Bucharest, Romania — Things to Do
Sightseeing in Bucharest
Sightseeing in Bucharest offers visitors a wealth of attractions. Not only are the tree-lined boulevards and city parks incredibly picturesque, but visitors can choose from a number of sightseeing options for their time in Bucharest. The Palace of Parliament is one of the largest state buildings in the world and the National History Museum is the best museum in Romania with exhibits spanning from prehistoric times until the early twentieth century. The stunning Stavropoleos Church and Monastery houses an extensive collection of manuscripts and printed works and if you're lucky you may even get to a chance hear the monastery choir. Finally the Village Museum is the perfect place to spend an afternoon, marvelling at the outdoor structures and traditionally dressed peasant workers. The city itself is always full of surprises and interesting pieces of information - once a beautiful and proud Eastern European city, Bucharest was left to ruin by the communist government and only recently has it started regaining its footing and regaining its lost lustre.
Shopping in Bucharest
Bucharest Mall opened in 1999 as Romania begun emulating the shopping habits of its traditionally capitalist neighbors. Inside are over 70 high-end stores across four levels, with the usual cast of restaurants, fast food joints, cinemas and a games arcade. The largest mall in Bucharest however is Plaza Romania which has a huge range of retail stores inside its cavernous interior. The former Communist department store Unirea Shopping Center has now been transformed into a mega-mall containing several hundred small shops catering to the more middle-class shopper.
Although convenient these two malls are hardly representative of Romanian culture. For gifts and souvenirs in that vein look out for the numerous Artizanat stores around the city. Top sellers are embroidered clothing, hand painted Easter eggs, woven carpets, nesting dolls, and carved masks, among other items. Traditional Romanian goods such as costumes and handicrafts are also available in the Museum of the Romanian Shop and the Village Museum. Prices are remarkably low compared to the level of quality you get.
Other popular buys in Bucharest are Romanian wine, particularly those from Transylvania, anti-aging products from Dr Ana Aslan, and Romanian Monopoly - a great hipster party gimmick. For Romanian music look no further than the branch of Carturesti book store on Strada Pictor Arthur Verona. They have an excellent collection of local CDs and DVDs, art books and great coffee to enjoy on the expansive couches.
Open-air markets are always fun, if only to see the local people shopping much as they always have. Visit Amzei Makret, open daily from sunrise to sunset, for excellent fresh fruit and artisan baked goods. The weekend flea-market at Strada Mihai Bravu is really worthwhile to pick up Communist era souvenirs like medals, army gear and various antiques always popular with the folks back home. Don't bother bargaining as no-one speaks English.
Bucharest Nightlife
Romania often conjures up images of traditional music, folklore, mysterious forests, exquisite churches and menacing castles, but visitors to the country should not be fooled. Bucharest has a vibrant and modern nightlife including chic cafes, raucous bars and blinging nightclubs. Bucharest has a great selection of jazz clubs. Some of the better known venues include Cafe Indigo and Blues Cafe. Partygoers who enjoy live music some of the top live music bars in Bucharest are Laptar Enache and Bar Jukebox. While Bar Yellow, Fire & Twice and Back Stage always play a selection of foot tapping beats and club anthems. Visitors who enjoy staying out late enough to see the sun rise usually end up at Colors Club. For those after a more relaxed vibe try La Motor.
