A lot can be said about Bucharest. It was the city weight by communism, a city that has been influenced by the Italians regarding their architecture. The city where the East meets the West. The land of Count Dracula. After years and years of communist oppression, Bucharest has finally opened its gates to the rest of the world.
And a lot of tourists seem to be very happy with this decision. One of the main reasons young people are attracted to this destination is extremely affordable cafes, restaurants, and nightclubs. Bucharest has become the capital of Eastern European night scene, hosting one of the best parties for bachelors, students and everyone with a lust for life. Welcome to Bucharest!
Unusual and Interesting Sites
Apart from the gigantic Palace of Parliament and Romanian Athenaeum, there are several of the beating path places that you should definitely explore. Bucharest is known for many things but street art is sadly not one of them. Although Bucharest is referred to as ‘Little Parise’, some would also refer to it as ‘The New Berlin’.
Strada Arthur Verona is the street which can confirm this reference. It’s filled with breathtaking street art, with walls and walls of graffiti and murals. You’ll be able to enjoy the wonderful view for free! Not to mention the high-quality pictures you’ll be able to shoot.
Next, we have the beautiful Umbrella Alley – Pasajul Victoriei. Just above the street, there are plenty of colorful umbrellas spreading through the whole alley. There are several cafes and pizza joints, so while you’re here you might as well grab a cup of coffee and enjoy the busy street.
This one is definitely of the charts. Just outside Bucharest in the Bolud Forest lies the mysterious Witches Pond. It is said that this pond has magical powers and some think that it is cursed. There are rumors that the famous Vlad the Impaler, better known as Count Dracula was murdered here and that his ghost haunts this place. Some even swear they saw his ghost roaming the forest. Many claims that no animals nor wildlife live around the pond because of its curse. If you’re up for a little adrenaline head to the Witches Pond.
What and Where to Eat?
When visiting a new country there are a few things that should be on your to-do list. One of them is to try local food. Romanian traditional dishes are on the most part meat based. But there are also several dishes suited for vegetarians.
Paine si Vin is the perfect place to start your food adventure. This casual but sophisticated restaurant offers food made from natural ingredients supplied by local butchers and farmers. For your appetizer, you can choose from a variety of fresh home-baked bread, flatbreads flammkuchen, and knekkerbrod. They are carefully made by the chef on the spot. The flatbread is topped with blue cheese, mushrooms, marinated olives… As for the meat and milk-based dishes, you can try Mangalita smoked ham, Transylvanian sheep’s milk cheese, and Plescoi mutton sausages. You can taste some of the local wines as well. A full meal with drinks will cost you around 20 euros at most. Paine si Vin will be a treat for all of your senses.
Let’s move on the famous Caru’ cu Bere. This fine restaurant will bring you the real taste of Romania. It’s most famous for its beautiful Neo-Gothic exterior and Art Nouveau interior. Caru’ cu Bere or The Beer Carriage in English is an 18th century and the oldest brewery in Bucharest. The guests of this marvelous restaurant were The Rolling Stones, Nicholas Cage, Demi Moore and many more. You will also feel like a celebrity in this fine establishment. The service is great and the menu is mouthwatering. There are around 38 types of beer with the beer of the house being the biggest star. Here you will taste the traditional skinless sausages Mici, Plescoi sausages along with chicken and lamb dishes. A full meal with drinks will cost you around 20 euros at most.
Booking is required for both of these restaurants, and all of the prices are in Romanian currency lei.
The Spectacular Nightlife
In the last decade, Bucharest has grown quite a reputation regarding its exciting nightlife. Thrilling pub crawls, night clubs, strip clubs on every corner of the famous Bucharest Old Town. Which by the way is not so old at all. It was restored a few years back and this location has been dedicated purely to the fun.
The party doesn’t start before 10 pm. On your way to some club or bar, you will see a lot of happy faces going from club to club in search of the perfect party. The entrance fee to any club is usually free. There are no long and boring queues so it’s no wonder you will see a lot of people roaming from club to club. Tourists and Romanians alike.
The best clubs in Bucharest are Kirstal Glam Club, Fire Club, Old City, Bamboo Club… In these clubs, depending on the night, you can listen to live bands, DJs bashing some great electronic beats, commercial pop and so on. If you’re up for a more spicy night Stip Clubs in Bucharest won’t disappoint. Gentleman’s Club, Interdit, Leonardo, The Buddist Clubs are just some of the many names of prominent strip clubs. The booze is super affordable with beer costing 2 euros at most! Brace yourself for a crazy night of partying in the capital of Easter European night scene!
Final Words
Exploring this city will give you a wider perspective on the countries in the Balkans. You’ll experience authentic Romanian tradition and at the same time feel like you’re in a major metropolis. Everything you see and do in this great city will surely leave a great impression on you. Bucharest is full of surprises, the only thing left to do is to start packing your bags!
