Otopeni

Bucharest

This beautiful city exposes a blend of old and new together with rich medieval churches, open-air bar scenes and theatre.

Well known for its tree-lined boulevards, splendid Belle Epoque buildings and a reputation for living life in the fast line, Bucharest is Romania’s largest city and capital. Bucharest has changed to a booming city. With an interesting mix of old and new, it is very easy to find a 300 year old church next to a modern building.

Its concoction of grey housing blocks, French palaces with a baroque charm, medieval churches and 21st century office buildings make Bucharest a most fine-looking city. Legend has it that the city was founded on the banks of the Dambovita River by a shepherd called Bucur. His flute playing mesmerised so many people that they named the city after him.

At the entrance of the capital, Casa Scanteii which was designed by architect Horia Maicu, hosts all of the capital’s printing presses and newsrooms. The Arch of Triumph which was built in honour to the bravery of Romanian soldiers offers visitors the opportunity to get a panoramic view of the city.

With some of the best museums based in Bucharest, travellers have a wide range of museums to suit all budgets. Known as a very active student base, the historic centre transforms itself to an open-air bar scene with a wide range of theatre, opera and foreign language films organised around the city.

If you are interested in the Dracula tours, pay a visit to places such as Sighisoara, the Snagoc Monastery, Castle Bran and Curtea Domneasca, all sites related to the life of Vlad Tepes, the legendary Count Dracula.

Getting from Otopeni airport to downtown Bucharest is easy. With buses running every 20 minutes, the trip should not last longer than 40 minutes. Regular trains to Bucuresti Nord station combined with a minibus transfer service are also available.