''paris of the east ''

Bucharest: your first time at the "Paris of the East"? 5 things you need to do!

If people who visit Bucharest call it the "Paris of the East", they should have at least one good reason for this! In fact, we found many good reasons why Bucharest is one of the most beautiful cities in Europe.

First of all, it is one of the most accessible parts of Europe; the Bucharest public transport network is the fourth largest in Europe. Although Romania is the Europe's richest gold resources, Bucharest is a very economical choice compared to other European cities. Located on the river Dâmboviţa, located less than 70 kilometers north of the Danube River that add to the site an air «je ne sais quoi».

Bucharest is a city of ancient, vibrant, charming, beautiful, cosmopolitan, lively, humble yet regal. Everywhere you will see there is a monumental building, a symbol of the glorious times as the "Palace of Parliament", which is the second largest building in the world after the Pentagon.

Economically, Bucharest is the most prosperous city in Romania and is one of the main industrial centers and transport hubs of Eastern Europe. The city gives basis to educational institutions, cultural sites, traditional "markets-galleries" and recreational areas.

1.

Walk at the Palace of Parliament!

Ιt it the largest parliamentary building in the world (and the second largest building in the world after the Pentagon) It includes more than a thousand rooms and collect tons of marble, wood, and gold used for its construction in 1980, at a time when Romania could literally feed their own people. Ceausescu and his wife, Elena, played a direct role in its construction. Originally it intended to house the presidential offices and the Central Committee of the Communist Party of Romania, but in practice it had never been completed.

2. Enjoy a piece of "Old" Paris!

"Paris of the East" was marked the town by a lot of people before the Second World War, when the palaces of art nouveau architecture and quite reminiscent of Paris. Many years of poor communist government and a major earthquake in 1977 destroyed much of the city's beauty, but there are still places where you can discern the time elegance. The gardens are really Cişmigiu pearl of downtown and they worth your visit! North of the center, the wide avenue "Şoseaua Kiseleff" glides between old villas and green acres, and results in a whopping copy of the Arc de Triomphe (genuine tribute to Paris) and another elegant city park built around a lake, the "Parcul Herăstrău".

3. The famous‌ Drakula

Bucharest was just beginning its rise as a major city in the 15th century, when Vlad III The Impaler (the Impaler) defended the newly created principality of Wallachia from Ottoman raids. Thanks to Dracula of Bram Stoker, the Vlad the Impaler is associated with the region of Transylvania (although not spent much time there, obviously). However, only 40 km. North of Bucharest, an isolated monastery on an island in the middle of Snagov lake was supposedly the final resting place of the "prince". Even if it is not buried there, the wonderful Snagov lake is a perfect trip!

4. Indulge in the art of the 21st century!

Romania has exploded onto the contemporary art scene in recent years.

Enthusiasm originally created by a group of young painters and visual artists from the northern city of Cluj-Napoca. It is difficult to pinpoint exactly what constitutes the Romanian contemporary art, although the judges agree on a dark humor elements, a melancholy and pieces of surrealism in defining a common artistic style. Some of the best new gallery to experience the thrill is Zorzini Gallery, the H'art Gallery and Anaid. The Galateca Gallery, opposite the National Museum of Art, is specializing in cutting-edge design and hosting cultural events and happenings. You should stop at the gallery shop, Neogalateca, to see glassware with a closed envelope design and home decorating stuff!

5.Eat, drink and dance in Old Town!

Bucharest's historical center, the Old City, has been a necessary makeover. A few centuries ago, it was the territory of the Prince's Court (15th century) and now it is has been transformed into a must area with restaurants, bars, clubs and cafes.

There, narrow streets like Strada Smârdan or Strada Covaci are filled with parties which begins with meals and drinks to arrive and dance as the night rolls!