WIZZ Guides compiled by Universal Business Media Ltd. Bucharest. Overview. Places to Visit. Arch of Triumph. page 1 / 7

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Patrick Barrett
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1 Bucharest Overview The capital city of Romania, Bucharest is the economic, industrial and cultural centre of the country. Its population of almost 2 million residing in an area of 230 square kilometres makes the city one of the largest in Southern Europe. Nicknamed in the past as Little Paris of the East much of the architecture and history that made Bucharest great is sadly no more; however there are still many hidden gems just waiting to be discovered. Culture lovers will have much to keep them busy in the city which has a wealth of museums and galleries many of which celebrate traditional Romanian life. A few good ones to check out are the Village Museum (a historical open air museum), the Museum of the Romanian Peasant (dedicated to the traditions of Romanian people) and the National History Museum (documenting the evolution of Romanian society). Art lovers head to the National Museum of Contemporary Modern Art where fine examples from Romania s art scene can be discovered. Perhaps the most famous piece of Romanian history is that of Count Dracula and his vampires. The old town area of Bucharest is home to the Old Princely Court Museum located on the site of the palace of Vlad III Dracula the ruler of the country in the 15th century and the man fabled to be Dracula. The area of Transylvania is a day trip away from Bucharest and for those brave enough to go, the famous Castle of Bran, Count Dracula s home can be visited. For relaxation head no further than one of Bucharest s wonderful parks where there is enough open space to wander away from the hustle and bustle of the city. Ice skate on the lakes in winter or hire a boat and eat ice-cream in the summer and with designated children s play areas a few hours at the park is a great chance to have some family fun. As with most European cities, Bucharest has a great variety of world cuisines to choose from when looking for something to eat. Also widely available are traditional Transylvanian restaurants serving up hearty dishes, although not for vegetarians as the more meat the better tends to be the way with Transylvanian cooking. Bucharest s old town is where visitors will find the biggest concentration of eateries and restaurants catering for all budgets. Nightlife in Bucharest is very eclectic and there usually is something happening every night of the week that will suit everyone. Clubbers love the city as there are a huge number of venues playing everything from electro to more obscure music all night long Bucharest has no licensing hours. Jazz and blues clubs are a big thing in the city and many people head out to see local and international musicians playing all over the city. If it s a not so quiet drink you re after the best place to go is the Lipscani area, full of a good mix of bars and clubs and lots of students! Recover from the inevitable hangover in one of the city s many coffee shops and sit and watch the world go by like one of the locals. Places to Visit Arch of Triumph The towering 27m high Arch of Triumph is located in northern Bucharest at the second circus of the Kiseleff Boulevard. The magnificent stone arch was preceded by two temporary wooden arches, the first hastily built when Romania gained independence in 1878 in order for victorious troops to march under it and the second in 1922 after World War I. Built and designed by Romanian artists, the arch is a recognised symbol of the great city. page 1 / 7

2 Revolution Square Originally named Piata Palatului (Palace Square) because of the location of the Royal Palace, its name was changed to Revolution Square following the 1989 Romanian Revolution. It was in the square that the mass demonstrations against Ceausescu occurred resulting in the fall of the communist regime. Now home to the Senate the square is a perfect point from which to explore the Athenaeum, the Athénée Palace Hotel, the University of Bucharest Library and the Memorial of Rebirth. Royal Palace Built in the 19th century as the Royal Court of Princes Ghica, Stirbei and Alexandru Ioan Cuza the magnificent building is now home to the National Museum of Art. Three large galleries display medieval Romanian art, contemporary Romanian art and an international collection assembled by the Romanian royal family. As well as the three permanent exhibits the museum also hosts temporary exhibitions from a wide range of other disciplines and areas. Romanian Athenaeum One of the most famous Bucharest landmarks is the Romanian Athenaeum. The stunning neoclassical concert hall was opened in 1888 and the ornately decorated dome topping the building is one if it s most beautiful features. The George Enescu Philharmonic Orchestra, a great Romanian musical institution, has been based at the concert hall since With a beautiful park featuring a statue of the Romanian poet Mihai Eminescu, the Romanian Athenaeum is a must see. Carol Park Named after King Carol I of Romania the historic park is Bucharest s most beautiful and safest city park. Visitors come not only to admire the park s scenery, but also marvel at its attractions including the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier and a mausoleum where the country s most notable Communist leaders were buried. Illuminated at night the park can be seen in all its glory with its other main attractions the Giants Statues, the Cantacuzino Fountain and the Zodiac Fountain. Parliament Palace The prominent and imposing building was conceived by Romania s Ceauşescu regime, although not finished in his time. In the Guinness book of records for being the world's largest civilian administrative building, most expensive administrative building, and heaviest building the Parliament Palace now houses both chambers of the Romanian Parliament. Built almost entirely from Romanian materials the building has still not been completed thanks to the excessive luxury of the plans and the little amount of money available. Metropolitan Church A church of the Romanian Orthodox Patriarchy, the Metropolitan Church was built in 1658 by Constantin Şerban, Prince of Wallachian. Historically important, the church was where the first Romanian language version of the Bible was printed after the Bishopric was given a printing press under Şerban Cantacuzino in Regular Events January - Romania s National Opera Season page 2 / 7

3 Bucharest s National Opera House is home throughout the winter months to some spectacular musical performance during Romania s National Opera Season. Since 1954 when the modern Opera House (as it is now) was opened, productions have included Tchaikovsky's Queen of Spades, Macbeth, Tosca, Carmen and many more international and Romanian shows. March - Old Women s Days Traditionally in Bucharest the first nine days of March are known as Old Women s Days, this coming from the fact that the weather is as changeable as a woman s moods! Sweeten her mood with a present for Martisor day a local version of St Valentines day where couples stroll hand in hand along the streets (weather permitting of course). April - Bucharest s International Film Festival Bucharest s International Film Festival is becomes more established each year, first held in 2005 it is supported by government funding. Featuring screenings, workshops and retrospectives the festival also awards three top prizes for features, fictional shorts and documentaries. May - International music festival EuropaFest Renowned international musicians from 45 countries perform each May at Bucharest s premier international music festival EuropaFest. Classical, jazz, blues and pop music are all on the menu and several of the city s top entertainment venues host concerts, competitions, master classes and more. June - Craftsmen s Fair The Bucharest Village Museum hosts the annual Craftsmen s Fair, a celebration of traditional Romanian crafts. From traditional woodcarving, rug weaving, textile weaving and embroidery to pottery moulding, glass blowing and egg painting, visitors to the fair can have a go in one of the free workshops. July - One 7 Festival A haven for clubbers the 8 day One 7 Festival is a feast of electronic music featuring top international DJ s and artists. Held in the open air venue of Arenele Romane beats play out through the warm summer nights and dancers dance till dawn. August - Bucharest City Challenge Motorsport fans flock to Bucharest for the annual Bucharest City Challenge. Attracting up to 300,000 petrol heads, the FIA GT Championship and British F3 International races sees drivers flying around the 2 mile circuit of the famous landmark; Parliament Palace. September - BCR Open Romania A top international sporting destination, Bucharest hosts the annual BCR Open Romania each September. The ATP tennis tournament sees big names compete on the clay courts for the singles and doubles top prizes which altogether total nearly half a million Euro s. page 3 / 7

4 October - Autumn Fair One of the oldest and biggest outdoor museums in Europe, the Bucharest Village Museum dedicated their annual Autumn Fair to the patron saint of Bucharest, Saint Demeter. The event features a traditional Romanian wedding complete with music, food and dancing, special costumes and a small fair. November - Romanian National Theatre Festival A melting pot of cultural treats, the annual Romanian National Theatre Festival offers visitors the chance to see one or all of the many plays put on throughout the month at various venues around the city. From Shakespearian dramas to traditional Romanian works, there is something to suit everyone. December - Christmas in Bucharest Visitors to Bucharest can get their Christmas shopping done at the Winter Gifts Festival held at the Museum of the Romanian Peasant. Featuring works from over 150 local artists the festival is an ideal place to find those unique gifts for friends and loved ones. Getting Around Bus There are hundreds of bus routes in and around Bucharest and the system can be very confusing to those unfamiliar with it. The buses are modern and comfortable however are prone to overcrowding and the heavy traffic on the road often means that travel is quite slow. Using ID pick up a contactless smart card, load it up with credit and swipe it in front of a small orange box near the driver to ride. Subway By far the best way to travel around the city, the four metro lines cover practically the entire city and are much more reliable than surface forms of transport. The trains run frequently and the metro is the safest way to travel around Bucharest thanks to heavy investment in new tracks and trains. Tickets are bought from metro stations in 2 or 10 ride strips for 2 and 7 lei respectively. Transport Times All public transport stops running at 11pm in Bucharest, every day of the week, so if planning to stay out after this time then an alternative mode of transport is a must. Tram and Trolleybus Any surface method of transport in Bucharest is slow and trams and trolleybuses are no exception, although between them and the buses most of the city is covered by one route or another. Purchasing a ticket is straightforward with most machines and kiosks located near the stops. Once on board the passengers must validate their tickets on the on board punching machine. Inspectors regularly check tickets and a fine of 50 lei can be imposed if travelling without, or without a validated ticket. page 4 / 7

5 Local Services Dentists ASCLEPIMED FACIAL AESTHETICS ART CLINIC Asclepimed is the first facial-aesthetics art clinic in Romania, unique in it s own way through a complex high class & avant-garde range of services and techniques, from dental aesthetics, reconstructions and remodeling of the maxillaries and lips, to the refined aesthetic surgery, fillers and tissue rejuvenation techniques. A Temple of the beauty, as we like to call it. Using the latest procedures, our experienced specialists will give you a stunning healthy smile and improved appearance, without the pain and fear usually associated with traditional dental and cosmetic treatment. Our specialists appreciate how a beautiful smile can make you feel better both physically and mentally. At Asclepimed we treat the whole person, not just the mouth. We pride ourselves on offering a supportive, friendly environment, where you can feel free to express your concerns, hopes and expectations. Our goal is to work in partnership with our patients so they can make informed decisions and select the treatment best suited to their needs. Asclepimed looks forward to meeting you and changing the way you see yourself and people see you. Address: 12 Dr. Grigore Romniceanu Str., 5-th Sector, Bucharest Tel: Web: Denta G International Bucharest-Romania At Denta G International our goal is to provide the highest level of patient care and dentistry in a relaxing and homely environment. We offer the latest techniques in cosmetic dentistry, including teeth whitening, dental implants. Our surgery is complimented by the latest technology in dentistry. Visit our modern practice in Bucharest. Welcome home, welcome to Denta G International. Address: Bucuresti, B-dul Carol I, nr. 37, sector 2 Tel: office@dentag.ro Web: Language Services GEST CONSULTING S.R.L. So, you intend to visit Romania. Welcome! And we are prepared to provide you assistance and local interface during your stay. We are a team of professional translators, authorized by the Ministry of Justice. We do, since 2000, translations and interpretation in the technical, legal, business fields for companies and individuals. But our services also include: airport transfer, guided tours, organizing events, booking and recommendations, so you can find the most enjoyable ways of spending your vacation and be able to achieve maximum efficiency during your business trip. Dealing with local organizations and authorities is faster and easier with our help. page 5 / 7

6 And, if you wish to enjoy a purifying holiday in the middle of nature, we can provide you accommodation in a wooden chalet, right on the shore of a mountain lake, with wonderful forests around. Address: Bucharest, Str. Pasarani No. 20 Tel: nda@gest-consulting.info Web: gest-consulting.info Casadetraduceri Address: Str. Cutitul de Argint nr. 72A Bucharest Tel: office@casadetraduceri.ro Web: Restaurants Orasul Interzis Orasul Interzis (The Forbidden City) is the first luxury & authentic Chinese restaurant in town; sophisticated but relaxed, chic but comfortable. Located in a superb old villa, in the heart of Bucharest but mend to be a descreet, hideaway place, is the perfect choice to meet your business partners or to enjoy a romantic dinner. The exotic and refined menu offered by the Chinese chefs masters is complimented with a wide world wine menu selection and tasty desserts Elegance, refinement, finesse, privacy and discretion, good taste, great dishes ; cozy and charming atmosphere on the terrace, professional service. Opened in 2009, is The Best Chinese restaurant of 2009 and Time Out Magazine Special lunch offer -20% and also Home Delivery. Ideally located walking distance from Universitatii Squeare. Reservations are recommended Our clients: businessmen, tourists, travelers, local clientele and V.I.P., they all enjoy our facilities: revolving Chinese tables, smoking/ nonsmoking area, free high speed WI-FI access, AC, CC accepted. Open- daily 12,30 last guest leaves. One visit will not be enough!! Address: Bucharest, 3 Silvestru street Tel: office@orasul-interzis.ro Web: Charme Restaurant Just in the historic center of Bucharest, tucked away on Smardan Street, Charme Restaurant seamlessly intertwines a modern cuisine with quality service. Within its modern and elegant design, flavorful, modern and beautifully presented dishes await guests. The cuisine is Mediterranean and features an exquisite menu of bold flavors and stylish sauces that certainly satisfy all tastes. Opened in June 2006, the interior design of the restaurant combines classical with modern elements charmed by the presence of modern-art paintings, leather banquettes and a very imposing bar. During the summer time, a cozy terrace waits for its clients. Take your pick of fresh salads, ossobucco, seafood and ocean fish, pasta with a choice of different sauces, beef filet and cream-soups. The Charme Concept offers you a lounge bar at the first level and a restaurant with an intimate and very elegant atmosphere at the second level. page 6 / 7

7 Powered by TCPDF ( WIZZ Guides You will convince yourselves that this is not a place where you are only served food, but also atmosphere: big smiles, delicious plates and a lot of great music! One day per week, Charme organizes live music events. PAYMENT OPTIONS: Cash, Visa, Maestro, MasterCard Address: 12, Smardan St., Bucharest 3, Romania Tel: sandraburca@yahoo.com page 7 / 7

Bucharest, Brasov, Sibiu, Poiana Brasov Mountain 8 Days 7 Nights LAND ONLY

Enjoy a 3-night all-inclusive spa package in one of the best Romanian mountain resorts Bucharest, Brasov, Sibiu, Poiana Brasov Mountain 8 Days 7 Nights LAND ONLY The Parliament Place, Bucharest Day 1 Bucharest