Places of Interest - Romania

Bucharest is the capital of Romania as well as the largest city in the country and the industrial and commercial center of the country. In addition, it is one of the most important traffic junctions of Eastern Europe. The city that is built on seven hills like "Rome" but is not an old city for European standards. The first date mentioning the city dates back to the year 1459, but we know that people lived at this place much earlier. Bucharest then developed rapidly and became the capital of the united Romania in 1862. Between the world wars, the city was sometimes called "Little Paris" for its beautiful architecture. The population also increased strongly - partly due to urbanization, partly because Socialist dictator "Ceasescu" had banned abortion and contraception. After earthquakes, bombing and the construction of socialist delusions of grandeur, the once beautiful city was declared almost "dead". Since then, the city scrawls out of the valley and economic and cultural prosperity can be seen again. Because of all these big changes, the capital has a variety of different sights. In this way, you shouldn’t not miss a visit to the square where the Revolution broke out, a visit to the second largest building in the world, the "Arch de Triomph", "Champs-Elysees" and also a visit to the historic city is also a "must-see".

The reason why Bucharest developed as late as city was probably due to the fact that the area was largely covered with dense forests. However, the Daciers had been there since 70 BC. Various small settlements that traded with, among others, the Romans. The city would be named after the shepherd "Bucur". Since Bucharest has never been part of the Roman Empire, it is assumed that the local population did not emigrate until after the Romans retired. The real history of the city only starts late in the Middle Ages. The Wallachian prince "Vlad Tepes" would have chosen Bucharest as a residence and built a citadel there; it is certain that the city soon became the chosen one to serve as the summer residence of the court. In the year 1476, the city was looted by the Moldavian prince Stefan cel Mare ("the Great") and burnt down by the Turks more than a year after. After the reconstruction the city grew rapidly and prosperity increased. In 1698 Prince "Constantin Brancoveaunu" made Bucharest its capital. During the 18th century, Bucharest was the subject of conflicts between superpowers Russia, Austria and the Ottoman Empire on several occasions. With the establishment of the country "Romania" in 1861, Bucharest was finally the capital and the population grew strongly. The extravagant architecture and the mundane life gave the city the nickname "the Paris of the East" in the early 20th century, but the difference in rich and poor was great.

There are several train and bus stations in the capital, of which the train station "Gare du Nord" is the most used and largest (for tourists). From here, trains go to "Suceava", "Brasov" as well as "Constanta". With the bus I arrived at the small station "Gare Militari" about 6 kilometers west of the center. It cost me 6.30 Lei to travel to the center with a local bus. Bucharest is also the only city with a subway in the country - very handy because the city is bigger than you think - a single ticket costs 2 euros. One of the stops is at the "Gare du Nord".

From Bucharest to Brasov: there are frequent trains from the capital to Brasov - the duration is about 2.5 hours and the cost is 40 Lei (2010).

From Bucharest to Constanta: The journey to the Black Sea city lasts 3 hours, a one-way ticket costs around 59 Lei and the trains go regularly. There will certainly one at 07:15, 08:30 and 10:15. But you can also take the bus directly to "Mangalia" (on the way to Vama Veche) - with "Sir Trans" (the office is located opposite the Central bus station or Boldovin bus station (near Gare du Nord)) - if you have at least 6 hours you can book 50 Lei in advance. The journey takes 4.5 hours. There are at least 4 per day and certainly one at 08:30 - only annoying is that you have to change to Constanta.

• Name: "National Village museum"

Address: Sos Kiseleff 28-30

Price: 6 Lei (2010)

Time: 09:00 - 17: 00/19: 00

Content:

On the banks of the "Herastrau" lake and next to the park with the same name is this beautiful "village museum". Here

you can see countless windmills, churches, houses and windmills in the open air from all over (ancient) Romania. So they are not counterfeit buildings but have been relocated to "keep" them for posterity. Built in 1936 on "Royal" request, this is one of the oldest open air museums and it is especially nice for families with small children and couples.

• Name: "Palace of the People" (Parliament Palace)

Address: Palatul Parlementului

Price: 25 Lei (1 hour tour), 35 Lei (1.5 hours) or 45 Lei (2 hours) - photographing is 30 Lei extra

Time: 11: 00 - 15:00

Content:

A visit to the palace of ex-dictator "Ceasescu" is a must if you visit Bucharest. You can only visit it by participating in a

"tour" which makes it less fun but on the other hand you get a lot of information. You get an impression of how enormous the megalomania of the man was that the people were starving while living themselves in luxury. Rooms of

marble and "mahogany" wooden doors, conference halls as large as small stadiums, chandeliers as precious as gold and curtains so large and heavy that hundreds of people can lie under. The building is built in style and class but without furniture and a lot of white marble looks quite sterile. You are taken along by convention halls and gigantic bars where the communist party unfolded its new plans. At the end of the tour you can take a look at another project of the ex-dictator from the balcony - his half meter wide "Champ Elysees" for which again numerous residential blocks of

"ordinary" workers had to give way. There are many stories about the "Palace" - some true, some of us do not know if it is true because it is "state secret": where is there a nuclear bunker under the building where 3000 members of "Ceausescu's "Staff could hide. It is also true that about 1/6 of the city has been destroyed to make this project possible and that this tour shows you about 5% of the building. It is not clear whether there are tunnels under the city of Bucharest that can be reached from the palace and have been set up as a flight tunnel. A tour is definitely worth it -

make a reservation early in the morning or the previous day. The standard tour is at 13:00 in the afternoon.

On the more expensive tours you get a look at the top floor and at the most expensive you get to see something of the cellars of the building. They are very strict with photography and you go through a metal detector (as well as your bag). Do not forget to take your passport with you - it will be taken and will be returned to you after your visit.

In addition to the fact that you can (almost) eat whatever you want in the city, I make a few exceptions; the bistro is fun

and it is a shame that this is not recognized by more people - it is centrally located on the "B-dul Regina Elisabeta" near "MacDonalds" and you can get half a liter of "Skol" for 4.50 Lei and traditional Romanian meals for a reasonable price (around 15 Lei). Ask first what they have because they do not always have everything. Incidentally, two branches have been removed 100 meters apart.

You can drink on the fun almost romantic and quiet "terrace" of the bookstore "Humanitas" at "Piata Amzei" or at the other "Piata Revolutiei" but you are also obliged to drink at least one drink at your stand one of the dozens of terraces

in the historic city. Finally, I can recommend (especially if you like a Turkish bazaar) to smoke coffee, Turkish tea or a seisha under "glass roof" in front of the "Central Police Station" in the center.

• Name: Hostel "Cozyness"

Address: Domnita Anastasia nr 15, 6th floor

Price: 45 Lei (dormitory for 6 or 8 people - mixed)

Content:

This very popular is very centrally located between the historic city of Bucharest and the "Palace of the People" within

walking distance of "Piata Revolutiei" and "Calea Victoriei". It has a fantastic staff that is ready for you every minute and a maybe even more positive manager "Marius". It is spotlessly clean and they can arrange numerous tours. There is a daily clean towel, free drink (if you are lucky), free internet, free city map, free bikes and free walking tour and you can get everything from the kitchen what is on offer (and that's best a lot of). There is a kitchen, a very cozy public house (sitting) room but unfortunately only two toilet showers are present (too little when the hostel is full, which often happens). There is AC in every room (and in the living room) and there are lockers. Finally there is the possibility of washing (9 Lei for a kg) and you get the combination of the door so you do not have to call every time. I have been informed right they are moving quickly to a better location. A disadvantage - everything goes via the booking system so ask guests if they want to stay for a day is not happening. 

• Name: Hostel "The Doors"

Address: Olimpului str. 13

Price: 49.50 Lei (dormitory for 4 people)

Content:

This hostel is located outside the center in a residential area but within walking distance of the palace and the historic city. It is an old self-contained building which gives it a rustic atmosphere. In front is a large garden (tea garden) where you can sit on "oriental" cushions, on wooden benches or in a hammock. There is a "relax" corner, a computer corner, three toilets and 3 showers (2 of which are in a room). There is also a kitchen and a sink between the two floors (on the stairs). The staff is friendly and helpful and there are several dorms (sizes) available. WIFI is free but for a towel or washing machine you have to pay (12 Lei). Another disadvantage is the terrible music for me in the tea garden.