Bucharest, the Paris of the East
The capital of Romania is located in the southeast of the country. Bathed by the Dâmbovița river, the best of Bucharest is the mixture of styles, essences and people who run through it.
Even his name represents the contradictions from which he draws, since It is not known for sure where it comes from. Some say that of the prince, hunter or outlaw (according to legend) Bucure.
But other theories are different. From the one that proposes that the gentile comes from the name of a member of a Beni-kureis tribe, to the book printed in Vienna in the 19th century, which ensures that it comes from 'Bukovie' or beech forest.
Where few disagree is that its root means joy. Although we do not know if joy is the adjective that best defines it, what is certain is that it is one of those cities that will not leave the traveler indifferent, that he will leave here with the feeling of having visited a unique place, different from other European capitals.
The best thing about Bucharest is the mix of styles, essences and people that run through it
WHAT TO SEE IN BUCHAREST, THE CITY OF A THOUSAND FACES
Few are still those who choose Romania as a holiday destination, and that is precisely the biggest attraction of Bucharest for those who visit it.
In addition, if we leave aside the most central area, it is still easy to live the essence of the city as a local does and get lost in its streets and nooks and crannies. Or enter its palaces and monuments without suffering too much congestion.
The most famous and impressive thing in Bucharest (and probably rightly so) is the immense Palace of Parliament. This marble mass that stretches for miles like a recumbent giant is the largest administrative building in the world.
It is a sure representation of the eccentricity and egocentrism of Nicolás Ceausescu: It has 12 floors above ground, 8 underground and 315,000 square meters. To make room for it, more than 7,000 houses were also demolished.
The Palace of Parliament is the largest administrative building in the world
The building is so immense – both in width and height – that the program Top Gear used their underground plants to make a car race. To go you just have to call and make a reservation, even the same day you want to visit (although it is advisable to do it a little in advance just in case).
It is one of those visits that are worth see for yourself how far the madness for power can take humans.
Outside the palace, the visit is also surprising. The street leading down to the Palace of Parliament, known as Unification Boulevard, it is an attempt to replicate the Parisian Champs Elysées. And, although it may not be as beautiful a boulevard as the original, it is well worth a visit.
The promenade is surrounded by trees and socialist-style buildings, and half of it has the Artesian Fountain and the Unification Park, both perfect for taking a leisurely walk and continuing to be fascinated by the ostentatiousness of Bucharest's recent history. This area allows us to understand a little better why Bucharest is known as the 'Paris of the East'.
Unification Boulevard takes us straight to Parliament
However, Bucharest is more than just its large constructions, a vestige of its communist past. The historic center of this city is another example of a mixture of styles –We can find a Soviet-style block next to a neoclassical building a meter away–.
And it is also the greatest witness of a city that is old, but vibrant. Not in vain, Romania is one of the youngest countries in Europe.
The old part of Bucharest is always full of people: having a drink on its many terraces, shopping or simply strolling through its alleys.
Their night life , on the other hand, is not for all hearts, since there are areas where it seems that we have teleported to the most festive Ibiza. Even so, In the old town there is a lot to see, also for the less lovers of the early morning.
One of those cities that will not leave the traveler indifferent
THE HISTORICAL CENTER
To begin with, we find the Curtea Veche or Old Court. This building, which is in ruins and in the process of being rebuilt, was inhabited, among others, by Vlad Tepes , Or what is the same, the bloodthirsty prince that Bram Stoker is said to have based on in writing Dracula.
Not far away we find the Biserica Stanful Anton, the oldest Orthodox church in Bucharest; and Stavropoleos, a small but beautiful church. Inside there are frescoes and decorations worthy of contemplation.
But the old part of Bucharest is not only ancient monuments. Among other jewels in this part of the city we find the Carturesti Bookstore, a true paradise for lovers of historical bookstores.
Although the building is from the 20th century, it was rebuilt in 2015 looking as dazzling – with white-painted columns and circular staircases rising up to four stories – as it does today. This bookstore has little to envy to those of fantasy stories.
Biserica Stanful Anton, the oldest orthodox church in Bucharest
And of course, You cannot leave this area without going through the pasajul –or passages–, such as the Victoria, a small street with cafes and graffiti protected by a hundred colored umbrellas; either the Macca Vilacrosse , some commercial galleries covered with ceilings decorated with stained glass.
The old town is also famous for its rooftops where you can have a fresh beer (or some other drink) . ** Line / Closer to the Moon ,** with views of the city from above, is recommended because it is not as congested as others. It's hard not to feel like you're in a movie in some areas of the Romanian capital.
Towards the south of the historic quarter, the carol park . At its highest point is a very tall, socialist-style monument, built during the country's communist period. Today this dedicated to the unknown soldier of World War I.
It is a good place to walk and relax, and also to watch the changing of the guard. From the stairs of the monument a majestic walk can be glimpsed.
The Macca Vilacrosse and its beautiful stained glass windows
TO THE NORTH OF THE CITY
Bucharest is not a dangerous city despite its fame. To really get to know it, it is best to walk through the neighborhoods north of the river. There is graffiti and murals everywhere; delicious food, that can be purchased at stalls in the middle of the street or in some of the many restaurants that populate the city -such as those near the Plaza Romana-, and it is in these neighborhoods where you can really feel the daily life of the Romanian capital.
Some buildings, yes, are beginning to witness how time is sadly winning the battle and they are collapsing. It's without doubt that sometimes Bucharest is a bit decadent in its way.
Yet in this town a flea market, an exhibition or a traveling musician can appear on almost any corner. Few cities are more authentic and full of life than this one in Europe today.
Among the best areas to visit walking north, we find the historic University Square. Near this square is a neoclassical-style building, which previously housed the National Library. Today it is an antiques and crafts market, the Expo Bazar Art. A unique place, not only for the things that are sold inside – from hand-sewn t-shirts to photographs of 19th-century Romania – but also for the frescoes that cover its ceilings and walls.
In this city a market can appear in almost any corner
Any further up you can stand on Victory Square, a huge intersection surrounded by Soviet-era buildings, among them, the Romanian government.
Below are the Revolution Square, the Arc de Triomphe and, far to the north, the beautiful and incredibly large Park of Mihail I of Romania. A green and very lively esplanade, with a very large lake in the center.
Around the lake there are bars, restaurants and terraces where to enjoy some typical Romanian food. Moussaka and beef stew they are particularly rich. Some locals recommend eating something in the Beraria H , since due to its size it is difficult to run out of space even during peak hours.
Bucharest is full of energy and wants to be seen. Whether for its history, its architecture, the graffiti that populate it, its food, its prices or a combination of all of the above, the capital of Romania deserves to enter our travel lists in 2020. And you will not need to emulate Paris to achieve it.
Arch of Triumph