BUCHAREST CITY GUIDE

Transcription

1 BUCHAREST CITY GUIDE

2 BUCHAREST The capital municipality, cultural, industrial, and financial centre of Romania. It is the largest city in Romania, located in the southeast of the country, lies on the banks of the Dambovita River, less than 70 kilometres north of the Danube River. Bucharest was first mentioned in documents in It became the capital of Romania in 1862 and is the centre of Romanian media, culture and art. Its architecture is a mix of historical, interbellum, Communist-era and modern. In the period between the two World Wars, the city's elegant architecture and the sophistication of its elite earned Bucharest the nickname of "Little Paris" (Micul Paris). In recent years, the city has been experiencing an economic and cultural boom. 1

3 CONTENTS GO THERE FOR WHEN TO GO BASICS GETTING AROUND WHAT TO SEE WHERE TO STAY WHERE TO EAT WHERE TO DRINK WHERE TO DANCE WHERE TO GET PAMPERED WHERE TO SHOP

4 GO THERE FOR UNEXPECTED ROMANIA The best preserved medieval towns in Transylvania (Brasov, Sibiu, Sighisoara). Beautiful frescos of the painted monasteries in the north(moldova & Bucovina). The land of wooden churches with tall spires and shingled roofs in Maramures. Unique mix of architectural and cultural heritages in the history (Timisoara, Arad, Oradea). The amazing wildlife of the Danube Delta, the ancient port of Constanta and the seaside resorts stretching along. FOOD & WINE Romanian cuisine has a great variety of influences like: ancient greek, roman, saxon, turk, slavic and magyar. The main ingredients used by Romanian chefs are meats such as pork, beef and lamb, fish, vegetables, dairy products and fruit. Romania is one of the world's top-ranking producers of numerous delicious wines, some of which never leave its borders. SHOPPING Shopping in Bucharest is an experience not to be missed out. There are plenty of shopping centers, open-air markets, fashion boutiques and stores, antique, art and souvenir stores, malls and bookstores which cater for a large range of shopping tastes and needs. THE GREAT OUTDOORS Many beautiful touristic spots in Romania can be considered hidden places, as often they re not advertised. If you re willing to travel you may find here the unexpected: ancient & medieval castles, isolated villages, a delta inside the city of Bucharest, rupestral churches, glacial lakes or spectacular waterfalls. 3

5 WHEN TO GO AUTUMN George Enescu Festival Wine Tours Mountain hiking During this season the temperatures are high, the days are sunny and the sweaters are often replaced with swimsuits. September looks like an extension of summer with up to 30 Celsius degrees throughout the day. Only after mid-october, autumn takes root and the temperatures begin to drop quite suddenly. Therefore, fall is the season to start preserve vegetables, make pickles and prepare all kinds of jams, compotes, juices, sauces and stews for the winter. WINTER Christmas Shopping Skiing in Poiana Brasov The last slow steam train Mocanita Romania is a land of many traditions, especially during the cold season. It s a truly amazing place to spend Christmas.You will see lovely groups of children singing carols from door to door, various eccentric habits, and you ll eat mouth-watering dishes. Some of these customs and traditions are old, unusual and authentic, others borrowed from overseas, but together they dress up Romania in bright holiday clothes, offering it an identity and a special charm.. SPRING Bird-Watching in the Danube Delta Dracula s Castle Easter Traditions The 1 st of March is the first day of spring in Romania. We call it Martisor and we celebrate it with snowdrops, traditional gifts, plenty of joy and dinners downtown. It is a bustling, but very special time of the year, when every city, town and village in the country is brought to life by heaps of colorful stalls selling the so-called Martisoare.. SUMMER Sea side parties Music Festivals Bucharest Nightlife Summer (June to August) is an obvious time to visit the country for beach fun on the coast of Black Sea and for hiking and mountain biking in the Carpathians; all tourist facilities are open then and the weather is absolutely great. 4

6 BASICS Telephone Code: +40 Emergency: 112 (for police, fire or ambulance) Official Languages: Romanian Currency: Ron Time: Bucharest(UTC +2) Electricity: The standard electrical voltage in Romania is volts, so you will need an electrical converter for your 110-volt appliances and electrical equipment. RESTAURANTS AND SHOPPING How much is it? cat costa? Cheque please? nota, va rog Too expensive prea scump Where is the toilet? unde este toaleta? Do you have any? - aveti.. GREETINGS How are you? ce mai faci? Good morning buna dimineata Goodbye la revedere Excuse me/thank you scuze/multumesc My name is numele meu este.. I don't understand nu inteleg TAXI TALK Turn left la stanga Turn right la dreapta Straight on - inainte Stop here opriti aici Faster mai repede Slower mai incet Tipping: Most bars and restaurants don t include the service charge in the bill; if the services was good, you may leave 10% or even 20% of the bill. You may also leave the change to the taxi driver. Survival Skills: Bucharest is one of the safest cities in the world you should be fine wherever you go. It s better to keep your bag close and keep an eye on your belongings when in crowds. Even at night, the city is, for the most part, very safe. 5

7 GETTING AROUND FROM THE AIRPORT When arriving, use the cab ordering device. It will issue a ticket detailing the cab company, number and time until arrival. The fare must be below 2 RON/km. Alternatively, you can also use the Black Cab, a premium taxi services which can be ordered via app, website or phone. There are two express bus lines 783 and 780 which can be taken directly from the terminal to downtown or to the train station. TAXI The easiest way to order them is via app like Clever Taxi or Star Taxi. They will detect your location with varying degrees of accuracy and need just a couple of minutes to show. Once again, Black Cab is the premium alternative. SUBWAY Available between 05:00-23:30 daily. There are 5 lines but the most frequently used is the north to south M2. Fares: 4Ron/2trips. PUBLIC TRANSPORT The local public transport (RATB) runs street-level transportationbuses, trolleybuses and trams- and this is a great way of getting around. Day buses run from 5AM to 11PM when some night buses take over. Tickets must be purchased in advance and validated upon boarding. 6

8 WHAT TO SEE IN BUCHAREST HOUSE OF THE FREE PRESS An impressive edifice standing in the northern part of the city, since 1956, Casa Scanteii (as it is still universally known) housed almost all of Romania's capital printing presses and headquarters of print media companies. Today, it carries out much the same function but the southern wing is now the home of the Bucharest Stock Exchange. ARCH OF TRIUMPH Initially built of wood in 1922 to honor the bravery of Romanian soldiers who fought in World War I, Bucharest's very own Arc de Triumph was finished in Deva granite in An interior staircase allows visitors to climb to the top for a panoramic view of the city. THE ATHENAEUM OLD HISTORICAL CENTER The work of French architect Albert Galleron, who also designed the National Bank of Romania, the Athenaeum was completed in 1888, financed almost entirely with money donated by the general public. Renowned worldwide for its outstanding acoustics, it is Bucharest's most prestigious concert hall and home of the Romanian Phillarmonic. A once-glamorous residential area, the old city centre is now slowly being refashioned into an upscale neighborhood. PARLIAMENT PALACE Built by Communist Party leader, Nicolae Ceausescu, the colossal Parliament Palace (formerly known as the People's Palace) is the second largest administrative building in the world after the Pentagon. When construction started in 1984, the dictator intended it to be the headquarters of his government. Today, it houses Romania's Parliament and serves as an international conference centre. 7

9 WHAT TO SEE IN BUCHAREST METROPOLITAN CHURCH Set a top of one of the city's few hills, known as Mitropoliei, the Metropolitan Church has been the centerpiece of the Romanian Orthodox faith since the 17th century. The Byzantine interior, containing the most dazzling of the city's iconostasis, as well as a couple of exquisitely carved side altars, bestows great beauty on the services presided over by the Romanian Patriarch. STAVROPOLEOS CHURCH Built in 1724 by the Greek monk Ioanikie Stratonikeas. Featuring a combination of Romanian and Byzantine architecture, it has a beautiful façade and a delicately carved columned entrance. Surrounded by a peaceful garden, it is an architectural jewel, with beautiful frescoes and wood-painted icons. The mass (in Romanian) is worth viewing if you can find room in this small and cozy church. ST. JOSEPH S CATHEDRAL Constructed in red brick between 1873 and 1884, this Roman Catholic cathedral is an architectural masterpiece combining both gothic and Roman elements. Organ recitals are held every week. 8

10 WHAT TO SEE IN BUCHAREST ART COLLECTION MUSEUM Founded in 1978, the Art Collections Museum, a branch of the National Art Museum, houses private collections donated over the course of time. Collections include European as well as Oriental art works. ROMANIAN PEASANT MUSEUM Opened in 1906, the museum features the richest folk art collection in Romania, with over 90,000 artifacts that trace the colorful and diverse cultural life of the Romanian people. In one of the galleries, you can see a wooden church and in another, a wooden peasant house. Four more wooden churches stand in the outdoor museum area. In 1996, the museum was named European Museum of the Year. Visitors can buy regional handcrafts and textiles in the museum's extensive gift shop. VILLAGE MUSEUM Founded by royal decree in 1936, this fascinating outdoor museum, the largest in Europe, covers some 30 acres on the shores of Lake Herastrau in Herestrau Park. It features a collection of 50 buildings representing the history and design of Romania's rural architecture. 9

11 WHAT TO SEE IN BUCHAREST CISMIGIU GARDEN Cismigiu is Bucharest's oldest park and a great place to stroll and enjoy a break from the hectic city. Set amid green lush lawns and winding paths, the park offers a lake with rowboat rentals, a beer garden, a playground for children, a chess area for amateurs and plenty of park benches for relaxing and people-watching. CAROL I PARK This large park is one of the most beautiful in the city and contains a massive monument that once housed the remains of communist leader Gheorge Gheorghiu Dej, as well as the eternal flame that marks the grave of the Unknown Soldier. HERASTRAU PARK Spread over some 400 acres, from the Arch of Triumph to the Baneasa Bridge, the park is home to numerous attractions, including a boat rental complex, tennis courts, and a rather old-fashioned fairground. In the summertime, many terraces open up on the shores of the lake. 10

12 WHERE TO STAY HOTEL EPOQUE***** (boutique) 17C Intrarea Aurora Street, Bucharest K+K HOTEL ELISABETA**** 26 Slănic street, Bucharest VILA PARIS **** 58 Paris street, Bucharest 11

13 WHERE TO EAT LOFT RESTAURANT & LOUNGE Metropolis Center Bucharest, LOFT is more of a restaurant than a lounge but it manages to be great as both. Cuisine: Asian Fusion, French, Seafood, Steakhouses, Sushi Bars and Vegetarian. Chef is Charles Lee from London. ARGENTINE STEAK & SUSHI Nordului 7-9, Bucharest, Boutique restaurant located by Herastrau Lake. Fusion cuisine (especially steaks & sushi) 18 LOUNGE Presei Libere Square 3-5, 18 th Floor, Bucharest Named after its floor number, 18 invites you with a unique blend of cuisine, music, design and a stunning view of the city skyline ISOLETTA Nordului 7-9 Bucharest The restaurant is typically Italian and proposes a vast culinary offer, considered to be the best fish and sea food kitchen in Bucharest. CARU CU BERE 5 Stavropoleos, Old town, Bucharest Caru cu Bere is a must-see destination in Bucharest. The restaurant is a genuine celebration of the beer culture in one of the oldest breweries in Bucharest. The menu features many traditional dishes such as bean soup, mix grill and a Romanian cheese platter. VACAMUUU Calea Floreasca 111,Bucharest Watch out vegetarians, this is Bucharest s foremost meat eatery, and the city s most famous steakhouse. 12

14 WHERE TO DRINK SALON GOLESCU 17, Nicolae Golescu street, Bucharest Cocktail bar situated in midtown Bucharest at a walking distance from Hilton and Radisson. Premium quality spirits, tapas, eclectic design, jazz music. Every Thursday and Sunday - live jazz, soul & blues concerts. LA BRASSERIE BISTRO & LOUNGE Nordului 7-9, Bucharest La Brasserie is the perfect place for a business lunch, romantic dinner or a night out with friends. Live music and dance every Wednesday & Friday. LOFT LOUNGE Metropolis Center Bucharest Exquisite yet friendly. Great food by French Chef, amazing wine list, fancy dinners and wild parties. Saturday night with live music and dance. 13

15 WHERE TO DANCE AGO Soseaua Nordului 7-9, Bucharest FRATELLI STUDIOS Glodeni, 1-3 Bucharest Every Thursday, A G O Restaurant hosts some of the most creative and unconventional parties in town The best concert venue, where live music feels like home. Great for corporate events too. GAIA BOUTIQUE CLUB Tarmului 19, , Bucharest BOA CLUB Kiseleff Bucharest The place to be for fashion and fashionable people! Careful design and decor, best sound and lighting, superstar DJs and artists, stunning live performances and the best clientele. 14

16 WHERE TO GET PAMPERED IDA SPA 77 Laguna Albastra street, Corbeanca, Ilfov Beautiful Garden Spa only 10 minutes driving away from Bucharest. PESCARIU SPA & SPORT 1-3 Glodeni street, ,Bucharest BEAUTY DISTRICT Nodului avenue, Bucharest SHISEIDO SPA 14,Jandarmeriei street, Bucharest 1 This is the place where you can spend all day, either practicing your favourite sport ( tennis, swimming, aerobics, cycling, squash, fitness, football) or relaxing (spa, massage) without worring about your child (Baby-parking). During the summer you can have access to the largest and most luxurious outdoor swimming pool in Bucharest. The salon will offer top quality haircuts and hairstyling, make-up and nail care as well as an array of additional services: gift cards, on-set assistance for photo shoot and events, wedding beauty packages and custom corporate seminars. Beauty District was founded by Alexandru Abagiu, the world-renown make-up artist. The 1 st Shiseido Spa in Eastern Europe. Completed with therapy suites, energy pool, chill relax spaces, Hammam, sauna and steam rooms, green tea terrace bar, intimate sundeck, hair and beauty salon, art gallery and, of course, the pilates and yoga. 15

17 WHERE TO SHOP THE PLACE CONCEPT STORE Calea Victoriei 83-85, Bucharest Cloths shop. The place to give. The place to love. The place to be: Marni, Oscar de la Renta, Alexander Wang & many more. VICTORIA 46 Calea Dorobantilor , Bucharest The first department store fashion, lifestyle, beauty & gourmet in Bucharest. Laduree, high fashion Victoria 46 selection, Wolford corners, La Martina, Azay, Laura8, Paisi & more MARRIOTT SHOPPING GALLERY Calea 13 Septembrie 90 Bucharest, VICTORIEI AVENUE Valentino, Luis Vuitton, Cavalli, Beautik, Ermanno Scervino, Rolex, Vionnet Gucci, MaxMara, La Perla, Burberry AFI PALACE MALL Timisoara Blvd. Calvin Klein, Gant, Samsonite, Kultho, Tommy Hilfiger BANEASA SHOPPING CITY 42, Bucuresti Ploiesti avenue Cellini, Brooks Brothers, Agent Provocateur, Collective, Gerard Darel. 16