Bucharest has a special charm in that it does not impress through palaces and ultramodern monumental constructions like other metropolises. Instead, it succeeds in captivating through its paradoxes. It is a city where not long ago, widespread demolitions of historic architecture occurred, and now visitors can see the great “House of the People, a monumental building completed in 1989 which ranks second in the world for its surface area after Pentagon, now home to the Parliament of Romania. In contrast, the preserved époque buildings of Bucharest- boyars` home from the mid 19th century, public constructions in French neo-classic style, it becomes easy to understand why until the Second World War, the city was also named “Little Paris”.
Some of the main roads of the city, with emblematic edifices that are always admired by travellers, (as well as many other smaller streets) still maintain the romance and perfume of old times: Calea Victoriei, Blvd. Magheru, Calea Dorobantilor, and Soseaua Kiseleff.
Bucharest is a fascinating city to explore during a Romania short break or on an extended holiday tour. It is a city with a rich and at times tragic past, which adds to the spirit and resolve of its people. It is a city of contrast and fast development. Getting around the capital is easy, as the transit system combines buses, trams and subways, which cover virtually all the tourist areas of the city. Nicknamed “Little Paris”, Bucharest’s elegant early 20th-century architecture shows French influences that can be admired especially in the city centre. There is an abundance of museums, opera houses, concert halls, art galleries and other sights of cultural, historic or architectural interest to explore on your holidays. There are also some achievable day trips outside the capital such as Bran Castle, Peles Palace, Mogosoaia Palace and Snagov Lake to name. Touting a rich and full history, Bucharest offers attractive opportunities to enjoy and explore. Much of Bucharest’s past can be seen along Calea Victoriei and Piata Victoriei and the streets leading from them. Some of the points of interest on Calea Victoriei are The National Museum of History, The Romanian Athenaeum and The Royal Palace known also as The National Art Museum, George Enescu Palace and The Museum of Art Collections.
Despite the massive reconstruction of the 1980s, Bucharest remains a Garden City, leafy and pleasant, with cafes open on sidewalks in the summer, and with boats on its lakes and rivers.
After seeing it, you will be definitely intrigued by the city’s eclectic mixture of architecture, from Curtea Veche, the remains of Prince Vlad Tepes 15th century palace – he was the city’s founder as well as the inspiration for “Dracula”, – to Orthodox Churches, Second Empire mansions, the stolid Stalinist architecture of the communist years and the colossal 1,000 room Parliament House.
