Bucharest is located on the lands of ancient Wallachia, in the very south of Romania. It was founded in 1459 and became the capital only two centuries later. Bucharest is now the largest cultural and industrial center in Romania.
Culture and architecture
Tours around Bucharest leave a rather ambiguous impression on tourists. History and ruin harmoniously coexist in the city: on the one hand, you can see the historical center with rich architecture, and on the other, hundreds of buildings of faceless design, widespread desolation, which testifies to the unenviable economic situation of Romania.
There are many interesting places in Bucharest where you should go after visiting this city. Old Bucharest is considered the main attraction. This is the historical center of the city, which is almost entirely a pedestrian zone. It greets its guests with narrow streets, small squares and an abundance of historical monuments. Of particular interest are the Palace of Justice, the Karul-ku-Bere courtyard, and the Arc de Triomphe. The latter was clearly built to wipe the French nose. The Bucharest arch is larger than the Parisian one. The Palace of the Parliament, which ranks second in the world in terms of area, deserves special attention.
There is a brisk trade in Old Bucharest: here you can buy souvenirs for every taste. In the evening, street artists, musicians and beggars appear on its streets. The number of cafes in the historical center of Bucharest is overwhelming. In the evening, they fill up with people, and an atmosphere of general fun reigns in the cozy streets.
Shopping
Shopaholics should go to Obor Square in Bucharest. On weekends, it turns into a flea market where you can buy everything from fresh vegetables and fruits to spare parts for old Romanian cars. Gypsies in bright national costumes stage noisy colorful performances on the square. Here you should definitely try the local bagels in the heat of the day.
There are many shopping centers in Bucharest. Perhaps the most worth visiting is the Baneasa Shopping City megamall, represented by almost three hundred boutiques. Once in it, you can lose the whole day. The only drawback is the difficult path to it and a lot of buyers on weekends. Therefore, it is better to choose a weekday for visiting.
Museums and parks
The best way to get to know the culture and history of the country is to visit its museums. In Bucharest, it is worth going to the Geological Museum, the National Historical Museum, the Village Museum, the Romanian Art Museum, which is in the Royal Palace.
Despite the economic upheavals, Bucharest remains one of the greenest cities in Eastern Europe. There are many parks that you should visit to relax your body and soul. Herastrau, Cizmigiu, Parkul-Karol are well known far beyond the borders of Romania.
Night life
If your soul requires a drive, you should go to the Kristal Glam Club. Located on Johann Bach Street, it has nothing to do with classics. Within its walls, electronic music plays all night long. This club is considered one of the best clubs in Southeast Europe. It has featured celebrities such as Steve Lawler, James Zabiela, David Guetta and Ricardo Villalobos.
Studio Martin is an old-timer of the club life of the Romanian capital, an analogue of New York's Studio 54. This nightclub is located in the very center of Bucharest. World-class celebrities such as Sister Bliss, Lee Berridge, Hernan Cattaneo and many others have played here. Its dance floor can hold up to 500 people.
