For many years, much of the XNUMXth century, destinations in that part of the world, Eastern Europe, were forbidden for what we understand today as tourism. Rediscovering them was part of the wonder of the fall of the Soviet bloc.
Some decades have passed since that hinge moment in history, but if you visit Romania do not forget anything because history is impregnated in every stone, landscape and building. And a couple of days in Bucharest, its capitalIt is just a taste of the wealth of this country. But what a sip!
Romania and Bucharest
Recall that Romania joined the European Union in 2007 Although it is not in the Eurozone so the currency must be exchanged locally lei. Ever to the capital city, Bucharest, it was known as the Eastern paris. Its urban landscapes, its architectural styles, had earned it this elegant nickname and luckily, despite the years without a budget for restorations, everything has gradually come to shine again. If you like Paris, it is impossible that you don't like Bucharest because it has the same essence.
A good time to visit Bucharest is at Easter, so if the idea attracts you, you have more than time to schedule everything and may March find you there. It doesn't take a lot of money then it is not an expensive city Compared to other European capitals and in terms of flights Ryanair, to name a low cost airline, has frequent flights. Blue Air is another low-priced, local airline.
Get to Bucharest
Bucharest International Airport is the Otopeni and it is 17 kilometers from the city. There are two bus services that connect both points, the 780 leaves you at the door of the Gara de Nord train station and the 783 leaves you in Piata Unirii. Tickets are not bought on board but before, it is a card that costs 3 lei and comes loaded with 70 lei. Then you can load it to use the subway as well. A taxi is around 7 lei.
Among these options, the most recommended is the bus to Piata Universitatii because here is the Regina Elisabeta boulevard, an artery of the city that runs from east to west and crosses one of the most special streets, Calea Victoriei, which ends at the Dambovita river. The truth is that Bucharest is a simple city, with a simple route, No problem.
If you see a map of the city, imagine the cardinal points: to the south is the Palace of Parliament, to the north is the Plaza de la Revolución, to the west is Cismigiu park and to the east is Piata Unirii. And inside all the most important tourist attractions.
What to see in Bucharest
I really like history so it is best to start the day from the morning with a good walk. The Revolutionary Square It is a good starting point to have breakfast nearby and then get closer to know it. Here the 1989 uprising Well, opposite was the Headquarters of the Communist Party and from here Ceausescu escaped by helicopter.
There is also the University Library founded in 1866 with the statue of Carol I of Romania and opposite, the Kretzulescu Church with its mixed style of Ottoman, Byzantine and Renaissance. If you want to visit it, and it is worth it, it is open Monday through Friday from 9 am to 5 pm and on weekends between 7 am and 3 pm.
You will come across the neoclassical façade of the Military Club if you walk a little down the street through Calea Victoriei. It is a building from 1911 that on its ground floor usually has art exhibitions so you can enter and appreciate it from the inside. If you do not like art, it is not worth it because you will have to pay entrance. You will see there the Regina Elisabeta boulevard and when you go through it you will notice that small streets open on the sides.
If you decide to walk them you will see old buildings, churches, the Old Court with the bust of the most famous Romanian, Vlad the Impaler and much more. The historic center is wonderful and many of its streets are pedestrianized. In addition, there is a lot of youth crowding into small bars and restaurants everywhere.
You must not miss the Parliament building, the largest in Europe and the second largest building in the world after the Pentagon in the United States, the University Square, the Cismigiu Gardens and the ruins of Vlad's Palace. If you go you can have a great view of the city and its old town from the balcony of the Union Hall. Entry costs 35 lei and you must show your passport.
La Romanian Patriarchal Church It is impressive too and you can attend a mass if you go at 9 am. Otherwise it opens between 7 am and 8 pm every day. The National Art Museum It is on the grounds of the Old Royal Palace in Calea Victoriei. It has a European Gallery and a Romanian Art Gallery. Admission is 15 lei and is open from Wednesday to Sunday. If you fall on the first Wednesday of the month, you don't pay.
El Romanian Atheneum It's on Benjamin Franklin Street and it's an acoustic marvel. It is best to go when the philharmonic is playing but it is open every day and admission costs 10 lei. It is beautifully decorated with frescoes and precious lamps. You will also see a large Arc de Triomphe, with the national flag always flying, which was originally made of wood and honors those who died in the First Great War. You can go up and see the city from above.
El Cantacuzino Palace It was the residence of a very wealthy man in the XNUMXth century and has an elegant French style with Art-Noveau and neoclassical touches. Today it houses the George Enescu Museum. Bucharest is old so among the oldest is the one Lipscani district, a network of medieval streets and the river itself, a mixture of cultures and styles in houses, shops and cafes.
Please don't forget about Palatul si Biserica Curtea VecheAncient, church and court, dating back to the time of Vlad the Impaler, has a museum and dates back to the XNUMXth century. Here it is said that he kept his prisoners, but he also hides Roman remains. There is just the Biserica Cortea Veche, the church of 1559.
In short, you have a couple of days of sightseeing around the historic center and the rest of the city for a couple of days. It will depend on how many museums you want to visit or if you just want to walk, admire and feel. The best is that many of the old buildings or houses or palaces have been converted into hotels, restaurants, shops and cafes so at the time of breakfast, lunch, snack or dinner you can always do it surrounded by history.
Lastly, Does Bucharest have a tourist card? Yes, there is the Bucharest City Card, a free card that you must complete with your data and offers discounts for three days. You get it in hotels, hostels, attractions and tours. There is also the The Bucharest Card which has three versions: 24, 48 and 72 hours: 12, 50, 21 and 27, 50 euros.