Bucharest is characterized as the "Little Paris of the Balkans" and not without reason... It is one of the most enchanting cities in our neighborhood, with an air full of history. Walking through the city you will discover its great contrasts: large and imposing neoclassical buildings and modern skyscrapers, they create an alloy the likes of which you will hardly find in another city. In the intense and fairly recent historical moments that Romania has experienced, Bucharest has played a key role, and signs of this history are everywhere in the city. So it's time for you to discover them too!
A look at the history of Bucharest
The history of the city begins around 1459, when the name of Bucharest is mentioned for the first time in an official document of Vlad the Impaler or "Count Dracula", as we usually know him today. Ever since then, Bucharest was an important commercial and political center of Wallachia.
During the 18th and 19th centuries, the city began to be heavily influenced by French architecture and culture, something that earned her the nickname "Little Paris". The elegant buildings, the tree-lined boulevards and cafés of this era testified to an aristocratic atmosphere that is still preserved today in many districts.
In the 20th century, but the story did not go down too well in the city. The two World Wars, earthquakes and the dictatorship of Nicolae Ceausescu dramatically changed the face of the city. Ceausescu himself ordered the creation of the huge Palace of Parliament, of the second largest building in the world, which showed with their size and the exaggeration of the regime but also the strength and will of the Romanian people for rebirth.
Today, Bucharest has changed its face but continues to embrace its history. He has left behind the difficult decades and has turned to art, tourism and creativity, now being one of the most up-and-coming capitals of Europe.
The most important sights that you should not miss
The first thing that impresses every visitor is the Palace of Parliament. An architectural wonder and symbol of power, but also a historical monument full of contrasts. The extra luxury and wealth you will see in this palace, it will make you understand the extravagance of the dictatorship period in the most direct way.
From there, the walk to Old Town (Old Center) is mandatory. Cobbled streets, historical cafes, small taverns and elegant buildings carrying centuries of history create an atmosphere that combines the old with the new. In the same area you will find her Church of Stavropoleos, a small 18th century architectural gem with unique frescoes and wood carvings.
Don't skip it Village Museum (The Village Museum), an open-air museum by Lake Herăstrău that represents traditional Romanian life through authentic houses and wooden churches from around the country. It is a unique experience to get to know Romania beyond the capital.
The Art Museum in the old Royal Palace hosts works by major European artists as well as important Romanian painters. End, for a more relaxed ride, the Calea Victoriei Avenue she is ideal, full of historic buildings, luxury shops and cafes that bring the city's urban past to life.
Contemporary Bucharest and the rhythm of the city
Behind its historical appearance, Bucharest is a vibrant and young city. Bar, gallery, concerts and festivals fill the city with culture almost all year round. Old industrial areas have been transformed into places of art and culture, such as FabricA and Control Club, while on the roofs of the city, modern rooftop bars have sprung up with a view that reaches as far as the Danube.
The residents are welcoming and open. They will smile at you, they will help you with directions and make you feel like you are in a city that welcomes you. Bucharest has the pace of a European capital but the warmth of a smaller city. And this contrast is what makes it unique.
The flavors of Bucharest
If you visit Bucharest, it is impossible not to try the local dishes. Romanian cuisine is tasty and authentic, with strong influences from the Balkans and Central Europe. Don't leave without trying cabbage (cabbage dumplings stuffed with minced meat and rice), sMALL (small grilled sausages similar to Serbian cevapi), and of course her belly soup, a traditional soup with a rich taste that you will find in almost every tavern.
For dessert, try it papanasi, fried sweets with cheese and jam that have become synonymous with Romanian gastronomy. All this is ideally accompanied with a glass plum brandy, the traditional plum spirit, or with local wines that Romania produces in abundance.
Eating in Bucharest is an experience in itself and often the most authentic flavors are hidden in the little ones, οικογενειακά εστιατόρια μακριά από τα τουριστικά σημεία.
Γιατί είναι σημαντικό να έχεις μετρητά στο ταξίδι σου
Αν και πολλές επιχειρήσεις στο Βουκουρέστι δέχονται κάρτες, the use of cash remains highly prevalent, especially in small shops, in taxis and in street markets. The Romanian currency, the Lei (RON), it is necessary to move comfortably and without restrictions.
In many cases, small transactions like a coffee, a snack on the road or the transport ticket, are done exclusively in cash. Also, σε πιο παραδοσιακές γειτονιές ή στις εκδρομές εκτός πόλης, η κάρτα μπορεί να μην είναι πάντα αποδεκτή ή να μην υπάρχουν ΑΤΜ για να σε εξυπηρετήσουν.
Having Romanian lei in your wallet avoids bank fees, you know exactly how much you spend and enjoy your everyday life without stress. To secure your exchange safely and transparently, the Capital Exchange enables you to buy Romanian lei in Greece, easily and without hidden charges. So, είσαι έτοιμος να απολαύσεις το ταξίδι σου από την πρώτη κιόλας στιγμή.
Μια πόλη που σε κερδίζει
Το Βουκουρέστι δεν είναι απλώς ένας προορισμός για ένα σύντομο city break. It is a city that tells stories through its architecture, her music, its food and people. Every walk along its avenues is also an opportunity to discover something new, from an old temple to a modern cafe full of life.
If you want to get to know a European capital with soul, Bucharest is the ideal choice. And with your exchange ready from the Capital Exchange, all you have to do is fill your luggage with experiences, flavors and stories from a city that combines the old with the new in a unique way.
Don't forget, that if you want additional support to organize your trip or discover special offers for Bucharest, Visit it joytours.gr - A reliable partner for travel experiences that escape the ordinary. Have a nice trip!
