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Today, Romania�s new democratic government welcomes western influence, avidly promoting private business and international investment. Bucharest�s future relies on its young people who now have the freedom, energy and open-mindedness needed to restore their city to greatness.
| City Sights | Museums | Parks | Walks | Shopping | Sport |
| Restaurants | Nightlife | Hotels | Services | Churches | Maps |
City Sights
Arcul de Triumf Soseaua Kiseleff. A replica of Paris' Arc de Triomphe, this one honors Romania's World War I dead. It stands in the middle of Soseaua Kiseleff at the foot of Herastrau park.
Atheneul Roman (Romanian Atheneum) Piata Revolutiei. Built in 1888 by French architect Albert Galleron in neo-classic style, it is the headquarters of the George Enescu Philharmonic. Its magnificent interior includes a rotunda of six masonry columns and four monumental staircases; a round concert hall of 600 seats and 60 boxes; and a huge fresco depicting 25 episodes in Romanian history.
Cercul Militar Calea Victoriei 27. A military officers' club, it also has an art gallery open to the public and a restaurant with an outdoor cafe by the fountain.
Civic Center The area along Bd. Unirii where it meets the Parliament Palace. Here many of the government ministries are now located. Completed in 1989 just before Ceausescu�s over�throw, this was once an historical area where the dictator had thousands of houses and many old churches demolished in order to erect his House of the People.
Curtea Veche Strada Iuliu Maniu 31. The ruins of the palace built by Prince Vlad the Impaler, Dracula, from 1456-1462, and the court of several Wallachian princes. Destroyed by the Turks, by fire, and by earthquakes, it now consists of only a few walls and an archway which were once the ambassadors' reception hall and the guard room. For a donation you may gain access, but generally it can be viewed only through the fence. Next door is the Princely Church, built in 1546 by Prince Mircea Ciobanu, where the princes of Wallachia were anointed. It is the oldest church in Bucharest and open to the public.
Hanul lui Manuc Strada Iuliu Maniu 62. Built in 1808 by Manuc-Bey, an Armenian trader, as a caravansary for traveling merchants. The building and its timbered balcony surround a large inner courtyard with an outdoor cafe. Inside, there's a charming restaurant with wine cellar and balcony dining, plus a hotel.
Kretulescu Church Calea Victoriei at Piata Revolutiei. Nestled amid the state buildings is this tiny Orthodox church, built in 1725 by Iordache Kretulescu in the Brincovean style. It has an intricately carved entry and a worn, but inter�esting, fresco of the Apocalypse.
Lens-Vernescu House Calea Victoriei 133. Built in 1820 and restored in 1887; interior painting by F.D. Mirea. It now houses the Palace Casino and the Casa Vernescu restaurant and garden.
National Theatre Bd. Balcescu 2. Tel: 613.94.37, 614.71.71 Completed in 1970, it has two main halls and hosts all types of productions. It is also home to the Opereta Theatre, Artexpo and Dominus Art Galeries, and the Lapteria Enache jazz cafe.
Opera Romana Bd. Kogalniceanu 70. Tel: 614.69.80 At the west end of the boulevard, by the Dambovita river. Presents a classical repertoire. Closed in summer.
Palace of Justice Strada Splaiul Unirii 6. Built between 1890 & 1895 on the bank of the Dambovita river in the French Renaissance style.
Parliament Palace Bd. Libertatii, at the west end of Bd. Unirii. Built by Nicolae Ceausescu, his "House of the People" (Casa Poporului) was intended as headquarters for his communist government. It is the second largest building in the world, after the U.S. Pentagon, at 1,181,100 square feet (360,000 sq. meters), and standing 275 feet (84 meters) high.
More than 400 architects and 20,000 workers constructed the palace which contains over 1,000 rooms and halls of 330 to 8,500 sq. ft. (100-2600 sq. meters). There are 480 colossal rooms on the second floor alone. It is built and furnished entirely from Romanian materials including local marble, cherry wood and walnut paneling, crystal chandeliers, regional tapestries, carpets and draperies. It is now used as an international conference center and as home of the Romanian Parliament. There is also a theatre, art gallery and restaurant inside. Guided tours are conducted between 10am and 6pm daily in summer, but only on Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays when Parliament is in session; call ahead to schedule a tour in your language. Entrance is on the south side. Well worth a visit to see its opulent interiors.
Patriarchal Cathedral and Palace Atop Mitropoliei Hill, just south of Piata Unirii. Built in 1655-1968 in classic Romanian style, the relics of Bucharest's patron saint, St. Dumitru are kept here. Next door is the guarded Chamber of Deputies, a house of Parliament.
Piata Revolutiei On Calea Victoriei. Scene of much of the fighting during the 1989 uprising, this was the location of Ceausescu's Communist Party Central Committee building with the balcony where he gave his final speech before fleeing. Just north, the beautiful University Library, gutted during the events of 1989, has been restored. Across the piata, the former Royal Palace now houses the National Art Museum. At the north end stand the historic Athenee Palace hotel and the Atheneul Roman concert hall. At its south end is the tiny Kretulescu church.
Piata Romana This busy intersection marks the beginning of the city's most commercial strip along boulevards Gen. Magheru, N. Balcescu and I.C. Bratianu which lead south to Piata Unirii. Just east of the piata, the mansions along Bd. Dacia house many international embassies. Northward, Bd. Lascar Catargiu leads to Piata Victoriei. It is a metrou stop on the north-south blue line and a major stop on the bus routes.
Piata Unirii A vast open green at the southern tip of the commercial area along Bd. Bratianu, surrounded by stores and businesses. This flat, sunny park area has benches for relaxing, flower beds, and a magnificent display of mosaic fountains at the southern end. Beneath the piata, all three metrou lines link. To the west, along Bd. Unirii, is the Civic Center and Parliament Palace.
Piata Universitatii A main center of activity, with the University of Bucharest and its bookstalls and flower vendors on one side, and the National Theatre and the Intercontinental Hotel across Bd. Balcescu. Below is an underground concourse of shops and eateries that leads to the metrou station and also passes under the crossroads to their opposite sides.
Piata Victoriei A large open expanse of roadway at the north end of the city center dominated by the Victoriei Palace. Calea Victoriei begins here, as does the tree-lined Soseaua Kiseleff heading north toward Herastrau Parc. The long multi-named boulevard (L. Catargiu, G. Magheru, N. Balcescu, I. Bratianu, D. Cantimir) also begins here. A major metrou transfer station is underground.
RomExpo At Piata Presei Liberei, north of Herestrau Parc. This is Bucharest's contemporary domed exhibition hall, where various trade shows are held year round. It is located next door to the World Trade Center and Sofitel Hotel. Many shows are open to the public for a fee.
Royal Palace On Calea Victoriei in Piata Revolutiei. Erected in 1927-1937 in the neoclassical style, it consists of a central section and two lateral wings. It was home to King Carol II and to his son King Mihai I until 1947, when the monarchy was abolished. Since 1950 it has housed the National Art Museum.
Stavropoleos Church Strada Stavropoleos off Calea Victoriei. Built in 1724-1930 in the Brancovenesc style (a combination of Romanian and Byzantine) this tiny church is one of the city�s oldest.
Strada Lipscani A bustling street bazaar in the old gypsy district winding between Calea Victoriei and Bd. Bratianu. Lined with small shops and outdoor vendors; stalls, vendors.
Village Museum (Muzeul Satului) Soseaua Kiseleff 28. Wonderful outdoor exhibition of authentic rural houses brought from all regions of the country into a recreated village setting. (See Museums)
World Trade Center Plaza At Sofitel hotel, north of city center and next door to Rom�Expo. There is a swanky shopping gallery and exhibition hall open to the public, plus a convention center, reception rooms, and 300-seat amphitheatre with video and interpreting facilities.
Museums
As in most places, Bucharest's museums are generally closed on Mondays. There will be a small entry fee to see the exhibits. Most museum attendants don't speak English, so ask your hotel concierge to call, if necessary.
Arts Collection Museum Calea Victoriei 111 Tel: 650.61.32 Open Wed-Sun, 10am-6pm. Contains all art genres including Romanian folk art and glass-painted icons.
Bucharest History & Arts Museum-History Section Bd. C. Bratianu 2 Tel: 323.77.58 Open 9am-5pm. The former Sutu Palace, a boyer mansion built in 1835, now houses collections of archeology, Neolithic art, old coins, photos, weapons, furniture and old costumes relating to the history of the city of Bucharest. A 1459 docu�ment by Vlad the Impaler (Dracula) names Bucharest for the first time. (Piata Universitii metrou)
Ceramics and Glass Museum Calea Victoriei 107 Tel: 615.43.94 Open Tues-Sat 9am-6pm, Sun 9am-2pm. Housed in the former Stirbei Palace (1856), this neo-classical museum displays exquisite mirrors, chandeliers, a Tiffany lamp, oriental tiles, porcelain, pottery and even tapestries, carpets and furniture.
Cotroceni Palace and Museum (the former Royal Residence) Bd. Geniuliu 1, west of city center Tel: 638.79.75, 221.12.00 Visits pre-arranged by phone. Exhibits 17th and 18th century art; hosts special exhibitions and concerts. This former palace was erected for Princess Marie, niece of Queen Victoria, who married king Ferdinand and became the Queen of Romania. After renovations following the 1977 earth�quake, Ceausescu made it an official guest house. In 1991 one wing of the palace became the residence of the President of Romania. (Eroilor metrou; then walk west on Bd. Eroii Sanitari)
Geological Museum Soseaua Kiseleff 2 Open daily 10am-3pm. Unusual collection of crystals; rocks that glow in the dark. (Pta. Victoriei metrou)
George Enescu Museum/ Cantacuzino Palace Calea Victoriei 141 Tel: 659.63.65 Open 10am-5pm. Composer and violinist Enescu (1881-1954) married the Princess Maria Cantacuzino, but chose to live in three simple rooms rather than in her French-baroque style palace. The ornate building now contains the personal objects, musical scores and instruments of the composer. Music performed some evenings.
History Museum of the Jewish Community in Romania Str. Mamulari 3 Tel: 615.08.37 Open Wed and Sun 9am-1pm. Documents the lives and destiny of the Jewish community beginning from the year A.D.100.
Museum of Natural History "Grigore Antipa" Soseaua Kiseleff 1 Tel: 650.47.10 Open 10am-6pm. Built in 1904, its 30,000 zoological exhibits range from a 15 foot high dinosaur skeleton to a rare butterfly collection. (Pta. Victoriei metrou)
Muzeul Taranului Roman (Museum of the Romanian Peasant) Soseaua Kiseleff 3 Tel: 650.53.60 Open 10am-6pm. Exhibits recreate a traditional village environ�ment displaying clothing, hand-made textiles, wooden & iron objects, ceramics, paintings, drawings and photos. (Pta. Victoriei metrou)
National Art Museum (formerly the Royal Palace) Calea Victoriei 49-53 Tel: 615.51.93; fax 312.43.27 Open 10am-6pm. Closed Mon & Tues. Contains 100,000 exhibits of European and Asian art dating from the 1st century. Paintings include works by Corot, Delacroix, El Greco, Manet, Rubens, Rembrandt & Sisley; sculpture by Brancusi.
National History Museum of Romania Calea Victoriei 12 Tel: 615.70.56 Open 10am-6pm. In the former Postal building, over 600,000 items from prehistoric times through the modern period, including the royal Treasury of silver, gold and jewels located in the basement.
National Military Museum Str. Fortuna 125-127 Tel: 637.38.30 Open 10am-6pm. One million exhibits repre�senting guns & combat equipment, uniforms, medals, flags, maps & plans, harness & horse racing accessories, luggage carriages, mobile kitchens, royal carriages and even a steam railway engine used in World War I.
Village Museum (Muzeul Satului) Soseaua Kiseleff 28-30, in Herastrau Parc Tel: 222.91.10 Open 10am-7pm. Outdoor exhibition of rural houses and buildings brought from all regions of the coun�try in a recreated village setting. "Peasant" workers in traditional dress portray life in the 16th & 17th centuries. Traditional crafts are for sale. Usually folk music on Sundays at 11am. (Aviatorilor metrou to Herastrau Parc; then walk west to Soseaua. Kiseleff)
Parks
Cismigiu Garden Bd. Regina Elisabeta Since 1850, Cismigiu Garden has been the perfect escape from the hub�bub of downtown Bucharest with its lovely manicured gardens and tree-shaded paths. There's a lake with rowboat rentals, a beer garden, children's play�ground, and numerous park benches for relaxing and people watching. Occasional Sunday concerts are pre�sented at the gazebo. Entrance is a short walk west of Calea Victoriei. (Izvor metrou)
Herestrau Parc Soseaua Kiseleff Bucharest's largest park with lakes for boating, beautiful gardens, walking paths, fountain pools, open-air restaurants and even a kiddie amuse�ment park. Also home to the Village Museum (Muzeul Satului). Located north of the city center, along Soseaua Kiseleff, beginning at the Arc de Triumf; east entrance at Piata Charles de Gaulle. (Aviatorilor metrou)
Kisselef Parc Soseaua Kiseleff A small patch of greenery just north of Piata Victoriei on Soseaua Kiseleff, this park begins the way to the stretch of mansions leading north toward the Arc de Triumf and Herestrau Parc. (Pta. Victoriei metrou)
Piata Unirii Not exactly a park, this wide green piata, with its park benches and flower beds, is an oasis at the southern tip of Buch�arest's busy commercial area. It is surrounded by stores, busi�nesses and vendors, and sits above two metro transfer stations. At the south end are the fabulous mosaic fountains from which one can see the huge Parliament Palace a mile to the west. (Pta. Unirii metrou)
Baneasa Forest Six miles (10 km) north of Buch�arest�s center is a wonderful forested park with a zoo and picnic grounds, food kiosks and beer gardens serving traditional grilled mititei sausages. Zoo admission is about 30 cents. It�s open from 8 am-8 pm. (Take bus #301 from Piata Romana.)
Botanical Gardens Soseaua Cotroceni 32 Tel: 638.44.50 West of the city center, in the residential area called Cotro�ceni, the gardens occupy 42 acres and display over 10,000 plants and flowers from around the world. Open daily from 7am to evening, with a small admission fee. Green�house and museum are open on Tuesdays, Thursdays, & Sundays from 9am-1pm only. Follow Splaiul Indepen�dentei west to Soseaua Cotroceni on the left. (Eroilor metrou, then walk west to Sos. Cotroceni; turn left)
City Walks
Walk #1 North of Center
Ending at the north end of the park, off Piata Presei Libere you'll find Rom�Expo convention center and the World Trade Center Plaza at Sofitel Hotel. There's a fancy shopping arcade inside and a very nice coffee shop in the hotel where you can get a bite to eat. Catch bus #335 back to Piata Charles de Gaulle for the Aviatorilor metrou or bus #331 to Piata Romana. (Near hotels Flora, Helvetia, Parc, Sofitel, Triumf & Turist.)
Walk #2 West-Central
Two blocks south of Bd. Dacia, detour left onto Str. Piata Amzei where you'll come upon the colorful open-air produce market. Return to Calea Victoriei and turn left to resume the walk south, stopping in the shops along the way.
Upon reaching Piata Revolutiei you will find the Athenee Palace hotel, the Atheneul Roman concert house (ask for an inside tour), the National Art Museum in the former Royal Palace, the beautiful University Library (totally restored after being gutted during the 1989 revolution), the former Communist Party Central Committee building, and finally, the Kretulescu Church built in 1725. Continuing south on Calea Victoriei, you'll pass more shops and hotels; note the Teatre Odeon sitting back from the street on the left. On the right you'll come to Cercul Militar which has an outdoor cafe and an art gallery.
Turn west (right) at the corner onto Bd. Regina Elisabeta (also called Bd. Kogalniceanu) and follow it past the McDonald�s to Cismigiu Gardens, the last stop on this walk. Stroll around the lake or just relax watching the rowboats. The beer garden or the boat�house cafe may be open for a snack or refreshment. (Near hotels Bucuresti, Bulevard, Capitol, Central, Continental, Hilton Athenee Palace, Majestic, Opera, Palas.)
Walk #3 East-Central
Next, head south on Bd. Gen. Magheru. The street is filled with clothing stores, side�walk vendors, pastry shops and cafes (cofeterias), cinemas, stationary stores (papeterie), and crystal shops. The ONT Carpati tourist office and most of the international airline offices are along this stretch, too, on the west side of the street.
On the east side of the Bd. Balcescu section you will find the Librarie Noi bookstore which has a good selection of American picture books and English novels. There are several art galleries along here, including two in the National Theatre which is next to the high-rise Intercontinental Hotel. Behind the hotel are the American Consulate and the American Library. Reaching Piata Universitatii, on the west side of the street you will see Bucharest University and the sidewalk book and flower vendors; sit a moment at the fountain in the adjoining plaza and watch the activity. The underground metrou concourse has shops, newsstands with American magazines, and several fast food eateries, including a pastry shop and pizzaria. This underground passage is the easiest place to cross the boulevards, rather than deal with the street traffic.
South of Piata Universitatii the street name changes to Bd. I Bratianu. On your right is the Bucharest History Museum, the former Sutu Palace, built in 1835.
Farther down, across the boulevard will be St. Gheorghe cel Nou church, built in 1707. The eastern end of Strada Lipscani meets the boulevard on the west side. Continuing south, you will end this walk at Piata Unirii where there is a McDonalds (with clean restrooms), more department stores, a large grassy piata with park benches to rest on and its enormous complex of fountains. Piata Unirii's two metrou lines link with all other metrou stops. (Near hotels Minerva, Dorobanti, Ambasador, Lido, and Intercontinental.)
Walk #4 South
Stroll Strada Lipscani to see the vendors and shops, then return to Calea Victoriei. I recommend sampling the cheese, fruit & meat pastries sold under the yellow awning while viewing the fabulous CEC Palace (Savings Bank), built in 1900, across the avenue.
Heading south again on Calea Victoriei, next turn left onto Strada Stavropoleas to arrive at Caru cu Bere restaurant. If you can't stop in for a beer or snack, at least peek inside to see its magnificent interior. Farther down the street is the tiny Biserica Stavropoleas, built in 1724. Here you can either cut south via Strada Postei to Str. Iuliu Maniu, or return to Calea Victoriei and go south, past the National History Museum to reach Str. Iuliu Maniu. Following Strada Iuliu Maniu east, you will come to the remains of the Curtea Veche (Old Court) of the real Prince Dracula and his Princely Church, the oldest in Bucharest.
Just across the road is the former caravansary Hanul lui Manuc, now a restaurant and inn. Go inside the courtyard for a look at its timbered design, or stop there for some food and drink.
From this point, take the narrow side street south to exit the neighborhood at the Dambovita river. Across the river you will see the 100 year old Palace of Justice. Cross the boulevard to reach the broad, green Piata Unirii. Here you can rest while watching the fountains and the people. There's a McDonald�s at the northeast corner if you need a snack or a restroom.
From the south end you can see Ceausescu's huge House of the People, now Parliament Palace. When rested, head west along Bd. Unirii toward the Parlia�ment Palace; this area is the Civic Center. When you reach the building, turn right, and walk north, back to the river.
Cross the Dambovita again at the Izvor bridge. Walk in a block to Bd. Regina Elisabeta, then turn right and you'll wind up across the street from Cismigiu Gardens. To end this walk, continue east on Bd. Elisabeta to Calea Victoriei; or go a little farther toward Piata Universitatii and its metrou station. (Near hotels Bulevard, Capitol, Central, Continental, Majestic, Palas.)
The following walks are designed to guide you around the four main areas of Bucharest, pointing out several unique sights. Stray from the routes as you wish, as you're sure to find other interesting places along the way that are not mentioned here. Allow approximately three hours for each walk.
This beautiful walk takes you through the quiet area north of the city center. Begin at Piata Victoriei with the government�s Victoriei Palace on its east side. Cross the piata and walk north along tree-lined Soseaua Kiseleff. On your left are the Museum of Natural History and the Muzeul Taranului Roman (Romanian Peasants Museum); a little farther up on the right is the Geologic Museum. After passing through Parcul Kiseleff, stroll northward along the grand old mansions that line the shaded avenue all the way up to the Arc de Triumf. There begins Parcul Heres�trau with its lake, gardens and outdoor restaurants. You will also pass the entrance to the wonderful open-air Muzeul Satului (Village Museum); take time to stop in and admire the peasant houses.
This walk follows the route of Bucharest's most famous historic avenue, Calea Victoriei. Beginning at Piata Victoriei, walk south along Calea Victoriei passing Casa Vernescu, the George Enescu Museum in Canta�cuzino Palace, the Art Collections Museum, and the Ceramics and Glass Museum.
This walk takes you along Bucharest's busiest com�mer�cial and shopping area. The boulevard changes names five times, but here you will cover the length of only three of its five sections: Bd. General Magheru, Bd. N. Balcescu and Bd. I.C. Bratianu. Starting from Piata Romana, you might first walk east on Bd. Dacia for a look at some of the embassy mansions; then return to Pta. Romana.
This route weaves through a tangle of colorful side streets in Bucharest's old historic district. Be extra alert here, as you will do some back-tracking. Begin at the crossroads of Calea Victoriei and Bd. Regina Elisabeta. Walk south on Calea Victoriei, along the east side of the street. Duck into Pasaj Villa Cross (also called Pasaj Bijuteria), a golden skylit arcade of boutiques. Follow its U-shape back to Calea Victoriei and walk south a block, to the beginning of Strada Lipscani.
Shopping
Handicrafts, China, Crystal
Fashion
Art
Most shops open at 9 or 10am and close at 6 or 7pm on weekdays, and from 9am-2pm on Saturdays. Some will close for the lunch hour, then reopen. If buying food, carry your own plastic bags. Closed on Sundays.
Artizanat Str.Academiei 25 Romanian folk art.
Camina Calea Victoriei 16-20, in Pasajul Villa Cross Romanian hand-made china; silver & gold items; jewelry repairs.
Eva Bd. Magheru 9 Romanian handicrafts, linens, silks, pure flax & hemp products.
Romartizana Calea Victoriei 18-20 and at the World Trade Center Shop�ping Gallery Romanian folk art, artistic handi�crafts, porcelin, crystal and carpets.
Universal Coop Company Calea Victoriei 16-20, in Pasajul Villa Cross Romanian handicrafts, macram�, embroidery, carpets.
Women's clothing size equivalents: Mic/small 38-42 (38=8 US);
Mediu/ medium 44-48 (46=12 US); Mare/large 50-54. Shoes: Mic 33-35, Mediu 36-38 (37=7 US), Mare 39-41.
Bliss Bd. Magheru 22 Men's designer clothes (Boss, Hechter, etal).
Christine Valmy Bd. Unirii 25 Clothing and jewelry. Closed Sat-Sun.
Cocor Bd. IC Bratianu Designer watches.
Griffes Bd. Unirii 6-8 and Bd. Magheru 8-19 Women's and men�s designer clothes
Naf-Naf Bd. Magheru 35 Clothing and footwear.
Stefanel Calea Victoriei 81-83 and World Trade Plaza gallery, Bd. Expozitiei 2. Men�s and women's Italian clothes.
Steilmann Calea Victoriei 46-48 and Bd. Magheru 1-3. Men's and women's clothing & products.
Victoria Calea Victoriei 17 Department store.
Unirea Piata Unirii 1 Department store.
Books, Music,Computers
Galeria Halelor Splaiul Independentiei (northwest Pta. Unirii) Good selection of English literature and travel guides.
Libraria Eminescu Str. Edgar Quinet, by the University. Carries some English literature.
Libraria Noi Bd. Balcescu 18. Large bookstore carries English literature & picture books.
Libraria Muzica Calea Victoriei 41-43. CDs & cassettes; instruments; scores.
Swing Music Bd. Expositiei 2, at the World Trade Center. Original CDs and videos. Classical, jazz, pop, rock, folk and international music.
Computerland Bd. Unirii 15. Computers, software, mobile phones.
A&S Computer Center Str. Academiei 18-21 Canon, Corel, Hewlett Packard, Microsoft, etal.
Supermarkets
La Fourmi Piata Unirii, east side. Local and imported foods.
Unic Bd. Balcescu 33 General grocery.
Vox Maris Str. G Enescu (east of Bd. Magheru) Mostly imported foods.
Apollo Gallery Bd. Balcescu 2 (right side of National Theatre) Tel: 613.50.10 Open Mon-Sat, 10am-6pm
Romanian paintings, sculpture, graphic & decorative art.
ArtExpo Gallery Bd. Balcescu 2 (3rd & 4th floors of the National Theatre) Tel: 613.91.15 Open Tues-Sun, 10am-6pm.
Caminul Artei Gallery Str. Biserica Enei 16 Tel: 614.18.18 Open Mon-Fri, 10am-6pm. Paintings, sculpture, decorative art.
Cercul Militar National Gallery Str. Constantin Mille 1 Tel: 613.86.80 Open 10am-6pm.
Dominus Art Gallery Bd. Balcescu 2 (ground floor of National Theatre) Tel: 614.22.86 Open Mon-Fri, 10am-6pm.
Romanian paintings, sculpture, sketch and graphic art.
Graphis Gallery Bd. Balcescu 23A Tel:615.38.27 Open Mon-Fri, 10am-6pm, Sat 10am-2pm. Graphic art.
Hanul cu Tei Str. Blanari 5-7 (Lipscani Arcade, near Bd. Bratianu) Tel: 615.38.27 Open Mon-Fri, 10am-6pm
Sat 10am-2pm. Painting, sculpture, jewelry, graphic art, decorative art, antiques.
Orizont Gallery Bd. Balcescu 23A Tel: 615.89.17 Open Mon-Fri, 10am-6pm, Sat 10am-6pm. Sculpture, ceramics,
glass decorative objects.
Sports & Leisure
Bodybuilding & Aerobics
Cycling
Go-Carting
Tennis
Billiards & Bowling
Club Champion, Sos. Kisseleff 32 (next to the Village Museum) has billiard/pool tables, a bowling alley, a bar and restaurant. Tel: 222.93.21
Texas, Spl. Independentei 290 (west of the center) has billiards and bowling, a bar with TVs, and a restaurant.
Tel: 220.76.68
Health Complex, Piata Chisinau (Bd. Chisinau 2) and Str. Stirbei Voda 156. Weights, exercise room, sauna & massage.
Pit Gym Club, Str. Popa Marin 2 Fitness and bodybuilding, sauna & massage.
The Cycling Society, Str Academiei 2 Tel: 615.91.94
Herestrau Racing Team
Sos. Nordului 9-11, at the north side of Herastrau Lake; must have driving license; beer garden.
Open 3pm-midnight. Tel: 232.01.20
Rowing
Canotaj Rowing Club, tel: 211.55.66 and the
Kayak Canoeing Club, tel: 211.55.76 are both headquartered at the
Ministry of Sports, Str. Vasile Conta 16.
Cismigiu Garden and Herastrau Parc offer rowboat rental.
Swimming
Bucuresti Hotel, Calea Victoriei 63-81, has an indoor pool, sauna, massages, and exercise room open to the public;
entrance is on Str. G. Enescu. Tel: 312.70.70
Lido Hotel, Bd. Magheru 5, has an outdoor pool with an arificial wave system. Tel: 614.49.30
Parc Hotel/Turist Hotel Complex Bd. Poligrafei 3-5, has an indoor pool behind the hotel. Tel: 618.09.50
In summer visit the beaches on Lake Floreasca and Lake Tei, northeast of the center.
Arenele Progresul, Str. Dr. Lister 37, west of the center, in the Cotreceni district. Tel: 638.33.80 (Eroilor metrou)
Club Ilie Nastase, Bd. Mircea Eliade 1, overlooking Herestrau Lake. Tel: 679.63.85
Diplomatic Club in Herestrau Parc. Tel: 618.35.25
Restaurants
Traditional Romanian specialties include mititei, small, spicy sausage-like burgers; sarmale, stuffed cabbage; and mamaliga, a corn polenta. Tuica, a plum brandy, is the national firewater. If ordering steak, be sure to tell the waiter how you want it cooked; they won't ask. If you don't like sugar in your coffee, specify "fara zahar"; for milk say "cafea cu lapte".
Bistro Atheneu $$ Str. Episcopiei 3 (behind the Atheneul Roman) A small cozy bistrot with a friendly atmosphere; Romanian food and bar. Open 10am-midnight. Tel: 613.49.00
Many restaurants do not accept credit cards, so carry plenty of local currency when dining. Some will accept dollars, but you're safer with Romanian lei. The bill is called a nota de plata; the receipt, a chitanta. A 10% tip is the standard. It's best to call ahead for reservations, though not always necessary. Because most Romanians smoke, there are few designated Non-Smoking sections. Hopefully, this will change soon, so ask the maitre d' if they have a smoke-free area. (Aveti sectia pentru nefumatori?) Price ranges are indicated by $: Expensive=$$$, Moderate= $$. Some pubs and bars also serve moderately priced food (see Night Life).
Bucur $$ Str. Poenaru Bordea 2 (near Parliament Palace) Lebanese & Romanian food in a warm, comfort�able setting. Casino attached. Open noon-mid�night. Tel: 613.60.54
Capriccio $$ Str. Icoanei 20 Italian specialties; intimate atmosphere. Open 1pm-1am. Credit cards accepted. Tel: 211.53.08
Capsa $$$ Calea Victoriei 36 Romanian food. Built in 1852, it is representative of the city's past elegance. Brasserie attached. Open 12:30pm-5pm and 7:30pm-1am (closed Sunday). Tel: 513.44.82
Caru cu Bere $$ Str. Stavropoleos 5 (off Calea Victoriei) Romanian specialties; folk music. Magnificent German/gothic decor. Open 10am-1am. Tel: 613.75.60
Casa Veche $$ Str. G Enescu 15-17, off Bd. Magheru. Charming rustic restaurant serving 40 varieties of pizza; wine list. Has a nice terrace and attached pastry shop. Open 11am until late. Credit cards accepted. Tel: 615.78.97
Casa Vernescu / Gradina Vernescu $$$ Calea Victoriei 133 (in historic Lens-Vernescu house) Romanian & continental cuisine; elegant restaurant with piano & violin music. In summer there is dining in the lovely canopied garden with strolling musicians.Valet parking. Open noon-5pm and 7pm-12:30am. Visa accepted. Tel: 659.34.42
Count Dracula Club $$$ Splaiul Independentei 8A, on the Dimbovita river. Elegant restaurant with three unique salons-Medieval, Transylvanian and Hunting, and a dungeon bar; authentic Transylvanian menu. Open 12:30pm-1:30am. Credit cards accepted. Tel:312.13.53
Santa Fe $$ Str. Tache Ionescu 14 (off Bd. Magheru, behind McDonald�s) Tex-Mex style restaurant & bar. Enchiladas, tacos, tostanados. Tel: 092/366-157
Doina $$$ Sos. Kiseleff 4 Romanian cuisine in a 19th century villa with a beautiful garden that accommodates 900 diners;
folk music. Open 10am-2am. Credit cards accepted. Tel: 222.31.79
Hanul lui Manuc $$ Str. Iuliu Maniu 52-54 Romanian food; balcony & courtyard dining; salon for receptions; wine cellar. Open 7am-midnight. Credit cards accepted. Tel: 613.14.15
La Premiera $$ Bd. Nicolae Balcescu 2 (behind the National Theatre, near U.S. Embassy) German/ Bavarian specialties & Romanian food. Terrace dining. Open 10am-1am. Tel: 312.43.97
McMoni's $$$ Bd. Marasti 28 (north, near Sofitel hotel) International food; reser�va�tions required. Open noon-midnight. Credit cards accepted. Tel: 222.91.05
Piccolo Mondo $$ Str. Clucorului 19 (south of Arc de Triumf, off Soseau Kiseleff, via Strada Docantilor) Lebanese and international food; garden dining. Open 11:30am-2am. Tel: 665.57.55
Volubilis $$ Sofitel Hotel, Bd. Expositiei 2 Classy cafe in hotel offers a different ethnic buffet and music each weeknight, plus regular menu. Also serves breakfast, lunch & Sunday brunch. Open 6:30am-11pm. Credit cards accepted. Tel: 223.40.00
Casual Dining
Some of the best snacks are the cheese pastries (pateuri cu brinza) sold by vendors on the streets; others may also contain fruit or meat. Best eaten immediately, you can also take it away wrapped (paquet). Carry your own napkins. Soft ice cream (inghetata) vendors are everywhere; get a cone (cornet) or a cup (pahar).
Burger Ranch Piata Dorobanti 2 Open 24 hours. Fast food.
Da Vinci Coffee Shop Str. Ion Cimpineanu, 11 (behind the National Museum) Open 7am-10pm. Pizza & Italian specialties. Restaurant attached to the coffee shop.
Mamma Mia Bd.Regina Elisabeta 8 Open 9am-11pm. Pizzas & pastries.
McDonald�s Locations: Bd. Magheru 24 (south of Pta. Romana); Piata Unirii 1; and Bd. Regina Elisabeta 23 (near Cismigiu Parc) Open 7am-midnight.
McMoni Piata Rosetti 3 Open 7:30am-11:30pm. Fast food. Burgers and sand�wiches; pastries & ice cream.
Paradise Bd. Hristo Botev 10 (near Piata Rosetti) Small Lebanese vegetarian restaurant; falafel, etc.
Pizza di Apollo Piata Universitatii underground concourse. Pizza by the slice and beer.
Pizza Hut Calea Dorobanti 1-7 (next to Hotel Dorobanti) Open 11am-11pm. Indoor dining or take out to the patio;
beer and wine.
Pizza Julia Bd. Titulescu 16 (west of Pta. Victoriei) Open 9am-midnight. Italian cuisine and pizzas.
Quattro Stagioni Bd. Aviatorilor 19 Open 11am-midnight. Pizza & pasta; drinks.
Sheriff�s Bd IC Bratianu 40 Burgers, pizzas and other fast food. Open 7am-1am.
Spring Time Piata Victoriei (west side), open 9am-1am; Splaiul Independenteii 210, open 9am-midnight. Fast food, Middle Eastern cuisine, pizza. Patio dining.
Pastry Shops
Ana's Calea Dorobantilor and on Soseaua Titulescu French-style bakery with croissants, pastries & finger foods and cakes.
Bruterie Deutschland Strada Edgar Quinet (off Calea Victoriei, behind the Capsa restaurant) and at Piata Dorobanti. German bakery breads and pastries.
Cofetaria Ema Bd. Golescu 24, by the train station. Delicious sweets, charming cafe.
Panipat Locations at Calea Victoriei 204, Bd. Magheru 44, Bd. Bratianu 44, Str. Rosetti 15, and at Gara de Nord. Pastries, breads and take-out pizza.
Patiserie Parisienne Piata Romana and Piata Victoriei. French pastries, cakes, pies.
Night Life
Jazz
Opera Romana Bd. Kogalniceanu 70. Tel: 613.18.57 Box office open Tues-Sun, 10am-1pm and 5pm-7pm. Classical repertoire. Closed during summer.
Pubs & Bars
Cotton Bar Pasajul Victoriei. American bar upstairs from shirt shop. Bistro menu, music from �50s & �60s. Tel: 613.02.44
Dubliners Irish Pub Bd. Nicolae Titulescu 18 (west of Piata Victoriei. Friendly English-speaking pub where expatriates meet, hang out, play darts. Guiness Stout on tap; sandwiches and meat pies served. Open 7 days, noon-2am. Tel: 222.94.73
The Harp Piata Unirii 1 (south side). Elegant two-level Irish pub & restaurant; open late, 24 hours on weekends. Tel: 410.65.08
The Office Str. Tache Ionescu 2. Elegant downstairs lounge bar, private club 6pm-9pm; opens to public after 9pm. Dress well.
Sydney Bar & Grill Piata Victoriei 222. Open 24 hours.
Australian-style pub with patio. Steaks and salads. English-speaking crowd plus locals; 17 varieties of beer. Amex & Visa accepted. Tel: 312.96.70
Terminus Str. George Enescu 5 Popular expat cellar bar with streetside tables as well. Open 10am-5am.
White Horse Inn Str. George Calinescu 4a. English pub and restaurant; wide-screen sports TV. Open noon until late. Tel: 679.77.96
Cafe Indigo Str. Eforiei 2 (off Calea Victoriei, near National History Museum). Live jazz & blues on week�ends; international cuisine; American bar. Open 8pm-3am daily. Tel: 312.63.36
Carioca Jazz Club Bd. Dacia 97 (east of Piata Romana). Barbeque and salad bar; terrace. Open 6pm-4am. Tel: 210.60.86
Green Hours 22 Jazz Cafe Calea Victoriei 120. Live jazz. Open 10am-3am, Sunday 4pm-3am. Tel: 614.14.71
Laptaria Enache Bd. Balcescu 2 (in the National Theatre, 4th floor, north entrance). Live Jazz on Fri�day, Saturday & Sunday. Bohemian ambiance; sand�wiches served; rooftop terrace. Open 9pm-2am.
Tel: 615.85.08
Piano Caffe Str. Ion Cimpineanu 33 (behind the National Art Museum). Live piano music nightly; cozy atmosphere. Business lunch & dinner; weekend brunch. Open 8am-2am. Tel: 312.10.68
Swing House Str. Gabroveni 20. Cellar bar on Pasajul Franchez just off Str. Lipscani; live music starts at 9:30p.
Clubs & Discos
Big Mamou Bd. Ferdinand 79. A cavernous club with live rock music weeknights, jazz & blues on Friday and Saturday at 10pm.
Black & White Disco Bd. Mircea Eliade 16. Reser�vations recommended. Tel: 212.12.13
Club A Str. Blanari 14. Underground club; disco and 1970s dance music; young crowd. Open 9pm-5am. Tel: 615.68.53
Hard n� Heavy Str. Gabroveni 14. Part live rock, part recorded; hip crowd. Open 8pm-3am, Saturday 8pm-5am.
Vox Maris International Calea Victoriei 155. Flashy disco. Open 10pm-4am. Tel: 659.09.23
Why Not? Disco Str. Turter�elelor 11. Popular with locals. Open 11pm-5am. Tel: 323.14.50
Casinos
Bucur Str. Poenaru Bordea 2. Dining; players' bar & buffet. Opens 8pm. Tel: 312.15.92
Bucharest Bd. Balcescu 4 (Intercontinental Hotel). European style. Bar; lounge. Opens 8pm. Tel: 614.04.00
Lido Princess Str. C.A. Rosetti 13. Players' bar & buffet. Credit cards accepted. Opens 8pm. Tel: 613.56.80
Palace Calea Victoriei 133 (Casa Vernescu). Players' bar; lounge. Opens 2pm. Tel: 659.34.42, 311.16.45
Princess Bd. Republicii 8. Players' bar & buffet; floor show. Opens 1pm. Tel: 310.39.10
Victoria Calea Victoriei 174. Dining; cabaret. Opens 8pm. Tel: 312.95.15, 659.50.68
Theatre & Concerts
Tickets are available at theatre box offices. Shows begin between 6-7pm.
Philharmonic "George Enescu" (Atheneul Roman) Str. B Franklin 1 on Pta. Revolutiei Tel: 615.68.75, 615.81.42
Radio Concert Hall Str. G. Berthelot 62-64. Tel: 222.47.14, 613.37.69 Classical
Teatrul Bulandra Sala "Toma Caragiu" Str. J.I Carlderon 75A. Tel: 211.34.41
Teatrul Mic Str. Constantin Mille 16. Tel: 614.70.81 Chekov, Kundera, etal.
Teatrul Odeon Calea Victoriei 40-42. Tel: 615.50.53 Avant-garde
Teatrul de Opereta Bd. Balcescu 2 (in the National Theatre). Tel: 614.11.87 Box office open Tues-Sun, 11am-6pm.
Teatrul National �I.L. Caragiale� Bd. Balcescu 2. Tel: 615.15.02
Teatrul Nottara Bd. Magheru 20. Tel: 659.31.03 Classics
Teatrul Romano-American "Eugene O'Neill" Bd. Balcescu 2 (in the National Theatre). Tel: 613.91.75/158
Cinema
Movie houses show recent American and English films with Romanian subtitles.
Patria Bd. Magheru 12-14. Tel: 211.86.25.
Scala Bd. Magheru 2. Tel: 211.03.72
Studio Bd. Magheru 29. Tel: 659.53.15
Cinemateque Str. I Campin�ceanu 21. Tel: 613.49.04
Corso Bd. Reg. Elisabeta 1. Tel: 615.13.34
Bucuresti Bd. Reg Elisabeta 6. Tel: 615.61.54.
Festival Bd. Reg. Elisabeta 14. Tel: 615.83.84.
Lumina Bd. Reg. Elisabeta 12. Tel: 614.74.16.
Hotels
Most hotels include breakfast (mic dejun) in the price, but you may have to get a ticket at the reception desk before entering the dining room. Only the better hotels will accept credit cards, and even fewer take travelers' checks; hard currency is preferred (dollars are the favorite) or Romanian lei. Prices can change almost weekly in Romania due to its rapid inflation rate, so only star status is mentioned here. In general, hotel rates are now on par with other European cities. English is spoken at all hotels.
*****
Hilton Athenee Palace
Sofitel
****
Continental
Crown Plaza Flora
Intercontinental
Lebada
Lido
Majestic
***
Bulevard
Howard Johnson Plaza (formerly Dorobanti)
Helvetia
Minerva
**
Banat
Capitol
Central
Hanul Manuc
Palas
Parc
Triumf
*
Carpati
Cerna
Dambovita
Marna
Muntenia
Opera
Turist
Venetia
Hostels
YMCA Hostel
Bucharest has hotels of every price range and standard. Many have recently undergone renovation to accommodate the influx of international business travelers and the better ones now offer computer, fax and copy services and meeting rooms, if not full business centers. Full guest services generally mean rooms include phone, cable TV, and often a mini-refrigerator; lobby services offer an exchange office (hard currency to lei only), concierge or turism office, restaurant & bar.
Bucharest Marriott Grand Hotel
Calea 13 Septembrie, 90, across the street from the Parliament Palace. The grandest hotel in town with all guestrooms outfitted for the business traveler. It has the largest health center and conference facilities in Bucharest; 9 meeting rooms; PCs and secretarial services available; 24-hour room service; laundry valet, hair salon & barber; restaurants, coffee shop & cocktail lounge; parking. Credit cards accepted. 402 rooms Tel: (40-1) 411.97.67; fax: (40-1) 411.29.72
Str. Episcopiei 13, next to Atheneul Roman in Piata Revolutiei. Built in 1914, Bucharest's most luxurious old hotel has been restored to its past elegance. Steeped in historical intrigue, it offers full guest services, three restaurants and the famous English Bar; a health club and pool; a ballroom; a casino; meeting and banquet facilities, a business center with translation service & computers. Credit cards and travelers checks accepted. 272 rooms Tel: (40-1) 315.12.12 or 1-800 HILTONS; fax: (40-1) 315.21.21.
Bd. Expozitiei 12, at the World Trade Center, north of city center. Next to Romexpo and Herastrau Parc, this modern high-rise hotel offers full guest services plus an elegant shopping gallery and detached sports club; office and apartment rentals; parking and airport shuttle. Credit cards accepted. 203 rooms Tel: (40-1) 212.29.98; fax: (40-1) 211.56.88
Bucuresti
Calea Victoriei 63-81, north of Piata Revolutiei. Large, modern state run hotel, caters to business clientel. Full guest services; conference rooms; gym & pool; Avis car rental, DHL office; English newspapers and international time clocks. Credit cards and travelers checks accepted. 454 rooms Tel: (40-1) 312.70.70; fax:(40-1) 312.09.27
Calea Victoriei 56, across from Cercul Militaire. With an aura of old elegance, this lovely hotel is centrally located and offers full guest services; casino. Credit cards and travelers checks accepted. 53 rooms Tel: (40-1) 638.50.22; fax: (40-1) 312.01.34
Str. Poligrafiei 1, north of city center, near Romexpo and Herastrau Parc Contemporary four-level hotel in a garden setting offers full guest services, conference rooms, gym, tennis courts & indoor pool; beauty parlor/barber; English news (WSJ, Intl. Herald Tribune, etc.). Credit cards and travelers checks accepted. 155 rooms Tel: (40-1) 222.23.900; fax: (40-1) 312.83.44
Bd. Nicolae Balcescu 4, in city center. Modern high-rise; all rooms have balconies. Caters to business clientel with a computer center equipped with PCs, fax & copiers, and conference rooms; full guest services; disco & casino, banquet rooms; beauty parlor & barber; indoor pool with juice bar, TV, lounge and spectacular city views, solarium & massage; English news (TIME, Newsweek, Economist, Intl. Herald Tribune, etc.); tourist office. Credit cards and travelers checks accepted. 380 rooms) Tel: (40-1) 210.73.30; fax: (40-1) 312.04.86 (Piata Univsitatii metrou)
Str. Biruintie 3, 6 miles (10 km) from central Bucharest, on an island in Pantelimon Lake amidst an 11acre (52,000 sq. meters) park Full guest services, conference & banquet facilities, tennis, indoor pool, sauna; billiards and arcade games; wine cellar. Visa accepted. 127 rooms Tel: (40-1)624.30.10; fax: (40-1) 312.80.44
Bd. Magheru 5, in city center. Recently renovated, one of the most elegantly appointed hotels in Buch�arest. Full guest services, beauty parlor/ barber; outdoor pool with waves, gym, massage; conference room; casino. Credit cards accepted; no travelers checks. 119 rooms Tel: (40-1) 614.49.30; fax: (40-1) 312.65.44
Str. Academiei 11, set back from Calea Victoriei in city center. Small, elegant hotel with full guest services, special rooms for the handicapped and for non-smokers, apartments, mini-safes in rooms; conference room and business center with laptop & Internet connection, secretarial & translation services; beauty parlor & barber, sauna & massage. Amex, Visa and travelers checks accepted. 74 rooms Tel: (40-1) 210.27.46; fax: (40-1) 210.27.49
Ambassador
Bd. Magheru 8, city center Large hotel with art deco design; full guest services, however lobby and some rooms not air-conditioned; cabaret & disco; conference rooms; fax & copy service. Credit cards accepted; no travelers checks. 216 rooms Tel: (40-1) 615.90.80; fax: (40-1) 312.35.95
Bd. Regina Elisabeta 1, at Calea Victoriei. Old elegance, Louis XIV decor, beautiful lobby bar & restaurant; not air-conditioned; limited guest services; TV & radio; fax & copier service. Visa & MC accepted; no travelers checks. 89 rooms Tel: (40-1) 615.33.00; fax: (40-1) 312.39.23
Calea Dorobantilor 1-7, east of Piata Romana. Recently taken over by the Howard Johnson Corp., a modern building with some air conditioned rooms, room service, cable TV, beauty parlor & barber; tourism office; Budget & Hertz car rental; parking; attached business center with offices, meeting facilities, secretarial, translation and telecommunication services. Credit cards accepted; no travelers checks. (Piata Romana metrou) 200 rooms Tel: (40-1) 211.54.50; fax: (40-1) 210.01.50
Piata Charles de Gaulle 13, north of the center. Lovely, small hotel across from Herestrau park; air-conditioned rooms, satellite TV, room service; restaurant & lobby bar. Credit cards accepted. 29 rooms Tel: (40-1)223.05.66; fax: (40-1) 223.05.67 (Aviatorilor metrou)
Str. Gheorghe Manu 2-4, off Bd. Lascar Catargiu. Popular hotel near city center; air-conditioned; cable TV & radio; room service; mini-bars in rooms; business center & meeting facilities; Avis car rental; parking; 24-hour lobby bar; Chinese restaurant; safe boxes. Credit cards cards accepted. 83 rooms Tel: (40-1) 650.60.10; fax: (40-1) 312.39.63
Astoria
Bd. Golescu 27, by the train station. Elegant old hotel; breakfast included. Visa & MC accepted. Tel: 637.52.25; fax: 638.2690). (Bus #133 to the center.)
Piata Rosetti 5, east of Piata Universitatii. Recently upgraded; TV; no air-condi�tioning. Credit cards accepted. 71 rooms Tel: (40-1) 613.10.56
Calea Victoriei 29, in city center. Turn of the century hotel with comfortable lobby, nice restaurant; air-conditioned rooms; TV; room service; turism office. Credit cards accepted; no travelers checks. 80 rooms Tel: (40-1) 615.80.30; fax: (40-1) 312.41.69
Str. Brezoianu 13, off Bd. Regina Elisabeta, near Cismigiu Garden. Renovated hotel next to McDonalds; satellite TV; not air-conditioned. Visa, MC & Diners Club accepted; no travelers checks. 62 rooms Tel: (40-1) 615.56.37; fax: (40-1) 615.56.37 (Izvor metrou)
Iuliu Maniu 62, near Curtea Veche. Built in 1808 as a caravansary, its wooden balconies surround the courtyard, and a truly charming hotel. TV & radio; not air-conditioned; courtyard & balcony dining. Amex & Visa accepted; no travelers checks.
32 rooms Tel: (40-1) 613.14.15; fax: (40-1) 312.28.11
Str. Constantin Mille 18, off Calea Victoriei, near Cismigiu Gardens. Recently upgraded; not air-conditioned; TV. No credit cards or travelers checks accepted yet. 164 rooms Tel: (40-1) 615.37.10; fax: (40-1) 312.22.49
Bd. Poligrafiei 3, north of the center, near Romexpo and Herestrau Parc. Modern state-owned hotel; TV; beauty parlor, barber; turism office; conference rooms; pool & tennis; restauant with music; terrace bar. Amex & Visa accepted, no travelers checks. 275 rooms Tel: (40-1) 222.84.50; fax: (40-1) 222.59.38 (Bus #331 to city center)
Soseaua Kiseleff 12, north of Piata Victoriei. Handsome brick building in beautiful garden setting along tree-lined avenue; cable TV; not air-conditioned; beauty parlor & barber; restaurant and outdoor wine garden. Visa accepted; no travelers checks. 100 rooms Tel: (40-1) 222.31.72; fax: (40-1) 223.24.11 (Piata Victoriei metrou)
Bucegi
Str. Witing 2, near train station. Rooms with or without private bath. Tel: (40-1) 637.52.25 (Bus #79 to the center)
Str. Matei Millo 16. In the center, renovated; rooms with or without private bath. Tel: (40-1)615.76.90
Bd. Golescu 29, by the train station. Rooms with or without private bath. Tel: (40-1) 637.40.87 (Bus #133 to the center)
Str. Schitu Magureanu 6, south of Bd. Elisabeta. Located on quiet side street beside 17th century church; near Parliament Palace. No A/C. Cash only. 41 rooms Tel: (40-1) 615.26.17 (Izvor metrou)
Str. Buzesti 3, east of train station. Rooms with or without private bath. Tel: (40-1) 650.68.20. (Bus #79 to the center)
Str. Academiei 21, west of Piata Revolutiei. TV & phone; rooms with or without showers; bar; no A/C. Cash only. 116 rooms Tel: (40-1)614.60.10
Str. Brezoianu 37, west of Calea Victoriei, near Cismigiu Gardens. Rooms and studio apartments; common bathrooms; no A/C. Cash only. 53 rooms Tel: (40-1) 614.10.75; fax: (40-1) 312.52.91
Str. Poligrafiei 5, north, behind Parc Hotel complex. Modern, state-run training hotel; phones; restaurant; shares sport facilities with Parc Hotel. 300 rooms Tel: (40-1) 666.30.20
Piata Kogalniceanu 2, west of Cismigiu Gardens. Small, old-style hotel in nice area; TV; restaurant; north of Parliament Palace. Cash only. 52 rooms Tel: (40-1) 615.91.49 (Izvor metrou)
Villa Helga Hostel
Str. Salcamilor 2, off Bd.Dacia. Tel/fax: (40-1)610.22.14, e-mail: [email protected] Friendly house near Piata Romana; breakfast included; laundry; no curfew (bus #79, 86 or 133 from train station to Piata Gemini)
Str. Silvestru 33 (near Bd. Dacia) Tel: (40-1)210.09.09 (bus #133 or 123 or trolley #26 from train station to �Mosilor�station)
|
Hotel Tips Some hotels expect you to leave the hotel key at the front desk when going out; check the policy where you stay. They may also hold your passport, but if you need it to exchange currency, just ask for it. When in your room, keep your key in the door. The maids here don't knock before entering; they just try their key and if it opens the door, they will enter the room unannounced. Washcloths are not used in Romania so bring your own; toilet paper is very rough, so bring some if you�re picky about softness. |
Services
American Express
Banks
ACR (Automobile Club of Romania)
Offers motorists touring information, car rental and road service; rents Eurodollar cars. Offices in Bucharest at Str. Cihoschi 2, tel: (40-1) 611.04.08; fax: (40-1) 312.04.34 and at Otopeni Airport (40-1) 679.52.84). Branch offices in Brasov, Sinaia, Timisoara and in summer at Black Sea coast resorts. For road assistance call tel: 927 in Bucharest; anywhere else in Romania, call tel: 12345 preceeded by the local area code.
The official AMEX Travel Service representative in Bucharest is Marshal Tourism at Bd. Magheru 43. Tel: (40-1)659.68.12, 223.12.04; fax (40-1) 223.12.03 They handle card member and travelers check services, bookings, clients' mail and worldwide customer care.
Banca Comerciala Romana (BCR) , Bd. Regina Elisabeta 5 tel: 312.47.05 and at Piata Victoriei. Changes travelers checks and gives Visa and MasterCard cash advances; has ATMs outside. Open 9am-2pm weekdays.
Banc Post Bd. Libertatii 18 Tel: 400.14.31 Branch offices have ATMs.
Banca Comerciala Ion Tiriac (BCIT) Str. Doamnei 12 Tel: 638.75.60
Anglo-Romanian Bank, Bd. I.D. Cantemir, Bl. B2, 3rd floor Tel: 330.78.93; fax: 330.78.92
Chase Manhattan Bank, Str. Vasile Lascar 42-44 Tel: 210.76.46; fax: 210.31.37.
Citibank Corp., Bd. Iancu du Hunadoara 8 Tel: 210.18.50; fax: 210.06.59
Frankfurt Bukarest Bank, Calea Victoriei 22-24 Tel: 250.10.03; fax: 250.56.09.
ING Barings, Soseaua Kisseleff 13-15 Tel: 312.89.44; fax: 312.75.44.
Societe Generale, Str. Ion Compineanu 11 Tel: 311.16.40; fax: 312.00.26.
| MoneyTips Romania uses periods rather than commas to denote thousands, thus 10.000 means 10,000. Many small vendors cannot change large bills, so it's best to carry several 100 lei coins and 500-1000 lei bills. Don't expect change back for less than 1000 lei, either. Tipping is welcome but not expected; 10% is standard for restaurants, beauty parlors, etc. |
Business Centers
Copy Centers
Embassies
Exposition Centers
Pharmacies
Post Office
Taxis
Telephone Numbers
Translators
Intercontinental Hotel (2nd floor) Computer & copy center; secretarial and telecommunication services. Tel: 210.73.30/ ext.7222; fax: 312.10.17.
Negoiu Str. Ion Campineanu 16 Rents unfurnished offices with phone facilities. Tel: 311.13.07.
Rokura (in Dorobanti Hotel, 1st floor) Rents furnished offices and 25-person conference room; secretarial and translation services; legal consulting; telecommunications. Tel: 211.26.40; fax: 211.06.79.
World Trade Center (at the Sofitel Hotel) Rents furnished offices and offers 24-hour business services, trade assistance, communications facilities; two conference centers; trade fair and exhibition space. Tel: 212.50.60; fax: 222.48.70.
Car Rental
Rates are high and cars generally cannot be taken out of the country. Most cars have manual transmission.
Avis Reservations: Tel: (40-1)210.43.44; fax: (40-1) 210.69.12 Offices at Bucuresti hotel, tel: (40-1) 312.20.43; Minerva hotel, tel: (40-1)312.27.38; Continental hotel, tel: (40-1)638.50.22; World Trade Center (Sofitel hotel), tel: 40-1)223.20.80; and at Otopeni Airport, tel: (40-1) 212.00.11. Credit cards only.
Budget Offices at Dorobanti hotel, Calea Dorobantilor 1-7, tel: (40-1)210.28.67; fax: (40-1)210.02.95 and at Otopeni airport, Bucharest-Ploiesti Rd., tel: (40-1) 212.01.22.
Hertz At Dorobanti hotel, Calea Dorobantilor 1-7, Suite 101-103, tel: (40-1) 210.65.55; fax: (40-1) 210.65.21 and at Otopeni airport, tel: (40-1) 212.01.42/ext. 1011. Nationwide availability. Credit cards.
National Offices at Bd. Magheru 7, tel: (40-1) 613.15.40, fax: (40-1) 312.09.15; Bucuresti hotel, tel: (40-1) 614.28.89; Intercontinental hotel, tel: (40-1)613.70.40; and at Otopeni Airport, tel: (40-1) 312.70.78.
Touring ACR Str. Tache Ionescu 27 Reservations tel: (40-1) 650.70.76, 650.25.95; fax: (40-1) 312.04.34 Nationwide service. Credit cards.
Arexim Bd. Republicii 64, tel: 311.16.76; fax: 312.08.07; Str. Iuliu Maniu 10, tel: 312.32.53; fax: 311.30.18
Xerox Document Center Bd. Republicii 44-46, tel: 250.25.25; fax: 250.72.50
CyberCafes
Internet Cafe Bd. Carol I 25 at Piata Rosetti. E-mail: [email protected] Open 24 hours
French Institute �Le Bistro� Bd Dacia 77 Tel: 210 0224 Open 10am-11pm.
Web Club Bd. 1 Mai 12 Tel: 650.64.17; e-mail: [email protected] Open 24 hours.
Dry Cleaners
Called Nufarul, they are few and far between. Best to hand wash yourself or pay hotel personnel for the service. Some locations: Calea Mosilor 276, open 10am-6pm and Stirbey Voda 2-4, open 10am-6pm. Sofitel and Bucuresti hotels also have good dry cleaning services.
The American Embassy, Strada Tudor Arghezi 7-9 (located behind the Inter�continental Hotel). Tel: 210.40.42
The Consulate, where you go for passport problems, is on Str. Filipescu 26, open Mon-Fri, 9am-5pm; tel: 211.33.60.
The Cultural Center & Library is located on nearby Strada J. Calderon 9, tel: 210.16.02 (closed in August).
The Australian Embassy, Str. Dr. E. Racota 16-18, apt.1 Tel: 666.69.23.
The British Embassy, Strada Jules Michelet 24 (east of Bd. Magheru) Tel: 312.03.05 The British Council Library is at Calea Dorobantilor 14.
The Canadian Embassy, Str. N. Iorga 36 (off Bd. Dacia, west of Pta. Romana) Tel: 222.98.45.
English language newspapers & TV
Local English language newspapers are the daily Nine O'Clock and the weekly Romania Libera, Business Review, Bucharest Business Week and monthly Romanian Business Journal found at English bars and some hotels; all are free. Better hotels may carry the Wall Street Journal and International Business Tribune. The magazine vendors often carry TIME, Newsweek and the Economist.
On Bucharest cable TV, the EuroNews channel has con�tinuous coverage of world events. American TV programs are shown on the ProTV channel (check listings in Nine O'Clock); EuroNews runs 24 hours.
Express Mail & Freight Forwarding
DHL Calea Victoriei 63-81, at Bucuresti hotel, 2nd flr. Tel: (40-1)312.26.61; fax: (40-1) 312.84.89 and through Kamino Transport, Cargo Terminal Otopeni Airport Tel: (40-1) 312.80.79, 312.78.95. (18 locations throughout Romania.)
FedEx/International RomExpress Str. Mihai Eminescu 47 Tel: (49-69) 698.03.140
UPS/Romtrans Calea Rahovei 196, P.O.Box 13-11 Tel: (40-1) 336.17.31, 337.20.19; fax: (40-1) 337.32.30, 337.28.40
TNT Bd. Magheru 16-18, 4th floor, Suite 35 Tel: (40-1)212.12.10; fax: (40-1)210.59.00
RomExpo S.A. Bd. Marasti 65-67 Tel: (40-1)233.11.60, 233.11.61; fax: (40-1) 312.84.00, 222.61.69. International trade shows, fairs and exhibitions; for schedule.
Farmacia Magheru Bd. Magheru 18, tel: 659.61.15
Farmacia 1, Str. Edgar Quinet 6, tel: 613.59.94
Farmacia 20, Calea Serba Voda 43, tel: 336.76.47
Punctul Farmaceutic "Gara de Nord" , tel: 222.91.55
Gas Stations - 24 Hour
Intercontinental Str. Tudor Arghesi 7
Cotroceni Splaiul Independentei
Dorobanti Calea Dorobantilor 180
Shell Bucharest-Ploiesti Road 2
Medical & Dental Assistance
Spitalul Clinic de Urgenta (Emergency Hospital) Calea Floreasca 8. Tel: 212.01.07, 212.24.68
Ambulance Tel: 212.04.02
Rombus Medical Intr. Spatarului 1 Tel/fax: 211.47.17 American diagnosis treatment and ambulatory surgery center. Open Mon-Sat 8am-8pm.
Dr. Donald J. MacKenzie, Obstetrics Medicover, Str Videle 16 Tel: 223.49.31
Dr. Gabriel Tatu-Chitoiu, Cardioliogist at Spitalul de Urgenta Tel: 210.01.07 ext.120
Dent-A-America Varsovia 4. Tel: 212.26.08 Dr. Geo. Danciu
Novident Tel: 410.12.22, 631.30.22 Dr. Camelia Cornell
Open Mon-Fri, 8am-7pm, Sat 8am-1pm. The main post office at Str. Matei Millo 10 (behind the telephone center, off Calea Victoriei) is open from 7:30am-8pm. Besides buying stamps and posting letters, you can also send telegrams and receive letters addressed to you c/o Poste Restant, Posta Romana Oficiul Bucuresti 1, Strada Mateo Millo 10, RP-70700 Bucuresti, ROMANIA.
To call a taxi, dial 922, 941, 945, 946, 953 or 956
Police : 955 Fire : 981 Ambulance : 961 Emergency hospital : 962
Directory inquiries: Business numbers: 930; Domestic numbers A-L: 931 and M-Z: 932.
International Operator: 971 Overseas country codes dialing from Romania to the USA: 001; to the UK: 0044; to Ireland: 00353; to Canada: 001; to Australia: 0061.
Romania's country code is 40; the code for Bucharest is 1 (prefix 40-1)
Tourist Agencies
Agencies can arrange city tours and excursions throughout the countryside, airline & hotel accommodation; they also provide international ticketing and reservations.
ANTREC Agro-Turism Calea Sirbei Voda 2-4 Tel: (40-1) 315.32.06, 222.83.22; fax: (40-1) 312.01.48; e-mail: [email protected] Specializes in rural accommodation in private homes.
Bran Imex Dracula tours and rural accommodation in Bran and environs. Book through ANTREC or in Bran, tel: (40-68)23.66.42; fax (40-68) 15.25.98
Marshall Turism Head Office: Bd. Unirii 20 Tel: (40-1) 410.53.04; fax: (40-1) 312.46.57.
American Express branch: Bd. Magheru 43 Tel: (40-1) 659.68.12; fax: (40-1) 223.12.03.
ONT Carpati Bd. Magheru 7 Tel: (40-1) 614.51.60; fax: (40-1) 312.25.95. National agency; tour organizer.
Paralela 45 Turism Bd. Kogalniceanu 7-9. Tel: (40-1)613.44.50; fax: (40-1) 312.27.74 Branch offices throughout Romania.
Peter Expresss Bd. Magheru 32-36 Tel/fax: (40-1) 659.57.61; e-mail: peter@ kappa.ro
Romantic Travel Str. Mamulari 4, C2/31Tel: (40-1)31004.01; fax (40-1)312.30.56; e-mail: [email protected]
Touring ACR Str. Take Ionescu 27. Tel: (40-1) 650.25.95; fax: (40-1) 312.04.34. Agency of Automobile Club Romania.
Train Tickets
Agentie de Voiaj CFR (Domestic & International) Str. Domnita Anastasia 10 Tel: 223.04.55; Calea Grivitei 139 Tel: 650.72.45; Gara de Nord
Intercentre -Western Help Agency Calea Victoriei 83 (next to Bucuresti hotel) Tel: 659.50.10; fax: 223.11.43
Translingua Tel: 610.95.75; fax: 312.10.03
Places of Worship
Orthodox
Patriarchal Cathedral, Aleea Mitropoliei 1, tel: 615.67.72
Coltea church, Bd. Bratianu
Stavropoleos Church, Str. Stavropoleos
St. Nicholas Russian Church, Str. Ion Ghica
Kretzulescu Church, Piata Revolutiei
Armenian Church, Bd. Carol 43, tel: 613.90.70.
Roman Catholic
St. Josif Catherdral, Str. Berthelot 19 (behind Bucuresti hotel), tel: 312.12.08
Italian Church, Bd. N.Balcescu 28, tel: 614.18.57
Baratiei Church, Bd. Bratianu 16 (open Sundays only)
French Church, Str. Cpt. Demetriad 1-3, tel: 633.43.01.
Protestant
Anglican Church, Str. Xenopol 2, tel: 312.29.38 services 10am Sundays
Reformed Church "Calvin�eum", Str. Luterana 13, tel: 614.44.96
Evangelical Church, Str. Luterana 2, tel: 613.31.65.
Greek-Catholic
Maica Domnului Church, Str. Sirenelor 39, tel: 781.73.56.
Neo-Protestant
Christian Baptist Church, Str. Popa Rusu 15, tel: 623.10.84
Seventh-Day Adventist Church, Str. Plantelor 12, tel: 312.20.54.
Jewish
Coral Temple Synagogue, Str. Sfint Vineri 9-11 (east of Pta. Unirii) services 7pm Friday, 8:30am Saturday, and 8am Mon-Thurs.
Moslem The Mosque, Str. C. Manescu 4, tel: 641.11.33 services Friday at 12:20 in winter and 1:30 in summer.
Bucharest Metrou
Maps courtesy of the Romanian National Tourist Office, NYC
www.romaniatourism.com Email: [email protected]
