1 UNDERSTANDING BUCHAREST’S COMMUNIST PAST

 

You can’t understand Romania, or indeed Bucharest, until you’ve explored the capitals communist past.                  I recommend joining one of the many ‘Communist’ tours through the city, where you’ll learn about the Communist history of the city, the events and people that shaped current Bucharest, and visit key landmarks of communism in the city.                                                                                                             

If you’re not up for a tour, a visit to Ceaușescu's grand ‘Palace of the Parliament’ (entry: £10, bring your passport), the second-largest building in the world (after the pentagon), is a must.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

2 STROLL THROUGH LIPSCANI, THE OLD TOWN OF BUCHAREST

 

Home to the tourist hub of Bucharest, Lipscani (or the old town) has a heap of shops, bars, restaurants and clubs to waste many an hour.

But for us, the simple pleasure of wandering the old squares, streets and alleyways on foot was the reason we loved this part of Bucharest so much. Unfortunately, much of Bucharest’s architectural grandeur was destroyed by wars, earthquakes and Ceaușescu's march toward systematization.              

The parts that do remain are seriously photogenic, and worthy of a few hours of at least a few hours of your time.                                                                                                                                                   

 My favorite buildings included the following: Romanian athenaeum, Stavropoleos Church, National Savings Bank, National Museum of Art, Central University Library, National Museum of Romanian History, Court of Appeals, and the National Bank of Romania.                                                                    

If you turn to a guide to talk to you about last 500 years of history, from Vlad the Impaler (Dracula), to the golden era of communism and the ‘89 revolution. Tours start from Unirii Square Park and while the tour is free, donations/tips are essential.                                                                                                                 

This imposing marble behemoth was made solely from Romanian materials, and took the country to the brink of bankruptcy. Now home to Romania’s parliament, tours here discuss Ceaușescu's vision, and the building’s purpose.                                                                                                                              

Revolution Square, home to the 1989 revolution which ended Ceaușescu's regime, is another important site you must visit.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

3 CHILL IN BUCHAREST’S MANY PARKS

 

I love a good park and I am firm believer that good parks = good cities. Fortunately, Bucharest is home to a number of seriously beautiful parks, which come alive on warm days as locals flock to walk the vast pathways, relax in the sun, row the many lakes, or enjoy an ice cream.                                                      

My favorite was the oldest park in the downtown area, Cișmigiu Gardens, west of Calea Victoriei.                       Here, you can stroll the shady paths, grab an ice cream and chill on the many park benches, or hire a paddle boat and explore the park by water situated exactly in the middle of the town!                                

I’ll also recommend visiting Herăstrău Park on the outskirts of the city. At 187 hectares, the city’s largest park is surrounded by a huge lake. Interestingly, during summer the city’s best clubs make residence in the park for some wicked all-night parties on the lake and shore.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

4 DRINK BEER IN BUCHAREST’S HIDDEN GARDEN & ROOFTOP BARS

 

Unsurprisingly, your favourite thing to do in Bucharest must be to chill and drink beer in one the many funky bars. After all, Bucharest is one of the cheapest cities in Europe to have a beer.

A few of favorites include:

GRADINA EDEN

The perfect place to escape the ugly communist surrounds of Bucharest, Gradina Eden is a jungle-like oasis filled with wooden furniture, pillows, hammocks, and a few secret hideaways.Grab a beer, or an exotic cocktail, and relax.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

PURA VIDA SKY BAR

Perched above the Lipscani area of Bucharest, Pura Vida Sky Bar offers one of the best views of the city. Sure, you’ll loved the views, but we also loved the colorful cocktails, ever flowing beer, and the summer-spring bar.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

5 SIP TEA AT INFINITEA                                                                                                                              

 

A little gem we discovered on a walk through the lush Cotroceni neighbourhood, Infinitea is one of those places that makes you feel like you’ve stepped back in time. The decor reminded us of little English tea houses, and the tea and cake did too. But the best part about Infinitea was the beautiful little courtyard.                                             Filled with fairy lights, flowers and old school decor, it was the perfect respite from the often harsh city landscapes of Bucharest.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

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6 BRUNCH IN BUCHAREST’S COOLEST CAFES

 

Like many emerging cities throughout Europe, Bucharest is home to a thriving hipster culture.                               So it’s no surprise that I've found a number of awesome cafes to enjoy a Cafe Latte, brunch, and a little bit of work time.                                                                                                                                              

 M60 was my favorite coffee shop in Bucharest. The coffee was great, the food delicious, and the decor on point. Heck, it even served Australian hot chocolate.                                                                                          

Other cool cafes located in downtown included Steam, and Origo.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

7 ADMIRE BUCHAREST’S STREET ART SCENE

 

Anywhere touted as the ‘new Berlin’ better have a decent street art culture, and Bucharest doesn’t disappoint.                                                                                                                                                        

Road Pictor Arthur Verona is home to the best art where walls are covered with amazing murals including works by some of the city’s best graffiti artists. Unlike Berlin’s famous street art locations, here isn’t overrun with tourist vying for the best photo.                                                                                             

Garajul Ciclop is another place to get your street art fix. A former garage from the 1920’s, it now serves as a gallery covered with some of the best street art in Bucharest.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

8 EAT TRADITIONAL ROMANIAN FARE AT CARU’ CU BERE

 

I was seeking some traditional Romanian food, and a touch of local atmosphere. After speaking with the friendly Uber driver, I ended up at the local restaurant, Caru’ cu Bere.From the outside, I was wary, as it looked like a typical tourist trap like those found in any major European city. However, once I stepped inside the ornate Belle Epoque building and noticed the humming atmosphere, I knew I’d found my place.                                                     There are six set menus to choose from, including vegetarian options, and the food is hearty, if slightly heavy. I recommend Ciorba de burta, mici, and a traditional Romanian dessert, Papanasi. Meals cost around £5 per course.If you’re after something more hip, Modelier serves burgers and cocktails at a reasonable price, while Bucharest Food Hood, located in the Lipscani area, has food trucks, beer and communal eating areas filled with local hipsters.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

9 VISIT EUROPE'S BEST BOOKSHOP IN BUCHAREST

 

Situated inside a beautifully restored 19th-century building lies Carturesti Carusel, one of of the world’s most impressive bookshops.                                                                                                                                

Like something out of Mim’s dreams, it’s light, white and stunning. The minimal design is perfect to browse, buy or read books, chill in the mezzanine cafe or photograph the pretty lines.

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