Bucharest has a diverse and growing cultural scene, with cultural life exhibited in a number of various fields, including the visual arts, performing arts and nightlife. Unlike other parts of Romania, such as the Black Sea coast or Transylvania, Bucharest’s cultural scene is much more eclectic, without a defined style, and instead incorporates various elements of Romanian and international culture. Bucharest has an eclectic mixture of elements from traditionally Romanian buildings to buildings that are influenced by French architects. It is because of this French influence that Bucharest was once called “the Paris of the East” or “Little Paris.”

Bucharest has a great number of landmark buildings and monuments. Perhaps the most prominent of these is the Palace of the Parliament, built in the 1980’s during the reign of Communist dictator Nicolae Ceausescu. Currently the largest building in Europe and the second-largest in the world, the Palace houses the Romanian Parliament, as well as the National Museum of Contemporary Art.

Another well-known landmark of Bucharest is the Triumphal Arch, built in 1935 and modeled after the Arc de Triomphe from Paris. The Romanian Athaeneum is considered to be a symbol of Romanian culture and since 2007 is on the list of the Label of European Heritage sights.

Major brand-name shops and upscale boutiques are concentrated along the main boulevard from Piata Romana to Piata Unirii and on the small streets adjacent to this boulevard, but also on Calea Victoriei, on Calea Dorobantilor or on Calea Mosilor. 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, Jolie Ville, Plaza Romania and City Mall.

Bucharest offers many other excellent attractions, and increasingly has the sophisticated, trendy and modern edge to it that defines a european capital. If you’re in the region, it would be negligent to not visit it and not to enjoy a pleasant holiday.

Nowadays a rectangular courtyard lined with antiques shops the place retains some of the 19th century atmosphere. The courtyard links the Lipscani and Blanari Streets. They also hold auctions there. Even if you walk away with nothing, this is still an interesting experience.

Today it has over 200 shops and boutiques in which you can buy pretty much everything you can think off (clothes, shoes, food, souvenirs, home stuff etc.). You can also find places to eat inside the shopping center.

What to buy: Jewellery, watches, carpets, hand made craft items, clothes, useful small items.

  The building got a good facial and today it looks a lot like a US mall. It has over 70 stores spread over 4 levels, a large supermarket, a food court with over 20 restaurants, a multiplex cinema, a video games arcade and many other facilities.

Stylish banquettes, an original message-tree, adequate relaxing music create an enchanting atmosphere. There is also a lovely summer terrace. The service is efficient and discreet.
In a single word : flawless ! The “fusion” cuisine is an impressive mix of French refinement and Asian exuberance. The menu is ever-changing, but fish, shrimps, duck or chicken can always be found on the list.
Also Dim Sum or salmon tartar as appetizers, Miso soup, duck with caramelized pineapple. For dessert, there’s no better choice than pears in chocolate sauce.

The superb facade features old architectural style, while its interior is decorated with marble, crystal and brocade. Elegant and distinguished, the hotel has class, style and discretion. The hospitable staff and the great cuisine reflect the best local traditions.

Favourite dishes are the romanian specialities as “mititei” and the local beer. A good choice is the “Caru cu Bere plateau” including 4 meat dishes.

It features a collection of 50 buildings representing the history and design of Romania’s rural architecture. Steep-roofed peasant homes, thatched barns, log cabins, churches and watermills from all regions of the country were carefully taken apart, shipped to the museum and rebuilt in order to recreate the village setting.

Throughout the year, the Village Museum hosts special events where you will have a chance to witness folk artisans demonstrating traditional skills in weaving, pottery and other crafts. Folk arts and crafts are available at the museum gift shop.