In the period between the two World Wars, the city’s elegant architecture and the sophistication of its elite earned Bucharest the nickname of “Little Paris”. Tourists from all over the world come here to enjoy the sights of its historical architecture and culture that in recent years have been experienced a new awakening.
With several museums, theatres, an opera house, concert halls, art galleries and beautiful libraries, Bucharest reflects an interesting mixture of medieval, neoclassical and art nouveau cultures, mostly influenced by the old Romanian aristocracy educated in France.
Hotel Orhideea Residence & Spa is located 15 minutes from the old centre and you can easily reach many other important objectives of the city.
PARKS & GARDENS
Cismigiu Garden
The oldest and most romantic one in Bucharest, Cismigiu is a vast English-style garden, a heaven of lawns, trees, flowers and lakes. More than 30.000 trees and plants were brought in from the Carpathian mountains, while exotic plants were fetched from the botanical gardens in Vienna.
Herastrau Park
A beautiful place for relaxation, Herastrau Park is also the biggest one in Bucharest. With sport facilities, cafes and restaurants, kids playgrounds, themed gardens (Japanese garden, Rose Island, Expo Flora) and the beautiful Village Museum, Herastrau Park is one of the main attractions of the city.Zoo Baneasa
6 miles north of Bucharest, on the southern edge of Baneasa Park, you may find the Bucharest Zoo, surrounded by the deep Baneasa Forest.Botanical Garden
An oasis of peace and meditation, but also a research and educational centre for the Bucharest University, the Botanical Garden is home for over 10.000 species of plants. It also hosts the Museum of the Botanical Garden located next to the entrance.BUCHAREST ATTRACTIONS:
The Arch of Triumph
A smaller version of the one in Paris, the Arch commemorates the victory of the Romanian Army in the World War I. The Arch, as we know it today, was built between 1935 and 1936 by the architect Petre Antonescu.
Romanian Atheneum
The Romanian Atheneum is located right in the back area of Lido Hotel, on Franklin Street. Built in 1888, the Atheneum is one of Bucharest’s architectural and cultural landmarks. With an exceptional acoustics, the Romanian Atheneum is headquarters of the George Enescu Philarmonic orchestra with its more than 130-year tradition.The National Stadium “Lia Manoliu”
With a capacity of 55.600 seats, including 40 VIP areas, the National Stadium hosts the most important sporting events, competitions and concerts. In 2012, the UEFA Final took place here and 52.347 football fans were present.The Palace Hall
Located at a 5 minutes walk from Lido Hotel and built in 1960 the Palace Hall used to host the five-yearly Communist Party congresses before the 1989 Revolution. It is now used as a big venue for concerts and exhibitions.National Theatre
The baroque style building was inaugurated on December 31st, 1852, but was unfortunately completely destroyed during the Luftwaffe bombardment of Bucharest in August, 1944. The current National Theatre has been in use since 1973 and reconstructed between 2010 and 2014, as the biggest and largest theatre edifice of Europe.Patriarchal Cathedral & Palace
Located on the Patriarchal Hill, the cathedral is a functioning religious and civil landmark, built between 1656 and 1658 by Walachian Prince Serban Basarab. In 1862, the Romanian prime minister, Barbu Catargiu, was assassinated as his open carriage passed in front of the cathedral.Old City Centre
Bucharest’s Old Town is a mix of history, local culture and life style, a trendy entertainment district and favourite hangout for the locals. Some of the historical landmarks of Bucharest can be seen, so do not forget to include in your visit the Stavropoleos Church, Manuc’s Inn, the Lindenn Inn or the National Bank Palace.MUSEUMS:
The Village Museum – Dimitrie Gusti
Address: 28-30, Kiseleff Ave., Telephone: 021 317 91 10
Cotroceni Palace Museum
Address: 1, Geniului Ave., Telephone: 021 317 31 07
Grigore Antipa Natural History Museum
Address: 1, Kiseleff Ave., Telephone: 021 312 88 26
Web: www.antipa.ro
National Museum of Contemporary Art
Address: 2-4 Izvor Street, Parliament Palace, E4 wing, Telephone: 021 318 91 37
Web: www.mnac.ro
The Romanian Peasant’s Museum
Address: 3, Kiseleff Ave., Telephone: 021 317 96 60
Parliament Palace
Seat of the Parliament of Romania, the most famous landmark of Romania’s communist period is one of the most impressive and controversial constructions in the world. The second largest administrative building in the world after the Pentagon, the Parliament Palace includes the Senat and the Chamber of Deputies along with 3 museums and an international conference centre.Address: 2-4 Izvor Street, Telephone: 021 402 14 28 / 021 312 17 80
Web: www.cdep.ro/cic
SHOPPING IN BUCHAREST
Bucharest’s main shopping centres are listed below, but you may also find a shopping area on Magheru Boulevard, and several high-profile brands on Calea Victoriei.
You can buy beautiful, unique souvenirs like embroidered clothing and linen, painted Easter eggs, carpets, pottery, woodcarvings and icons at the Romanian Peasant Museum and the Village Museum Shop. The galleries on Calea Victoriei and in the Old City area are the perfect place for purchasing antiques.
In Romania, VAT is currently 19% and is included in all bills and transactions (if not, you will be advised). Tax-free shopping is available for citizens from non-EU countries, for purchases over 175 Euro. To get tax back, visitors must fill out a form, available at most shops.
The main shopping centres in Bucharest are:
- Unirea Shopping Centre 1, Piata Unirii
- Baneasa Shopping Centre 42 D, Soseaua Bucuresti – Ploiesti
- Promenada Mall Bucuresti 246B, Calea Floreasca
- Bucuresti Mall 55 – 59, Calea Vitan
- ParkLake Shopping Centre 4, Liviu Rebreanu Street
- Mega Mall 3-5, Pierre de Coubertin Bd.
- Afi Palace Cotroceni 4, Bd General Vasile Milea
- Plaza Romania 26, Timisoara Bd
- Mario Plaza Shopping Centre 172, Calea Dorobantilor
