residence of the Romanian Parliament itself, branches of several higher educational institutions, the Constitutional Court, museums, libraries, and restaurants. Traveling exhibitions and concerts are often held here.

The palaces of Bucharest, built in the 19th century, are very elegant and do not in any way resemble the aforementioned monstrous structure of the socialist era, which was included in the Guinness Book of Records due to its size. The extravagant but elegant Crezulescu Palace, for example, combines Baroque, Neo-Gothic, and French classicism in its architectural appearance. The Cantacuzino Palace, recognized as an architectural treasure and included in the UNESCO World Heritage List, is an example of French classics, which is complemented by neat inclusions of Art Nouveau and Rococo styles. The Cotroceni Palace, which is the residence of the President of Romania, was created in the Brancovean architectural style, which is characterized by openwork arches, light flying structures, a large amount of decor, and oriental elements. Most of Bucharest's palaces are open to the public, and many of them have museums.

Not far from the Palace of Parliament, practically hidden in the courtyards, is the beautiful and atmospheric active monastery of Antim, which is an excellent example of the use of decorative forms in architecture. Its facade is decorated with a portico with ten columns, which are distinguished by the richness of stone carvings. Window framing looks no less impressive. The monastery was founded by Metropolitan Antim Ivireanu, a major cultural figure of the late 17th - early 18th centuries.

In the center of Bucharest, some very remarkable churches from the 18th century have been preserved. Facing Victoria Street, in contrast to the new buildings, stands the Creculescu Church, erected in 1722 on the orders of Constantin Brancoveanu’s daughter, Safta Creculescu. The building is distinguished by the elegance of its forms and the skill of developing sculptural details.

One of the many churches erected under Constantin Brancoveanu is the Church of St. George, built on the foundations of an older temple from the 16th century, and therefore called the New Church. For a long time it was not known who was buried in one of the two burials located inside the shrine. Only in 1914 did scientists notice that some kind of inscription was woven into the purely ornamental pattern. It was possible to decipher it, and then it became known that under the marble slab lie the ashes of Constantin Brancoveanu himself: it turned out that his wife managed to take the remains of the ruler out of Istanbul, where he was executed.

Nearby is the Church of Stavropoleos - a true pearl of Romanian architecture of the 18th century. It was erected in 1724 by the will of the monk Ioaniky, who soon received the rank of Metropolitan of Stavropol. At the end of the 19th century, the church underwent restoration, which, however, hardly changed its appearance. The portico of the temple is supported by six columns of carved stone, and the facades are divided into two horizontal registers by garlands of flowers and leaves. The upper register is decorated with colored medallions. The church is harmonious in size and is distinguished by its amazing elegance of forms and precisely calibrated ratio of volumes.

Among the most interesting monuments of Bucharest is the Mihai Voda Church, located on the right bank of Dambovita. The temple was built back in the 15th century, and reconstructed in the 16th century under the ruler Michael the Brave. It is distinguished by its surprisingly slender silhouette and elegant decor created by alternating brick and plaster.

In the very heart of the capital of Romania is the university - an old educational institution that grew out of schools of the 17th-18th centuries. In the so-called Greek academies, teaching was conducted not in Romanian, but in Greek. At the beginning of the last century, several more were added to the main building. During one of the bombings in 1944, part of the old building suffered significant damage. After the war, restoration was carried out, but the original sculptural design of the majestic facade of the building was lost forever. Opposite the entrance to the university, monuments to outstanding figures of Romania were erected, which, in conjunction with the strict and majestic architecture of the building, form a single monumental ensemble.

Another attraction of Bucharest is the Roman Athenium concert hall, which resembles a temple in its appearance. It was built in the very center of the city in the late 80s of the last century according to the design of the famous architect Albert Galleron. Its magnificent appearance combines a Greek pediment, Ionic columns and a huge Byzantine-style dome, decorated with numerous decorative elements. The hall itself is luxuriously decorated with a huge fresco surrounding it, which depicts key events in Romanian history.

The Athenium is famous throughout Europe for its amazing acoustics and for the fact that the International Music Festival named after George Enescu, the founder of the modern Romanian school of composition, violinist and pianist, is held here every year. A symphony orchestra regularly performs here and chamber music concerts are held. Ticket prices range from 25 to 70 RON.

History buffs will be interested in visiting the open-air museum in the historical part of the city to explore the ancient princely courtyard of Curtea Veche. The remains of the residence of the first rulers of Wallachia, dating back to the 14th century, were discovered during archaeological excavations carried out in this part of Bucharest in the middle of the last century.

Museums

Curious tourists will be delighted by the number and variety of museums awaiting them in Bucharest. One of the most famous and visited - National Museum Arts of Romania, located in the former residence of the Romanian kings - a majestic and beautiful palace, built in 1812 in the neoclassical style. Its treasury contains more than 60 thousand exhibits - creations of Romanian and foreign artists and sculptors of different eras, among which there are masterpieces of the great masters of European painting.

The National Museum of Modern Art is located in the Palace of Parliament, occupying part of its western wing. Painting, sculpture, interesting installations, and video art are presented here. Getting to know fine arts You can continue at the Museum of Art Collections, the Zambatsyan Museum, and the Theodore Pallady Museum.

Among the many historical museums, the most famous is the National Museum of Romanian History, housed within the walls of a luxurious neoclassical building, formerly known as the Postal Palace and then as the Central Post Office.

You can feel how reverently Romanians treat their culture and traditions at the National Museum of Romanian Peasants. In his collection you will see objects of folk arts and crafts, original utensils, furniture, and costumes. The basis of the exhibition of the Village Museum, spread out over a vast area in the open air, is also peasant themes. There is a whole collection of three hundred houses brought from different regions of Romania.

The cost of visiting museums in Bucharest is approximately the same - about 10 RON.

Gardens and parks

Bucharest is especially charming because of its landscaped gardens, blue lakes and parks. The largest of the parks, or rather, an entire park complex, is located south of the center of the capital. It was opened in 1906 and subsequently received the name of Freedom Park and Karol Park. The park area project was created by the French landscape architect Edouard Redon. The park is surrounded by greenery and is a great place for leisurely walks.

Not far from the city center, but already from the north, is the Cismigiu Garden. It is half the size of Freedom Park, but no less beautiful. Until the beginning of the 19th century, there was a swamp here, which was drained in the 30s by order of General Kiselev, the head of the Russian imperial administration in the Romanian principalities, who decided to develop a city garden in this place. The Cismigiu Garden first received guests in 1860. There are many picturesque corners here: lakes; fountains; a terrace of roses - red and white, tea and pink, filling the air on summer days with the finest aroma; The Roman Circle is a circular alley where sculptures of outstanding Romanian poets and writers are located. In the garden it is pleasant to stroll along secluded paths, go on a boat trip on the lake, rollerblade, drink coffee and have a snack in one of the nice cafes or restaurants with an outdoor terrace.

Another magnificent park in the northern part of the capital, Herastrau, is located on the shores of the lake of the same name, favored by handsome black swans. This is where the ethnographic Village Museum is located. In addition, the garden has a summer theater, exhibition pavilions, and a boat station from which pleasure boats depart. Here, vacationers will find many open-air cafes and miniature restaurants, and in winter there is an ice skating rink.

Fans of an active lifestyle can have a pleasant time in Tineretului Park. There is one of the best jogging tracks in Bucharest, a playground with attractions for children, and you can rent a bicycle. Good children's playgrounds can also be found in Izvor Park, not far from the Palace of Parliament.

Near the Cotroceni Palace, on a hill, lies the Bucharest Botanical Garden, occupying an area of ​​about 17 hectares. More than 10,000 plants grow here, including rare ones and those that are on the verge of extinction. The garden is divided into zones with rose gardens, sectors with conifers, palm trees, orchids, magnolias, irises, and medicinal plants. A visit to the Botanical Garden will cost you a symbolic amount - 5 RON.

Shopping

The main shopping streets of Bucharest are Calea Victoria, Calea Mosilior, Calea Dorobants. Many shops are also located on the boulevards that cross Piazzale Roma. Here you can find an assortment of goods that can be found in any European capital, but at sales prices in Bucharest are much more attractive, and for a very reasonable price you can completely update your wardrobe.

To get a feel for the city and buy something authentic, go for a walk through its markets, they are located on Obor, Dorobantsilor, Amzey squares. The latter is where the main food market of the Romanian capital is located. Here, check out the cute Cat Work store, where you can buy original women's clothing and accessories, which are made in very limited quantities.

In the Old Town, in the Lipscani quarter, it is interesting to visit the glassblowing workshops. They are located opposite the National Bank. Traditionally, tourists buy Gale vases here with remarkable relief decoration, which are made in an ancient way. Another popular Romanian souvenir is local porcelain and elegant wicker baskets. There is an antique fair in the Old Town, where handmade artists sell cute jewelry, and you can also find antique items.

If you are interested in original embroidered homespun items made by Romanian craftswomen, dolls in folk costumes, traditional Romanian utensils, head to the National Museum of Romanian Peasants. In addition to these things, in the museum shop you can buy delicious souvenirs: Romanian wine, plum liqueur - tsuicu, Kashkaval cheese or a very spicy Burduf cheese that smells of pine. It is made from sheep's milk and aged in pine bark.

Cuisine of Bucharest

The capital's cuisine is not much different from Romanian cuisine in general. It is characterized by simple, but tasty and satisfying dishes, such as mamalyga - a thick porridge made from corn flour, which is served as a side dish for meat, chorba cream soup, miniature lamb or beef fried sausages mititei, shish kebab mich, and the dessert delicacy papanashi. This entire assortment can be found in the establishments of the La Mama restaurant chain scattered throughout the city. A hearty lunch here will cost approximately 25 RON.

One of the most popular restaurants among Bucharest guests is Cara cu Bere. It is located in the pedestrian area of ​​the Old Town, near the Stavrapoleos Monastery. The best dishes of Romanian cuisine are presented here at quite reasonable prices, although they are higher than the city average - 45-60 RON per person. The restaurant boasts a 150-year history and authentic interiors. In the evenings, fiery folk music is played here and folk dances are performed. During the tourist season, reservations should be made in advance.

We recommend trying traditional delicacies at affordable prices (from 20 RON per person) in the Beraria Gambrinus and Clubul Taranului restaurants.

Bucharest has many cafes and restaurants serving Italian cuisine, where you can always treat yourself to pizza, pasta, ravioli, and risotto. Judging by the reviews of gourmet travelers, the best pizza in the city for just 5 RON is sold in the Latin Pizza restaurant, which is in the very center of Bucharest, near a copy of the Capitoline Wolf sculpture. It is always fresh, and its size is simply huge. French, Hungarian, Greek, Spanish, Mexican, Turkish, and Chinese cuisine are also popular in the city.

Bucharest's national fast food is represented by pretzels and donuts, which are called corigi and gogosi, respectively. They are prepared in mini-bakeries literally at every turn. Cost - from 1 to 5 RON depending on the filling. Those who want to treat themselves to more filling fast food can check out one of the popular establishments that sell kebabs and falafel. One serving will cost approximately 6 RON.

Where to stay

In Bucharest, you can stay in a modern, comfortable hotel, or in a hotel whose appearance and interiors reveal its socialist origins. Accommodation prices in the capital of Romania largely depend on the distance of the hotel from the center. However, no matter how low the price, it is not advisable for tourists to stay far from the central areas - this is a matter of comfort and urban features of Bucharest, and besides, it is quite difficult for visitors to navigate there.

Preference should be given to areas located in the Old Town, as well as to the north of the center. On average, for a double room in a three-star hotel you will need to pay from 300 RON, in a four-star hotel – from 400 RON, in a five-star hotel – from 800 RON per day.

In Bucharest, there is the possibility of accommodation in boarding houses - family mini-hotels with all amenities and a welcoming, homely atmosphere.

You can stay in the vicinity of the capital by renting a guest house or apartment from 80 to 120 RON per person per day. You will need to pay approximately the same amount for accommodation in motels - they are equipped at the entrance to Bucharest. There are quite decent hostels in most areas of the Romanian capital. You can rent a private room by paying from 100 RON, a bed in a shared room will cost 8 RON.

Transport

The public transport system in Bucharest is well developed. Here you can travel on modern comfortable buses, trolleybuses, and trams. The cost of one trip is 1.30 RON, a daily pass will cost 8 RON, a weekly pass will cost 17 RON. The fine for traveling without a ticket is hefty - 50 RON. Ground transport operating hours are 05:00-23:00.

The capital's metro has three lines and operates from 05:00 to 23:30. To travel you will need magnetic cards; they can be purchased at the kiosks at the entrance. The cost of two trips is 4 RON, ten - 15 RON. It is convenient to buy a daily ticket with an unlimited number of trips for 6 RON.

During the warm season, it is quite convenient to get around Bucharest by bicycle. Many areas have excellent bicycle paths with fences, markings, and bicycle traffic lights. Bicycles can be rented in parking lots at the parks, the cost is 20 RON for 2 hours. Some hotels provide bicycles to guests free of charge.

Tariffs for state taxis in Bucharest are quite affordable - from 1.4 RON/km, all of them are equipped with meters, you can distinguish them by the “checkers” on the side door. Private taxis have the letters “P” and “RO” on their roofs. As a rule, they do not have meters installed, and you should agree on the price with the driver in advance. Depending on the time of day, the price can reach up to 3.5 RON/km.

To feel free to move around, you can rent a car. It is convenient to do this directly at the airport upon arrival or at the hotel. Offices of rental companies, international and local, also operate in the city center. Daily rental of an economy class car - from 45 RON, executive - from 100 RON.

It should be taken into account that traffic in Bucharest is quite intense, and the road infrastructure is not yet up to par. Parking may be difficult due to limited spaces, especially during high season. Cars here are often parked right on the sidewalks, lawns, and even on the far right lane of the road. Large, organized, guarded parking lots are, as a rule, only available at large hotels and shopping centers. Parking cost is 2-7 RON/hour. The parking lots are not equipped with parking machines, so you need to pay in cash with representatives of the service companies.

How to get there

16 km from Bucharest, in the suburb of Otopeni, is the international airport. Henri Coanda. It accepts flights from most countries in Europe and the Middle East. Direct communication between Moscow and Bucharest is carried out by two airlines: the domestic Aeroflot and the Romanian Tarom. Planes take off from Sheremetyevo airport. Flight time is about 3 hours, cost is 200-250 euros (with a return ticket). A flight with transfers will be cheaper, and there are many such options. Most low prices offered by Air Moldova (transfer in Chisinau), Pegasus and Turkish Airlines (transfer in Istanbul), Aegean (transfer in Athens).

There are no direct flights between St. Petersburg and Bucharest yet. You can fly to the capital of Romania from here with transfers in Vienna, Paris, Warsaw, Istanbul. The last option is the most attractive in terms of price – from 210 euros.

You can get from the airport to the center of Bucharest by bus, train or taxi. Bus number 780 (06:00-24:00) will take you to the main train station Cara de Nord, bus number 783 (24 hours a day) takes travelers directly to the city center - Uniria Square. The bus stop at the airport is located opposite the arrival terminal; tickets are also sold here, which need to be validated in the cabin. Their cost is 3.50 RON.

If you wish to travel from the airport to Bucharest by train, which may be advisable due to frequent traffic jams entering the city, use the free shuttle that will take you to the train station, which is 2 kilometers away. From there the train takes 40 minutes to Cara de Nord station. Ticket price is 6 RON.

Near the exit from the terminal there is a taxi rank - public and private. You can get from here to Uniria Square by paying from 30 to 80 RON. The price depends on the time of day and the status of the car company.

Traveling by train from Moscow to Bucharest is long (about 2 days) and inconvenient, with a transfer in Chisinau. A bus trip through Chisinau will take the same amount of time.