The nerve center of Romania, Bucharest, gets its name from the Romanian word for beautiful or joyful.
It is the largest city in Romania and the sixth largest in the European Union in terms of population. Bucharest is located in the southeast corner of Romania, on the banks of river Dambovita. The city has a population in excess of 2.0 million Bucharest is also known as “Little Paris” for its elegant architecture and rich heritage.
Facts about Bucharest |
| City | Bucharest |
| Country | Romania |
| Area | 228 square kilometers / 88 square miles |
| Population | 2.0 million |
| Average Summer Temperature | 22.7°C / 73°F |
| Average Winter Temperature | -2.7°C / 27°F |
| Currency | Euro (EUR) |
| Dialing Code | Country – 40, City – 21 |
| Major Airports in Bucharest | Bucharest Henri Coanda International Airport (OTP); Bucharest Baneasa International Airport (BBU) |
| Geographic Coordinates | 44°41′ N 26°10′ E |
| Time Zone | Eastern European Time |
| Official Website | www.pmb.ro |
Historic Overview
According to the legends of the region, the city of Bucharest was established when a shepherd, Bucur, built a church on the banks of the River Dambovita River. It is commonly believed that the Geto-Dacians founded the earliest settlements here in about 70 BC. In 1459, Bucharest came into prominence as the royal residence and military bastion of the Wallachian Prince Vlad Ţepeş (The Impaler). It was then called the Citadel of București.
By 1700, Bucharest had become home to the culturally rich Wallachian Court. By the end of the 17th century, Bucharest was among the wealthiest cities on the continent. It also became the summer residence of the princely court of the Ottoman Empire. The Ottomans officially appointed Greek rulers to help in the administration of the town in the early 18th century, but a revolt led by the Tudor Vladimirescu in 1821, brought an end to the Greek rule in the town. In 1862, when Wallachia and Moldavia united to form the Principality of Romania, Bucharest became the capital due to its location on a prime trade route. Under Carol I, Bucharest officially proclaimed the capital of the new country called the Kingdom of Romania in 1881.
For almost a couple of years during World War I Bucharest was under German occupation. After World War I, Bucharest became the capital city of the larger country called Romania. During World War II, Bucharest was a major hub of the Axis Powers and it suffered much damage from bombings by the Allied forces. The 1940 earthquake also wrought much damage to the city. During the war, a major coup brought Romania into the Allied camp. Despite the short-lived Luftwaffe bombings, all major attempts by the Germans to conquer the city failed.
After World War II, communism was established in Romania, and the country grew as a socialist power under Nicolae Ceaușescu. While the 1977 earthquake ravaged the city, destroying much of its beauty, the Romanian Revolution of 1989 caused much political and social upheaval. The revolution led to the ousting of the communist government and the Ceaușescu who had assumed dictatorship. After 2000, Romania has been on the path to growth and development due to the economic reforms brought about by the democratically elected government.
How to reach (transport) :
- By Air: The city is connected well with most of the European capitals as well as with the largest cities of Romania. However, often you may find it challenging to locate a direct flight to the city from the Middle East or outside of Europe. You can also reach the city through multiple low-cost flights, chiefly from places like Italy, Spain, France, Germany, Israel, Austria, Hungary, and Belgium. All the flights land at the Henri Coandă International Airport. On the other hand, commercial flights usually land at the Aurel Vlaicu International Airport.
- By Bus: Express bus 783 has its services to downtown Bucharest from the airport. This bus runs at an approximate frequency of 20 minutes every day. However, during weekends or holidays, they are less frequent and run between 40-minute intervals. On the other hand, Express Bus 780 connects the airport to the Bucuresti Nord railway station. It runs at an approximate interval of 40 minutes.
- By Train: The Henri Coandă Expres is considered a combo transfer bus service. Here, you will have to first catch a minibus and then a train to Bucuresti Nord Station.
- By Taxi: You can also hire taxis from the airport to reach the city center. However, be careful of taxi frauds, wherein even official cab drivers can charge more.
Weather :
The city enjoys a transitional climate, with both subtropical and continental influences. Winters are usually windy where the temperatures can drop to below 0°C. During summers, the city experiences an average temperature of 23°C, particularly during the months of July and August. Average humidity and precipitation are low in summers; however, the city does experience heavy storms occasionally.
When to Visit :
The preferable time when you can plan for a Bucharest tour is from June to August. The city has a pleasurable climate then, with parks in full bloom.
Culture (fairs and festivals) and traditions :
- Bucharest Street Music Festival: Held preferably in June, this is popularly referred to as D’Ale Bucurestilor in Bucharest. During this event, you’ll find musicians performing medieval music and Romanian folk music.
- International Furniture and Interior Design Fair (BIFE-TIMB): Organized in August or September, this fair is held at Romexpo and lures approximately more than 550 participants from 18 nations. You can witness a variety of contemporary designs in office and home furniture, lighting, interior, and exterior décor.
- Autumn Fair at Bucharest’s Village Museum: Held in October, this fair is organized at the Village Museum of Bucharest. A Romanian wedding celebration forms the main attraction of this event. Besides, the event is also host to mesmerizing music, exotic food, and local handicrafts.
- Masters of Lyrical Art: This international singing competition is arranged by the Bucharest National Opera. Every year, this event is devoted to one of the lyrical masters of Romania.
The Sights and Sounds of Bucharest
Bucharest is a beautiful city with many places for visitors to see. One major attraction in Bucharest is the Romanian Atheneum. Built-in 1888, the Romanian Atheneum is a palace for symphonic performances. Attending a concert is recommended, but even a visit to the palace is well worth the effort.
A trip to Bucharest must include a visit to the Village Museum, known locally as the Muzeul Satului. This outdoor museum has more than 300 types of buildings that showcase the rich rural architecture of Romania. Most visitors are awed by the sheer vastness of the museum. A visit also provides insight into the history of the land and the culture of its people.
The Biserica Stravrapoleos, or the Stavropoleos Church, is a palatial church of Brancovenesc architecture, built in 1724. The church is like a piece of hidden treasure in an old town. The exteriors and interiors of this Romanian Orthodox church are well preserved and worth a visit.
Another palace to visit is the Mogosoaia Palace just outside the city of Bucharest. The palace is a wedding venue popular with both locals and tourists. The beautiful gardens, lake shores, and the palace itself is a great tourist attraction.
The Palatul Cotroceni, or Cotroceni Palace, is the official residence of the President of Romania and can be visited on certain days, called ”gates open day.” If you are lucky enough to be in Bucharest on such a day, don’t miss out.
The National Museum of Art is an ideal place for art buffs looking for a fuller picture of the history of art in Romania. The museum has a unique variety of religious paintings and the largest variations of the “Madonna and Child Jesus.” There are many other priceless masterpieces from famous artists like Grigorescu, Luchian, Brancusi, and Paciurea.
Next on the itinerary should be the Grigore Antipa National Museum of Natural History. Fully refurbished and modernized in 2011, this museum is a place to discover the history of our natural environment.
Set aside a day to visit the Palatul Poporului or the Parliament Palace. The palace is also the world’s largest civilian palace and was built as the official residence of the communist leader Nicolae Ceaușescu, but the dictator was overthrown and executed before the palace could be completed. It was later completed after the communist downfall and today hosts the Romanian Parliament. It also has space for exhibitions, fairs, and other public gatherings.
Activities in Bucharest
There are many opportunities to find souvenirs and trip mementos around Bucharest’s tourist attractions. The AFI Palace Cotroceni is Bucharest’s biggest shopping mall and also has an IMAX for exclusive movie screenings. The first real mega mall in Bucharest is Baneasa Shopping City. The Bucuresti Mall, the Liberty Center, the Plaza Romania, the Sun Plaza, and the Unirea Shopping Centre are the other major malls in the city.
Bucharest has plenty to offer in terms of nightlife. From trendy bars to Irish pubs, lounge clubs, and jazz clubs, Bucharest has it all. The Old Town, Lipscani, has been restructured as a nightlife strip and is packed with bars, pubs, nightclubs, and cafes. A few of the famous bars in the city are Atelier Mecanic, Beer O’Clock, Beraria Kovaci, English Bar, Golf Planet, and Interbelic. Live jazz performances are another good option: The Green Hours 22 Club Jazz Café and the Art Jazz Club are two of the most famous jazz clubs in Bucharest but do make a reservation before you go. Pack your bags and get ready for a visit to Bucharest and experience the essence of quintessential Eastern European living.
Restaurants In Bucharest
El Bacha
P-ta Alba Iulia nr.6 bl.15, Sector3, Bucharest
Tel +40 21 269 13 92
Roberto’s on La Strada RestaurantAthénée Palace Hilton Hotel
1-3 Episcopiei St, District 1, Bucharest
Tel: +40 21 303 37 77
Avalon
Howard Johnson Grand Plaza Hotel, Calea Doribantilor 5-7, District 1, Bucharest
Tel: +40 21 201 50 30
http://www.hojoplaza.ro/en/restaurants-bar/avalon
Taverna Sarbului
Stada Tipografilor Nr 31, Bucharest
Tel: +40 21 490 60 50
http://tavernasarbului.ro/bucuresti/taverna_en.html
La Mama
9 Episcopiei, Bucharest
Tel: +40 21 312 9797
http://www.lamama.ro/index.php?lang=en
Hotels in Bucharest
Carol Parc Hotel
Aleea Suter 23-25, Bucharest 040547
Tel +40 21 336 33 77
http://www.carolparchotel.ro/
Intercontinental Hotel
4 Bulevardule Nicolae B’Lcescu, Bucharest 010051
Tel: +40 21 310 20 20
http://www.ichotelsgroup.com/intercontinental/en/gb/locations/bucharest
Economy Hotels-
Hotel Design Christina
No. 13 Ion Slatineanu Street Bucharest 10601Phone: +40 21 210 73 03
http://www.hotelchristina.ro/pages/home/en
Tempo Hotel
Armand Calinescu Street, Strada Armand Călinescu, Bucharest
Phone: +40 21 310 1216http://www.tempohotel.com/eng/default.html
Budget Hotels –
Hotel Suter Inn
Aleea Suter nr.3, Bucharest
Phone: +40 743 755 866
http://www.suterinn.ro/
RIN Central Hotel
55A Traian Street, 3ed District, Bucharest
Phone: +40 21 308 31 53
http://www.rinhotels.ro/Central-Hotel/Home