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City Breaks to Bucharest

Often called the ‘Little Paris’ because of its wide tree-lined boulevards and fin de siecle architecture, Bucharest, the capital of Romania, was one of the most elegant cities in the 1930’s Europe. There is even a triumphal arch at the end of Soseaua Kiseleff, and even longer avenue than the famous Champs Elysees.

Sadly, through the intervention of war in Europe and the consequent iron fist of communism, this wonderful, cosmopolitan city suddenly lost its seductive charm and colour, to be overshadowed by the drab, grey multi-storey buildings so typical of these oppressive times.

Then followed the massive reconstruction programme of the eighties. Christmas Day 1989 at last saw the rebirth of this proud city with the overthrow and execution of Romania’s most despised ruler, Nicolae Ceausescu. One of the most brutal regimes in the ‘eastern bloc’ was finally at an end.

Brightness and colour has returned not only to the city's numerous parks and lakes, but also to the avenues and bustling side streets where private enterprise and commerce have again taken root. Once again Bucharest is becoming a thriving cosmopolitan city where art and music are part and parcel of daily life.

An abundance of pavement cafe's and restaurant's where couples are gently serenaded by the strings of gypsy violinists are a joyful reminder of the simple pleasures in life. Dining in Romania is relatively cheap, and should be enlivened with a glass or two of Romanian wine and plum brandy (tuica), the national drink, as an aperitif.

Romania proudly preserves its rural and traditional roots with frequent shows of folklore music. Costume and dance are a popular attraction in many hotels and restaurants. The city’s artistic life is now as vibrant as ever and a classic repertoire of Puccini, Verdi, Rossini and Mozart is maintained at the Opera House. International performers appear regularly at the splendid neo-classical building of the Atheneul Roman (Romanian Athenaeum). Concert ticket prices here are a fraction of the cost anywhere else.

New shops open daily as the city continues down the road of reform, but at the same time retaining its endearing charm of simple daily living with its busy flea market and throngs of small street traders. Inexpensive traditional folklore products such as wood crafts, ceramics, linens and glassware are easily to be found and make the perfect souvenir.

Getting around the city is simple and inexpensive. Taxis are in great supply and the metro covers much of the city. Bucharest is encircled by forests and lakes with ancient monasteries and palaces set among them. The towered monastery at Snagov is a popular diversion including canoeing on the lake. The Carpathian Mountains and the land of Transylvania are just two hours away...

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