Travel Guides: All Countries / Europe / Romania / Bucharest
 |  | Destination Guide : Bucharest |
|
| | | A capital time |  | Why go on holiday to Bucharest?
It was formerly best-known for producing world-class gymnasts like Nadia Comaneci, but since the 1989 Revolution, Romania has emerged from the stronghold of Communism to become one of Eastern Europe's most exciting destinations.
Bucharest, the country's capital, offers a relaxed, Paris-style ambience with its impressive public monuments, beautiful parks and café society.
This wonderful city has plenty to see and do on a long city break. Tourism is still fairly undeveloped, so it's a great place if you want to avoid the crowds.
How much will it cost?
Accommodation is the biggest expense in Bucharest, although that is still relatively cheap for westerners. Hotel rooms in the city start from around £20 for a modest room with shared bath, up to an average of £50-£60 for three-star accommodation.
If you're feeling flush, however, you can't do much better than book a room at the Hotel Capsa, a beautifully restored building dating from 1852. Its café used to be the hub for Romania's creative elite during the 1920s and 1930s, and it now boasts luxurious accommodation with large rooms and an enviable downtown location. Rooms start from £70.
Prices vary but British Airways flies Heathrow to Bucharest daily from around £180pp.
When should I go?
The best time to visit Bucharest is in May or September. The temperature is warm and pleasant during these months, but not overly hot. Romania has bitter winters, which are best avoided.
Who's it for?
Travellers seeking inspiration from a city that's growing and improving by the year will find plenty to do in Bucharest. Architecture, museums, eating and nightlife are the main attractions here, so urbanites and culture vultures alike will be happy.
Foodies will adore Bucharest's terrific range of cofetarias, which are perfect for soaking up an authentic Romanian atmosphere. Enjoy some of the best cakes and coffee in the city at the Cafetaria Amabasador, on Blvd Magheru 10. If you want to sample some traditional Romanian fare, then Hanul Maramures serves traditional dishes and local beers in a rustic wooden house at reasonable prices.
What are the must-sees?
You're truly spoilt for choice when it comes to sensational buildings in Bucharest. But one stop on your essential list must be the city's great white elephant, the gigantic House of the People, which dominates the southern part of the city. The second-biggest building in the world, guided tours are available through some of its 1,000 rooms.
Bucharest also has some fabulous museums – check out the Romanian Peasant Museum and the National Art Museum. The Romanian Athenaeum is one of the most stunning buildings in the city, with its neo-classical temple design, and plays host to prestigious concerts.
Churches are some of the must-see destinations in the city, being exquisite edifices with fascinating histories. Chief among these is the New St Gheorghe Church,which contains the tomb of Wallachia's ruler Constantin Brancoveanu. The Stavropoleos Church is another great attraction - small, but perfectly formed.
You can experience the city's moving history through its landmarks, too. Ceausescu's very public downfall took place on the Piata Revolutiei and the memorials on Piata Universitatii illustrate where revolutionaries fell.
If you want to keep up with what's going on in the city, pick up either Sapte Seri or B-24-Fun magazines. These publications are free in cafés, bookshops, restaurants and hotels and will tell you all you need to know about current events at theatres, restaurants, pubs, clubs, art events, concerts and many others.
|
|
|
|
|
| | | Money talks | | What will I spend?
A bottle of beer costs around 40p, and a three-course meal without drinks can be as little as £3 a head. Entrance to museums and galleries are usually free, but if they do cost, it will only be around 50p.
The Romanian currency is the Lei, with approximately 50,000 Lei to £1. You cannot take Lei in or out of the country, so your best bet is to change some euros at the airport – for ease, just change the amount you think you'll use.
Any special events?
George Enescu is Romania's most famous composer, and he's celebrated in a biennial festival - the latest one took place in September this year. The festival attracts major artists, hosts various concerts and myriad other events.
As Dracula kitsch is now a big selling point for Halloween celebrations in the city, so head for the Count Dracula Clubrestaurant for some ghoulish fun at any time of year.
|
|
|
|
| | Fact File : Bucharest |
|
| | | Bucharest | | Did you know?
The bullet-riddled and charred building behind the city's University Library has been left to honour those who died in the 1989 revolution.
Language
Romanian.
Visas
You will need a visa and a return ticket. Visas are usually stamped in your passport free of charge upon entering, but check with the embassy or your tour operator before traveling.
Getting there
Most flights from the UK land at Otopeni airport in the capital Bucharest. Rail links to Western Europe and Russia are cheap and easy.
Flying time from London
Three and a half hours.
Getting around
Tarom, the state-owned airline, has an extensive network of internal flights, but foreigners pay much higher fares than Romanians. Buses are less reliable and unbelievably slow. Trains are cheap and offer the best way to get around. Arrive early to buy tickets and avoid the personae - local - trains if you're in a hurry, as they're not.
Currency
The Romanian leu, plural lei.
Costs
All prices vary but expect to pay roughly: litre of petrol 30p; can of beer 60p; moderate restaurant meal £8-£10; roll of camera film £1; four-mile taxi ride £2-£4.
Weather
Romanian winters can be cold and foggy with lots of snow and temperatures from -7C to 6C (20F-42F). It can rain any time of year, though it's heavier in the spring months from March-May. Summers are usually hot, and can reach up to 29C (89F).
Time difference
Two hours ahead of GMT. Daylight saving time is observed from the end of March to the end of September.
International dialing code from the UK
00 40.
Voltage
220V, 50Hz AC. Plugs are of the 2-pin type, so UK appliances will need an adapter.
Opening hours
All museums are closed on Monday, and many theatres shut during the summer. Shops maintain fairly conservative hours and most close on Sunday.
Health - Before you go
No vaccinations are necessary though tetanus, typhoid, hepatitis A and polio are recommended. See your doctor two months prior to travel. Romania has a reciprocal health agreement with the UK, and British passport holders are entitled to free hospital care. However, other treatment may be charged for and medicines certainly will be. As medical facilities tend to be limited, it's wise to take out sufficient travel insurance to cover any extra costs or emergency repatriation in case of serious injury or illness.
Health - When you are there
Call 961 for an ambulance. Ask your hotel or the embassy for recommendations of English-speaking doctors. Allergy sufferers should be prepared for heavy pollen in the spring.
Warnings
Watch out for packs of stray dogs - rabies is present. Petty crime is on the increase, particularly in Bucharest, so be diligent.
Emergency
Ambulance - 961; Police - 955; Fire - 981. British Embassy, Strada Jules Michelet 24, 70154 Bucharest, Romania. Tel: (1) 312 0303.
Customs
Though generally warm and welcoming towards visitors, Romanians have a strong Latin heritage and temperament; so do not be surprised to be jostled out of the way in queues.
Pets
Animals returning from Romania will be subject to six months quarantine.
Tipping
Not expected, but round bills up to the nearest 500 lei. Be prepared to haggle with taxi drivers.
Tourist office
Romanian National Tourist Office, 22 New Cavendish Street, London W1G 8TT. Tel. 020 7224 3692.
|
|
|
|
|
| | Available rental properties in Bucharest |
|
|
|
|
Why Rent With Us
