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Dec
26
Bucharest Travel Guide
Filed Under Romania
A trip to Bucharest
If there’s any place in the world where you can get feel of being in the closet of Mr Dracula himself, it’s here in Bucharest, the thriving capital of Romania where Vlad the Impaler, a man who inspired Bram Stoker to create the awesome Dracula, once resided. With a modern, fully-equipped airport located within a short drive from the centre, you can fly directly to Bucharest where a plethora of sights including museums, cathedrals and palaces await your discovery. Party-goers can prepare to dance all night as most clubs here are open until the sun comes up.
Flights to Bucharest
Henri Coanda International Airport is about 11kms from the heart of the city and operates a number of flights between Bucharest and major destinations in Europe. The airport is fully-equipped with facilities for passengers and provides shuttle buses to the city. Optionally, you can take a taxi from the taxi stand outside the terminal for greater convenience.
One of the good things about travelling in Bucharest is the efficient and reliable public transportation network. Trams, buses and the metro services are frequent and connect every part of the city together. Night owls can also flag down maxi-taxis, bus-like taxis which operate along the main thoroughfares.
Sightseeing in Bucharest
Packed with a myriad of sights to visit, Bucharest will captivate those into history and fascinating stories of the past. Visit Ceausescu’s grand Centru Civic and Revolution square, two of the most important monuments recounting the times when Present Ceausescu was captured. The remarkable Patriarchal Cathedral is also worth visiting, dating back to the 17th century.
Big fans of the blood-sucking, handsome count cannot miss a visit to Princely Palace where Prince Vlad the Impaler, the city’s founder, once stayed. The prince was believed to be an inspiration for Bram Stoker’s world-famous vampire, Dracula.
Fun by night – eating, drinking and partying
Romanian cuisine is all about diversity. With a variety of influences from many cultures, most dishes boast delectable combination of Balkan, German, Hungarian and Serbian delights. Try the city’s specialty, drob, which is a mixed stew of intestines, meat and various vegetables, served with a sweet cottage cheese pie.
Nightlife in Bucharest is surprisingly electrifying, with many clubs, pubs and bars opening from dusk until dawn. Most venues are located in close proximity, offering an opportunity for bar-hopping. Those who’d rather gain money than spending it on booze can always opt for a visit to one of the many casinos in town. When you run out of money, let the free casino cabaret shows cheer you up.
Fun by day - shopping and activities
Shopping enthusiasts might not be too happy to find that there aren’t so many places to spend money in Bucharest. Shopping isn’t a big thing here, but you can find quaint little boutiques for one-of-a-kind gifts. Local markets are also good places to look for quirky antiques and unique keepsakes. Those into outdoor pursuits will find many ski routes in the Carpathians during the winter. Jazz lovers can hit one of many 24-hour jazz clubs to spice things up on a lazy afternoon.
Daytrips
Bucharest is the best base from which to explore Romania’s cities and remote villages. Other prominent sightseeing destinations in Wallachia province include Campina and Poienari castles. Poienari Castle sits at the crest of a mountain outside of Capataneni and is wrapped up in the mythos surrounding Vlad the Impaler.
Nearby excursions are also possible. Locals like to take weekend getaways to the adjacent city of Snagov, where the large lake and its accompanying beaches are the primary attractions. The lake has its own mystique, as the island at its centre is the resting place for Vlad the Impaler, the historical figure behind Bram Stoker’s Dracula.
The monastery and cathedral at Curtea de Argeş is an extremely popular daytrip destination for tourists staying in Bucharest. It is an elaborate Byzantine structure that looks something like a mausoleum. Inside this 16th-century structure is a myriad of alternating frescoes and brickwork.
Must-see attractions
Must-see attractions in Bucharest include the Anthenaeum, a neo-classical structure built in the late 19th century. Despite its relatively recent construction, the finishing touches on the Athenaeum give it an ancient Greek effect. The best time to visit is during performances of Bucharest’s world-famous philharmonic orchestra.
The Kretzulescu Church is a spectacular site. Built in the early 18th century, this church is the epitome of Brancoveanu-era architecture. Beautiful frescoes adorn the interior. The church is adjacent to the National Art Museum so the two are often toured in succession.
One of Bucharest’s more ancient sites is the Plumbuita Monastery, which dates to the late 1500s. The monastery is situated away from the town centre so it receives fewer visitors. The peaceful ambience is best appreciated in the monastery’s expansive park.
Finally, no trip to Bucharest is complete without a visit to the Parliament Palace, a 12-storey mansion with thousands of rooms. The best time to visit is in the evening, when the Palace is illuminated with colourful lights. Two other palaces (Cantacuzino and Cotroceni) are also found in Bucharest.
Best time to go
The best time to visit Bucharest is during the months of July and August, when average temperatures approach 30°C. Rainfall is heaviest at this time of year, though it rarely impedes tourist itineraries. By the end of the year, wintertime temperatures are in full effect, and it is not uncommon for temperatures to drop below freezing after nightfall. The weather is driest during this season although excursions into the countryside are less practical, especially when it comes to visiting castles at higher elevations.
Rainy day suggestions
Part of visiting Bucharest during the summer months is planning activities around brief rain showers. The city is full of art and cultural institutions, so tourists have plenty of worthwhile, indoor activities available to them. The Museum of Romanian Peasants is particularly interesting. It explores the old-world lifestyle still employed in many of Romania’s rural communities. The Jewish History Museum is another good stopover, filled with memorabilia and tributes to the local Jewish population, especially in regard to their suffering during WWII.
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