A weekend trip to Bucharest!
In May 2023, I finally made it to Romania! My first destination was the capital, Bucharest. I took a train to Frankfurt am Main and then flew with TAROM Airlines to Bucharest. Once there, be really careful with taxis. There's a taxi mafia in Bucharest that will easily charge you three or four times the normal price. I usually book my rooms through booking.com because I like to keep my travels affordable, and it's super convenient to switch hotels last minute if I find a better deal! I ended up staying at Hotel Razvan, a nice little hotel with breakfast and a very central location. This made it easy for me to explore the city center on foot.
Just around the corner is Oktoberfest Pub 2, they have pretty good burgers with homemade fries and cold drinks. I can recommend it for a quick stop.
If you move towards the parks, you'll find many stalls with local grilled specialties and other delicacies.
There's a lot going on in the parks, so always watch out for skaters and rollerbladers. There are also a lot of kids and teenagers hanging out in the parks with friends or just playing some football or badminton.
To relax a bit, you can also sit down in a small cafe. Like the Riviera Park in Parcul N
History of Bucharest
Here's some information about Bucharest:
Bucharest, the capital of Romania, has a fascinating history and many sights to offer. The city was founded in the 15th century and has experienced a tumultuous past.
Here are some of the most important historical events in Bucharest's history:
Beginnings and suburban period: The first signs of settlement in the region date back to the 14th century. Bucharest gradually developed into an important trading city.
Rise to the capital city: In the 17th century, Bucharest became the capital of Wallachia and developed into an important political and cultural center.
Phase of Ottoman vassalage: In the 18th century, Bucharest was under Ottoman rule and paid tribute to the Ottoman Empire.
Between Russia and the Ottoman Empire: In the 19th century, control of Bucharest changed several times between Russia and the Ottoman Empire.
Capital of Romania and industrialization until World War I: In 1862, Bucharest was declared the capital of Romania. The city experienced an economic boom and rapid industrialization.
World War I: During World War I, Bucharest was occupied by German troops and suffered severe damage.
Enlarged Romania and expansion of the capital: After World War I, Bucharest became the capital of a larger Romania and experienced rapid growth and urban expansion.
Bucharest in World War II: During World War II, Bucharest was hit by Allied bombing raids and suffered severe damage again.
From World War II to the Romanian Revolution: After World War II, Romania became communist and Bucharest experienced a period of socialist reconstruction. The city was also the scene of the Romanian Revolution of 1989.
Post-communist era to the present: Since the end of communism, Bucharest has developed into a modern European capital and is an important political, economic, and cultural center.
Buildings in Bucharest, a small selection!
The Triumph Arch in Bucharest (Arcul de Triumf) is a triumphal arch located in the Romanian capital, Bucharest. The structure was built to commemorate the victory in World War I. The arch is adorned with numerous inscriptions and striking reliefs. Its outline is that of a rectangle with a base of 25 x 11.50 meters. The opening of the arch is 11 meters high and 9.50 meters wide. The structure was completed between 1935 and 1936 by Petre Antonescu, modeled after the Arc de Triomphe de l’Étoile in Paris, into a gigantic building in the classical Roman style, and was inaugurated on National Day, December 1, 1936.
The Palace of the Parliament in Bucharest (also known as Palatul Parlamentului) is the largest administrative building in the world. Located in Dealul Arsenalului in the center of Bucharest, it serves as the seat of the Romanian Parliament. Construction of the building took place between 1983 and 1989 under the orders of the dictatorially ruling Romanian president Nicolae Ceaușescu. The palace has a built-up area of 65,000 m² and a total floor area of 365,000 m². It consists of more than 1000 rooms and is a symbol of the communist dictatorship of Nicolae Ceaușescu. You can get skip-the-line tickets at getyourguide*.
The Kretzulescu Church (Romanian: Biserica Kretzulescu or Crețulescu) is an Eastern Orthodox church situated in the heart of Bucharest, Romania. Built in the Brâncovenesc style, it graces one corner of Revolution Square, adjacent to the former Royal Palace. Founded by the Crețulescu family between 1720 and 1722, the church is one of Bucharest's oldest, standing as a cherished monument of Wallachian architecture with a rich history spanning over three centuries. Throughout Bucharest, one can discover significant buildings; simply keep your eyes peeled.
More sights to see!
The water fountains at Unirii Square in Bucharest are an impressive spectacle. The square houses 44 synchronized fountains of various sizes, offering passersby a fascinating show. The fountains are particularly illuminated in the evening, providing a wonderful atmosphere for relaxation and enjoying the surroundings. I took a short video of the water show. Check it out!
Here's my tip: Visit the Therme Bucharest!
The Therme Bucharest is a true paradise for those seeking relaxation and offers a unique wellness oasis in Romania. It's not only the largest of its kind in Europe but also an architectural masterpiece, characterized by its lush vegetation and modern design.
What makes the Therme so special:
Size and variety: With an area of over 30,000 square meters, the Therme offers a multitude of pools, saunas, steam rooms, and relaxation areas. There are various themed areas catering to different needs.
Nature and architecture: Nestled in a large park, the Therme boasts an impressive botanical garden with over 800,000 plants. The architecture combines modern elements with natural materials, creating a harmonious atmosphere.
Wellness and relaxation: In addition to numerous water attractions, the Therme also offers an extensive wellness program with massages, body wraps, and other treatments.
Gastronomy: Various restaurants and bars cater to guests' culinary needs.
Events: The Therme regularly hosts events such as concerts and themed evenings.
The different zones:
Galaxy: Here you'll find the most spectacular slides and water features.
The Palm: This zone is perfect for relaxation and offers numerous relaxation areas, Jacuzzis, and aromatherapy pools.
Elysium: Here you can sweat in various saunas and indulge in massages.
Why you should visit the Therme:
Relaxation: The Therme is the perfect place to escape the hustle and bustle of everyday life and recharge your batteries.
Experience: The Therme offers a unique experience for the whole family.
Health: The warm thermal water has a beneficial effect on body and mind.
Practical information:
Getting there: The Therme is located north of Bucharest and is easily accessible by public transport or car.
Opening hours: The Therme is open all year round.
Admission: There are various admission prices and packages available.
Conclusion:
The Therme Bucharest is a must-visit for anyone traveling to Romania. Whether you want to relax, have fun, or simply enjoy the unique atmosphere, you'll find what you're looking for here.
Old Town Bucharest!
The Old Town of Bucharest is an extraordinary gem, architecturally shaped by its turbulent history. Located north of the Dâmbovița River, it is bordered by the University Square to the north and the busy main street "Pasara unii" to the east. The Old Town is largely a labyrinth of winding alleys and an open-air museum with various styles and cultural influences, all bearing witness to the city's turbulent past. Alongside ornate old buildings, skyscrapers and prefabricated buildings tower above, creating a mix of architectural styles. Extensive restorations have returned the district to its former glory, which was partially lost during the era of the dictator Ceaușescu. The Old Town is home to numerous attractions such as the Old Court Church with the Old Princely Court Curtea Veche, the Macca - Vilacrosse Passage, the National Museum of Romanian History, the Caru’ cu bere restaurant, Stavropoleos Monastery, and the Hanu’ lui Manuc (caravanserai). Bucharest's Old Town is a magnet for tourists who want to explore the city's rich history and architecture.
The Macca-Vilacrosse Passage is a fork-shaped arcade street in the center of Bucharest, Romania, covered with yellow glass. Completed in 1891, it is a hidden gem for tourists. A small but fine corner of the city. There, you can also take shelter in case of rain and still feel like you're outside. Numerous restaurants and cafes await you here.
But also hidden places like the Hanu'lui Manuc, in the lower picture, are worth a visit! A cozy atmosphere, in an idyllic courtyard, right in the old town, is simply unbeatable!
Review: Bucharest, an underrated travel destination?
In conclusion is Bucharest, an underrated travel destination? I can definitely say that Bucharest is worth a visit. I spent three days there and could easily have stayed a few more. That's because I didn't rush around and see everything.
There is also some criticism of the city, especially regarding air pollution and traffic. Overall, however, Bucharest is a city worth visiting.
I hope you enjoyed the report and the short videos. The music in the Bucharest video is a local music style. It takes some getting used to, but it fits nonetheless. You can follow my YouTube channel or subscribe to our newsletter on our website.
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See you soon!
Best regards,
Your Wandervogel123 Florian
Activities in Bucharest:
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