As I’m sure not many people might know this East European Capital, Bucharest is, in fact, the capital of Romania. That fish looking country (as they taught us in school back in the days) neighboring Hungary, Serbia, Bulgaria, Ukraine, and Moldavia, close enough to Russia but still very close to the EU. If you are planning to spend one day in Bucharest, keep on reading because here is where I will spill all my valuable tips and tricks.

   Like a Pheonix bird, Bucharest has risen from its own ashes, after many years under a totalitarian communist regime, during which the country and capital were close to the outside world, the city has regained its charm and it sure is worth paying it a visit.

You migh also like Is Romania safe to visit?

   The not so small capital has gained a “hipster-ish” vibe and here is where you will taste one of the best coffees in Europe, the same being valid also for the wine area, as Romania is the sixth largest wine producer in Europe. And believe me, quality is also a feature, not only quantity.
Starting your day with a delicious brunch.

   Brunch-ing is a trend in Bucharest, thus making it difficult to choose between all the great locations that offer all sorts of delicious international dishes. This being said, if I were you, I would be heading for Frudisiac, hoping to find a place in the small minimalist “Breakfast & Brunch Restaurant” (as they call themselves) since they do not take reservations. If you are in luck, sit down, enjoy the view and make sure to order the incredible pancakes you’ll find here.

   If not, take a stroll (or a bus) up to Shift Pub, one of my favorite places in town, sit outside in the small green garden and taste the yummy Primavera Pasta dish.

Check out also My Bucharest – where to eat, party and discover the city

    Do some sightseeing

    Now that you’ve solved the eating part, you are ready and full of energy for doing a little bit of sightseeing. Unlike many of the European Capitals, Bucharest is not packed with tourists (yet) and you won’t be bothered by tens of people stepping on your feet or getting in front of your camera when trying to take a picture.

    A few of the places not to miss in one day in Bucharest:

   – The Romanian Village Museum, located in the biggest park in Bucharest – Herastrau Park – where you will step in an almost real village, hosting houses from different regions of the country, built in different centuries. Apart from this, you will also have the possibility of visiting different heritage collections, from traditional handmade carpets to ceramics, to textiles and traditional costumes.
– The Arc de Triumph – really close to the Village Museum, you will ask yourself if you are still in Bucharest or maybe in Paris. The Arch was raised in 1922 and it is indeed a smaller version of the one you will see (or have already seen) in Paris. You can climb the staircase up to the top and admire the city from above, especially the split between the green wide park and the homes area in the Primaverii neighborhood.
– Casa Poporului – moving towards the center of the city, you will want to visit the enormous building Ceausescu built during his ruling. While it is hard to miss, as it is the largest administrative building in the world, hosting the Parliament, the building is not a thing Romanian people should be proud of since many have died in the building process. Stepping inside the building, inspired by another in the North Korean capital, you will get to see and feel Ceausescu’s megalomania and grandeur desire, the heavy marble walls, the thick expensive rugs, the huge chandeliers are only of the few things that will catch your eye in the many rooms.
– National Museum of Romanian history – if you ask me, this place is better known for the statue in front, than for the actual exhibits. You will notice it for sure, passing by on Calea Victoriei, leaving the CEC building on the right side, you will be welcomed on the left by this statue of a guy holding a…well…dog, many might say. In fact, the statue is supposed to be none other than the Roman Emperor Trajan, holding in its arm the Lupa Capitolina.

Coffee time

   After all that sightseeing, you must have gotten a bit tired and are in a deep need of caffeine. You are just in luck because only a few steps away from Calea Victoriei, you will find the best coffee place in town, Origo. Here is where you will taste one of the best coffees you’ve ever had, or if you come after 7 PM, a cocktail like you’ve never had elsewhere.

Eating, again

   Once you’re ready for dinner, go back to the North part of the city and book a table at Nor Sky Casual Restaurant. I have to admit the best thing about this place is the view, is located on the 36th floor of a round office building, offering a 360 degrees view over the city.

   Party hard!

   Well, you can’t leave Bucharest without spending a wild night out in the old town city center. Here is where the magic happens, where people from all over the world come to party since alcohol is not that expensive, the streets are packed with clubs and with joyful people. I promise this place won’t disappoint and you will be partying until 6 in the morning since clubs are open until the last customer.

The post One day in Bucharest, Romania appeared first on IngridZenMoments.