Blooming Bucharest: The affordable capital that oozes Parisian style. By. Tamara Hardingham- gill. Updated. 1. 4: 4. GMT, 3. 0 December 2. There’s an awkward silence for a few minutes before the sheepish pilot makes another announcement. I meant to say Bucharest of course.’ Blooming Bucharest: The Romanian capital has a lot to offer visitors. It's a mistake that isn’t uncommon - Romania’s capital city has been off the city break radar for years and is often confused with its Eastern European neighbour. But the city is, albeit slowly, becoming an interesting alternative for travellers to Europe and international tourism has been increasing by 7 per cent each year. Its tree- lined boulevards and ornate architecture - not to mention its own version of the Arc de Triomph to honour WW1 Romanian soldiers - garnered it the nickname Little Paris in the 1. From the Soseaua Kisseleff, Bucharest's version of the Champs Elysees, to its palaces and military buildings the city offers a fascinating insight into past grandeur. But, equally as interesting are some of the sights which were the stage for more recent historical events. Revolution Square is where, 2. Romanian people turned on their Communist leader of 2. Nicolae Ceausescu, in one of the defining moments of the collapse of Communism in Eastern Europe. The iconic square was just down the road from where I was staying on the Calea Victorie. The enduring reminder of people- power defeating a brutal regime was not the only sight on my doorstep. Just down the road was the Cantacuzino Palace, which epitomises another interesting era in Romania's history. Built in the French Baroque style, this opulent mansion was once lived in by Romania's most famous composer, George Enescu, and is now a museum devoted to both him and his musical contemporaries. The National History Museum, Romania's oldest bank and the Military Club, an imposing, army- owned neo- classical building which houses a restaurant and summer terrace, are also a short walk away. Grand stage: The Romanian Athenaeum Concert Hall is home to the George Enescu Philharmonic Orchestra. One of the city's more unique tourist attractions is the Village Museum. Set on the shore of the picturesque Lake Hereastrau, the open air museum, which was created in 1. Romanian peasant homes as well as churches and windmills. The collection of buildings transports you back to a time when life was harder for poverty- stricken Romanians and shows the distinct regional variation that existed. To build the village, structures were transported from all over Romania and the museum is a real celebration of the country's folk architecture. Romanian legend has it that the city of Bucharest was founded on the banks of the Dambovita River by a shepherd named. Romania – Cultural Tours (4) Bucharest Tours & City Breaks (5) Romania – Wine & Culinary Tours (2). Bucharest is such a huge city with many wide boulevards and parks. All the major streets are decorated numerous beds of colorful flowers and there are flower shops at nearly every corner. It adds to the beauty and the great smell of the city. Flowers to Romania - Bucharest or any other town - Send flowers to Romania using a local romanian florist offering flower delivery to Romania - Online credit card payment accepted. FlowersRomania is an online florist, employing only professionals with at least.
Along with the Village Museum, the Romanian Athenaeum, a building oozing Gallic charm, is a real must- see. The domed, temple- like concert hall designed by French architect Albert Galleron, was financed almost entirely with public money and clearly no expense was spared. The gold- leaf ceiling and pink marble columns make it the deserving home of the Romanian George Enescu Philharmonic Orchestra. Another true plus point for Bucharest is its affordability. Still relatively undiscovered compared to its Eastern neighbours Prague, Budapest and Dubrovnik, both food and drink are incredibly reasonable. Many restaurants charge as little as . Unfortunately, as a vegetarian I couldn't enjoy many of the traditional Romanian dishes, but if you're a fan of meat, you'll be in your element with traditional sausage and pork- laden meals on the menu. Attempting to order a vegetarian option often left my waiter staring at me like I had just asked for his head on a platter. After being brought a plate of fried cheese and potatoes twice in one day my guide joked: 'In Romania the finest vegetable is pork'. Still, I wouldn't expect anything less from the country that brought us the myth of Dracula. Bureaucratic nightmare!: Tamara stands outside Parliament Palace - the second largest administrative building in the world. It is certainly worth eating a good meal before visiting the epic Parliament Palace - you will need to build up your strength. The second biggest administrative building in the world after the Pentagon, this is the country's most visited tourist attraction. Built by Nicolae Ceausescu, it holds 1,1. Romanian materials, and took 7. It is perhaps unsurprising then that after a forty five minute tour inside we are informed by our guide that we have only seen 5 per cent of the palace. The colossal building is home to Romania's parliament and was originally meant to house the Communist government. But it was not even fully furnished (as can be seen by the large, empty spaces) before Ceausescu and his wife were shot dead by firing squad in 1. One of the great things about Bucharest was the ease with which I could explore. By jumping on the easy to use and affordable metro, I could flit between grand palaces displaying Romania's past opulence and the great, towering buildings that so defined the Communist era in Eastern Europe. As we board our flight bound for London Gatwick later that night I'm amused to discover that we are being flown home by the same pilot who captained our inbound flight. Flowers and gifts delivery to Bucharest and Romania. Bucharest florist, flowers delivery to Romania. Funeral or Sympathy Flowers. FREE flowers delivery to BUCHAREST & ROMANIA 0. Manchester City 1-0 Steaua Bucharest (agg 6-0): Joe Hart keeps clean sheet as City progress. At full-time, the goalkeeper clapped all four stands of the Etihad Stadium. I visited Bucharest a long time ago in the 70’s but never got the time to venture out of the city due to the restraints on tourists in those days. However, it's clear that he is unlikely to confuse Bucharest with any other city again, and judging by the positive mutterings of those around me; neither will any of his passengers. Travel facts: Aer Lingus operate daily flights between London Gatwick and Bucharest and one way fares start from . For more information on fares and schedules, and to book, log on to www. Radisson Blu Hotel Bucharest offers rooms for around.
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