Bucharest

Bucharest (Romanian: București) is Romania's capital and largest city, as well as the most important industrial and commercial center of the country. With more than 2.1 million inhabitants in the urban area, Bucharest is one of the largest cities in Southeastern Europe.

Bucharest is the primary entry point into Romania. Bucharest is a booming city with many large infrastructure projects changing the old face of the city. Known in the past as "The Little Paris," Bucharest has changed a lot lately, and today it has become a very interesting mix of old and new that has little to do with its former reputation. Finding a 300-year-old church near a steel-and-glass tower that both sit next to a communist-style building is commonplace in Bucharest. Bucharest offers some excellent attractions, and has cultivated a sophisticated, trendy, and modern sensibility that many have come to expect from a European capital. Bucharest has benefited from an economic boom along with the EU grants that have helped rebuild parts of the city, including the revamped old town. Those who have known Bucharest in the past but have not visited recently will be surprised by the changes that are taking place. The largest finished project is the impressive Basarab overpass, which is Europe's widest cable bridge.

The official language is Romanian, a Romance language which claims to be the closest currently-spoken relative to Ancient Latin, but contains around 20% of loan words from Slavonic languages. Most younger educated people will speak English reasonably well and will likely be proficient in one or more second Romance languages; most educated people born before about 1970 will speak French, Spanish or Italian reasonably well. The Roma people (Gypsies) speak their native Romany, as well as Romanian, and sometimes English as well. Beyond that, as in any major city, there will be a smattering of other languages like Chinese, Arabic, Turkish, Hungarian and German.

Bucharest, like most of Romania, has a temperate-continental climate with hot summers and cold winters. This region of Romania gets all four seasons, although spring is brief and falls mainly in April. The average high daily temperature in summer is about 29°C and in winter about 2°C. It can get really hot and dry during the summer (30°C) and really cold during the winter (-20°C), even though temperatures below -12°C are extremely rare. Best time to visit is April through June, September through October and early December.

Bucharest is in the Eastern European time zone (UTC+2, with a DST of UTC+3 from April to October).

• Palace of the Parliament, strada Izvor 2-4 (near Piaţa Unirii (Union Plazza). - M1, 3 'Izvor' - entrance is on the north side, + 40 733 558 102. The world's second largest building (after the US Pentagon), formerly named "Casa Poporului" (People's House). Building started in 1983 by Nicolae Ceauşescu and is still not completely finished (2019). It spans 12 stories, around 1,000 rooms and covers over 330,000 m². 1/9 of Bucharest was reconstructed to accommodate this magnificent massive building and its surroundings. There are 1hr 20min tours frequently which lead through the building's vast collection of marble rooms and culminate in an impressive view from Nicolae Ceauşescu's balcony. All the building materials were sourced from various parts of Romania, though mainly from Transylvania. Tours can be booked online at least a day in advance or just turn up and take the next tour. The first English language tour of the day starts at 09:15. You must have your passport with you to go on a tour. Adults 40 lei, students 20 lei (19-26 years old, with a valid student ID), children 10 lei (7-18 years old), children under 7 free.
• Old City. A part of the city's historical heart was not demolished by Nicolae Ceauşescu. The area (stretching approximately between the Dâmboviţa river to the south, Calea Victoriei to the west, Calea Moşilor to the east and the Regina Elisabeta boulevard to the north) contains an assortment of middle 19th-century buildings, ruins of the Wallachian princes' medieval court, churches, bank headquarters, a few hotels, clubs, restaurants and shops. Narrow cobblestoned streets retain the names of the ancient guilds that resided on them. The area was mostly renovated and is now a place of gathering for the young generation of the city.
• Revolution Square. Site of part of the Romanian Revolution of 1989. There is a tall monument in the center of the square in memory of those who died during the revolution.
• Arch of Triumph, Piața Arcul de Triumf (northern part of the city, close to Herăstrău Park- Take tram 41 to 'Casin' or M2 'Aviatorilor' 500 m. The current arch was inaugurated in 1936, however previous arches had been here since 1878.
• Romanian Atheneum, strada Benjamin Franklin, 1-3 (Near Revolution Square.- m2 'Piata Romana'. A beautiful building is home of the George Enescu Philarmonic. If you have the time, visit the interior of the building as well, as it holds a fresco that depicts scenes of the Romanian history. The building was inaugurated in 1888.

Palace of the Parliament, strada Izvor 2-4 (near Piaţa Unirii (Union Plazza). - M1, 3 'Izvor' - entrance is on the north side, + 40 733 558 102. The world's second largest building (after the US Pentagon), formerly named "Casa Poporului" (People's House). Building started in 1983 by Nicolae Ceauşescu and is still not completely finished (2019). It spans 12 stories, around 1,000 rooms and covers over 330,000 m². 1/9 of Bucharest was reconstructed to accommodate this magnificent massive building and its surroundings. There are 1hr 20min tours frequently which lead through the building's vast collection of marble rooms and culminate in an impressive view from Nicolae Ceauşescu's balcony. All the building materials were sourced from various parts of Romania, though mainly from Transylvania. Tours can be booked online at least a day in advance or just turn up and take the next tour. The first English language tour of the day starts at 09:15. You must have your passport with you to go on a tour. Adults 40 lei, students 20 lei (19-26 years old, with a valid student ID), children 10 lei (7-18 years old), children under 7 free.

Old City. A part of the city's historical heart was not demolished by Nicolae Ceauşescu. The area (stretching approximately between the Dâmboviţa river to the south, Calea Victoriei to the west, Calea Moşilor to the east and the Regina Elisabeta boulevard to the north) contains an assortment of middle 19th-century buildings, ruins of the Wallachian princes' medieval court, churches, bank headquarters, a few hotels, clubs, restaurants and shops. Narrow cobblestoned streets retain the names of the ancient guilds that resided on them. The area was mostly renovated and is now a place of gathering for the young generation of the city.

Revolution Square. Site of part of the Romanian Revolution of 1989. There is a tall monument in the center of the square in memory of those who died during the revolution.

Arch of Triumph, Piața Arcul de Triumf (northern part of the city, close to Herăstrău Park- Take tram 41 to 'Casin' or M2 'Aviatorilor' 500 m. The current arch was inaugurated in 1936, however previous arches had been here since 1878.

Romanian Atheneum, strada Benjamin Franklin, 1-3 (Near Revolution Square.- m2 'Piata Romana'. A beautiful building is home of the George Enescu Philarmonic. If you have the time, visit the interior of the building as well, as it holds a fresco that depicts scenes of the Romanian history. The building was inaugurated in 1888.

• National Art Museum, Calea Victoriei, 49-53 (M2 'Piața Victoriei' or M2 'Universitate' 600 m, +40 21 3133030, +40 21 3148119. W-Su 10:00-18:00, last admission 17:00. In the building of the former Royal Palace, this museum has collections of ancient, modern and contemporary Romanian art as well as exhibitions of rare European art dating as early as the 14th century 15 lei for the Romanian collection, 15 lei for the European collection, or 25 lei for booth; 75% discount for pupils, students (with valid cards), Euro 26 card holders up to 30 years old, and people with disabilities; 50% discount for pensioners. Joint ticket with Art Collections Museum for 30 lei.
• Aviation Museum, Fabrica de Glucoza (Șoseaua Fabrica de Glucoză) street, 4, in District 2 (on the former Airport Pipera, +40 21 2320404. Tu-F 09:00-16:00, Sa Su 10:00-17:00. Open-air display of various types of aircraft.
• National Museum of Contemporary Art, Strada Izvor (M1,M3 'Izvor' or Bus 136, 385. Cafe, 4th floor: Open: Tu-Su 10:00-18; Library (Libraria Jumatatea Plina): W-Su 10:00-18:00; Annex NMCA. W-Su 10:00-18:00. Address: Mosilor 64-68, free entry; Dalles Hall (SALA Dalles) Open: W-Su 10:00-18:00; Address: 18 Avenue N. Balcescu. Inside a converted wing of the Palace of the Parliament, in what had been the private apartments of Ceauşescu, the museum features fresh exhibitions from Romania's burgeoning art scene. 10 lei.
  • Branch Museums: The Art Collections Museum (Muzeul Colecţiilor de Artă), 111, Calea Victoriei, phone:+40 21 2129641; +40 21 2121749. May-Sep: Sa-W 11:00-19:00; Oct-Apr: Sa-W 10:00-18:00. Huge collection of Romanian artworks, and some wonderful textiles and sculpture from the East. Joint ticket with the National Art Museum for 30 lei.
  • K.H. Zambaccian Museum (Muzeul K. H. Zambaccian). 21A, Muzeul Zambaccian Street, phone:+40 21 2301920. May-Sep: W-Su 11:00-19:00, Oct-Apr: W-Su 10:00-18:00. Collection of Romanian artworks collected by a prominent Armenian businessman. Also has works by Cézanne, Monet, Picasso and Matisse.
    Theodor Pallady Museum (Muzeul Theodor Pallady). 22, Spătarului Street, phone: +40 21 2114979. May-Sep: W-Su 11:00-19:00, Oct-Apr: W-Su 10:00-18:00.
• Curtea Veche Museum, Strada Franceză, nr. 25-31 (M 'Piața Unirii 2', +40 21 3140375. Closed for renovations in Sep 2018. The ruins of the crown palace of the Wallachian princes, some parts dating as early as the 16th century. It’s around an earlier fortification in this place that Bucharest began to develop.
• Cotroceni Palace Museum, Bulevardul Geniului 1 (Buses and trolleys to 'Gradina Botanica' or M 'Politehnica', +40 21 3173100. Has collections of objects that belonged to the former Romanian royal family. Today it is also the residence of the Romanian president.
• Firefighters Museum, Bd. Ferdinand I, nr. 33 (Foişorul de Foc), sector 2, +40 21 2522884. rarely opened. A 42-metre high building between Obor, Calea Moșilor and Nerva-Traian. It was used in the past as an observation tower by the firemen. Tram 14 to 'Bd. Pache Protopopescu'.
• Village Museum, Șoseaua Pavel Dimitrievici Kiseleff, 28-30 (Tram 41 to 'Agronomie' or M2 'Aviatorilor' and walk across the park ~15 min, +40 720 220132. Tu-Su 09:00-19:00. An open air museum created in 1934, it now has around 300 traditional buildings (including churches, workshops, mills) and furniture, pottery, clothing gathered from villages in every region of the country in an effort to showcase the traditional way of life of the Romanians. Occasionally hosts folkloric and traditional crafts festivals. Adult 15 lei; pupils and students (with valid cards) 4 lei; pensioners and Euro 26 card holders 8 lei.
• Museum of the Romanian Peasant, Şoseaua Kiseleff, 3 (M2 'Piața Victoriei 1, 2'; bus 205, 300, 381, 783, +40 21-317-96-61. Tu-Su 10:00-18:00. Also dedicated to the traditional way of life, it focuses mainly on traditional interior decoration, tools, clothing and artifacts. Again, it sometimes hosts folkloric and traditional crafts festivals. The museum closed in 2018 for a three year renovation.
• Geology Museum, Șoseaua Pavel Dimitrievici Kiseleff, 2 (M2 'Piața Victoriei'. Daily10:00-18:00. Has a large collection of minerals, rocks and fossils. 10 lei.
• National History Museum, Calea Victoriei, nr. 12 (M 'Piața Unirii 2' 600 m, +40 21 3158207. W-Su 10:00-18:00. It's in a neoclassical late 19th-century building, and has exhibits documenting the evolution of society on Romania’s territory from the Paleolithic until today, a replica of Trajan’s Column in Rome and a very interesting collection of jewellery and bronze articles from Roman times up to the Kingdom of Romania. 10 lei.
• Nicolae Minovici Folk Art Museum, Strada dr. Nicolae Minovici 3 (in front of the station Baneasa; bus 131, 205, 335, +40 21 6657334. Tu-Su 09:00-17:00. Also here is Museum of Old Western Art the (Muzeul de Artă Veche Apuseană Minovici). There are collections of the various works of art, such as stained glass from the 16th-17th centuries, engravings, paintings, rare books, tapestries, carpets, furniture.
• Military History Museum, Strada Mircea Vulcănescu, 125-127 (M 'Gara de Nord', bus - 122, 126, 168, 226, 268, 368 to stop 'Str.Berzei', trolley - 62, 85, 93, 96 to (Str.Mircea Vulcănescu),, +40 21 319 59 04. W-Su 09:00-17:00. Has collections of weapons dating since the prehistoric times and permanent exhibitions dedicated to important military events, including the Romanian revolution of 1989, and an outdoor exhibit of relatively modern weaponry, including cannons, tanks, helicopters. 10 lei.
• National Museum of Romanian Literature, Bulevardul Dacia nr. 12, sector 1 (M 'Piata Romana' 500 m east, +40 21 2129654.
• D. Minovici Western European Arts Museum, strada N. Minovici, nr.3. Located in a beautiful eclectic villa
• Frederic and Cecilia Cuțescu-Storck Art Museum, Str. Vasile Alecsandri nr.16, sector 1 (M 'Piaţa Victoriei' 300 m, +40 21 2113889. 10:00-18:00. This museum presents works of artists of the Storck family.
• Railways Museum, Calea Griviţei, nr. 139B (M "Gara de Nord", bus 105; trolley 86, 97. Rarely opened, W-Su 10:00-16:00. Shows all sorts of different exhibits from different ages of the railway network. Also has a model railway.
• National Museum of "George Enescu", Strada Gheorghe Manu, 141 (Located in Cantacuzino Palace, +40 21 3181450. Tu-Su 10:00-17:00,. Music, memorial museum. Adults 6 lei, seniors 2 lei, students 1.5 lei.
• National Philatelic Museum, Calea Victoriei, nr. 12 (Bus to 'Piata Natiunile Unite' 200 m or M 'Universitate' 600 m, +40 21 3125542, +40 21 3127491. Come here for stamps, stamp collections, postal items: boxes of values, old paintings, seals, horns, prints, old letters, maps postal coachmen costumes, furniture used in post offices, etc.
• Museum of Mary and Dr. G. Severeanu, Strada Henri Coandă (fostă I.C. Frimu) nr. 26, sector 1 (M 'Piata Romana' 500 m SE. The exhibition includes a variety of objects: pieces of archeology - ancient Greek vases, statuettes of Tanagra, bronze and marble, glass Roman items, ancient Greek, Dacian Roman, Byzantine and medieval coins. Romanian and foreign orders and decorations. 6 lei.
• Bucharest History Museum, Bulevardul Ion C. Brătianu. 2 (In the Şuţu Palace, +40 21 315 6858. Tu-Su 10:00-18:00. Housed in a palace built in 1834, has collections related to the development of Bucharest from a small 14th-century fortress into Romania’s capital. 10 lei and 15 lei extra to take photos (not worth it).
• National Museum of Antiquities.
• National Museum of Old Maps and Books, Str. Londra nr. 39, sector 1 (M 'Piața Victoriei' or Bus 131,182, 301, 330, 331, 335 to stop 'Liceul I.L.Caragiale'. W-Su 10:00-18:00. Small, but amazing museum with maps on 3 floors. Don’t forget to borrow one of the green magnifying glasses to discover the fine print. Historical maps from 15th-20th century from the whole world with an emphasis on Romania and the Balkan Peninsula. 10 Lei / 2,5 Lei for students.
• Jewish Community History Museum, Strada Mămulari, nr. 3. Housed in a beautiful mid 19th century synagogue. Documents the life of this community in the region since ancient times and through the Holocaust. Passport required to enter. Donation.
• Grigore Antipa Natural History Museum, Şoseaua Kiseleff, nr. 1. This has over 300,000 exhibits illustrating the transformations of Earth and the evolution of species.
• “Dimitrie Leonida” Technology Museum.
• Primăveri Palace, +40 213180989. Closed Mondays. The former residence of Ceaușescu, incredibly opulent, one of the most fascinating places to visit in Bucharest. Book online at least a day in advance. Tours last 45 minutes and cover all the main living areas, including the mosaic surrounded swimming pool and indoor garden 50 lei.

National Art Museum, Calea Victoriei, 49-53 (M2 'Piața Victoriei' or M2 'Universitate' 600 m, +40 21 3133030, +40 21 3148119. W-Su 10:00-18:00, last admission 17:00. In the building of the former Royal Palace, this museum has collections of ancient, modern and contemporary Romanian art as well as exhibitions of rare European art dating as early as the 14th century 15 lei for the Romanian collection, 15 lei for the European collection, or 25 lei for booth; 75% discount for pupils, students (with valid cards), Euro 26 card holders up to 30 years old, and people with disabilities; 50% discount for pensioners. Joint ticket with Art Collections Museum for 30 lei.

Aviation Museum, Fabrica de Glucoza (Șoseaua Fabrica de Glucoză) street, 4, in District 2 (on the former Airport Pipera, +40 21 2320404. Tu-F 09:00-16:00, Sa Su 10:00-17:00. Open-air display of various types of aircraft.

National Museum of Contemporary Art, Strada Izvor (M1,M3 'Izvor' or Bus 136, 385. Cafe, 4th floor: Open: Tu-Su 10:00-18; Library (Libraria Jumatatea Plina): W-Su 10:00-18:00; Annex NMCA. W-Su 10:00-18:00. Address: Mosilor 64-68, free entry; Dalles Hall (SALA Dalles) Open: W-Su 10:00-18:00; Address: 18 Avenue N. Balcescu. Inside a converted wing of the Palace of the Parliament, in what had been the private apartments of Ceauşescu, the museum features fresh exhibitions from Romania's burgeoning art scene. 10 lei.

• Branch Museums: The Art Collections Museum (Muzeul Colecţiilor de Artă), 111, Calea Victoriei, phone:+40 21 2129641; +40 21 2121749. May-Sep: Sa-W 11:00-19:00; Oct-Apr: Sa-W 10:00-18:00. Huge collection of Romanian artworks, and some wonderful textiles and sculpture from the East. Joint ticket with the National Art Museum for 30 lei.
• K.H. Zambaccian Museum (Muzeul K. H. Zambaccian). 21A, Muzeul Zambaccian Street, phone:+40 21 2301920. May-Sep: W-Su 11:00-19:00, Oct-Apr: W-Su 10:00-18:00. Collection of Romanian artworks collected by a prominent Armenian businessman. Also has works by Cézanne, Monet, Picasso and Matisse.
  Theodor Pallady Museum (Muzeul Theodor Pallady). 22, Spătarului Street, phone: +40 21 2114979. May-Sep: W-Su 11:00-19:00, Oct-Apr: W-Su 10:00-18:00.

Curtea Veche Museum, Strada Franceză, nr. 25-31 (M 'Piața Unirii 2', +40 21 3140375. Closed for renovations in Sep 2018. The ruins of the crown palace of the Wallachian princes, some parts dating as early as the 16th century. It’s around an earlier fortification in this place that Bucharest began to develop.

Cotroceni Palace Museum, Bulevardul Geniului 1 (Buses and trolleys to 'Gradina Botanica' or M 'Politehnica', +40 21 3173100. Has collections of objects that belonged to the former Romanian royal family. Today it is also the residence of the Romanian president.

Firefighters Museum, Bd. Ferdinand I, nr. 33 (Foişorul de Foc), sector 2, +40 21 2522884. rarely opened. A 42-metre high building between Obor, Calea Moșilor and Nerva-Traian. It was used in the past as an observation tower by the firemen. Tram 14 to 'Bd. Pache Protopopescu'.

Village Museum, Șoseaua Pavel Dimitrievici Kiseleff, 28-30 (Tram 41 to 'Agronomie' or M2 'Aviatorilor' and walk across the park ~15 min, +40 720 220132. Tu-Su 09:00-19:00. An open air museum created in 1934, it now has around 300 traditional buildings (including churches, workshops, mills) and furniture, pottery, clothing gathered from villages in every region of the country in an effort to showcase the traditional way of life of the Romanians. Occasionally hosts folkloric and traditional crafts festivals. Adult 15 lei; pupils and students (with valid cards) 4 lei; pensioners and Euro 26 card holders 8 lei.

Museum of the Romanian Peasant, Şoseaua Kiseleff, 3 (M2 'Piața Victoriei 1, 2'; bus 205, 300, 381, 783, +40 21-317-96-61. Tu-Su 10:00-18:00. Also dedicated to the traditional way of life, it focuses mainly on traditional interior decoration, tools, clothing and artifacts. Again, it sometimes hosts folkloric and traditional crafts festivals. The museum closed in 2018 for a three year renovation.

Geology Museum, Șoseaua Pavel Dimitrievici Kiseleff, 2 (M2 'Piața Victoriei'. Daily10:00-18:00. Has a large collection of minerals, rocks and fossils. 10 lei.

National History Museum, Calea Victoriei, nr. 12 (M 'Piața Unirii 2' 600 m, +40 21 3158207. W-Su 10:00-18:00. It's in a neoclassical late 19th-century building, and has exhibits documenting the evolution of society on Romania’s territory from the Paleolithic until today, a replica of Trajan’s Column in [[Rome]] and a very interesting collection of jewellery and bronze articles from Roman times up to the Kingdom of Romania. 10 lei.

Nicolae Minovici Folk Art Museum, Strada dr. Nicolae Minovici 3 (in front of the station Baneasa; bus 131, 205, 335, +40 21 6657334. Tu-Su 09:00-17:00. Also here is Museum of Old Western Art the (Muzeul de Artă Veche Apuseană Minovici). There are collections of the various works of art, such as stained glass from the 16th-17th centuries, engravings, paintings, rare books, tapestries, carpets, furniture.

Military History Museum, Strada Mircea Vulcănescu, 125-127 (M 'Gara de Nord', bus - 122, 126, 168, 226, 268, 368 to stop 'Str.Berzei', trolley - 62, 85, 93, 96 to (Str.Mircea Vulcănescu),, +40 21 319 59 04. W-Su 09:00-17:00. Has collections of weapons dating since the prehistoric times and permanent exhibitions dedicated to important military events, including the Romanian revolution of 1989, and an outdoor exhibit of relatively modern weaponry, including cannons, tanks, helicopters. 10 lei.

National Museum of Romanian Literature, Bulevardul Dacia nr. 12, sector 1 (M 'Piata Romana' 500 m east, +40 21 2129654.

D. Minovici Western European Arts Museum, strada N. Minovici, nr.3. Located in a beautiful eclectic villa

Frederic and Cecilia Cuțescu-Storck Art Museum, Str. Vasile Alecsandri nr.16, sector 1 (M 'Piaţa Victoriei' 300 m, +40 21 2113889. 10:00-18:00. This museum presents works of artists of the Storck family.

Railways Museum, Calea Griviţei, nr. 139B (M "Gara de Nord", bus 105; trolley 86, 97. Rarely opened, W-Su 10:00-16:00. Shows all sorts of different exhibits from different ages of the railway network. Also has a model railway.

National Museum of "George Enescu", Strada Gheorghe Manu, 141 (Located in Cantacuzino Palace, +40 21 3181450. Tu-Su 10:00-17:00,. Music, memorial museum. Adults 6 lei, seniors 2 lei, students 1.5 lei.

National Philatelic Museum, Calea Victoriei, nr. 12 (Bus to 'Piata Natiunile Unite' 200 m or M 'Universitate' 600 m, +40 21 3125542, +40 21 3127491. Come here for stamps, stamp collections, postal items: boxes of values, old paintings, seals, horns, prints, old letters, maps postal coachmen costumes, furniture used in post offices, etc.

Museum of Mary and Dr. G. Severeanu, Strada Henri Coandă (fostă I.C. Frimu) nr. 26, sector 1 (M 'Piata Romana' 500 m SE. The exhibition includes a variety of objects: pieces of archeology - ancient Greek vases, statuettes of Tanagra, bronze and marble, glass Roman items, ancient Greek, Dacian Roman, Byzantine and medieval coins. Romanian and foreign orders and decorations. 6 lei.

Bucharest History Museum, Bulevardul Ion C. Brătianu. 2 (In the Şuţu Palace, +40 21 315 6858. Tu-Su 10:00-18:00. Housed in a palace built in 1834, has collections related to the development of Bucharest from a small 14th-century fortress into Romania’s capital. 10 lei and 15 lei extra to take photos (not worth it).

National Museum of Antiquities.

National Museum of Old Maps and Books, Str. Londra nr. 39, sector 1 (M 'Piața Victoriei' or Bus 131,182, 301, 330, 331, 335 to stop 'Liceul I.L.Caragiale'. W-Su 10:00-18:00. Small, but amazing museum with maps on 3 floors. Don’t forget to borrow one of the green magnifying glasses to discover the fine print. Historical maps from 15th-20th century from the whole world with an emphasis on Romania and the Balkan Peninsula. 10 Lei / 2,5 Lei for students.

Jewish Community History Museum, Strada Mămulari, nr. 3. Housed in a beautiful mid 19th century synagogue. Documents the life of this community in the region since ancient times and through the Holocaust. Passport required to enter. Donation.

Grigore Antipa Natural History Museum, Şoseaua Kiseleff, nr. 1. This has over 300,000 exhibits illustrating the transformations of Earth and the evolution of species.

“Dimitrie Leonida” Technology Museum.

Primăveri Palace, +40 213180989. Closed Mondays. The former residence of Ceaușescu, incredibly opulent, one of the most fascinating places to visit in Bucharest. Book online at least a day in advance. Tours last 45 minutes and cover all the main living areas, including the mosaic surrounded swimming pool and indoor garden 50 lei.

• Sala Dalles.

Sala Dalles.

• Curtea Veche Church, Strada Covaci and Strada Franceză, sector 3 (Close to M 'Piața Unirii 2'. The Church of the Old Princely Court, built around 1559, used to be the coronation church of the Wallachian princes.
• Patriarchal Cathedral, Strada Patriarhiei (on the hill overlooking Piata Unirii, take tram 7, 27, 32 to stop '11 Iunie' 100 m or M: 'Piața Unirii 1' 500 m. Built in 1658. Next to it is the Mitropoliei Palace (1708) – the residence of the Orthodox Patriarch, a sort of small 'Romanian Vatican'. It’s the only church in Bucharest in which photography is prohibited
• Stavropoleos Church, Strada Stavropoleo/Strada Poștei nr. 6, sector 3 (in the old center area, M: Piața Unirii 2 walk half km northwest. Built in the early 18th century, has some stunning decorative sculpture and amazing frescoes. A little jewel.
• Colţea Church, Bulevardul Ion C. Brătianu 1 (near to Piaţa Universităţii. M: Universitate. The first church in Bucharest built in the Brancovenesc style (1702).
• New St. George Church, Bulevardul Brătianu I. C. 49, sector 3 (half way between Piaţa Universităţii and Piaţa Unirii. Take tram 5, 16, 21 to stop 'Piata Sf. Gheorghe'. Dating from the 18th century, houses the tombs of princes Constantin Brâncoveanu and Ion Mavrocordat.
• Kretzulescu Church, Calea Victoriei, 45 (M: Universitate 400m, on the left side of the National Art Museum. An interesting example of the Brancovenesc style (1722).
• Plumbuita Monastery, off Şoseaua Colentina, Str. Plumbuita nr. 58, sector 2 (relatively far from the city center, on Lake Plumbuita shore. Take tram #21 to stop 'Doamna Ghica' and walk toward north a half km. Built in the last half of the 16th century, it once housed the first printing house in the region (1582), today it has a religious objects museum and a large park.
• Oţetari Church, 4, Strada Oţetari (close to the Rosetti Square, National Theatrer and the Spiru Haret National College. The Oţetari Church is a very discreet, spiritual place, giving some religious comfort in the centre of the city. It's name means "cruet", because of the street it is on. It was built in the 18th century and it features a number of interesting paintings and stained glass.
• Great Synagogue of Bucharest, Strada Vasile Adamache 11 (Tram 14, 40 and 56 to stop 'Piata Sf. Vineri', +40 21 3110870. Religious services on weekends. This decorative temple was raised in 1845 by the Polish-Jewish community. It was repaired in 1865, baroque style, redesigned in 1903 and 1909, repainted in Rococo style in 1936. It hosts an exhibition on the Holocaust in Romanian. Entry by donation. Security checks require your passport
• All Saints' Antim Monastery, Strada Mitropolit Antim Ivireanul 29, București 030167 (In a side street on the south side of the Bulevardul Unirii near the front of the Parliamentary Palace. M-Sa 10:00 - 19:00, Su 08:45 - 09:45 and 12:00 - 19:00. An Orthodox monastery in Brâncovenesc style from 1715 with a church, a museum and a shop. The church, museum and shop are open to the public. The church is in the center of a courtyard with the museum and shop in buildings around the sides. The church is richly decorated with distinctive carved wooden doors. The shop sells mainly religious texts and iconography but also has a leaflet in English and other languages for 2 lei so go there before the main church. There is a toilet that visitors can use next to the shop. Free.

Curtea Veche Church, Strada Covaci and Strada Franceză, sector 3 (Close to M 'Piața Unirii 2'. The Church of the Old Princely Court, built around 1559, used to be the coronation church of the Wallachian princes.

Patriarchal Cathedral, Strada Patriarhiei (on the hill overlooking Piata Unirii, take tram 7, 27, 32 to stop '11 Iunie' 100 m or M: 'Piața Unirii 1' 500 m. Built in 1658. Next to it is the Mitropoliei Palace (1708) – the residence of the Orthodox Patriarch, a sort of small 'Romanian Vatican'. It’s the only church in Bucharest in which photography is prohibited

Stavropoleos Church, Strada Stavropoleo/Strada Poștei nr. 6, sector 3 (in the old center area, M: Piața Unirii 2 walk half km northwest. Built in the early 18th century, has some stunning decorative sculpture and amazing frescoes. A little jewel.

Colţea Church, Bulevardul Ion C. Brătianu 1 (near to Piaţa Universităţii. M: Universitate. The first church in Bucharest built in the Brancovenesc style (1702).

New St. George Church, Bulevardul Brătianu I. C. 49, sector 3 (half way between Piaţa Universităţii and Piaţa Unirii. Take tram 5, 16, 21 to stop 'Piata Sf. Gheorghe'. Dating from the 18th century, houses the tombs of princes Constantin Brâncoveanu and Ion Mavrocordat.

Kretzulescu Church, Calea Victoriei, 45 (M: Universitate 400m, on the left side of the National Art Museum. An interesting example of the Brancovenesc style (1722).

Plumbuita Monastery, off Şoseaua Colentina, Str. Plumbuita nr. 58, sector 2 (relatively far from the city center, on Lake Plumbuita shore. Take tram #21 to stop 'Doamna Ghica' and walk toward north a half km. Built in the last half of the 16th century, it once housed the first printing house in the region (1582), today it has a religious objects museum and a large park.

Oţetari Church, 4, Strada Oţetari (close to the Rosetti Square, National Theatrer and the Spiru Haret National College. The Oţetari Church is a very discreet, spiritual place, giving some religious comfort in the centre of the city. It's name means "cruet", because of the street it is on. It was built in the 18th century and it features a number of interesting paintings and stained glass.

Great Synagogue of Bucharest, Strada Vasile Adamache 11 (Tram 14, 40 and 56 to stop 'Piata Sf. Vineri', +40 21 3110870. Religious services on weekends. This decorative temple was raised in 1845 by the Polish-Jewish community. It was repaired in 1865, baroque style, redesigned in 1903 and 1909, repainted in Rococo style in 1936. It hosts an exhibition on the Holocaust in Romanian. Entry by donation. Security checks require your passport

All Saints' Antim Monastery, Strada Mitropolit Antim Ivireanul 29, București 030167 (In a side street on the south side of the Bulevardul Unirii near the front of the Parliamentary Palace. M-Sa 10:00 - 19:00, Su 08:45 - 09:45 and 12:00 - 19:00. An Orthodox monastery in Brâncovenesc style from 1715 with a church, a museum and a shop. The church, museum and shop are open to the public. The church is in the center of a courtyard with the museum and shop in buildings around the sides. The church is richly decorated with distinctive carved wooden doors. The shop sells mainly religious texts and iconography but also has a leaflet in English and other languages for 2 lei so go there before the main church. There is a toilet that visitors can use next to the shop. Free.

There are two free weekly guides published in Bucharest featuring all the events of the week, as well as listing the addresses of most restaurants, clubs, pubs, bars, cinemas etc. in the city. One is Şapte Seri (Seven nights), the other 24-FUN. They have small sections in English available.

• A walking tour is always the best solution for getting accustomed with a new city. You can find free guided walking tours of the city centre, this being an option for budget travelers, youth and backpackers. Usually, you have to book the tours, but in the high season there are tours organized every day, rain or sun.
• There are also paid tours to be found, in this case booking being necessary at all times.
• Access the free Audio Guide with GPS on smartphone for most relevant tour (17 attractions) on http://IZI.travel (IOS, Android, Windows). Then consider other tours with Audio Guides in Bucharest and surroundings. For example: "Bucharest - Old City Center" (with 40 included attractions) or related to the nearby protected natural area from Snagov lake and forest.
• Therme București. Huge thermal water park.

Access the free Audio Guide with GPS on smartphone for most relevant tour (17 attractions) on http://IZI.travel (IOS, Android, Windows). Then consider other tours with Audio Guides in Bucharest and surroundings. For example: "Bucharest - Old City Center" (with 40 included attractions) or related to the nearby protected natural area from Snagov lake and forest.

Therme București. Huge thermal water park.

• Cişmigiu Garden. This a lovely small park; it's the oldest in the city (designed 1845-1860). Has boat rental in summer, ice skating in winter time,reasonable restaurants and more specially a French restaurant in Trianon Hotel and several bars.
• Herăstrău Park. The largest of several parks around man-made lakes on the Colentina River running through the city’s north and east side) houses the Village Museum, an open-air theater, various sports grounds, an amusement park and numerous restaurants and clubs. Has boat rental and boat-trips in summer.
• Botanical Gardens. 08:00-20:00 daily in summer. Established in 1860, displays a variety of plants from all over the world. The greenhouses are wonderful but have limited opening hours, and are closed Monday, Wednesday and Friday 10 Lei.
• Carol Park. Designed in 1906, Carol Park has an open-air theater replicating a Roman arena and another construction replicating a medieval fortress. It houses the tomb of the Unknown Soldier as well as an infamous mausoleum built for the Communist nomenclature.
• Tineretului Park. It has a large multipurpose building (Sala Polivalenta) used for concerts, sporting events, exhibitions, etc., an amusement park for children, boat-rental, several restaurants and bars.
• Titan Park. A green oasis among Communist-era high-rise apartment buildings in the eastern part of the city (Titan metro station), has a charming wooden church as well as several lakeside clubs.

Cişmigiu Garden. This a lovely small park; it's the oldest in the city (designed 1845-1860). Has boat rental in summer, ice skating in winter time,reasonable restaurants and more specially a French restaurant in Trianon Hotel and several bars.

Herăstrău Park. The largest of several parks around man-made lakes on the Colentina River running through the city’s north and east side) houses the Village Museum, an open-air theater, various sports grounds, an amusement park and numerous restaurants and clubs. Has boat rental and boat-trips in summer.

Botanical Gardens. 08:00-20:00 daily in summer. Established in 1860, displays a variety of plants from all over the world. The greenhouses are wonderful but have limited opening hours, and are closed Monday, Wednesday and Friday 10 Lei.

Carol Park. Designed in 1906, Carol Park has an open-air theater replicating a Roman arena and another construction replicating a medieval fortress. It houses the tomb of the Unknown Soldier as well as an infamous mausoleum built for the Communist nomenclature.

Tineretului Park. It has a large multipurpose building (Sala Polivalenta) used for concerts, sporting events, exhibitions, etc., an amusement park for children, boat-rental, several restaurants and bars.

Titan Park. A green oasis among Communist-era high-rise apartment buildings in the eastern part of the city (Titan metro station), has a charming wooden church as well as several lakeside clubs.

• Opera Naţională, Bulevardul Mihail Kogălniceanu nr. 70-72 (Eroilor area, +40 21 314 6980. 5-64 lei.
• Filarmonica George Enescu, Strada B. Franklin nr. 1-3 (Revoluţiei square, +40 21 315 2567. Housed in the Romanian Atheneum, a city landmark.
• Teatrul Naţional de Operetă Ion Dacian, Bulevardul Nicolae Bălcescu nr.2 (near University square, +40 21 315 1502.
• Sala Radio, Str. General Berthelot, Nr. 60-64, +40 21 3031479. A concert hall that plays an important role in the country's classical music life. Built in 1959 and opened in 1961, it is the country's largest symphonic concert hall. Price is around.

Opera Naţională, Bulevardul Mihail Kogălniceanu nr. 70-72 (Eroilor area, +40 21 314 6980. 5-64 lei.

Filarmonica George Enescu, Strada B. Franklin nr. 1-3 (Revoluţiei square, +40 21 315 2567. Housed in the Romanian Atheneum, a city landmark.

Teatrul Naţional de Operetă Ion Dacian, Bulevardul Nicolae Bălcescu nr.2 (near University square, +40 21 315 1502.

Sala Radio, Str. General Berthelot, Nr. 60-64, +40 21 3031479. A concert hall that plays an important role in the country's classical music life. Built in 1959 and opened in 1961, it is the country's largest symphonic concert hall. Price is around.

Most films are screened in their original language with Romanian subtitles; some animation features and children's movies are dubbed in Romanian. Cinemas are found in every shopping mall.

• Cinemateca Română, strada Eforie nr. 2 (near the old quarter, +40 21 3130483. A branch of the National Film Archives, screens mostly classic movies.
• Noul cinematograf al regizorului roman, strada Intrarea Monetăriei nr. 3 (at the Romanian Peasant Museum, +40 21 317 9660. Art films and documentaries selected by major Romanian directors. 10 lei.
• Eurocinema, strada Johann Gutenberg nr. 19 (near Izvor bridge, +40 21 315 8165. Th-Su at 20:00. Plays mainly independent European movies. 10 lei.
• Europa, Calea Moşilor nr. 127 (at the start of Moşilor road, +40 21 314 2714. Plays relatively recent European movies.
• Cinema Elvira Popescu, Bulevardul Dacia nr. 77 (at the French Institute, +40 21 2100224. Mostly French movies. 15 lei, carnet of 5 tickets: 50 lei, children under 12: 5 lei.

Cinemateca Română, strada Eforie nr. 2 (near the old quarter, +40 21 3130483. A branch of the National Film Archives, screens mostly classic movies.

Noul cinematograf al regizorului roman, strada Intrarea Monetăriei nr. 3 (at the Romanian Peasant Museum, +40 21 317 9660. Art films and documentaries selected by major Romanian directors. 10 lei.

Eurocinema, strada Johann Gutenberg nr. 19 (near Izvor bridge, +40 21 315 8165. Th-Su at 20:00. Plays mainly independent European movies. 10 lei.

Europa, Calea Moşilor nr. 127 (at the start of Moşilor road, +40 21 314 2714. Plays relatively recent European movies.

Cinema Elvira Popescu, Bulevardul Dacia nr. 77 (at the French Institute, +40 21 2100224. Mostly French movies. 15 lei, carnet of 5 tickets: 50 lei, children under 12: 5 lei.

• Cinema City, Bulevardul Vasile Milea nr. 4 (in the AFI Palace mall, +40 21 407 0000. Largest multiplex in the city (21 screens, including one IMAX). 17-32 lei.
• Hollywood Multiplex, Calea Vitan nr. 55-59 (in the Bucharest Mall, +40 21 327 7020. This was the first multiplex to open in Bucharest and has 10 screens. 22-35 lei.
• Movieplex, Bulevardul Timişoara nr. 26 (in the Plaza Romania mall, +40 21 43 10000. Located in the western part of Bucharest, has 11 screens. 15-45 lei.
• Patria, Bulevardul Gh. Magheru nr. 12-14 (between Universităţii and Romană squares, +40 21 3169266. A large (over 1,000 seats) 1930s cinema located along the city's main avenue.
• Scala, Bulevardul Gh. Magheru nr. 2-4 (between Universităţii and Romană squares, +40 21 316 6708. Another large older cinema in the downtown.
• CinemaPro, strada Ion Ghica nr. 3 (near Universităţii square, +40 31 8241360. 14-24 lei.

Cinema City, Bulevardul Vasile Milea nr. 4 (in the AFI Palace mall, +40 21 407 0000. Largest multiplex in the city (21 screens, including one IMAX). 17-32 lei.

Hollywood Multiplex, Calea Vitan nr. 55-59 (in the Bucharest Mall, +40 21 327 7020. This was the first multiplex to open in Bucharest and has 10 screens. 22-35 lei.

Movieplex, Bulevardul Timişoara nr. 26 (in the Plaza Romania mall, +40 21 43 10000. Located in the western part of Bucharest, has 11 screens. 15-45 lei.

Patria, Bulevardul Gh. Magheru nr. 12-14 (between Universităţii and Romană squares, +40 21 3169266. A large (over 1,000 seats) 1930s cinema located along the city's main avenue.

Scala, Bulevardul Gh. Magheru nr. 2-4 (between Universităţii and Romană squares, +40 21 316 6708. Another large older cinema in the downtown.

CinemaPro, strada Ion Ghica nr. 3 (near Universităţii square, +40 31 8241360. 14-24 lei.

Major brand-name shops and upscale boutiques are concentrated along the main boulevard from Piaţa Romană to Piaţa Unirii and on the small streets adjacent to this boulevard, but also on Calea Victoriei, on Calea Dorobanţilor (the part between Blvd. Iancu de Hunedoara and Piaţa Dorobanţilor) or on Calea Moşilor's section between Blvd. Carol I and Piaţa Obor.

In the past years numerous modern shopping centers have sprung up in the city (and even more are in construction), the best known being:

• Bucharest Mall, Calea Vitan 55-59 (Bus 123, 124, 125, 135 or tram 15, 19, 23 or M1,3 'Timpuri Noi' 1km W, +40 21 3276700. The first one to be completed, in 1999.
• Jolie Ville Galleria, Str. Erou Iancu Nicolae nr. 103 bis, Voluntari, judetul Ilfov (In northern Outskirts, Bus 301 to 'Jolie Ville Baneasa' 100 m, +40 21 2068001. Daily 10:00-22:00. Mega Image hypermarket, services: Florists, pharmacies, cleaners.
• Plaza Romania, Bulevardul Timișoara 26 (M3 "Lujerului" 0.8 km N further tram 41 to 'Bd. Timisoara', or tram 8, 25 to 'Brasov', +40 21 3195050.
• Unirea Shopping Center, sector 3, Piața Unirii, nr.1 (Downtown - M 1,3 'Piața Unirii' Stn. Includes a large Carrefour supermarket., +40 21 3030307.
• Băneasa Shopping City, Șoseaua Bucureşti-Ploieşti nr.42D (Bus 261, 301, 304, 449 to 'Drumul Matasii', +40 21 3057195. Opened in April 2008.
• Liberty Center, section 5, Strada Progresului 151-171 (Tram 8, 11, 25, 23, 32 or bus 117, 173 - M2 'Eroii Revolutiei' 1.5 km, +40 21 3699875. Shops: daily 10:00-22:00, supermarket: 09:00-22:00, cinema: M-F 12:00; Sa-Su 10:00.
• AFI Palace Cotroceni, district 6, Bulevardul Vasile Milea, No. 4, +40 31 4257510.
• Sun Plaza, district 4, Calea Văcărești 391 (M2 'Stația Piața Sudului', Trolley 73, 74, 77; Tram 11, bus 232, 242, 312, 313, 381, 634. Gallery stores M-Sa 10:00-22:00, Restaurants & cafes: Su-Th 10:00-23:00, F-Sa 10:00-24:00; Cora hypermarket: M-F 8:00 -22:00.
• Promenada, Calea Floreasca 246B. Opened in 2014, it is one of the biggest shopping malls in Bucharest.
• Mega Mall, Str. Pierre de Coubertin nr. 3-5. Opened in 2015, this is the newest and one of the biggest shopping malls Bucharest has to offer.

Bucharest Mall, Calea Vitan 55-59 (Bus 123, 124, 125, 135 or tram 15, 19, 23 or M1,3 'Timpuri Noi' 1km W, +40 21 3276700. The first one to be completed, in 1999.

Jolie Ville Galleria, Str. Erou Iancu Nicolae nr. 103 bis, Voluntari, judetul Ilfov (In northern Outskirts, Bus 301 to 'Jolie Ville Baneasa' 100 m, +40 21 2068001. Daily 10:00-22:00. Mega Image hypermarket, services: Florists, pharmacies, cleaners.

Plaza Romania, Bulevardul Timișoara 26 (M3 "Lujerului" 0.8 km N further tram 41 to 'Bd. Timisoara', or tram 8, 25 to 'Brasov', +40 21 3195050.

Unirea Shopping Center, sector 3, Piața Unirii, nr.1 (Downtown - M 1,3 'Piața Unirii' Stn. Includes a large Carrefour supermarket., +40 21 3030307.

Băneasa Shopping City, Șoseaua Bucureşti-Ploieşti nr.42D (Bus 261, 301, 304, 449 to 'Drumul Matasii', +40 21 3057195. Opened in April 2008.

Liberty Center, section 5, Strada Progresului 151-171 (Tram 8, 11, 25, 23, 32 or bus 117, 173 - M2 'Eroii Revolutiei' 1.5 km, +40 21 3699875. Shops: daily 10:00-22:00, supermarket: 09:00-22:00, cinema: M-F 12:00; Sa-Su 10:00.

AFI Palace Cotroceni, district 6, Bulevardul Vasile Milea, No. 4, +40 31 4257510.

Sun Plaza, district 4, Calea Văcărești 391 (M2 'Stația Piața Sudului', Trolley 73, 74, 77; Tram 11, bus 232, 242, 312, 313, 381, 634. Gallery stores M-Sa 10:00-22:00, Restaurants & cafes: Su-Th 10:00-23:00, F-Sa 10:00-24:00; Cora hypermarket: M-F 8:00 -22:00.

Promenada, Calea Floreasca 246B. Opened in 2014, it is one of the biggest shopping malls in Bucharest.

Mega Mall, Str. Pierre de Coubertin nr. 3-5. Opened in 2015, this is the newest and one of the biggest shopping malls Bucharest has to offer.

Book stores with a good supply of English language books are difficult to find in Bucharest but there are a few places mainly situated in the center.

• Cărturești Carusel, Lipscani 55. Breathtaking bookstore in a restored 19th-century building.
• Cărtureşti, Str Arthur Verona nr.13, +40 21 3173459. A few blocks south of Piaţa Romană on the east side of Bd. Magheru. The store is set back the street and has a small park in front of it. +phone=+40 21 72 1518351, 788758408
• Bastilia. Excellent bookshop (with nice cafe at top) located in newly renovated building right at Piata Romana.
• Nautilus. An English-language bookstore near the Kiseleff Park, mostly with fantasy and science fiction books.
• Anthony Frost English Bookshop, Calea Victorei, Nr. 45, Sector 1, Bucharest, Romania (The bookstore near the Art Museum. Walk down the right side of the large building just to the left of a very old church. The bookstore is near the back., +40 21 3115138. An English-language bookstore. Lots of reasonably-priced books and a comics (mostly manga) section.
• Dalles. Near Piaţa Universităţii (University square).

Cărturești Carusel, Lipscani 55. Breathtaking bookstore in a restored 19th-century building.

Cărtureşti, Str Arthur Verona nr.13, +40 21 3173459. A few blocks south of Piaţa Romană on the east side of Bd. Magheru. The store is set back the street and has a small park in front of it. +phone=+40 21 72 1518351, 788758408

Bastilia. Excellent bookshop (with nice cafe at top) located in newly renovated building right at Piata Romana.

Nautilus. An English-language bookstore near the Kiseleff Park, mostly with fantasy and science fiction books.

Anthony Frost English Bookshop, Calea Victorei, Nr. 45, Sector 1, Bucharest, Romania (The bookstore near the Art Museum. Walk down the right side of the large building just to the left of a very old church. The bookstore is near the back., +40 21 3115138. An English-language bookstore. Lots of reasonably-priced books and a comics (mostly manga) section.

Dalles. Near Piaţa Universităţii (University square).

• Thomas Antiques, Str. Covaci 19 (Lipscani area, +40 752 440 818. Beautiful antique shop with a large collection.

Thomas Antiques, Str. Covaci 19 (Lipscani area, +40 752 440 818. Beautiful antique shop with a large collection.

• Barca. Raw vegan restaurant
• Beca's Kitchen.
• Bistro Jariștea, Str. Henri Coanda 5, +40 21 6505000. Daily 10:00-02:00. Stylish bistro with Romanian specialties, including game and a varied selection of wines. Friendly staff, reservations not always necessary.
• Cafeanua Actorilor. Actors' Cafe, strada Batişte (located at the National Theater). Attracts a lot of Americans, because of good food, and the U.S. Embassy and Intercontinental are right across the street. The salads, especially the one called "Act II" is a meal all by itself. Service tends to be excruciatingly slow, driving away many locals.
• Casa di David, Soseaua Nordului nr. 7-9, +40 21 232 47 15. Opened in 2005, it is a hangout of the city's nouveau riche. It comes complete with German car ads at the entrance and an extensive wine list. Food (Italian inspired) and ambience are OK, but portions are small and prices are far above average for Bucharest. A 3-course meal for two with local wine will set you back over 400 lei.
• Casa Iancului, No.2 Sarafineşti str.. The menu is limited to typical Romanian cuisine. Dishes are based on chicken, fish, pork, game and venison. Casa Iancului boasts an extensive selection of wines and has a professional sommelier.
• Cuptorul cu lemne, B-dul Pache Protopopescu nr. 63, +40 21 2522414. A nice pizza place with a nice outdoor summer garden and a relaxed atmosphere (the restaurant also houses a caricature club). Low prices. Tends to be very crowded during weekends.
• Habibi Kebab, Strada Șelari 17. 24 hours. Cheap for Bucharest, excellent quality kebab and falafel with generous servings. A choice of fillings is offered, so the falafel wrap is easily customisable for vegetarians and vegans. Takeaway or eat-in, the place is in a nice part of the old town with outdoor seating. Excellent hommus. Falafel wrap: 16 leu; Chips: 6 leu.
• Jariștea, Strada George Georgescu 50-52 (near the crossroad of Regina Maria Blvd. and Libertăţii Blvd, +40 021 335 33 38. Daily 11:00-last customer. Beautiful historically themed restaurant, live traditional music, old Romanian specialties; but always check the bill thoroughly. Reservations are compulsory.
• Jour-Fixe, Str. Garamont 23 (near George Cosbuc Square and Carol Park. Daily 09:00-02:00. A fine restaurant offering a cuisine which blends the French style and the old Romanian spirit. Prices are medium-high.
• Kanpai, str. George Călinescu 49. Japanese pub/bistro.
• Lacrimi și Sfinți, Șepcari 16.
• La Mama (6 outlets around Bucharest, Barbu Văcărescu 3, Delea Veche 51, Episcopiei 9, and Carrefour Orhideea being the largest ones, +40 21-2124086 ) - focusing on traditional Romanian food. Reasonable prices.
• Lovegan, Bulevardul Lascăr Catargiu Nr. 1 (Near by Metro Piata Romana, +40 21 367 23 66, +40 742 12 11 03. M-F 12:00-20:00, Sa 11:00-15:00. One of the few vegan restaurants in Bucharest, serving delicious dishes. Catering workshops on Saturday.
• Mahala.
• Pâine și Vin.
• POEM Restaurant, Suter Str. 23-25 (in the Carol park area, +40 21 3363377. One of Bucharest's exclusive restaurants, in the elegant CPH atmosphere. Excellent international chefs, but very pricey.
• Red Angus Steakhouse, 87th Nicolae Caramfil Blvd, +40 21 720-720-863. In the Old Center, across the street from the Old Court. The restaurant serves high quality USDA Choice beef and offers an excellent, diverse menu, for all tastes. Also at 56 Franceza St.
• Red Lion Cafe, Strada Academiei 1A (in the Universităţii area. Nice atmosphere, budget prices, very good pizza.
• Rossetya, 9 Str Dimitrie Bolintineanu. Classic style restaurant with prices a bit higher than average, but with a very neat and cultivated atmosphere, outstandingly friendly English-speaking personnel, high food quality.
• Taj Indian Restaurant, Sector 5, Bucureşti (Near Marriott hotel, +40 21 410 1820. Daily 12:00-24:00. Good Indian restaurant near Marriott hotel, especially for vegetarians. Little pricey.
• The Artist.
• Trattoria Buongiorno, Str Franceza 52. Trattoria Buongiorno is bringing a little piece of Italy to the middle of Bucharest.
• Trattoria Il Calcio, Stavropoleos str. No. 3. One of best pizza places in old town.
• Wok Away, Calea Mosilor, Nr 288 (vis-a-vis Raiffaisen Bank, +40 72 9326284. Chinese specialities and Asian food. The food is prepared separately for each customer, so you will have a great experience with every meal.

• Hanul Lui Manuc, Str. Franceza nr. 62-64, +40 21 313 14 11. Great location in Bucharest city centre and wonderful traditional food.

• Caru' cu Bere. One of the most famous restaurants in Bucharest, in a historic building. Student menu for 14,50 Lei!

Barca. Raw vegan restaurant

Beca's Kitchen.

Bistro Jariștea, Str. Henri Coanda 5, +40 21 6505000. Daily 10:00-02:00. Stylish bistro with Romanian specialties, including game and a varied selection of wines. Friendly staff, reservations not always necessary.

Cafeanua Actorilor. Actors' Cafe, strada Batişte (located at the National Theater). Attracts a lot of Americans, because of good food, and the U.S. Embassy and Intercontinental are right across the street. The salads, especially the one called "Act II" is a meal all by itself. Service tends to be excruciatingly slow, driving away many locals.

Casa di David, Soseaua Nordului nr. 7-9, +40 21 232 47 15. Opened in 2005, it is a hangout of the city's nouveau riche. It comes complete with German car ads at the entrance and an extensive wine list. Food (Italian inspired) and ambience are OK, but portions are small and prices are far above average for Bucharest. A 3-course meal for two with local wine will set you back over 400 lei.

Casa Iancului, No.2 Sarafineşti str.. The menu is limited to typical Romanian cuisine. Dishes are based on chicken, fish, pork, game and venison. Casa Iancului boasts an extensive selection of wines and has a professional sommelier.

Cuptorul cu lemne, B-dul Pache Protopopescu nr. 63, +40 21 2522414. A nice pizza place with a nice outdoor summer garden and a relaxed atmosphere (the restaurant also houses a caricature club). Low prices. Tends to be very crowded during weekends.

Habibi Kebab, Strada Șelari 17. 24 hours. Cheap for Bucharest, excellent quality kebab and falafel with generous servings. A choice of fillings is offered, so the falafel wrap is easily customisable for vegetarians and vegans. Takeaway or eat-in, the place is in a nice part of the old town with outdoor seating. Excellent hommus. Falafel wrap: 16 leu; Chips: 6 leu.

Jariștea, Strada George Georgescu 50-52 (near the crossroad of Regina Maria Blvd. and Libertăţii Blvd, +40 021 335 33 38. Daily 11:00-last customer. Beautiful historically themed restaurant, live traditional music, old Romanian specialties; but always check the bill thoroughly. Reservations are compulsory.

Jour-Fixe, Str. Garamont 23 (near George Cosbuc Square and Carol Park. Daily 09:00-02:00. A fine restaurant offering a cuisine which blends the French style and the old Romanian spirit. Prices are medium-high.

Kanpai, str. George Călinescu 49. Japanese pub/bistro.

Lacrimi și Sfinți, Șepcari 16.

La Mama (6 outlets around Bucharest, Barbu Văcărescu 3, Delea Veche 51, Episcopiei 9, and Carrefour Orhideea being the largest ones, +40 21-2124086 ) - focusing on traditional Romanian food. Reasonable prices.

Lovegan, Bulevardul Lascăr Catargiu Nr. 1 (Near by Metro Piata Romana, +40 21 367 23 66, +40 742 12 11 03. M-F 12:00-20:00, Sa 11:00-15:00. One of the few vegan restaurants in Bucharest, serving delicious dishes. Catering workshops on Saturday.

Mahala.

Pâine și Vin.

POEM Restaurant, Suter Str. 23-25 (in the Carol park area, +40 21 3363377. One of Bucharest's exclusive restaurants, in the elegant CPH atmosphere. Excellent international chefs, but very pricey.

Red Angus Steakhouse, 87th Nicolae Caramfil Blvd, +40 21 720-720-863. In the Old Center, across the street from the Old Court. The restaurant serves high quality USDA Choice beef and offers an excellent, diverse menu, for all tastes. Also at 56 Franceza St.

Red Lion Cafe, Strada Academiei 1A (in the Universităţii area. Nice atmosphere, budget prices, very good pizza.

Rossetya, 9 Str Dimitrie Bolintineanu. Classic style restaurant with prices a bit higher than average, but with a very neat and cultivated atmosphere, outstandingly friendly English-speaking personnel, high food quality.

Taj Indian Restaurant, Sector 5, Bucureşti (Near Marriott hotel, +40 21 410 1820. Daily 12:00-24:00. Good Indian restaurant near Marriott hotel, especially for vegetarians. Little pricey.

The Artist.

Trattoria Buongiorno, Str Franceza 52. Trattoria Buongiorno is bringing a little piece of Italy to the middle of Bucharest.

Trattoria Il Calcio, Stavropoleos str. No. 3. One of best pizza places in old town.

Wok Away, Calea Mosilor, Nr 288 (vis-a-vis Raiffaisen Bank, +40 72 9326284. Chinese specialities and Asian food. The food is prepared separately for each customer, so you will have a great experience with every meal.

Hanul Lui Manuc, Str. Franceza nr. 62-64, +40 21 313 14 11. Great location in Bucharest city centre and wonderful traditional food.

Caru' cu Bere. One of the most famous restaurants in Bucharest, in a historic building. Student menu for 14,50 Lei!

• 1974 Niște Domni și Fiii.
• Absintherie Sixtină, Covaci 6, 1st floor, +40 21 3103566. Classic style bar with reasonable prices. The absinthe is served with a slow drip fountain.
• Beer O'Clock, Gabroveni 4 and Villacrosse passage (near Police Department). Bar with several types of Belgian, Czech and Slovak beer.
• Camera din Față. Cafe/tea house
• Curtea berarilor, Selari 9-11, +40 723 279620, +40 21 3137532. Su 12:00–24:00; M-W 13:00-01:00; Th-Sa 13:00-4:00. Pub in old center having mostly Timişoreana beer.
• Energiea.
• Ganesha Cafe.
• Green Hours, Calea Victoriei 120, +40 722 234356, +40 788 452485. A quiet club which often hosts jazz concerts.
• Interbelic, Intrarea Selari 1A (near Lipscani, +40 722 681618. Daily 17:00-last. Cocktail bar; fine spirits, great nights. medium.
• La Motoare, Bd. Nicolae Bălcescu nr. 2 (on the roof of the National Theater, Universitate Square, +40 213 158508. An outdoor pub offering great views over the city. Mostly frequented by university students. Rock music and movies in the evening.
• Origo.
• Piranha, Splaiul Independenţei 313 (in Regie, the student campus, next to the Polytechnic University, +40 21 315 91 29. A large pub, with a huge outdoor terrace in the middle of a wooded area, featuring a small collection of exotic animals. One of the few outdoor places where the summer heat is actually bearable. A favorite among students, with amazingly low prices (a beer is 2.5 lei). However, quite crowded and sometimes noisy.
• Piua Book Bar.
• BEAT bar umanist, Strada Robescu F. Constantin 14, +40 748 110 388. Nice cosy bar near Unirii/old town.
• Hard Rock Cafe, 32 Kiseleff Avenue, +40-21-206-6261,. Favorite of both locals and tourists, the Hard Rock Cafe makes its home on the shores of the lake, just a few short steps from the landmark Triumph Arch.

• Bamboo, Str. Ramuri Tei 39 (in Tei Park, +40 72 213 2283. F 23:00-05:00; Sa 23:00-12:00. It's the largest club in Bucharest. Upmarket and expensive.
• Cafe Hazard, Baraţiei (coming from Unirii towards University, take your first right after the fornetti store and then your first left, +40 72 770 0107. Daily 15:00-03:00. A rock bar, with a great atmosphere, open thinking, great beer and people.
• Gaia, Strada Tarmului, nr. 19, +40723610933. Daily 15:00-03:00.
• Club A, +40 21 313 5592. Daily 18:00-06:00. The oldest club in Bucharest, with nearly 40 years tradition (this means amazingly much for a city where most clubs are less than 5 years old). Since the beginning, it was and remains a student pub and club, with an unpretentious but welcoming atmosphere, good music and low prices. Like many clubs in Bucharest, the bouncers can be overly aggressive to patrons at times.
• Control Club, Str. Academiei nr.19 (go to Victoria Passage coming from University square, +40 73 392 7861. Daily 15:00-03:00. Best alternative/indie club with a lot of live shows and good music.
• Expirat/OtherSide, Str. Lipscani nr. 5/Str. Brezoianu nr. 4, +40 73 EXPIRAT. Very lively and popular club, divided in two sections - Expirat, the old club with rock/dance/hiphop music, and its newer offspring, the OtherSide, where DJs spin electronica. Themed nights, very expat-friendly, great cocktails and very reasonable prices.
• Fire Club, +40 21 312 7019. The most well-known rock and metal club in Bucharest. By day a pub and outdoor cafe.
• Fratelli, Str. Nicolae Golescu 5, +40 73 103 6222, +40 72 185 0030.
• Kulturhaus, Str. Sf. Vineri nr.4, +40 21 3135592. Daily 10:00-05:00. A club with a German concept – ”the culture house” – a place where all sort of cultural events (such as live music concerts, art exhibitions, film projections) take place. Kulturhaus is very cheap – no entry fee (except for music concerts) and low prices – it is the cheapest club in town – maybe this is why the place is crowded every Friday and Saturday night until 05:00.
• Queen’s Club, Be. Carol I, nr. 61, +40 72 275 4293. F Sa 24:00-05:00. Like gay clubs the world over, this place has become tremendously popular with a hetero set fed up with the meat market atmosphere at so many of the city’s other locations. That, together with superb music, makes this an essential stop for hedonists of all persuasions. Shake it. It can become quite crowded so watch yourself. Entry 20 lei, but that includes 10 lei worth of drinks at the bar.
• Underworld, Str. Colţei, nr. 48 (go to Colţei street coming from the Rosetti Square, near University. M-Sa 15:00-05:00; Su 15:00-24:00. The only punk-rock oriented pub in Bucharest. It also has a small concert hall, a fusball table, board games, dedicated evenings, etc.

Bamboo, Str. Ramuri Tei 39 (in Tei Park, +40 72 213 2283. F 23:00-05:00; Sa 23:00-12:00. It's the largest club in Bucharest. Upmarket and expensive.

Cafe Hazard, Baraţiei (coming from Unirii towards University, take your first right after the fornetti store and then your first left, +40 72 770 0107. Daily 15:00-03:00. A rock bar, with a great atmosphere, open thinking, great beer and people.

Gaia, Strada Tarmului, nr. 19, +40723610933. Daily 15:00-03:00.

Club A, +40 21 313 5592. Daily 18:00-06:00. The oldest club in Bucharest, with nearly 40 years tradition (this means amazingly much for a city where most clubs are less than 5 years old). Since the beginning, it was and remains a student pub and club, with an unpretentious but welcoming atmosphere, good music and low prices. Like many clubs in Bucharest, the bouncers can be overly aggressive to patrons at times.

Control Club, Str. Academiei nr.19 (go to Victoria Passage coming from University square, +40 73 392 7861. Daily 15:00-03:00. Best alternative/indie club with a lot of live shows and good music.

Expirat/OtherSide, Str. Lipscani nr. 5/Str. Brezoianu nr. 4, +40 73 EXPIRAT. Very lively and popular club, divided in two sections - Expirat, the old club with rock/dance/hiphop music, and its newer offspring, the OtherSide, where DJs spin electronica. Themed nights, very expat-friendly, great cocktails and very reasonable prices.

Fire Club, +40 21 312 7019. The most well-known rock and metal club in Bucharest. By day a pub and outdoor cafe.

Fratelli, Str. Nicolae Golescu 5, +40 73 103 6222, +40 72 185 0030.

Kulturhaus, Str. Sf. Vineri nr.4, +40 21 3135592. Daily 10:00-05:00. A club with a German concept – ”the culture house” – a place where all sort of cultural events (such as live music concerts, art exhibitions, film projections) take place. Kulturhaus is very cheap – no entry fee (except for music concerts) and low prices – it is the cheapest club in town – maybe this is why the place is crowded every Friday and Saturday night until 05:00.

Queen’s Club, Be. Carol I, nr. 61, +40 72 275 4293. F Sa 24:00-05:00. Like gay clubs the world over, this place has become tremendously popular with a hetero set fed up with the meat market atmosphere at so many of the city’s other locations. That, together with superb music, makes this an essential stop for hedonists of all persuasions. Shake it. It can become quite crowded so watch yourself. Entry 20 lei, but that includes 10 lei worth of drinks at the bar.

Underworld, Str. Colţei, nr. 48 (go to Colţei street coming from the Rosetti Square, near University. M-Sa 15:00-05:00; Su 15:00-24:00. The only punk-rock oriented pub in Bucharest. It also has a small concert hall, a fusball table, board games, dedicated evenings, etc.

1974 Niște Domni și Fiii.

Absintherie Sixtină, Covaci 6, 1st floor, +40 21 3103566. Classic style bar with reasonable prices. The absinthe is served with a slow drip fountain.

Beer O'Clock, Gabroveni 4 and Villacrosse passage (near Police Department). Bar with several types of Belgian, Czech and Slovak beer.

Camera din Față. Cafe/tea house

Curtea berarilor, Selari 9-11, +40 723 279620, +40 21 3137532. Su 12:00–24:00; M-W 13:00-01:00; Th-Sa 13:00-4:00. Pub in old center having mostly Timişoreana beer.

Energiea.

Ganesha Cafe.

Green Hours, Calea Victoriei 120, +40 722 234356, +40 788 452485. A quiet club which often hosts jazz concerts.

Interbelic, Intrarea Selari 1A (near Lipscani, +40 722 681618. Daily 17:00-last. Cocktail bar; fine spirits, great nights. medium.

La Motoare, Bd. Nicolae Bălcescu nr. 2 (on the roof of the National Theater, Universitate Square, +40 213 158508. An outdoor pub offering great views over the city. Mostly frequented by university students. Rock music and movies in the evening.

Origo.

Piranha, Splaiul Independenţei 313 (in Regie, the student campus, next to the Polytechnic University, +40 21 315 91 29. A large pub, with a huge outdoor terrace in the middle of a wooded area, featuring a small collection of exotic animals. One of the few outdoor places where the summer heat is actually bearable. A favorite among students, with amazingly low prices (a beer is 2.5 lei). However, quite crowded and sometimes noisy.

Piua Book Bar.

BEAT bar umanist, Strada Robescu F. Constantin 14, +40 748 110 388. Nice cosy bar near Unirii/old town.

Hard Rock Cafe, 32 Kiseleff Avenue, +40-21-206-6261,. Favorite of both locals and tourists, the Hard Rock Cafe makes its home on the shores of the lake, just a few short steps from the landmark Triumph Arch.

The emergency number in Romania is 112.

Buses are safe, but use common sense, and put your things in internal pockets, just to be 100% sure. Taking taxis from areas frequented by foreign tourists may also pose a threat as some of these taxis may take advantage of the fact that you don't know the city and don't speak their language. Therefore, they might try to make the trip a bit longer than usual, in order to be paid more. Ideally, you should call or ask someone to call you a taxi or order one using the app.

One rule of thumb is to go with older taxi drivers, since they will be more cautious and only try to get a bit extra out of you if they scam you, unlike young drivers who will claim a trip costs 3-5 times as much as it should, may claim the meter does not work, and may try intimidation tactics to make you pay. The company the taxi driver is working at and the prices should be written on the car and the driver's ID card (issued by his employer) should be visible and should contain his photo.

Be very careful of unsolicited offers of help by passers-by, even if they speak good English. In particular if a stranger offers to accompany you to your hostel or hotel in a taxi to show you the way, decline immediately. They are often working in tandem with unlicensed taxi drivers who will attempt to scam you, drop you at incorrect (and remote) locations while demanding exorbitant payment, or who will simply steal your luggage. A common scam is for a stranger to tell you that a place is not safe, and to direct you to an official "government" or "student" taxi, that is driven by an accomplice. They will then drive you a remote location, and demand high sums of money, possibly threatening you with violence if you don't comply.

As strange as it sounds, you'll see that Bucharest is a far safer city than its western European counterparts. Statistically Bucharest is one of the safest capitals in Europe, far safer than cities like Berlin, London, and Rome. Nevertheless, possibly more so than the aforementioned counterparts, violence is not an uncommon solution, towards locals or towards foreign-looking people (minorities, out of place individuals, etc.) in any club, but particularly those playing ethnic music, especially when drinking and after hours are involved. However, just avoiding any conflict, particularly with people who have the air of "owning the place" or a mafioso look would reduce your chances to almost zero. Generally speaking, the larger and richer the city, the fewer problems you'll have.

For a long time, Bucharest had perhaps the largest population of stray dogs for a city in eastern Europe. The problem of strays was getting out of hand, with random attacks and in extreme cases, killings. The City Council finally decided to exterminate the population, and today the streets of Bucharest have hardly any dogs to worry about.

Like most other big cities, walking around at night isn't safe in some parts of the city like Pantelimon, Ferentari, Giulesti, and the Gara de Nord area. If you must travel into these neighbourhoods, it's safer to take a taxi.

Gara de Nord is not particularly dangerous to walk in, but avoid suspicious-looking characters, and if you feel that you are being followed, just walk into the station. Gara de Nord and its surroundings are populated by homeless people and children. Be careful, as many street children use an inhalant drug (equivalent to huffing paint) and may be dangerous. As heartbreaking as this problem is, it's best to avoid any contact. If you do wish to give them something, buy food for them, don't give them money.

Ferentari is a gypsy enclave in Bucharest and, while not as dangerous as it used to be, it's not advisable to walk there at night. In fact it is better to avoid it completely. For the traveler, there is nothing of interest there so you should have no reason to go there to begin with.

The unofficial red light district is Mătăsari, which is also a popular place for clubbers and pubs; you can walk there without any worries because it's always crowded and lively, but avoid talking to strangers in that particular area.

In the event that you do get caught in a police raid, do not attempt to bribe your way out of it with so many of them around as you might get into serious trouble. Police are more inclined to take bribes from locals than from foreigners so do not contribute to this phenomenon that has been plaguing this country for so many years. Police corruption has been vigorously fought in the past years, and it is not as generalized as it used to be in the 1990s. It's always better to walk on boulevards and avoid alleys and backstreets.

The crime rate is low, but a traveler must always be cautious. Violent attacks are very low, but if attacked just yell, "Ajutor!" or "Poliția!" It is very difficult for anyone to get away with violent crime because as everything is packed so closely together, any loud noise will attract attention. This truly is a city that doesn't sleep. You'll find people out and around at all hours in most parts of the city. Police men are pretty friendly and the younger ones speak English, so you can ask directions. In the event that you do need to report a crime to the police, do not hesitate and proceed to the nearest police station. They will often help you to the best of their ability.

Be incredibly careful as a pedestrian in Bucharest. Some drivers are inconsiderate and do not obey all traffic signals. Never assume a car will stop for you at a crosswalk—be vigilant at all times. This is definitely the biggest hazard in Bucharest, not so much in the daytime, when crowded streets make it impossible to drive cars at high speeds, but, at night, the streets clear out, some illegal races taking place with reckless driving on main boulevards.

Asian tourists are more likely to be seen as an easy mark for dishonest taxi drivers and other criminals. It does not make a difference if you are Asian-American or are from Asia. Some young Asian women may also get a lot of perverted looks from men all around the city - be prepared to be stared at especially if you are traveling alone, though some men will stare no matter what.

Avoid wearing football shirts or scarves of the Bucharest or Romania-based football teams (like FCSB, Dinamo or Rapid), especially on match days. There have been several cases of people being assaulted by the ultras groups.

Stay away from the protests. Often anti-corruption protests take place in Piața Victoriei or Piața Universității. During a protest in 10 August 2018, 4 Israeli tourists were beaten by the gendarmes.

Those with allergies may find Bucharest annoying in that it is both hot and very dusty in the summer, with temperatures easily exceeding 30°C in July and August, so bring whatever you might need to stay comfortable. Please note that during the summer, sun strokes and heat strokes can be very dangerous. Therefore, it is recommended that you have a bottle of water with you, sun glasses and a hat (or equivalent).

Pharmacies are usually open between 09:00 and 18:00, but some will stay open through the night. In Romania, there are relatively few over-the-counter drugs available, but pharmacists are allowed to dispense limited quantities of some prescription drugs (such as pain relief medicine) for what they see as immediate needs. There are 51 public hospitals (of which 13 are designated emergency hospitals, including 2 for pediatric emergencies only) and about 18 private hospitals in Bucharest, along with a considerable number of private clinics, dental practices and a modern ambulance service. The nearest hospital from the city center is Colțea Hospital, located on Ion C. Brătianu Boulevard just near the Colțea Church and about 5 minutes away on foot from the University Square. It is also one of the most modern public hospitals in Bucharest.

There is a new laundromat with free WiFi and new equipment. It is centrally located and a nice place to hang around:

• Fourwood Laundry, Calea Serban Voda nr. 18-20 (behind the Horoscop Hotel and in front of the private clinic MedLife, +40768097748. Centrally located at Piata Unirii. Free WiFi.

Fourwood Laundry, Calea Serban Voda nr. 18-20 (behind the Horoscop Hotel and in front of the private clinic MedLife, +40768097748. Centrally located at Piata Unirii. Free WiFi.

• Finland Finland, Strada Atena 2 bis, București 011832, +40 21 2307504. M-Th 08:00-16:15, F -15:00.
• Spain Spain, Aleea Alexandru 43, București 011822, +40 21 318 1077.
• UK United Kingdom, Strada Jules Michelet 24, București 010463, +40 21 201 7200. M-F 08:00-17:00.

Finland Finland, Strada Atena 2 bis, București 011832, +40 21 2307504. M-Th 08:00-16:15, F -15:00.

Spain Spain, Aleea Alexandru 43, București 011822, +40 21 318 1077.

UK United Kingdom, Strada Jules Michelet 24, București 010463, +40 21 201 7200. M-F 08:00-17:00.

Unlike in other European cities, you won't get stamps in souvenir shops or kiosks, but only in post offices, that are almost all closed on weekends. If you're there for just a weekend, the only possibility to buy stamps for your postcards, is at the north station (Gara de Nord), where you'll find a post office that opens on Saturdays and Sundays from 09:00 to 13:00.

• The most attractive area of Romania is Transylvania, with its mountains and well-preserved medieval towns. Closest to Bucharest, 160 km north, is Brașov. Beyond it lie Sibiu, Sighisoara, Targu Mures and Cluj Napoca.
• Constanța, 225 km east, is a beach resort on the Black Sea coast. Frankly it's seen better days.
• Ski resorts include Sinaia, Poiana Brasov, and Predeal.
• A day's journey takes you out of Romania into the neighbouring countries. The star destinations, which you'll want to visit more than once, are Budapest in Hungary and Istanbul in Turkey. Also worth seeing are Belgrade in Serbia, Sofia and Plovdiv in Bulgaria, and Kiev and Odessa in Ukraine. Chişinău in Moldova doesn't take long to see but you might need to stop-over on the way to Ukraine.