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Bucharest: the understated city of Eastern Europe
Leave your misconceptions aside, forget about the grim stories
about beggars, gypsies and stray dogs and give Bucharest a
chance. No, it has no connections with Dracula whatsoever, but
it probably is the most engaging capital of Eastern Europe.
Take a less conventional tour: a budget experience only the
charmingly quirky Bucharest can offer. Why? The city some people
confuse with Budapest is the most intriguing blend of contrasts;
the English to Romanian translation of eclecticism.
First order of business: ignore the regular tourist attractions.
Don’t go visit the Palace of the Parliament, although it’s
considered the world’s largest civilian building, it’s mostly a
horrific supersized concrete manifesto of communism. Instead,
try living like a local: wander the streets of the city centre
and you’ll stumble upon the perfect locations for indulging your
pleasures: old factories turned into massive event locations,
lost gardens metamorphosed into tea-houses, and open-air
cinemas.
The historic city centre will quickly clarify why in the 20s
Bucharest was named ‘Little Paris’; it’s the place to go if you
want to feel the city’s vibrant pulse. In the summer, the narrow
cobblestone streets with open-air cafes, bars and art galleries,
seem to never get some sleep, as this has become the most common
meeting place. However, the area still retains a patina of
authenticity, thanks to the fact that every second house is
still inhabited by a poor gypsy family.
When it comes to food, the American chains McDonalds’ and KFC
are still popular, kebab is so common as if it were a
traditional dish, every other restaurant serves Italian food;
gelato and crepes are almost the only options for dessert and
many cafés serve a complimentary shisha with your coffee.
Former ‘Little Paris’, upcoming Berlin in terms of the
underground art and music scene, Bucharest however lacks
sufficient personality to become a city of its own inspiration
yet, as it is continuously changing. But my God, what a charming
city it is! |
