SEKAI Explorer Guide Bucharest (2011)

Wiki-travelers are members of a world-wide community and contribute to the Wikitravel (a collaborative travel guide). We are passionate about travel, and about sharing our impressions, tips and knowledge with other. This allows you to make the most out of your vacation, finding and enjoying the most amazing places. No other travel guide can provide you with more interesting places.

This book was created to allow Kindle reader a optimized version of the associated Wikitravel article and is published under the Creative Commons Attribution-Share Alike 3.0 Generic License. For further License information please visit http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/3.0/ and for user contribution please see next page.

Wikitravel is not associated with this book and we assumes no liability and make no guarantee of accurarcy. Use this ebook at your own risk and fun.

Contributor

This book would not be as it is without the great effort of all supporting Wikitravel user. People who are directly involved in this work are:

Alessio Damato, Alexandru Rugina, Andrew Dunbar, Anonymous user(s) of Wikitravel, Claus Hansen, Colin Jensen, Cristian Burlacu, dan popescu, David Le Brun, D. Guillaime, Dina Razvan, Evan Prodromou, Gabriel Dumitrescu, guy@silvertravel.co.il, Hannu Aronsson, jan, Jani Patokallio, Jim Nicholson, Joel Bradshaw, mark.y.li@gmail.com, Matt Chisholm, Matthew Reames, Michele Ann Jenkins, Mihai Munteanu, mirela mustata, Neil Shaw, Paul Glen, Peter Fitzgerald, Ryan Holliday, Stefan Ertmann, Ted Olander, Thomas Waltz, Tim Sandell, Vaca, Wikitravel user Balkanprincess, Wikitravel user Eydryan, Wikitravel user Hosteltina, Wikitravel user Nunchucks, Wikitravel user Pilky01, Wikitravel user Pryde 01, Wikitravel user Rentngo, Wikitravel user Xanthar, Zain Iqbal .

Table of Content:

• Understand

Language

Climate

Time

• Get in

By plane

Connections

Airports

City transfer

By bus

By train

By car

• Get around

Metro (Subway)

Buses, trams and trolleybuses

Rent-a-car

By taxi

• See

Walking tours

Landmarks

Museums

Churches and monasteries

• Do

Walking and recreation

Parks

Concert venues

Cinema

Art

Mainstream

Clubbing

• Buy

Shopping Malls

Book Stores

Other

• Eat

• Drink

• Sleep

Budget

Hostels

Budget hotels

Mid-range

Splurge

Camping

• Stay safe

Stay healthy

• Get out

Understand

Bucharest is the primary entry point into Romania. It typically elicits a wide spectrum of opinions on the part of tourists. Known in the past as "The Little Paris" Bucharest has changed a lot lately and today it has become a very interesting mix of old and new that has little to do with its initial reputation. Finding a 300 year old church near a steel-and-glass building that both sit next to a communist style building is commonplace in Bucharest. Perhaps "The Big Mix" would be a more appropriate name for the current Bucharest. Some adore it and enjoy its unique charm, while others feel uncomfortable around the gray Communist-era buildings and lack of western style tourist attractions. However, Bucharest offers some excellent attractions, and has, in recent years, cultivated a sophisticated, trendy, and modern sensibility that many have come to expect from a European capital. Bucharest has been undergoing major modernization programs in recent years and is still going to continue with these projects in the years to come. Bucharest was experiencing an economic boom up until 2010 and has benefited from this along with the EU grants that have helped rebuild parts of the city.

Language

The official language is Romanian, a Romance language which claims to be the closest currently-spoken relative to Ancient Latin, but contains around 20% of loan words from Slavonic languages. Most younger educated people will speak English reasonably well and will likely be proficient in one or more second Romance languages; most educated people born before about 1970 will speak French, Spanish or Italian reasonably well. The Roma people (Gypsies) speak their native Romany, as well as Romanian, and sometimes English as well. Beyond that, as in any major city, there will be a smattering of other languages like Chinese, Arabic, Turkish, Hungarian.

Climate

Bucharest, like most of Romania, has a temperate-continental climate with hot summers and cold winters. This region of Romania gets all four seasons, although spring is brief and falls mainly in April. The average high daily temperature in summer is about 29ºC and in winter about 2ºC. It can get really hot and dry during the summer (40ºC) and really cold during the winter (-20ºC),even though temperatures below -12ºC are extremely rare. Best time to visit is April through June, September through October and early December.

Time

Bucharest is in the Eastern European time zone (UTC+2, with a DST of UTC+3 from April to October).

Get in

By plane

Connections

Bucharest has reasonable connections with most European capitals and with the largest cities in Romania, but it can be difficult to find a direct flight to Bucharest from outside of Europe or the Middle East.

Discount air companies have been operating flights to Bucharest since 2004, but it was only in late 2006 - early 2007 that the number of such flights seriously began to grow, so at this point there are low-costs flights to to various destinations in Italy, Spain, Germany, France, the UK, Belgium, Hungary, Latvia, Slovakia, Turkey and Austria. Wizz air has connections from London.

Airports

Most flights, both international and domestic, land at the Henri Coandă International Airport [1], located in Otopeni, 18 km north of the city downtown. The airport, built in 1968, underwent a massive modernization effort since the late 90's and is set to be further enlarged. It is the main hub for the Romanian flag carrier Tarom [2] and is used by the major international airlines. All concessions inside the airport (shops, cafes, restaurants) are extremely expensive (everything is about twice more expensive than in the city). Avoid exchanging money in the airport, exchange rates are 20-25% worse than what you would find in the city - you are advised to use a credit card at an ATM in the lobby for immediate needs and exchange money downtown. There is a supermarket on the bottom floor (domestic departure) which is a reasonable place to get a snack and/or spend your last few Lei on departure.

The smaller Aurel Vlaicu International Airport [3] was used for commercial flights as early as the 1920s; its present building was finished in 1952 based on a 1930s design. It is located inside the city, in Băneasa, about 4-6 km to the city center and is used primarily by business, charter and low-cost airlines: BlueAir [4], WizzAir [5], Germanwings [6].

Note that this airport is amazingly small (only 3 gates), with outdated facilities and becomes extremely crowded especially during the charter season (June-September and December), being built to handle a tenth of the passengers it actually handles. The runway and taxiways have been thoroughly modernized in 2007, and a new terminal building is under construction. Free wi-fi is available (if you can find a place to sit and power-up your laptop, which is no small task). There is an ATM in the departures hall next to the Blueair check in but it's not always working. The exchange office has bad exchange rates. However, if you walk out of the airport and turn left (towards the city center) you will find several ATMs two blocks down the road. You can buy public transport tickets at a counter at the bus stop on the other side of the road that runs outside the airport.

City transfer

- The Henri Coandă Airport is serviced by train, buses and taxis. The train service is called Henri Coandă Expres. Train tickets can be bought inside the airport at CFR ticket counter (as of March 2009, the price of one ticket is 6 lei). The train station is, however, 2 km away from the airport, but there is a shuttle bus that transfers the passengers to it. The shuttle bus transfer IS INCLUDED in the train ticket. Once you reach the train station, there is another 30 minutes until your reach the main train station Gara de Nord. The train station is rather isolated, and is just a single platform, an island of only a few lights in an ocean of darkness. The total duration of the trip, from airport to the Gara de Nord train station is approximately 50 minutes. From the Gara de Nord train station, you can take public transport (Metro and buses) or you can depart by train towards other cities in Romania. The train service is available between 6 AM and 11 PM. Timetable for Henri Coandă Express is avalible here: [7]

- There are just two bus lines to the city, bus 780 which goes to the main train station Gara de Nord and bus 783 which heads to downtown; they run daily (including on weekends and holidays) from 5:15 - 5:30 AM till 11:00PM. A one way trip with any of them costs 3.5 lei, but for the 783 bus the cheapest option available is a two-trips card which costs 7 lei. Tickets and cards can only be purchased from the booth in front of either the Arrivals or Departures terminals and not from from the driver. Remember to validate your ticket on board the bus. The bus is far superior to the train in terms of both time and cost.

- During the night, only taxis are available from Henri Coandă Airport. The only taxi service allowed to offer transfers from the airport is Fly Taxi (the airport has auctioned the service), all others being pirate taxi services. Up until a few years ago, there was a taxi mafia running there during the night, charging €20-30 to get you to Bucharest (when normally the price would be around €10). Sometimes this still happens, therefore, look for the authorized taxi service, do not bargain, demand that the meter be used, and look for the tariff on the meter (for extra-urban trips, current tariffs are around 2-2.2 lei/km (0.6-0.7 €/km) and the distance to any place within the city is 12-20 km). Fly Taxi's rate 3.5 lei/km (2/2009). Remember that for €30 you can get anywhere in the country by bus and train, so think twice before you decide to pay a taxi driver the same for a drive of less than 10 km.

- Situated in Bucharest proper, Aurel Vlaicu airport is more easily accessible, either by taxi or public transport. Taxi fares should be 1.4-1.6 lei/km (0.4-0.5 €/km). Do not bargain, demand that the meter be used, and remember that downtown Bucharest is about 6-10 km away and there is no place in Bucharest further than 20-25 km. Bus lines 131 and 301 connect it with Piaţa Romană in downtown Bucharest and bus line 205 with the Gara de Nord train station. Bus tickets must be purchased in the big booth at the bus terminal, and cannot be bought from the driver.

By bus

Buses are a good option to get to Bucharest if coming from Moldova, Turkey, Greece and to some extent Bulgaria, given the low frequency and speeds of trains between these countries and Romania.

If you're willing to make extremely long bus rides it's also possible to get to Bucharest from a large number of cities in Western and South-Western Europe; these lines are operated by Eurolines [8] and their local affiliate Atlassib [9].

The city has several bus terminals: Băneasa (located in the northern part of town), Obor (east), Filaret (south), Rahova (south-west), Militari (west), Griviţa (north-west) as well as many other smaller stations.

- Buses and minibuses from Chişinău (seven-eight buses every day, about 10 hours travel time, tickets around €15) arrive mostly at Filaret bus station (linked to downtown by tramway 7 and bus 232);

- Buses from Istanbul (three-four buses per day, 12-14 hours travel time, tickets around €45) arrive at multiple stations along Viilor road (linked to downtown by tramway 32 from the northern end and tramway 7 from the southern end);

- The only daily bus from Sofia (7 hours travel time, €18) stops near Tineretului subway station (one station away from city center);

- Buses from Varna (one or two buses daily only between late May-early September, 5-6 hours travel time, tickets around €30) usually stop in various squares in downtown;

- Buses from Athens (several times per week, 16-20 hours travel time, tickets around €60) arrive at stations along Viilor road;

- Transfer buses for routes from Western Europe usually arrive at Rahova bus station (tramway 32 links it with the city center);

Bucharest also has bus connections to a vast number of cities in Romania. They're a convenient choice primarily when coming from places from which railways are under repair (like Constanţa and the Black Sea resorts) or too indirect (like Sibiu).

Timetables for most domestic routes and several international ones are available on [10].

By train

Bucharest is linked through direct daily trains to all neighboring countries’ capitals (Belgrade, Budapest, Chişinău, Kiev, Sofia), as well as to Vienna, Venice, Thessaloniki, Istanbul, Moscow and of course to main cities in all of Romania’s 41 counties.

All international trains and most long distance internal trains arrive at Gara de Nord (Northern) station, located quite near of the city center, to which it is linked by subway and several buses, trolley, and tramway lines.

Some trains to and from the Black Sea Coast use either Gara de Est-Obor (Eastern) station, or Băneasa station,as well as the main Gara de Nord station; currently the route between Bucharest and Constanţa,the main city in the black sea area is undergoing modernisation and you shoud expect long delays so if you can it's best to go by the Gara Obor station because it saves around an hour on your trip.

The other three smaller stations (Basarab, Progresul and Republica) are used exclusively for local and regional trains.

The timetables for domestic routes are available here: [11].

Do not use any exchange services around the train station: they offer about 30-50 percent below the actual exchange rate--use an ATM instead or walk a few blocks to get a much better rate, then take the subway system, which is reasonably priced and has clearly marked maps and schedules. Watch out for the shady private taxi services and avoid taking taxis near the stations, no exceptions! It's not the case that a few of them may cheat you, but most are honest. You should know that near the stations all of them will try to cheat you and you will have to be both vigilant and lucky to avoid being ripped off. Always look to see if the cab driver starts the meter and alert him by saying "aparatul" (ah-pah-RA-tool) while pointing at the meter. There will be drivers offering rides - be extremely wary.

By car

The city’s entrances from the north (the E60 road coming from Braşov), west (the A1 highway from Piteşti), east (the A2 (Sun) highway from Constanţa), south (the E20 road from Giurgiu) and the avenues in the city center are very crowded, especially at rush hours. Inside the city there are few parking spaces and some of the secondary streets are in bad condition.

Get around

Bucharest has one of the most extensive systems of public transport in Europe, even though it can sometimes be confusing and crowded.

Metro (Subway)

The metro, which has four lines (M1, M2, M3, M4) and covers the city quite extensively, is usually a cheap (3 lei for 2 trips, 9 lei for 10 trips and 23 lei for a monthly pass) and easy way to get around even though there are surprisingly few stops in the city center, since the system was originally built to transport workers and commuters from outlying neighborhoods through the city to peripheral industrial areas. If you're staying outside the city center, or even if you want to travel within it, the Metro can be a very fast and convenient way of traveling to your destination, avoiding the traffic jams and crowds that frequently characterize surface transport.

The network is arguably frequent and fairly comfortable, reliable and easy-to-use. Surprisingly for some, it is by far the safest way to travel through the city. Since 2002, Bucharest Metro has embarked on a comprehensive modernization plan, including the replacement of old train-sets with state-of-the-art Bombardier Transportation trains and the renovation of stations and tracks in collaboration with Alstom.

Line M1 starts in the eastern part of the city and then goes through the downtown on a circular route, passing by the main train station Gara de Nord and meeting up with the M2 line (which runs north-south) at Piaţa Unirii and Piaţa Victoriei stations. Line M3 links the western and eastern parts of the city. The central section on the M3 between Eroilor - Nicolae Grigorescu is shared with M1 and trains from both lines run in tandem having the terminus displayed at the front of the cab. Line M4 is a short shuttle line starting from Gara de Nord 2 going to Parc Bazilescu in Bucureştii Noi neighborhood (as of 2011). Even though Gara de Nord and Gara de Nord 2 are in close proximity, transferring between the two is taxed as a separate trip. The only platform to platform link between M4 and M1 is at Basarab station. M4 line is planned to eventually link the city with its airports.

Maps of the subway can be found on the Metrorex official site [12].

Buses, trams and trolleybuses

Bucharest has a very complex network of buses, trams and trolleybuses which is, at first glance, fairly confusing to the tourist. This is not because of any inconsistencies within the network, but rather due to the intricate web of hundreds of bus, tram and trolleybus routes found in the city. Once you know your way around the network, however, public surface transport can be a very good way of getting around since there is a bus, tram or trolleybus stop virtually everywhere in this city. The vehicles are usually very frequent, although they can also get terribly crowded at peak hours.

Make sure you know the stop you're getting off at - even though in most trolleybuses and in some modern buses and trams, following stops are announced automatically and displayed on a screen inside the vehicle. However, these displays tend to be not very reliable, pointing to either a wrong stop or not working at all. In addition, the older buses (most commonly found outside the core center) do not have any displays or announcements. If you are uncertain if a stop is the one you want, you can always ask your fellow travelers.

The ticketing system uses contact-less smart-cards, called Activ cards [13]. Once bought (you will need some ID to do that) the cards can be loaded with various ticketing options, including some that allow usage on both the subway and surface networks. To validate the card after entering a vehicle (or subway station) hold it still in front of the validating device (an orange box with a small LCD screen) until you hear a short beep. If you do not wish to buy a card, paper tickets valid for one ride on one route are also available (1.3 lei). Be warned that you cannot buy tickets/cards in the vehicles and if caught by an inspector (controlor) you could be fined with 50 lei. Some buses still use the old system of paper ticket, essentially a strip of paper that needs to be validated inside the bus. Be sure to validate your ticket, as enforcers can be very strict, even to visitors unfamiliar with the system.

You can check the 2004 surface transport map here: [14] (note: some routes / numbers have changed). A constantly updated site with detailed route information, schedule and interactive maps, with both English and Romanian interfaces can be found here: [15].

Rent-a-car

Car rental in the Pache Protopopescu Street or Europcar are all at the city and airport. Other local rentals also throughout the city. The average price for a day rental is about 20 EUROS for the cheapest car.

By taxi

There are a lot of taxi companies in Bucharest and you'll easily find a cab here. But be aware! Don't take any independent cab drivers, but use only the services of big taxi companies. Cars from these companies have the rates displayed on the door. Each door used to contain an initial "sitting" fee (between 1.6 to 3 lei), a per km fee (1.4 to 3.6 lei) and per hour fee. However, taxis now display a single number which is both the initial "sitting fee" and the per km fee. The per hour fee is not listed, but should be around ten times the per km fee. Independent have significantly higher fees (up to ten times the average!) If a taxi does not display these prices on the door it is best not to take it and find another, as you'll probably be charged a rate five to ten times higher than usual. Also, it should be noted that some taxis now have a low "nighttime rate" listed in a large font with an expensive daytime rate listed in a small font. So, read carefully and remember that "noapte" means night. And you should insist the driver starts the meter, and pay the sum displayed on it. If you are traveling outside the city limits (say to or from the airport) prices per km and per hour are often doubled, or an extra 10-15 lei is added to the fare. Be wary of taking taxis from places where a lot of tourists pass through, especially from Gara de Nord. Many of these taxis may be operated by con men. Tourists being asked to pay large sums to recover their luggage from the trunk or even muggings after taxi rides are not unheard of.

See

Walking tours

- A walking tour is always the best solution for getting accustomed with a new city. You can find free guided walking tours of the city center[16], this beeing an option for budget travellers, youth and backpackers. Usually, you have to book the tours, but in the high season there are tours organized every day, rain or sun.

- There are also paid tours to be found, in this case booking beeing necessary at all times.

Landmarks

- Parliament Palace - In the center of Bucharest, near Piaţa Unirii (Union Plazza), the tourist can see the world's second largest building (after the US Pentagon), formerly named "Casa Poporului" (People's House). The building, which was built in 1984 by Nicolae Ceauşescu, spans 12 stories, 3100 rooms and covers over 330,000 sq m. 1/9 of Bucharest was reconstructed to accommodate this magnificent massive building and its surroundings. There are 30-45 minute tours every half hour which lead through the building's vast collection of marble rooms and culminates in an impressive view from Nicolae Ceauşescu's balcony. The marble and all the original decorations are 100% from Romania. Tickets cost 25 RON and 15 RON for students (proof required). The tourist entrance is on the north side of the building.

- Old center - A part of the city's historical heart was not demolished by Nicolae Ceauşescu. The area (stretching approximatively between the Dâmboviţa river to the south, Calea Victoriei to the west, Calea Moşilor to the east and Regina Elisabeta boulevard to the north) today contains an assortment of middle 19th century buildings, ruins of the Wallachian princes' medieval court, churches, bank headquarters, a few hotels, clubs, restaurants and shops. Narrow cobblestoned streets retain the names of the ancient guilds that resided on them. So far too little has been done for the preservation and reconditioning of many historical buildings and streets there, but the area is now in a rehabilitation project set to be finished after 2012.

- Revolution Square (Piaţa Revoluţiei) - Site of part of the Romanian Revolution of 1989. Centrally located, it is not a long walk from the other squares, Gara de Nord, or the Parliament Palace. There is a tall monument in the center of the square in memory of those who died during the revolution.

- The Arc of Triumph (Arcul de Triumf).

Museums

- Village Museum –an original open air museum created in 1934, it currently has around 300 traditional buildings (including churches, workshops, mills etc.) plus furniture, pottery, clothing gathered from villages in every region of the country in an effort to showcase the traditional way of life of the Romanians. Occasionally hosts folkloric and traditional crafts festivals. Entry fee 3ron for adult, 1.5ron for student, closes at 9PM in the summer, Şoseaua Kiseleff, 28-30.

- Museum of the Romanian Peasant [17], also dedicated to the traditional way of life, it focuses mainly on traditional interior decoration, tools, clothing and artifacts. Again, it sometimes hosts folkloric and traditional crafts festivals. Very interesting, touching exhibit about one's grandma. With hidden rooms to surprise you. Entry 6ron for adult, 3ron for student. Şoseaua Kiseleff, nr. 3

- Art Museum, in the building of the former Royal Palace, has collections of ancient, modern and contemporary Romanian art as well as exhibitions of rare European art dating as early as the 14th century. Calea Victoriei, nr. 49-53

- National Museum of Contemporary Art [18] Recently opened inside a converted wing of the Palace of the Parliament, in what had been the private apartments of Ceauşescu, the museum features fresh exhibitions from Romania's burgeoning art scene.

- “Curtea Veche” (Old Court) Museum –the ruins of the crown palace of the Wallachian princes, some parts dating as early as the 16th century. It’s around an earlier fortification located in this same place that Bucharest began to develop.Strada Franceză, nr. 25-31

- Cotroceni Palace Museum –has collections of objects that belonged to the former Romanian royal family. Today it is also the residence of the Romanian presidents.Bd. Geniului, nr. 1

- National History Museum -located in a neoclassical late 19th century building, has exhibits documenting the evolution of society on Romania’s territory from the Paleolithic until today, a replica of Trajan’s Column in Rome and a very interesting numismatics collection. It is undergoing some remodeling and only two exhibitions are open to the public as of June 2009. Calea Victoriei, nr. 12

- Bucharest History Museum –situated in the Şuţu Palace, built in 1834, has collections related to the development of Bucharest from a small 14th century fortress into Romania’s capital.Bd. I.C. Brătianu, nr. 2

- Military History Museum –has collections of weapons dating since the prehistoric times and permanent exhibitions dedicated to important military events, including the Romanian revolution of 1989, as well as an outdoor exhibit of relatively modern weaponry, including cannons, tanks, helicopters etc.Strada M. Vulcănescu, nr. 125-127

- Jewish Community History Museum –documenting the life of this community in the region since ancient times and through the Holocaust.Strada Mămulari, nr. 3

- “Grigore Antipa” Natural History Museum –has over 300.000 exhibits illustrating the transformations of Earth and the evolution of species. Şoseaua Kiseleff, nr. 1

- Geology Museum –has a large collection of minerals, rocks and fossils.Şoseaua Kiseleff, nr. 2

- “Dimitrie Leonida” Technology Museum –is set to be relocated in a wing of the Parliament Palace

- Aviation Museum –open-air display of various types of aircraft.Otopeni airport

- Railways Museum–rarely opened.Calea Griviţei, nr. 139B

- Firefighters Museum –likewise.Bd. Ferdinand, nr. 33

There are also a number of smaller museums, housing private collections, notably the “D. Minovici" Western European Arts Museum located in a beautiful eclectic villa (strada N. Minovici, nr.3) and numerous memorial houses dedicated to various literary, scientifical and political personalities.

Churches and monasteries

- Curtea Veche (Old Court) Church –built around 1559, used to be the coronation church of the Wallachian princes.Near Piata Unirii.

- Patriarchal Cathedral (1658) and Mitropoliei Palace (1708) –the residence of the Orthodox Patriarch, sort of a small Romanian Vatican.Located on the hill overlooking Piata Unirii.

- Stavropoleos Church –built in the early 18th century, has some stunning decorative sculpture and amazing frescoes. A little jewel. In the old center area.

- Colţea Church – (1702) it’s the first church in Bucharest built in the Brancovenesc style. Near Piaţa Universităţii.

- Sfântu Gheorghe Nou (New St. George) Church –dating from the 18th century, houses the tombs of the princes Constantin Brâncoveanu and Ion Mavrocordat. At half way between Piaţa Universităţii and Piaţa Unirii.

- Kretzulescu Church –another interesting example of the Brancovenesc style (1722). On the left side of the National Art Museum.

- Plumbuita Monastery –built in the last half of the 16th century, it once housed the first printing house in the region (1582); today has a religious objects museum and a large park. Relatively far from the city center, on Şoseaua Colentina.

- Oţetari Church - The Oţetari Church is a very discreet, yet spiritual place, giving some religious comfort in the centre of the city. It's name actually means "cruet", because of the initial destination of the street it is situated on. It was built in the 18th Century and it features a number of interesting paintings and stained glasses [19]. Close to the Rosetti Square, National Theatrer and the Spiru Haret National College.

Do

There are two free weekly guides published in Bucharest featuring all the events of the week, as well as listing the addresses of most restaurants, clubs, pubs, bars, cinemas etc. in the city. One is Şapte Seri (Seven nights), the other 24-FUN. They have small sections in English available.

Walking and recreation

Parks

- Cişmigiu Garden is a lovely small park located in the very centre of Bucharest. It's the oldest in the city (designed 1845-1860). Has boat rental in summer, ice skating in winter time, a reasonable restaurant and several bars.

- Herăstrău Park (the largest of several parks around man-made lakes on the Colentina River running through the city’s north and east side) houses the Village Museum, an open-air theater, various sports grounds, something like an amusement park and numerous restaurants and clubs. Has boat rental and boat-trips in summer.

- The Botanical Garden, established in 1884 near Cotroceni Palace, displays a variety of plants from all over the world, including an indoor tropical plants exhibition. Small entry fee.

- Carol Park (designed in 1906), a quiet oasis not so far from Piata Unirii, has an open-air theater replicating a Roman arena and another construction replicating a medieval fortress. It houses the tomb of the Unknown Soldier as well as an infamous mausoleum built for the Communist nomenclature.

- Tineretului Park, just one subway station south of Piaţa Unirii, has a large multipurpose building (Sala Polivalenta) used for various concerts, sporting events, exhibitions etc., an amusement park for children, boat-rental, several restaurants and bars.

- Titan Park (also known as I.O.R. Park), a green oasis amongst Communist era high rise apartment buildings in the eastern part of the city (Titan subway station), has a charming wooden church as well as several lake-side clubs.

Concert venues

- Opera Naţională (National Opera), Bulevardul Mihail Kogălniceanu nr. 70-72 (Eroilor area), +40 21 314 6980 (fax: +40 21 310 2660), [20]. 5-64 lei.

- Filarmonica George Enescu (George Enescu Philharmonic), Strada B. Franklin nr. 1-3 (Revoluţiei square), +40 21 315 2567 (fax: +40 21 312 2983), [21]. Housed in the Romanian Athenæum, a city landmark

- Teatrul Naţional de Operetă Ion Dacian (Ion Dacian National Operetta Theater), Bulevardul Nicolae Bălcescu nr.2 (near University square), +40 21 315 1502, [22].

Cinema

Most films are screened in their original language with Romanian subtitles; some animation features and children's movies are dubbed in Romanian.

Art

- Cinemateca Română, strada Eforie nr. 2 (near the old quarter), +4021 3130483. A branch of the National Film Archives, screens mostly classic movies

- Noul cinematograf al regizorului roman (Romanian director's new cinema), strada Intrarea Monetăriei nr. 3 (at the Romanian Peasant Museum), +40 21 317 9660 (fax: +40 21 312 9875), [23]. Art films and documentaries selected by major Romanian directors 10 lei.

- Eurocinema, strada Johann Gutenberg nr. 19 (near Izvor bridge), +40 21 315 8165 (fax: +40 21 3121962). Th-Su at 8pm. Plays mainly independent European movies 10 lei.

- Europa, Calea Moşilor nr. 127 (at the start of Moşilor road), +40 21 314 2714. Plays relatively recent European movies

- Elvira Popescu, Bulevardul Dacia nr. 77 (at the French Institute), +40 21 210 0224, [24]. Mostly French movies

Mainstream

- Cinema City, Bulevardul Vasile Milea nr. 4 (in the AFI Palace mall), +40 21 407 0000, [25]. Largest multiplex in the city (21 screens, including one IMAX) 17-32 lei.

- Holywood Multiplex, Calea Vitan nr. 55-59 (in the Bucharest Mall), +40 21 327 7020, [26]. First multiplex to open, has 10 screens 22-35 lei.

- Movieplex, Bulevardul Timişoara nr. 26 (in the Plaza Romania mall), +40 21 43 10000 (fax: +4021 4078333), [27]. Located in the western part of Bucharest, has 11 screens 15-45 lei.

- Light Cinemas, Şoseaua Progresului nr. 151-171 (in the Liberty Center mall), +40 21 369 9740 (contact@lightcinemas.ro), [28]. Located in the south-western part of the city, has 7 screens 15-33 lei.

- Patria, Bulevardul Gh. Magheru nr. 12-14 (between Universităţii and Romană squares), +40 21 316 9266. A large (over 1,000 seats) 1930s cinema located along the city's main avenue

- Scala, Bulevardul Gh. Magheru nr. 2-4 (between Universităţii and Romană squares), +40 21 316 6708. Another large older cinema located in the downtown

- CinemaPro, strada Ion Ghica nr. 3 (near Universităţii square), +40 31 824 1360 (office@cinemapro.ro), [29]. 14-24 lei.

Clubbing

- Control Club, Str. Academiei nr.19 (Go to Victoria Passage coming from University square.), +40 73 392 7861, [30]. 3PM-5AM. Best alternative/indie club in bucharest with a lot of live shows and good music.

- Cafe Hazard, Baraţiei (coming from Unirii towards Universitate, take your first right after the fornetti store and then your first left.), +40 72 770 0107. 3PM-5AM. A rock bar, with a great atmosphere open thinking, great beer and great people

- Club A, (near University Square), +40 21 313 5592, [31]. 6PM - 6AM. The first and oldest club in Bucharest, with nearly 40 years tradition (this means amazingly much for a city where most clubs are less than 5 years old). Since the beginning, it was and remains a student pub and club, with an unpretentious but welcoming atmosphere, good music and low prices.

- Fire Club, (near Lipscani), +40 21 312 7019, [32]. The most well known rock and metal club in Bucharest. By day a pub and outdoor cafe

- Expirat/OtherSide, Str. Lipscani nr. 5/Str. Brezoianu nr. 4, +40 73 EXPIRAT (office@expirat.org), [33]. Very lively and popular club, divided in two sections - Expirat, the old club with rock/dance/hiphop music, and its newer offspring, the OtherSide, where DJs spin electronica. Themed nights, very expat-friendly, great cocktails and very reasonable prices.

- Bamboo, Str. Ramuri Tei 39 (in Tei Park), +40 72 213 2283 (contact@bamboosportingclub.ro), [34]. It's the largest club in Bucharest. Upmarket and expensive.

- Queen’s Club, E-4, Str. Mihai Bravu 32, ☎ +40 72 275 4293, (office@queensclub.ro), [35]. Open 11PM-5AM, Thu 9PM-5AM, Sun 8PM-5AM. May be closed Mon, Tue, Wed.. Like Gay clubs the world over, this place has become tremendously popular with a non-Gay set fed up with the meat market atmosphere at so many of the city’s other locations. That, together with superb music, makes this an essential stop for hedonists of all persuasions. Shake it. It can become quite crowded so watch yourself." Entry 20.00 lei, but that includes 10.00 lei worth of drinks at the bar.

- Fratelli, Str. Nicolae Golescu 5, ☎ +40 73 103 6222, +40 72 185 0030, (office@fratelli.ro), [36].

- Underworld, Str. Colţei, nr. 48 (Go to Colţei street coming from the Rosetti Square, near Universitate.), [37]. The only punk-rock oriented pub in Bucharest. It also has a small concert hall, a fusball table, board games, dedicated evenings, etc.

Buy

Major brand-name shops and upscale boutiques are concentrated along the main boulevard from Piaţa Romană to Piaţa Unirii and on the small streets adjacent to this boulevard, but also on Calea Victoriei, on Calea Dorobanţilor (the part between Blvd. Iancu de Hunedoara and Piaţa Dorobanţilor) or on Calea Moşilor's section between Blvd. Carol I and Piaţa Obor.

Shopping Malls

In the past years numerous modern shopping centers have sprung up in the city (and even more are in construction), the best known being:

- Bucharest Mall, Calea Vitan 55-59, tel. 4021 3276700 (fax +40 21 3209209, mailto:office@bucurestimall.com.ro), [38] - the first one to be completed, in 1999.

- Jolie Ville, str. Erou Iancu Nicolae nr. 103 bis, Voluntari, judetul Ilfov, tel. 4021 2068001 (fax 40 21 2068 002, mailto:office@jolieville.ro), [39]

- Plaza Romania, Bd. Timişoara nr. 26, tel. 4021 3195050 (fax 4021 3195051, mailto:office@anchormall.ro), [40]

- Unirea Shopping Center, Piaţa Unirii, tel. 40213030307 (mailto:office@unireashop.ro), [41]

- City Mall, Sos. Olteniţei nr.2, tel. 40(021)3114260 (fax 40(021) 3193521, mailto:office@city-mall.ro), [42]

- Băneasa Shopping City, Sos Bucureşti-Ploieşti nr.42D, tel. 40213057195 [43] - opened in April 2008

- Liberty Center in section 5, opened 31st October 2008

- AFI Palace Cotroceni in district 6, Bulevardul Vasile Milea, No. 4, Tel. +4031 425 75 10.

More shopping malls in Bucharest and its surrounding area are being currently constructed or in the planning stages of being constructed

Book Stores

Book stores with a good supply of English language books are difficult to find in Bucharest but there are a few places mainly situated in the center.

- Cărtureşti, str Arthur Verona nr.13, tel 4021 3173459 (0721518351, 0788758408) [44] - A few blocks south of Piaţa Romană on the east side of Bd. Magheru. The store is set back the street and has a small park in front of it.

- Nautilus [45] is an English language bookstore near the Kiseleff Park, mostly with fantasy and science fiction books.

- Anthony Frost English Bookshop, Calea Victorei, Nr. 45, Sector 1, Bucharest, Romania (The bookstore near the Art Museum. Walk down the right side of the large building just to the left of a very old church. The bookstore is near the back.), 0040213115138 (vald@librariaengleza.ro). is a recently-opened English language bookstore. Lots of reasonably-priced books and a comics (mostly manga) section.

- Dalles - situated near Piaţa Universităţii (University square)

Also, the biggest chain of libraries in Romania called "Diverta" has in every location a department with English/German/French books. Now it's down.

Other

- Thomas Antiques, Str. Covaci 19 (Lipscani area), +4 0752 440 818‎, [46]. Beautiful antique shop. With a large collection of antiques and where it is possible to have a drink in this unique atmosphere.

Eat

- Taj Indian Restaurant (Calea 13 Septembrie, 127-131,), Sector 5, Bucureşti (Near Marriott hotel), 410.18.20, [47]. 12.00 - 24.00. Good Indian restaurant near Marriott hotel. A good place to be for vegetarians specially. There are not too many vegetarian friendly places in Bucharest, a few Indian restaurants and a one or two other vegetarian friendly restaurants. The restaurant in Intercontinental also serve some vegetarian dishes. little pricey.

- POEM Restaurant, Suter Str. 23-25 (in the Carol park area), +40-21-3363377, [48]. One of Bucharest's exclusive restaurants, in the elegant CPH atmosphere. Excellent international chefs, but very pricey.

- Red Lion Cafe, strada Academiei 1A (in the Universităţii area). Nice atmosphere, budget prices, very good pizza.

- Jariştea, strada George Georgescu 50 - 52 (near the crossroad of Regina Maria Blvd. and Libertăţii Blvd), +40 021 335 33 38 (mailto:stabiliment@jaristea.ro), [49], M-Su 11AM -last customer. Beautiful historically themed restaurant, live traditional music, old Romanian specialties...but always check the bill thoroughly. Reservations are compulsory.

- Cafeanua Actorilor, aka the Actor's Cafe, strada Batişte (located at the National Theater). Attracts a lot of Americans, because of good food, and the U.S. Embassy and Intercontinental are right across the street. The salads, especially the one called "Act II" is a meal all by itself. Service tends to be excruciatingly slow, driving away many locals.

- Chelsea Bistro-Cafe, Str. Joule Michelet nr. 9 (just off B-dul Magheru about halfway between Piaţa Romană and Piaţa Universităţii), 0788 330 130, 0788 330 129, 317 33 78. Offers many different kinds of pizza and a wide variety of drinks. 14-28 lei/32 cm pizza.

- La Mama (6 outlets around Bucharest, Barbu Văcărescu 3, Delea Veche 51, Episcopiei 9, and Carrefour Orhideea being the largest ones, +40-21-2124086 [50]) - a favorite amongst locals, focusing on traditional Romanian food. Reasonable prices (and the standard by which most locals would grade restaurants).

- Cuptorul cu lemne, B-dul Pache Protopopescu nr. 63, +40-21-2522414 [51], another favorite with locals, having one of the best pizzas in Romania. A nice pizza place with a nice outdoor summer garden and a relaxed atmosphere (the restaurant also houses a caricature club). Low prices. Tends to be very crowded during weekends.

- City Grill, a chain of steak restaurants (7 locations in Bucharest [52]), usually frequented by locals during the lunch break. One of the few places in Bucharest selling natural grape juice (must). Prices slightly higher than average, but with larger portions than average.

- Casa di David, Soseaua Nordului nr. 7-9, Tel. 021/ 232 47 15. Opened in 2005, it is a hangout of the city's nouveau riche. It comes complete with a German car ads at the entrance and an extensive wine list. Food (Italian inspired) and ambience are at best good, but portions are small and prices are far above average for Bucharest. A 3-course meal for two with local wine will set you back over 400 Lei.

- Shark (Turkish restaurant), Strada Buzeşti nr. 35 (just off Piaţa Buzeşti near the McDonald's there), +4021 312 31 44, 312 31 55, 312 31 66. 11:00AM to 8:00PM. You choose cafeteria-style from the tasty, often spicy Turkish specialties on display, then they are served at your table. The amiable and gracious multilingual host will aid you. No alcohol. 20-40 lei/person.

- Rossetya, 9 Str Dimitrie Bolintineanu, classic style restaurant with prices a bit higher than average, but with a very neat and cultivated atmosphere, outstandingly friendly english-speaking personnel, high food quality.

- silviu's restaurant, 44, Louis Pasteur street (cotroceni), (gabil74@hotmail.com). 11a.m. to 1a.m.. unique location,excellent cuisine,outstanding service,near Bucharest Opera House and Cotroceni Presidential Palace 20-40 euro.

- Malagamba (italian cuisine), 2 Sf. Dumitru (in the Historical Center area - next to Comedy Theatre), +4 021 313 3389 (office@malagamba.ro), [53]. 11AM - 12AM. Named after Sergiu Malagamba,interbelic urban culture personality the menu is specifically italian. They have great risotti& superfresh pasta, and the most gorgeous lime sorbet. The staf is friendly and the space is modern hosting also an informal art gallery.

- restaurant club 41 (restaurant club 41), str. Clucerului nr 41, sector 1, Bucharest (close to the Arcul de Triumf and Piata 1 Mai), +4 0722-495-901. 10:00 - 02:00. A family restaurant with a heart. Situated near the Herestrau park a great place for after a sunday stroll. A large terrace to enjoy a quiet beer or a cozy salon for small parties. 15lei/grilled trout.

- Caru' cu bere (Caru' cu bere), Stavropoleos str. No. 5, [54]. One of the most famous places to eat in the old city centre, it is situated in a wonderful building, with an extraordinary architecture. Present in Bucharest from 1879. Best home-made beer in Bucharest.

- Casa Iancului (Casa Iancului), No.2 Sarafineşti str., [55]. The Menu is limited to typical Romanian cuisine. Dishes are based on chicken, fish, pork, game and venison. Casa Iancului boasts an extensive selection of wines and has a professional sommelier.

Drink

- Becker Brau, Street Turturelelor 11 (near Alba Iulia Square), +4021 335 56 50. Mo-Fr 11.30AM-midnight, Sa-Su 11.30AM-3AM. German beer and foods. Beer is brewed on the premises, making it one of the few microbreweries in town

- Piranha, Splaiul Independenţei 313 (in Regie, the student campus of Bucharest, next to the Polytechnic University), +4021 315 91 29. A large pub, with a huge outdoor terrace in the middle of a wooded area, featuring a small collection of exotic animals. One of the few outdoor places where the summer heat is actually bearable. A favorite amongst students, with amazingly low prices (a beer is 2.5 lei, about €0.60). However, quite crowded and sometimes noisy.

- Caru' cu bere, strada Stavropoleos 3-5 (in the Historical Center area, next to the National History Museum), +4021 313 75 60 (rezervari@carucubere.ro), [56]. The city's best known and oldest pub (opened 1879), a magnificent late 19th century setting - looks more like a museum. Prices are a bit high, service is friendly.

- Bavaria, strada Orhideelor 19 (two bus stops away from Gara de Nord), +4021 316 64 03, +40748 511 511, [57]. A large pub and club in Regie, with German beer and a mock-German atmosphere. House music and strip club with Playboy and Penthouse parties on weekends.

- La Motoare, (on the roof of the National Theater, Universitate Square), +40213158508. An outdoor pub on the roof of the National Theater, offering great views over the city. Mostly frequented by university students. Rock music and movies in the evening

- Interbelic (Interbelic Cocktail Bar), Intrarea Selari 1A (near Lipscani), +40722681618, [58]. 17-last. best cocktail bar in Bucharest; fine spirits, great nights medium.

Sleep

Budget

Hostels

- Butterfly Villa Hostel, Str. Ştirbei Vodă 96 (entrance from Str. C.Stahi), +40 21 314 7595, +40 74 172 1169 (info@butterfly-villa.com), [59]. Newly renovated, clean hostel in the centre of sector 1. Bedsheets, breakfast and internet is included the price. Airport pick-up, excursions and laundry-service. from €12/night.

- East Hostel, Sfinţii Voievozi No.1, +40 72 109 9328 (info@easthostel.com). Clean, budget accommodation. From €14/night (breakfast included).

- The Funky Chicken Hostel, Str. Gen. Berthelot 63, +40 21 312 1425 (funkychickenhostels@hotmail.com), [60]. Close to Gara de Nord (10 min) and the main squares. Simple place for one night, but a bit dirty and uncomfortable for a longer stay. Around €10/night.

- Hostel Tina, Odobesti 2B Street, Bloc N3B, 9th Floor, nr. 38. (Buzzer 38 C), District 3 (3 stops from the centre and 6 stops from the railway station Gara de Nord, 10 min from Dristor metro station), [61]. Cosy two room house, hot breakfast, bed linen and towels are included in price. Free coffee, tea, use of the kitchen, use of computer printer, hairdryer, iron and ironing board, all rooms have free wifi. Clean and safe hostel. Will send driver an car for €20. Tourist information is provided. 1 private room with queen bed and computer €48, or single €24, and one shared room with computer, 4 beds €12/bed. (44.4174,26.1506)

- Vila Gabriela, Str. Mărgăritarului 18, Vila A 104, Otopeni, judeţul Ilfov, (just outside Bucharest on the way to the international airport), +40 21 236 2053 (pensiuneagabriela@yahoo.com). Big house managed by a friendly couple, Carmina and Vlad. Carmina can speak English, French and Italian. The rooms are clean and welcoming. Double room €25/night (you can pay in euro) with a shared toilet. If you want the best room, you'll also get your own toilet for €35/night. Breakfast is included..

- Vila Helga, str. Mihai Eminescu nr. 184 (near Piaţa Romană), +40 21 212 0828 (villa_helga@yahoo.com), [62]. €10 or €10.5/night (bedsheets and breakfast included).

Budget hotels

- Cameliei, Strada Cameliei, nr. 37, +40 78 877 6456, [63]. €25-€31/night.

- Domino, Str.Basarabilor nr.10, +40 2 1685 4504 (info@hoteldomino.ro, fax: +40 21 629 1307), [64]. €10-€30/night.

- Carpaţi, str. Matei Millo nr. 16, +40 21 315 0140 (rezervari@hotelcarpatibucuresti.ro, fax: +40 21 312 1857), [65]. Located in one of the oldest parts of Bucharest, directly between Calea Victoriei and Grădina Cişmigiu. 15 min walk to the University metro station. Small, affordable rooms in a clean and welcoming atmosphere. €40-€85/night.

Mid-range

- Hotel Siqua, Calea Plevnei nr. 59A (near Opera), +4021 3195160 (rezervari@hotelsiqua.ro), [66]. from 75 euro/night ( TAX and breakfast included).

- Dalin Center Hotel, Sos.Ştefan Cel Mare 33A, +4021-211-0070, [67]. Dalin Center Hotel is a new hotel, with a particular interior design and modern facilities. €49-€59/night.

- Ambasador, Blvd. Magheru nr 8-10, +40213159080 (hotel@ambasador.ro hotel@ambasador.ro, fax: +40213123595), [68]. €56-€99/night.

- Capitol, Calea Victoriei 29, +4021315 80 30 (fax: +4021312 41 69), [69]. Comfortable, though admittedly not quite hassle-free, 100-year-old three-star hotel with big rooms and enormous bathrooms, near Cercul Militar. €55-€75/night.

- NH Bucharest, Bulevardul Mircea Voda,21. SECTOR 3 Bucharest, +40.21.3000545, [70]. Modern 4 star hotel located in the heart of the business district. Some of the most famous tourist attractions can be found close to the hotel, as well as restaurants, cafes, bars, museums etc. Bedrooms are cosy and comfortable with a modern twist. Rooms from 50€.

- Ramada Majestic, Calea Victoriei nr. 38-40, +4021 3102715 (reservations@majestic.ro, fax: +4021 3102799), [71]. €80-€180/night.

- Suter Inn, Aleea Suter nr. 3, 004021'' 3373939 (hotelsuterinn@gmail.com, fax: 00 4021 3371133), [72]. Located near Carol Park, the only hotel nearest Patriarchy and at short distance to The Palace of Parliament €69-€99/night.

- Le Boutique Hotel Moxa, 4 Mihail Moxa Street, +4021'' 6505555 (reservations@hotelmoxa.com), [73]. Four star hotel, centrally located. €80-€110/night.

- Casa Victor, Str. Emanoil Porumbaru nr. 44 (on a quiet side street parallel to B-dul Aviatorilor a few blocks north of Parcul Kiseleff and a few blocks south of the Aviatorilor metro station), +4021 222 57 23 or 222 96 26 (hotel@casavictor.ro, fax: +4021 222 94 36), [74]. checkout: 11:00AM. €55-€140/night.

- Crowne Plaza, B-dul Poligrafiei nr. 1, +4021 224 00 34 (fax: +4021 318 13 02), [75]. from €80/night.

- angelo Airporthotel Bucharest, 283 Calea Bucurestilor (The hotel offers complimentary airport shuttle), +40 21 20 36500 (info@angelo-bucharest.com, fax: ++40 21 20 36510), [76]. Located within 300 meters of Henri Coanda International Airport from €95/night.

- Ibis-Nord, Calea Grivitei nr. 143, 40(021)''4011011 (reservations@ibihotels.ro, fax: 40(021)3009098), [77]. from €45/night.

- K+K Hotel Elisabeta, Str. Slanic 26, +40-21-3029 280 (hotel.elisabeta@kkhotels.co.ro, fax: +40-21-3118 632), [78]. Located in the center of Bucharest. From here you can easily reach the University, business quarter, city center as well as the famous Cismigiu Gardens.

Splurge

- Radisson Blu Hotel, Bucharest, Calea Victoriei No. 63-81, +40 21 311 9000 (info.bucharest@radissonblu.com, fax: +40 21 601 3625), [79]. checkin: 15:00; checkout: 12:00. Recently nominated as the Global Hotel of the Year 2010, this hotel is a landmark of great architecture and design. Almost permanently no.1 on Trip Advisor! 100-150 EUR.

- Hilton-Athénée Palace, str. Episcopiei nr. 1-3, 40(021)'' 303 3777 (sales.bucharest@hilton.com, fax: 40(021) 3152121), [80]. Typical 5 star Hilton, nice coffee shop, in the summer pretty garden terrasse (in the moment under renovation), near Atheneum

- Carol Parc Hotel, Str. Aleea Suter 23-25, +40-21-3363377, [81]. boutique hotel in Bucharest. Located near the Carol park, it has a great view of the city.

- Howard Johnson Grand Plaza, Calea Dorobanţilor nr. 5-7, +4021'' 2015000 (mailto:sales@hojoplaza.ro, fax: +4021 2011888), [82]. New Hotel near Plata Romana, with expensive restaurants (Benihama) and Casino inside

- El Greco, str. Jean Louis Calderon nr. 16, 040021'' 3158141 (office@hotelelgreco.ro, fax: 0040021 3158898), [83]. Central location, near to the commercial and cultural zone. Founded in 1896 and recently redecorated.

- Intercontinental, Blvd. Nicolae Bălcescu nr. 4, 4021''310202 (fax: 4021 3120486), [84]. Partly newly renovated, still renovation in progress, large rooms with balconies directly in the city center, friendly staff, good club floor and excellent club lounge in 22nd floor. Since the new German general manager a good place again.

- Opera, str. Brezoianu nr. 37, ''004021'' 3124855 (info@hotelopera.ro, fax: 00 4021 3124858), [85].

- JW Marriott Bucharest Grand, Calea 13 Septembrie nr. 90, +40 21 4030000 (marriott.bucharest@marriotthotels.com, fax: +40 21 403000), [86]. Large hotel behind the Parliament building. All typical amenities, not ultracentral, but still centrally located.

- Parliament, strada Izvor nr. 106, +40 21 411 9990 (info@parliament-hotel.ro), [87]. designer hotel,close to Marriott and Parliament building

Camping

- Camping Băneasa/Casa Alba, Aleea Privighetorilor 1-3 (at the edge of the Băneasa Forest, close to the Băneasa Airport), [88]. Space for up to 80 caravans or 120 tents, running water, showers, toilets, kitchen. It is the only camping site in Bucharest proper. Note that it is quite far from the center of the city, and, during rush hour, it may take well over 1 hour to reach downtown.

Stay safe

Buses are safe, but use your common sense, and put your things in internal pockets, just to be 100% sure. Taking taxis from areas frequented by foreign tourists may also pose a threat as some of these taxis may be operated by con men waiting for an unsuspecting victim. This is especially true for taxis around Gara de Nord where their associates actively try to lure you into such cars. Tactics range anywhere between overcharging you to taking you to an ATM and having armed associates forcing you to withdraw large sums of money. If possible, avoid taking cabs from Gara de Nord unless you are familiar with the taxi operators there.

As strange as it sounds, you'll see that Bucharest is a far safer city than its western European counterparts. Statistically Bucharest is one of the safest capitals in Europe, far safer than cities like Berlin, London, Rome, etc.

Bucharest has perhaps the largest population of stray dogs for a city in eastern Europe (numbering around a million). Although their numbers are gradually decreasing due to projects by the City Hall, they still remain a threat to safety and, at night, they tend to form packs which greatly increases their danger. Rabies vaccinations are recommended but not required, as there have been no rabies cases in Bucharest since 1979. Most dogs will not give you a problem unless you go out of your way to pester them, but many dogs have been treated poorly. Be extremely wary of them, and do not approach a stray dog if you are alone. It is perhaps best to walk around in a group or walk where you see other people. As of 2009, stray dogs are an ever more rare sighting in the city center.

Like most other big cities, walking around at night isn't safe in some parts of the city like Pantelimon, Ferentari, Giulesti, and the Gara de Nord area. If you must travel into these neighbourhoods, it's safer to take a taxi.

Gara de Nord is not particularly dangerous to walk in, but avoid suspicious-looking characters, and if you feel that you are being followed, just walk into the station. Gara de Nord and its surroundings are populated by homeless people and children. Be careful, as many street children use an inhalant drug (equivalent to huffing paint) and may be dangerous. As heartbreaking as this problem is, it's best to avoid any contact. If you do wish to give them something, buy food for them, don't give them money. Ferentari is a gypsy enclave in Bucharest and, while not as dangerous as it used to be, it's not advisable to walk there at night. In fact it is better to avoid it completely. For the traveler, there is nothing of interest there (aside from what Bucharest sounds like in foreign articles) so you should have no reason to go there to begin with.

The unofficial red light district is Mătăsari, which is also a popular place for clubbers and pubs; you can walk there without any worries because it's always crowded and lively, but avoid talking to strangers in that particular area, especially gypsies. As of 2009 there have been a lot of crackdowns on pimps and prostitutes in the Matasari area, so be careful or you might wind up spending a night in jail and with a hefty fine if caught soliciting.

In the event that you do get caught in a police raid, do not attempt to bribe your way out of it with so many of them around as you might get into serious trouble. Police are more inclined to take bribes from locals than from foreigners so do not contribute to this phenomenon that has been plaguing this country for so many years. Police corruption has been vigorously fought in the past years, and it is not as generalized as it used to be in the 1990s. It's always better to walk on boulevards and avoid alleys and backstreets.

The crime rate is low, but a traveler must always be cautious. Violent attacks are very low, but if attacked just yell, "Ajutor!". It is very difficult for anyone to get away with violent crime because as everything is packed so closely together, any loud noise will attract attention. This is truly a city that doesn't sleep. You'll find people out and around at all hours in most parts of the city. Police men are pretty friendly and the younger ones speak English, so you can ask directions. In the event that you do need to report a crime to the police, do not hesitate and proceed to the nearest police station. They will often help you to the best of their ability.

One must be incredibly careful as a pedestrian in Bucharest. Drivers are inconsiderate and often do not obey traffic signals. NEVER assume a car will stop for you at a red light--be vigilant at all times. This is definitely the biggest hazard in Bucharest, not so much in the daytime, when crowded streets make it impossible to drive cars at high speeds, but, at night, the streets clear out, a lot of illegal races taking place with reckless driving on main boulevards.

Stay healthy

Those with allergies may find Bucharest annoying in that it is both hot and very dusty in the summer, with temperatures easily exceeding 30 C in July and August, so bring whatever you might need to stay comfortable. Please note that during the summer, sun strokes and heat strokes can be very dangerous.

Pharmacies are usually open between 9 AM and 6 PM, but some will stay open through the night. In Romania, there are relatively few over-the-counter drugs available, but pharmacists are allowed to dispense limited quantities of some prescription drugs (such as pain relief medicine) for what they see as immediate needs. Bucharest has 6 designated emergency hospitals and a modern ambulance service, plus a large number of additional public and private hospitals, clinics, and dental practices.

Get out

- Snagov is a small town 20 km north of Bucharest, and a quick escape from the city for many locals, with its big lake and beaches. Visit the small monastery on the island in the middle of the lake, where the grave of Vlad III lies (better known as Dracula or Vlad The Impaler). (Note that the route from the highway to the monastery is not very well signposted from the highway and quite hard to get to, and you will need to rent a boat)

- Mogoşoaia is yet another small town close to Bucharest (5 km), featuring a large late 17th century palace in the unique Brâncovenesc style.

- Buşteni get a trip to our small town from the Prahova Valley by train, take the Gondola lift and see the Omu mountain, The Babele or our Natural-Made Sphinx.

- Sinaia is easily seen as a day trip from Bucharest (taking the train is the recommended option). Do not miss the beautiful Peleş Castle.

- Bucharest is one of the starting points for trips inside Romania. See the country article for longer trips.