Bucharest
may be traffic-clogged, hectic and blighted by ugly Communist blocks, but its
many little-known attractions make it worth putting up with the irritations.
The
Old Town boasts cobbled streets and beautiful Art Deco and neoclassical gems
that once earned the city the moniker ‘the Paris of the East’. Bucharest’s ever-more
sophisticated cultural and culinary scenes are further reasons to spend time in
Romanian capital.
As well as the museums, cafes, restaurants and
shopping of a European capital, the city also has various picturesque streets
through which to wander and pleasant green spaces in which to rest a while. The
thoughtless nature of the town planning – a stunning Art Deco villa could be
set off by a hideous 1970s monstrosity right next to it – gives the town an
eclectic charm. Bucharest has the 24-hour atmosphere of a modern metropolis,
you can get a beer or loaf of bread at any time of the day or night, and the
latest technology is eagerly embraced.
But also looks back to a bygone age, in the
crumbling architecture and old men’s chess club in the park.
Orientation
Despite a relatively large population of around two
million, Bucharest is a compact city, and many of its main attractions are
within walking distance of each other. A central axis runs north to south
through the city’s four main squares – Piața Victoriei to Romana to Universității to Unirii- a
useful and simple layout for visitors trying to get their bearings.
If you get lost,
try to spot the Hotel Intercontinental, one of the city’s
tallest buildings, which marks Piața
Universității. Another unmistakable sight is the People’s Palace, a huge
monolith visible from much of capital.
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