Stare in awe at the sheer size of Bucharest’s excessive Palace of Parliament.
Allegedly the world’s most expensive administrative building, it was designed and built
during communist rule. From there, follow wide boulevards to the city’s grand
20th-century Arch of Triumph, originally built to honour Romanian soldiers who
fought in World War I. Hunt for treasures in antiques shops on the narrow streets of
Lipscani (Old Town) and discover hearty Romanian fare in its rustic
restaurants.
Background
Bucharest is split in two by Calea Victoriei boulevard, running north to
south. Halfway along it, you’ll find Piata Revolutiei square, where angry
demonstrations led to the end of communist rule in 1989. The imposing Palace of
Parliament, communism's most prominent heirloom, sprawls in the
south. Close by, you can walk amid the crumbling walls of 15th-century Curtea
Veche (or Old Princely Court), where Vlad III Dracula laid Bucharest’s
foundations. Overlooking the 400-acre Herastrau Park, Bucharest’s Arch of
Triumph sits in the city’s north.
First-time visit
Start your day with a strong coffee in Lipscani, Bucharest’s quaint old
quarter. Marvel at the majestic 19th-century Romanian Atheneaum domed concert
hall and the colossal modern Palace of Parliament. Browse the chic boutiques
of Calea Victorei boulevard and Lipscani’s atmospheric bookshops. The
Museum of the Romanian Peasant details all aspects of past times in the
Romanian countryside. Rest amid the greenery of lush Cismigiu Gardens, before
sampling Romanian fare such as hearty pork dishes in a traditional eatery near
Piata Romana square.
Return visit
Discover Romania’s greatest painters and sculptors at the National Art Museum,
hiding inside the Neoclassical Royal Palace. Head to Piata Amezei square for
the bustling farmers' market and sample local speciality, homemade zacusca
(vegetable spread). Go for long walks amid the wild beauty of the northern
Herastau Park, or mingle with Bucharest’s chic set in the restaurants of
tree-lined Sos Kiseleff boulevard. End your day with a jazz concert near
Calea Victorei boulevard, or go wild in the thriving clubs of northeast
Bucharest.
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