Home Help for a tourist Bucharest is a city you don't want to return to. Cities of Romania: night Bucharest What Bucharest is confused with

Help for a tourist

Bucharest is a city you don't want to return to. Cities of Romania: night Bucharest What Bucharest is confused with

I lived in Bucharest for about a week, and during these days I walked around with a camera almost the entire city center, and also visited the outskirts of the city in. If we talk about general impressions of the city, then I didn’t like Bucharest at all, it contrasts very much with the rest of Romania, differing from it not for the better.

So, in this post - a story about Bucharest, as I saw it in the fall of 2016.

02. First, a few words about the architecture of the city. Many consider the architecture of Bucharest to be something outstanding, but I did not like it - perhaps it is the poor condition of the buildings, as well as a mixture of architectural styles. In some places in the city there are beautiful old buildings in the Art Nouveau or eclectic style:

03. But most often they are adjacent to nondescript buildings from the time of Ceausescu, because of which they somehow get lost and fade. Typical buildings from Ceausescu's time look like this, like the house in the middle of this shot - a narrow strip of open balconies in the middle of the building and the obligatory arcade or rotunda on the roof.

04. Here are also very characteristic Romanian projects - a colonnade on the ground floor, a large number of balconies, roof add-ons. These projects are still nothing, but often the buildings of the 70s of construction look nondescript and shapeless.

05. Another city problem is the external condition of buildings. Look, this is a rather interesting building, but at the same time pay attention to the state of the building - it has not been cleaned and plastered since the time of Tsar Pea.

06. The windows of my apartment overlooked the United Nations Square - one of the central squares of Bucharest. The area is built up with quite interesting buildings - on the left is a post-war project, and two buildings to the right are old, pre-war ones.

07. The same buildings from a different angle. The architecture is expressive, but very quickly boring to the eye due to the abundance of non-functional details. The general feeling of the architecture of Bucharest can be compared with the taste sensations of Chinese fast food - at first it seems delicious, but on the third day it becomes terribly boring.

08. And this is what typical residential buildings look like away from the city center. The projects are similar to those in Minsk, except for the height of the windows – windows in Romanian buildings are very small, often no more than a meter high.

09. Perhaps, most of all, I liked some buildings of the interwar period from urban architecture - they bear the features of typical Romanian projects, but at the same time they look strict and stylish - for example, this hotel building with very beautiful rounded balconies.

10. Surprisingly, such a beautiful hotel almost in the very center of the city is now abandoned, and abandoned for a very long time - small trees even managed to grow on the balconies. I hope that in the end there will still be an investor and restore such a wonderful building.

11. And even more or less good stand-alone pre-war buildings look - some projects are reminiscent of Lviv and Vienna.

12. Another of the architectural interests - in Bucharest there are many buildings reminiscent of Russian pre-revolutionary projects, but here they were built in the period of 20-40s. In fact, those architectural styles, as well as building codes and regulations that disappeared in Russia (and the countries of the former USSR) in 1917-1918, continued to exist here until the 1940s.

In Bucharest, you can often find a house built in the 1930s, which at the same time will resemble a Russian pre-revolutionary one - with a huge entrance, spacious multi-room apartments and 4-meter ceilings.

13. At the same time, like other buildings in the city center, many of these houses are in poor condition. Here, for example, is the entrance of a beautiful house of the 1930s - the doors are wide open, the entrance is literally pissed, there are puddles on the floor.

14. And this is what the courtyard of the house looks like - apparently, garbage is thrown right out of the windows.

15. And in some places, the inhabitants of this house attach some unimaginable structures to the windows. What is this? A greenhouse, a warehouse for seaming, a chicken coop?

16. It is a pity that such a beautiful house is in such a state ...

17. Bucharest is literally a city of contrasts. Here, on the left side of the frame, is a very coolly restored building - with restored stucco, new wrought-iron balconies and wooden windows. And right there on the right - terrible ruins, from where it pulls with many years of dampness and decay.

18. Or, do you see a beautiful and clean lane in which everything sparkles, there are cafe tables and people relax?

19. It is worth taking literally 10 steps back, as you will see an abandoned building with black windows and everything painted with clumsy "tags". Optionally, a bum can sleep on the porch - the neighborhood of brilliance and poverty here does not surprise anyone.

20. But such a dump can be on the corner of the house, after 5 meters from which there will be an entrance to an expensive restaurant.

21. The examples of the urban environment of Bucharest clearly show how the "broken windows rule" works. For those who do not know what it is, I will briefly retell that the spitting and filthiness of the environment tends to increase, as people unconsciously begin to perceive this as the norm. For example, at a stop littered with cigarette butts, a cigarette butt will be thrown to the ground even by someone who, under other conditions, would have brought it to the trash can.

Here is a good example - there is some old electrical cabinet. The cabinet has not been painted for a long time, it has peeled off and covered with dirt. Then someone opened the doors and tried to tear off the “dangerous voltage” sign, which made the cabinet look even more crumpled. And now everyone perceives the closet as a garbage dump - abandoned cigarette butts and cups begin to appear around.

22. Here's another good example - a car drove into the decorative side of the fountain in the city center, breaking the barrier and leaving fragments of the bumper. Nobody removed the garbage, and now empty bottles and cigarette butts are already starting to appear around - everyone began to perceive this place as a garbage dump.

23. And here is another example - an old telephone booth. At first, they covered her with ads from head to toe, then they knocked out glass. Someone threw a couple of gobies and cups, and now the booth has turned into a real garbage dump, where they literally bring bags of garbage. And nearby, crooked scribbles of "tags" began to appear on the wall.

24. What is interesting is that people do not litter everywhere, for example, quarters in the center, in which order and cleanliness are maintained. In such an environment, people are more likely to try to carry a bottle or glass to the trash than just throw it on the ground.

25. According to my observations, such a situation with garbage and dirt does not bother the residents of the city much - they simply do not notice it and perceive it as part of the urban background. Even the residents of a prestigious building in the center are not embarrassed by the spattered and graffiti-painted walls of the facade:

26. And the gateway in such a prestigious central house might look like this:

27. And in the center of Bucharest, you can see quite a lot of abandoned shops, and abandoned for a very long time - judging by the design, this shop has not been working almost since the time of Ceausescu:

28. So, now you need to write about something good. Bucharest has very cool playgrounds - often they are fenced with fences (so that cars do not park there) and are well equipped. In the city, in some places there are street parks, which are also very good:

29. The parks have outdoor exercise equipment and free Wi-Fi - something that Minsk really lacks.

30. There are many benches on the streets where older people can relax:

32. And there are also bike paths (although there are very few of them) and they pass only along some central streets:

33. Street trading looks like this -

34. In Bucharest, I liked the vending machines for SIM cards with the Internet:

35. And street book sales, where books about Dracula side by side with books about the "great conductor" Ceausescu.

36. But in general - Bucharest is a dirty, noisy and crowded southern city, which you do not want to return to.

Five erroneous capitals that are often confused with other cities

Some of the cities in the world 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. Nowadays, 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 enchanting beach culture, fantastic carnival, and scenic natural setting declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site, it's no surprise that Rio de Janeiro is often mistaken for the capital of Brazil. Well, that was actually before 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 have always competed for the position of 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 nation'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 vigorous rivalry between two wonderful and culturally vibrant Canadian cities. But surprisingly, the capital of Canada is Ottawa.

However, by the middle of the 19th century, both Toronto and Montreal (and even Quebec) were for short periods the capitals of the unified province of Canada. That all 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 nation's capital. And since then it has remained so.

5. City of Wellington and Auckland

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

Other major misconceptions include: Ankara and Istanbul, Rabat and Marrakesh, New Delhi and Mumbai, Pretoria and Johannesburg (or Cape Town), Tel Aviv and Jerusalem. This is not really an eloquent example, but 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?

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. Buses and trains will take a very long time and with transfers, and this option is comparable in price to a flight. The road route, although less than 2,000 kilometers, can be unpredictably long due to the abundance of crossed borders.

By plane

From Moscow

The Romanian airline TAROM recently canceled its flights to Russia, so the only option for a direct flight from Moscow is offered by Aeroflot. Aeroflot flies every day, departures in the first half of the day, the flight lasts three hours. If you buy tickets in advance, you can meet the amount of 200-250 EUR for a round-trip flight.

With transfers, it can turn out to be cheaper, and there are a lot of transfer options themselves:

Aegean offers transfer options 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 that I have 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.
Short connections and morning departures are offered by Austrian Airlines on flights with transfers in Vienna. Such tickets will cost more, approximately 180 EUR.
If you don't like short or long transfers, Luftganza is the best option for you. A flight with a four-hour transfer 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 night transfer in Istanbul. The cost of these tickets will be approximately 210 EUR.
A little more expensive and with thrills 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.
LOT offers a flight with long layovers in Warsaw for 230 EUR.
The most convenient option is with Austrian Airlines with transfers in Vienna. It is convenient to choose from several options for departure time and duration of transfers (journey 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 Aurel Vlaicu Baneas Airport, located closer to the city, now accepts only charters and private flights. The main international airport is Henri Coanda Airport, located in the suburban town of Otopeni, about 16 kilometers north of Bucharest city centre.

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. Such a journey will take almost two days, and its cost for a one-way journey will be approximately 110 EUR.

How to get from the station

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

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

By bus

Bucharest does not have a direct bus connection with Russian cities, so it will take a long time to travel and with transfers. Among all possible, a relatively convenient option is to travel from Moscow with a transfer in Chisinau. You will have to spend about 40 hours on the way. The price of a round-trip ticket will be about 140 EUR. Bucharest is connected with 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 a tourist is a huge number of different bus stations, most of which are quite far from the center. In addition, the infrastructure of the stations themselves leaves much to be desired.

I marked the most frequently used stations on the map: 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 put enough time into the schedule to get there, and most importantly, orient yourself on the spot.

By car

The car route from Moscow will be less than 2,000 kilometers. Travel time is about a day, you can make one or two overnight stays. The main difficulty and headache of this route is border crossing. A logical, at first glance, option through Ukraine and Moldova involves the crossing of three borders (plus such a phenomenon as Transnistria). Therefore, I would advise you to go through Belarus or around Moldova. This option will help to avoid not only the 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. You can’t do this at border points; of all the options, the most convenient is to purchase at Rompetrol, Petrom and OMV gas stations or order via the Internet on this site.

Clue:

Bucharest - the time is now

Hour difference:

Moscow 0

Kazan 0

Samara 1

Yekaterinburg 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, and its peak is in July. In my experience, the most pleasant time to visit is September. Among the pluses are the weather (still warm, not hot anymore, not rainy), the grape season, the end of the holiday and vacation season. It is worth visiting Bucharest for 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 with warm weather, numerous festivals and outdoor events. However, the weather in summer in Bucharest is not suitable for everyone: in June it is rainy, and in July and August it can be very hot.

Bucharest in autumn

Although September, in my opinion, is the best time to travel, in general, autumn can bring surprises to the tourist with the weather. In October and November, the city is already overcast and gray. Golden foliage gives the city a special charm in autumn. This period is best for walking 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 festivities begin, gives the city a special charm. In May, the temperature reaches +20°C, but in Bucharest it often rains this month. The main charm of spring is the beginning of flowering. Like autumn, spring is a great time to walk in the parks.

Bucharest in winter

December is a great time to visit Bucharest thanks to the holidays. The day of the unification of Romania is celebrated on December 1, and on December 25, the Romanian Orthodox Church celebrates Christmas. 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, there will be less queues at the museum than in summer.

Bucharest - monthly weather

Clue:

Bucharest - monthly weather

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, outside the center options should be considered as a last resort. This is not a matter 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, in the distance from the center, its urban features are manifested, and it is more difficult for visitors to navigate there.

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

The center itself can also be divided into zones in terms of the choice of accommodation.

The most tourist options are located in old city(indicated by the letter A): the proximity of attractions. abundance of national restaurants, transport accessibility. However, prices in this area are among the highest in the city.
North of the Old City(zone B) you can find all the delights of a cultural center. There is a good infrastructure, there are many events, 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 please the eye.
In the direction of the blue arrow the quarter of embassies begins, where it is worth choosing accommodation 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, a quiet and cozy area, which 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 brings joy to tourists due to 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 the 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). Fruits and vegetables are very cheap in local markets during the season, so you can save a lot if you cook yourself.

Travel and entertainment

In Bucharest, a cheap taxi, if you follow a few simple rules when using it (more on them in the "Taxi" section). Transport, cinema, theaters and other entertainment will also be cheap. Bucharest has some of the cheapest museums in Europe - an average entrance ticket costs about 2 EUR. As in other cities, the tourism sector and entertainment is a bit 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 offers discounts at major museums and some restaurants and shops. A full list of discounts can be found at Please note that to activate it, you need to write your name and the date you started using it (the card is valid for three days).

Clue:

The cost of food, lodging, transportation, etc.

Currency: Euro, € US dollar, $ Russian ruble, rub Romanian lei, lei

Main attractions. What to see

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

Around the Old Town, magnificent buildings in the style of historicism open up to the eye. These Bucharest streets are what Bucharest is called "Little Paris".

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

Communist Bucharest, represented primarily by the Palace of the Parliament, gives the appearance of Bucharest a distantly familiar feature. The gigantomania of the communist ruler Nicolae Ceausescu is still felt in the urban area.

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

Top 5

The old courtyard of Kurtya Veche(Curtea Veche, Strada Franceză 25). Now this place is an archaeological monument and an open-air museum based on a complex of a church and a palace. Once it was a royal residence. It has been leading its history since the 14th century, but the key figure in this story is Vlad Tepes (the prototype of Dracula). By his order, a fortress was built here, which became the residence. It was repeatedly destroyed by earthquakes and wars, and also rebuilt. The museum that emerged on the site provides visitors with an excellent opportunity to learn about Vlad the Impaler as a historical figure, and not the mythical Dracula.
Romanian Athenaeum(Ateneul Roman, Strada Benjamin Franklin 1-3). This concert hall was built on the initiative of the Ateneum cultural society, which included prominent representatives of Romanian culture and science. The design of the neoclassical building was created in 1888 by the French architect Albert Galleron. Funds for the construction were collected by subscription throughout the country.
Music is of great importance to Romanian culture. For example, one of the key figures in the Romanian cultural pantheon is the composer and violinist George Enescu. Both 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, it is quite difficult for me personally to listen to music in it. All attention is drawn to the luxurious decoration of the hall and a huge fresco encircling the hall and depicting key events in Romanian history.
Triumphal Arch(Arcul de Triumf, Piața Arcul de Triumf) The 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, not without reason 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 and a symbol of the city, and an urban disaster. Built on the initiative of Ceausescu, its bulk reminds of communist times. Thousands of buildings were demolished to clear land for this massive, literally megalomaniac, project. When you read, you are amazed and surprised by all the numbers: the number of architects, the number of materials used.

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

Monument to King Karol I. This equestrian statue, designed by the famous Croatian architect Ivan Meštrović, appeared on the square in 1930 in honor of Carol I, who ruled Romania from 1866 to 1914. It was demolished during the communist era and only recently rebuilt.

Memorialul Renasterii. Dedicated to the Romanian Revolution of 1989. The monument appeared on the square in 2005 and has since become the victim of vandalism and criticism more than once. Its design has been criticized as being too abstract, with locals calling it the "potato of the revolution" or "the olive on a toothpick".

Churches and temples. Which are worth a visit

In Bucharest, you can also use the services of the tourist bus Bucharest City Tour. The entire route lasts about an hour, you can get in and out 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 are especially fond of cashing in on tourists.

Trams

There are 23 tram routes in the city, plus one light rail line 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 less crowded.

Metro

At the moment, there are only four lines in the Bucharest metro, so it is easy to figure it out 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 links north and south, which means the main attractions along this axis. However, it is better not to use it in the morning and evening - during peak hours there is often a crush here. The metro operates from 5 am to 11 pm. Two metro rides cost about 1 EUR, a daily pass costs 1.7 EUR, and a weekly pass costs 5.4 EUR. In general, the subway in Bucharest is many times more comfortable transport for tourists than the ground one.

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 attached to the validator at the entrance. Bucharest also has a good network of night buses (an interval of about 40 minutes). However, to move 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 trip 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 centre. First of all, for rent in Bucharest I can recommend Avis or Sixt. You can search for offers, for example. Bicycles can be rented in large parks (Herastrau and Tineretului). The city also has an iVelo system. Bicycles can be rented in the parks with ID. Rent for 1 hour costs 1 EUR, and for the whole day about 4 EUR. They also have bike stands in the city center that operate on a bike-sharing system. In order to use it, you need to register on. There are several bike rental points in the city center, renting a bike costs about 8 EUR per day on average.

Parking in Bucharest is divided into municipal and private. Municipalities charge about 0.30 EUR per hour. Parking is paid from 9 to 17, at other times parking is free, but at this time there are no employees, which means that the parking is not guarded. Private parking lots are twice as expensive, but are equipped with cameras and other security features. Do not leave bags and valuables in the cabin or trunk of a parked car. In my experience, it is better to prefer covered 24-hour guarded parking.

In general, driving a car in Bucharest, especially during peak hours, is exhausting. The movement is chaotic, many break the rules, so you should be very careful.

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

In various legends, the founding of the city is disputed by several heroes: a shepherd named Bukur, the semi-mythical Radu Negro - the first prince of Wallachia, as well as a very real character - Mircea the Stary, the Wallachian governor and ruler, who expelled the Turks from his country in the XIV century. In Romanian, the city is called București, and its name is similar to the word "buku-rie", meaning joy.

The first written evidence, which mentions the city of Bucharest under its current name, dates back to 1459 and is a letter confirming the rights of the local aristocracy to the land. The document bears the signature of the stern ruler of Wallachia, Vlad Tepes, whose name in popular culture is inextricably associated with Count Dracula, the character of legends and legends skillfully synthesized in the world bestseller by 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 Tepes 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 Tepes, Bucharest was not the capital of Wallachia, but it was a reliable outpost in the Lower Danube Plain, 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 the arena of fierce battles with the Turkish conquerors. In 1595, the ruler Mihai the Brave defeated the enemy, driving the Ottomans out of Wallachia for a while, but, retreating, the Turks thoroughly devastated 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 was actively developing, trade and handicraft flourished here, inns were built, the first printing house was opened, and the central streets adjacent to the Prince's Court were built up. In 1688, Konstantin Brynkoveanu, a brilliant statesman, erudite and innovator, ascended the throne of the gospodar. His reign was marked by the creation of a new style in the architecture of Wallachia, called the Brynkoveanu style or the Brynkovyan style. The works of architecture of that era are marked by the influence of both oriental architecture and the buildings of northern Italy, and show the flowering of decorative forms. The ambitious and extremely wealthy ruler, gravitating towards a luxurious, brilliant lifestyle, erected in his vast country estates and in Bucharest itself, where at that time more than 50,000 citizens already lived, numerous residences, which he called not houses, but palaces, following the western traditions. Under Brâncoveanu, the central street of Bucharest, known today as Kalya Victoria, was built up, 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, smart shops, palaces and respectable mansions coexisted here with gloomy dirty streets, real slums, where, ignorant of such benefits of civilization as sewage and running water, small artisans and workers lived.

After the Russian-Turkish war of 1877-1878, the Berlin Congress recognized the independence of the Romanian Principality, 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 bombarded by the allies in 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 - the Socialist Republic of Romania. Today Bucharest is the capital of Romania.

Population

Bucharest is one of the most densely populated 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 Romanians by nationality. The second largest group of the population is the Gypsies (1.5%), less than 1% are Hungarians, Jews, Bulgarians, Germans, Poles, Albanians, Chinese.

About 96% of the inhabitants of Bucharest profess the Orthodox religion, 1.2% 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 bani. Banknotes are issued in denominations of 1, 5, 10, 50, 100, 200, 500 RON, coins - 1, 5, 10, 50 bani.

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 located in hotels, large supermarkets, as well as at the airport and train station. It is recommended to exchange large amounts only in banks, while you will most likely be asked to present your passport. Receipts issued at banks and exchange offices should be kept until the last day of your stay in the country.

Credit cards of the main 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 emerging capitalism, Bucharest earned an unimportant 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 the comparison of Bucharest with small Paris with the words: “Thank God that Paris is not big Bucharest.” Nevertheless, if we talk about the historical center and business districts, the capital of Romania is a fairly calm place, in the Old Town, even at night, you can feel safe.

But the outskirts of Bucharest, especially the Ferentari district, which is inhabited mainly by gypsies, who are credited with close ties with crime, are indeed not the most suitable place for walking.

In Bucharest, tourists, like in any other large city, should be wary of thieves. Basically, they operate in transport, usually during peak hours, on the open terraces of restaurants and cafes.

In no case do not use the services of street money changers - basically, these are 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 Carpathians and the Danube. It is generally accepted that the city, like Rome, was built on seven hills: Mihai Voda, Patriarchate, Radu Voda, Cotroceni, Spiraeus, Vacaresti, St. George. Today, the capital covers an area of about 228 km², which corresponds to about a tenth of the entire territory of the country.

From the northwest to the southeast, Bucharest is crossed by the Dymbovitsa River, a tributary of the Danube, which carries its waters to the Black Sea, 45 km from the Romanian capital. For several centuries Dymbovica was the main source of drinking water in Bucharest, but often threatened with floods. As early as the beginning of the 18th century, its waters were called pure and sweet. Over time, she lost her enviable qualities, but still periodically heated city streets. In 1986, to protect against floods, a dam was erected on the river and an artificial lake Morii was created, 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 Morii. In 2011, volunteers planted hundreds of trees here, and today the island is a popular recreation area.

The meanders of Dymbovitsa formed a whole chain of picturesque lakes in the north-east of the city. The largest of them are lakes Floryaska, Tei, Herestrau. In the very center, surrounded by gardens and parks, there is an 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, front gardens 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 is -2.9 °C), the warmest is July (+22.8 °C).

Spring in Bucharest comes into full force in April - this is the time 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.

It also rains in June, 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 overcast and gray, it often rains. In November, the daily temperature drops to an average of +10 °C, the amount of precipitation increases.

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

Architecture and city districts

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

Almost until the middle of the 20th century, French classic motifs dominated the architecture of Bucharest, which is why it was 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 the dictator Nicolae Ceausescu, destroyed part of the former beauty of the city. By order of the authoritarian ruler, many factories, industrial enterprises were built throughout the capital, including its center, and next to them - gloomy gray reinforced concrete building-boxes for the workers to live.

The heritage of Ceausescu - architectural confusion of magnificent pre-war buildings and socialist buildings - is a distinctive feature of modern Bucharest. Sometimes it is even hard to imagine that a real architectural masterpiece can be hidden behind some clumsy bulky building: an ancient temple, a boyar mansion or a palace.

The planning of the development of the Romanian capital began to take shape as early as the 17th century. Then the center of Bucharest was the Prince's Court, and the 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, located in the north of the city. Each of the sectors is divided into quarters, the main 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 liveliest corners of the capital, where palaces, government buildings, museums, hotels, elegant shops are located. The street with the same name, Victoriei, stretching for 3 km, is the main and most beautiful street 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 trendy area with numerous cafe-bars, shops, one of the centers of nightlife.
Baneasa is a fashionable area in the northern part of the city. Luxurious residences, large shopping centers, modern hotels are located here.
Dorobanti is another upscale neighborhood that is home to many high-end 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 transnational corporations are located, as well as elite residential complexes.
Cotroceni is an elegant area with beautiful villas and mansions. Here is the Presidential Palace, the Botanical Garden.
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. There is a gigantic Palace of Parliament, a number of state institutions.

The recognized tourist center of Bucharest is the Old Town with its famous squares, churches, narrow pedestrian streets of Stavropoleos, Lipscany, Blanar, still keeping the atmosphere and flavor of ancient centuries. The northern districts of the Romanian capital are also popular among travelers with their wide green boulevards. Famous lakes and parks are located here, as well as spectacular manor quarters where you can admire luxurious mansions and villas built in the 19th century.

Sights of Bucharest

The hallmark of Bucharest is the cyclopean building of the Palace of the Parliament. This grandiose building, causing conflicting comments, began to be erected under Nicolae Ceausescu in the 80s of the last century. The dictator intended it to be a symbol of the communist regime, but its construction served as one of the catalysts for the outburst of popular anger that provoked an uprising in 1989.

Enormous funds were spent on the construction and interior design 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, as well as residential buildings, which required the relocation of 40,000 citizens. Today, anyone who wants to pay from 25 to 45 RON can go on a tour of the endless pompous mansions located on 12 ground and 8 underground floors. Tourists like to look at luxurious halls with ceilings covered with gold leaf, decorated with marble, gilding, and stucco. In the Hall of Human Rights, which covers 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 Hall of the Union, decorated with marble-framed mirrors, the imagination is amazing a colossal carpet weighing three tons.

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

The palaces of Bucharest, built in the 19th century, are very elegant and in no way resemble the aforementioned monstrous building of the socialist era, which entered the Guinness Book of Records due to its size. The extravagant but elegant Kretzulescu Palace, for example, combines baroque, neo-gothic, and French classicism in its architectural appearance. The Cantacuzino Palace, recognized as an architectural heritage and included in the UNESCO World Heritage List, is an example of French classics, which are complemented by neat interspersing of Art Nouveau and Rococo styles. The Cotroceni Palace, which is the residence of the President of Romania, was created in the Brâncoveni architectural style, which is characterized by openwork arches, light flying structures, a large number of decor, and oriental elements. Most of the palaces in Bucharest are open to the public, and many of them have museums.

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

In the center of Bucharest, very remarkable temples of the 18th century have been preserved. Facing onto Victoria Street, contrasting with the new buildings, stands the Kretzulescu church, erected in 1722 at the direction of the daughter of Constantin Brâncoveanu, Safta Kretzulescu. The building is distinguished by the elegance of forms and the skill of developing sculptural details.

One of the many churches erected under Constantin Brâncoveanu is the church of St. George, built on the foundations of an older 16th-century church, 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 pay attention to the fact that some kind of inscription was woven into a purely ornamental pattern. They managed to decipher it, and then it became known that under the marble slab the ashes of Konstantin Brynkovyan himself were buried: it turned out that his wife managed to take the remains of the ruler from Istanbul, where he was executed.

Nearby is the Church of Stavropoleos - a true pearl of Romanian architecture of the XVIII century. It was erected in 1724 by the will of the monk Ioanikiy, who soon received the rank of Metropolitan of Stavropol. At the end of the 19th century, the church underwent restoration, which, however, almost did not change 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 its size and is distinguished by an amazing elegance of forms, a precisely adjusted ratio of volumes.

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

In the heart of the capital of Romania is the university - an old educational institution that grew out of the 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 was significantly damaged. 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 prominent figures of Romania were erected, which, in alliance 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 with its appearance. It was built in the very center of the city at the end of the 80s of the last century according to the project 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 encircling it, which depicts key events in Romanian history.

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

History buffs will be interested in visiting the open-air museum in the historical part of the city to see the ancient princely courtyard of Kurtya-Veke. 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 with the number and variety of museums that await them in Bucharest. One of the most famous and visited is the National Museum of Art 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 the Parliament, occupying part of its western wing. Painting, sculpture, interesting installations, video art are presented here. Acquaintance with fine arts can be continued at the Museum of Art Collections, the Zambatsyan Museum, Theodore Pallady Museum.

Among the numerous 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.

The way the Romanians are reverent about their culture and traditions can be felt at the National Museum of the Romanian Peasants. In its collection you will see folk arts and crafts, original utensils, furniture, costumes. The basis of the exposition of the Museum of the Village, which is spread out in the open air on a vast territory, is also a peasant theme. 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 due to its landscaped gardens, blue lakes and parks. The largest of the parks, more precisely, a whole 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 project of the park area was created by the French landscape architect Edouard Redon. The park is immersed in greenery, being 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 equip a city garden on this site. 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 round alley where sculptures of prominent Romanian poets and writers are located. In the garden, it is pleasant to walk along secluded paths, go on a boat trip on the lake, go rollerblading, drink coffee and have a snack in one of the pretty cafes or restaurants with an open terrace.

Another magnificent park in the northern part of the capital, Herestrau, is set up on the shore of the lake of the same name, chosen by handsome black swans. It is here that the ethnographic Museum of the village is located. In addition, the garden has a summer theatre, exhibition pavilions, a boat station from where pleasure boats leave. Here, vacationers are waiting for many open cafes and miniature restaurants, and in winter there is a skating rink.

Lovers of an active lifestyle can have a good time in Tineretului Park. One of the best jogging tracks in Bucharest is located here, a playground with attractions is open for children, and you can rent a bike. Good playgrounds for children can also be found in the Izvor park, not far from the Palace of Parliament.

Near the Cotroceni Palace, on a hill, there is the Botanical Garden of Bucharest, covering an area of about 17 hectares. More than 10,000 plants grow here, including rare and those that are on the verge of extinction. The garden is divided into zones with rose gardens, sectors with coniferous plants, 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 Moshilor, Calea Dorobants. Many shops are located on the boulevards that cross Rimskaya Square. Here you can find a range 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 here.

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

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

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 tincture - tsuyku, kashkaval cheese or a very spicy burduf cheese smelling of pine needles. 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 hearty dishes, such as hominy - a thick porridge made from corn flour, which is served as a side dish for meat, chorba soup puree, miniature lamb or beef fried sausages mititei, shish kebab mich, papanashi dessert delicacy. All this assortment can be found in the establishments of the La Mama restaurant chain, scattered throughout the city. A hearty lunch here will cost about 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 monastery of Stavrapoleos. The best dishes of Romanian cuisine are presented here at quite reasonable prices, although they are higher than the average for the city - 45-60 RON per person. The restaurant boasts a 150-year history and authentic interiors. In the evenings, incendiary folk music sounds here, and folklore dances are performed. During the tourist season, places here should be booked in advance.

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

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

The national fast food of Bucharest is personified by pretzels and donuts, which are called kovrigi and gogosi, respectively. They are prepared in mini-bakeries literally at every step. The cost is from 1 to 5 RON, depending on the filling. Those wishing to treat themselves to a more satisfying fast food can look into one of the common establishments that sell kebabs and falafel. One serving will cost approximately 6 RON.

Where to stay

In Bucharest, you can stay both in a modern comfortable hotel and in a hotel whose appearance and interiors betray its socialist origin. Prices for accommodation in the capital of Romania largely depend on the distance of the hotel from the center. However, no matter how low the price is, it is undesirable for tourists to stay far from the central areas - this is a matter of comfort and urban features of Bucharest, 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 have 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 friendly 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. Approximately the same amount will have to be paid for staying in motels - they are equipped at the entrance to Bucharest. In most areas of the Romanian capital, there are quite decent hostels. You can rent a separate room by paying from 100 RON, a bed in a dormitory room will cost 8 RON.

Transport

The public transport system in Bucharest is well developed. Here you can move on modern comfortable buses, trolleybuses, trams. The cost of one trip is 1.30 RON, a daily pass will cost 8 RON, a week pass will cost 17 RON. The fine for ticketless travel is solid - 50 RON. Opening hours of ground transport - 05:00-23:00.

The metropolitan metro has three lines and operates from 05:00 to 23:30. Magnetic cards are required for travel, they can be bought at kiosks at the entrance. The cost of two trips - 4 RON, ten - 15 RON. It is convenient to buy a daily ticket with an unlimited number of trips for 6 RON.

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

Tariffs for public taxis in Bucharest are quite democratic - from 1.4 RON / km, they are all equipped with meters, you can distinguish them by the "checkers" on the side door. Private taxis have the letters "R" and "RO" on the roof. Meters in them, as a rule, are not installed, and you should agree on a 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 the traffic in Bucharest is quite intense, and the road infrastructure is not yet up to par. Parking may be difficult due to lack of spaces, especially during high season. Cars here are often left right on the sidewalks, lawns, and even on the far right, the road lane. Large organized guarded parking, as a rule, is available only at large hotels and shopping centers. The cost of parking is 2-7 RON/hour. Parking lots are not equipped with parking machines, so you need to pay in cash with representatives of service companies.

How to get there

16 km from Bucharest, in the suburb of Otopeni, is the international airport. Henri Coanda. It receives 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. The flight time is about 3 hours, the cost is 200-250 euros (with a return ticket). A flight with transfers will cost less, and there are a lot of such options. The lowest prices are offered by Air Moldova (change in Chisinau), Pegasus and Turkish Airlines (change in Istanbul), Aegean (change in Athens).

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

From the airport to the center of Bucharest can be reached by bus, train or taxi. Bus number 780 (06:00-24:00) will take you to the main railway station Cara de Nord, bus number 783 (round the clock) takes travelers directly to the city center - Unirii Square. The bus stop at the airport is located opposite the arrivals terminal, tickets are also sold here, which must be stamped in the cabin. Their cost is 3.50 RON.

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

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

It takes a long time (about 2 days) and inconvenient to get from Moscow to Bucharest by train, with a change in Chisinau. The bus ride through Chisinau will take the same amount of time.

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

For the first time Bucharest is mentioned in the annals of Prince Vlad Tepes III in 1459, when a fortress was built to protect against the Turks. The city became the capital of Romania in 1862.

The inhabitants 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 objects 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, summer UTC+3
Postal code
International dialing code

Climate and weather

The contrasting temperate continental climate of Bucharest distinguishes it from other cities in Romania. Summer in the city is very hot and stuffy, the average temperature reaches +27…+29 °С during the daytime, +14…+16 °С at night. In this regard, it is better to refrain from traveling to Bucharest in August, since this month is characterized by especially high temperatures (+32 °C).

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

Nature

Spread the city in the Lower Danube lowland, on Dymbovice 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 stretches over seven hills, just like Rome.

Attractions

In terms of the number of cultural monuments, Bucharest has overtaken many cities in Europe. Most of the excursion routes are connected with the legends of Count Dracula and stories about him.

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

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

Take a walk around Revolution Square: important objects for excursions are located around it.

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

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

The largest building in Bucharest is considered House of the People, which reaches a height of 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 notable cultural institution. The museum began its work in 1906. It features ceramics and handicrafts.

Nutrition

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

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

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

Arriving 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 halls: medieval, hunting and hall in the Transylvanian style. Each hall has a special menu. You can taste branded pheasants and a roast prepared from bear paws in the hunting hall. National dishes from the Middle Ages are served, respectively, in the medieval hall. And in the evenings, Count Dracula himself will entertain you here.

Family dinner 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.

French cuisine, French champagne and wines will be offered by the restaurant La Bastille.

The restaurant offers an interesting menu La Belle Epoque. In addition to Romanian dishes, French-style meat and fragrant Italian risotto are cooked here.

The prestigious gastronomic establishment of Budapest is considered to be Casa Vernescu. It always serves original author's dishes and rare delicacies.

Accommodation

There are more than 210 hotels and inns in Bucharest. You don't have to worry about where you live. Cozy houses, comfortable apartments for a while, 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, mini-bar and other amenities of life, you should stay in a hotel Novotel Bucharest City Center. The cost of rooms here varies 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 please even the most demanding guest. The price of a room per day is 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 recreation

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

For a walk in nature, it is worth choosing kismigui park, which is a luxurious garden. It was founded in the 19th century. Its territory is decorated with endless flower alleys, rare species of trees and a picturesque lake. Walking along its winding paths will give you a real pleasure.

Best for outdoor activities Gerastrau park. The landscape of the park is great for cycling and tennis. Next to the park is the Fair Square, where there is always a large selection of souvenirs and gifts.

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

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

Purchases

Shopping in Bucharest is considered the best in Romania, but the prices here are quite high. Moreover, they can be established both in the national currency and in the euro.

Goods of European quality are waiting for you in the Bucharest General Store Unire located in the center of the city. On the ground floor, you will see jewelry, porcelain, bijouterie and crystal. On the upper floors, clothes for adults and children, sports goods, as well as household appliances are sold.

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

The big shopping centers in Budapest are Mario Plaza And " Bucuresti Mall". In these centers every year there are summer sales and Christmas discounts on goods.

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

Book novelties are sold in the store Humanitas bookstore which is considered the best in the city.

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

Goods of excellent quality from Romanian and Western manufacturers are sold in world trade center. Here you can profitably buy products made of leather, suede, fur. Wicker ethno-style carpets, as well as tablecloths, curtains and napkins are very popular.

An excellent souvenir will be dishes from local artisans and jewelry made of clay and colored glass. Woolen products and hand-embroidered tablecloths 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 in the city.

Transport

The transport network of Bucharest is well developed. City transport includes bus, tram, metro, trolleybus, private taxis.

In total, the city has 119 bus routes, 19 trolleybus routes, 25 tram routes (three of them are 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 timetables for transport at any stop.

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

Bucharest is located near the international airport Henri Coanda.

Connection

In hotels and inns you will always be provided with a city communication line, as well as the Internet. Postal communication is losing its popularity, but you can always use mail services. Mobile communication operates in the GSM - 900/1800 standard. Major mobile operators Vodafone, Orange and Cosmorom. The average cost of outgoing calls 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 shops, post offices, railway stations, newsstands. There are denominations of 18,000, 135,000 and 300,000 lei.

Mobile Internet from 2 € per month provided by the operator Orange. A 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 Mbps).

Safety

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

Business climate

Bucharest combines the economic and cultural center of Romania. The production of the country's gross domestic product 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 thirty-year-old panel houses. Prices for apartments in them range from 30,000 to 70,000 €.

In the last decade, Bucharest real estate has been updated. Elite districts were built Piper And Otoleni. The cost of apartments in them is much higher. A one-room apartment of 53 m 2 costs approximately 100,000 €, a two-room apartment of 72 m 2 costs 110,000 €.

You should exchange currency in state banks, since there, as a rule, the most favorable rate, and the commission is minimal. Euros are accepted in shops and markets.

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

When getting into a taxi, immediately specify the cost of the trip, since many drivers here do not turn on specialized counters. The most expensive fares are for taxi drivers of private companies (they are marked with the letters “P” and “RO”).

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

Bucharest has a ban on smoking in public places. Almost every public institution has a special area for smokers. The restaurants have a separate area for non-smokers and smokers. Be careful in this matter, because for non-compliance with the rules of smoking in a public place, you can be fined.

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

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