Bucharest
Bucharest
Bucharest, Romania's capital, is a city where old meets new in a fascinating blend. It's known for its grand boulevards, historic buildings, and vibrant nightlife. The city's architecture ranges from communist-era blocks to elegant Belle Époque structures, earning it the nickname "Little Paris" in the early 20th century.
The massive Palace of the Parliament stands as a testament to Romania's communist past - it's the second-largest administrative building in the world after the Pentagon. Bucharest's Old Town (Lipscani) has been revitalized in recent years and now buzzes with cafes, bars, and restaurants housed in historic buildings.
Beyond the major landmarks, the city boasts beautiful parks like Herăstrău and Cișmigiu Gardens, where locals relax away from the urban rush. Romanian cuisine is worth exploring here too - try traditional dishes like sarmale (cabbage rolls) or mămăligă (polenta) in one of the many local restaurants.
Bucharest has a complex history that's shaped its identity - from its days as a medieval trading post to its years under communism and its current position as a developing European capital. Today it's a city of contrasts where you can find luxury malls just steps away from Orthodox churches that have stood for centuries.
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Things to do in Bucharest
Top things to do in Bucharest by www.thecrazytourist.com
Where to stay in Bucharest
Best hotels in Bucharest:
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Bucuresti Gara de Nord (budget hotel)
Bucuresti Gara de Nord is the main railway station in Bucharest, located just north of the city center. This bustling transportation hub handles both domestic and international train traffic, making it a key gateway to the Romanian capital.
The station building itself has an imposing facade with classical architectural elements, though the interior is more utilitarian. Inside you'll find the usual amenities like ticket offices, shops, and food options. The platforms can get busy, especially during rush hours, as commuters and travelers hurry to catch their trains.
Just outside, there's a metro station and plenty of taxis, making it easy to get to other parts of Bucharest. The surrounding neighborhood has budget hotels and casual eateries catering to travelers. While not a major tourist area, Gara de Nord offers convenient access to explore the rest of the city and beyond.
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Shared Amenities (homestay)
The shared amenities has a fully-equipped kitchen has everything you need to whip up a meal, including an electric kettle and fridge. There's a washing machine too, which is super handy for longer stays.
The common areas are kept clean and tidy. With two bathrooms, you shouldn't have to wait long for a shower. The balcony offers a nice spot to chill out and take in city views. Free WiFi throughout means you can stay connected easily.
Overall, it's a comfy setup in a great central location. You get hotel-like perks with more of a homey vibe. Perfect if you want to feel like a local while exploring Bucharest. Just be considerate of other guests, especially during the quiet hours from 10 PM to 7 AM.
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Bucharest Grand Hotel (luxury hotel)
The JW Marriott Bucharest Grand Hotel is a fancy spot right next to Parliament Palace. This place has a bunch of restaurants, and even its own shopping area and casino. Talk about a one-stop shop!
The rooms are pretty swanky, with flat-screen TVs and all the usual hotel perks. But the real showstopper is the health club and spa. After a long day of sightseeing or meetings, you can chill out in the indoor pool or treat yourself to a massage.
Food-wise, you're spoiled for choice with 6 different restaurants. And if you're feeling lucky, you can hit up the casino right in the hotel. It's not exactly a low-key place to stay, but if you want to live it up in Bucharest, this is the spot to do it.
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Hilton Garden Inn (medium range hotel)
The Hilton Garden Inn in Bucharest's Old Town is a great spot. It's super close to all the main sights and attractions, so you can easily walk everywhere. The rooms are comfy and modern, with nice big beds and all the usual amenities you'd expect.
The breakfast is pretty good, with plenty of options to fuel up for a day of sightseeing. The staff are friendly and helpful if you need any tips or recommendations. There's a fitness center if you want to squeeze in a workout, and a restaurant on-site for when you're too lazy to go out.
Overall, it's a solid choice if you're looking for a reliable, well-located hotel in Bucharest without breaking the bank. Nothing too fancy, but ticks all the boxes for a nice city break.
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Best hostels in Bucharest:
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Popcorn Hostel (hostel)
Popcorn Hostel is a short walk from the main train station. The rooms are simple but comfy, with bunk beds and lockers to keep your stuff safe. The outdoor area is a highlight - there's a nice garden where you can hang out, have a barbecue, and chat with other travelers.
The staff here are super friendly and create a welcoming vibe. They organize fun events like karaoke nights and cooking classes to help guests mingle. The shared kitchen is well-equipped if you want to cook your own meals. And of course, there's free popcorn to snack on!
Location-wise, it's pretty convenient. You can easily get to the city center or hop on a train to explore more of Romania. Overall, Popcorn Hostel offers a laid-back atmosphere and good value for budget travelers looking to meet people and experience Bucharest.
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High Hostel (party hostel)
High Hostel is short walk from the Old Town. The place has a chill vibe with a nice garden and terrace where you can hang out. The rooms are pretty comfy and clean, with air conditioning to beat the summer heat.
What really makes this place great is the staff - they're super friendly and always ready to help out with tips on exploring the city. The hostel has a bar that's open late, perfect for grabbing a drink after a day of sightseeing.
You're close to a couple metro stations and can easily walk to major attractions like Revolution Square. For budget travelers looking for a laid-back but central place to stay in Bucharest, High Hostel is definitely worth checking out.