Bustling Bucharest: A Fresh Look At Romania's Capital City

Photo by: Cod_Gabriel

Romania's capital city may not be the most beautiful or stylish but the cosmopolitan vibe here continues to attract visitors from across the globe.

The Old Town, also known as Lipscani, is the place to head to for a night out in the capital, as it is home to bars, restaurants and some of the city's most beautiful art nouveau buildings. We take a look at some of the top sights, restaurants and bars to check out next time you are in Bucharest.

Must-see sights

By far Bucharest's prettiest neighbourhood, the Old Town is where you will find Stavropoleos Church, an architectural delight with its wood and stone carvings. The 12-storey Palace of Parliament may be ugly but it is still jaw-dropping, with four underground levels including its own nuclear bunker and no less than 1,100 rooms.

Take a guided tour and you will still only manage to see a tiny fraction of this vast building. Escape the hustle and bustle of the Old Town and head about 10km north-west to Mogosoaia Palace. Built in the 17th-century, the Venetian mosaic-style flooring and beautiful grounds make this well worth the trip out of the city.

Photo from Beca's Kitchen 

Grab a bite to eat

Cosy comfort food abounds in Bucharest, and where better to tuck into home-cooked food than at the family-run Beca's Kitchen? With dishes such as baked sea bass with roasted vegetables and beetroot served in a cosy, relaxed environment, this is a popular choice with locals and tourists alike.

If it is authentic Romanian cuisine you are after, then head for Caru'cu Bere ('Beer Cart'). This not only attracts tourists but also has a loyal local following. People come here for the tochitura (pork stew), mittitei (grilled spicy sausages) and live Romanian folk music.

Relax with a drink

There is no shortage of drinking dens in the Old Town either, whether you are looking for a cosy pub to while away the hours or a sophisticated wine bar. Bordello is a great late-night spot and is always bursting at the rafters, even on week nights. It offers tapas, an extensive drinks menu, live music, and burlesque and cabaret nights.

Alternatively, why not sample some local wine from the surrounding region at Abel's Wine Bar? During the day Origo coffee house is the place to head to. Run by experienced baristas, there is no finer cup of coffee in the city and at night it turns into a cosy cocktail-cum-wine bar that is a great place to unwind.