Shopibel's Quick Guide to Bucharest

Hotels in Bucharest

Hotel prices in Bucharest are relatively high but the multitude of options and increased competition create bargains unless you hit upon an exhibition, etc. Rembrandt is a charming hotel in the heart of the old centre with a very good price to services ratio. Also, for those who can afford it, Hilton Athenee Palace is certainly one of the most impressive hotels in the city.

Places to see

Lipscani, i.e. the old city, is going through a phase of complete renovation, while the fusion of contrasting spots makes it multifaceted. On the one hand you have the student hang-outs, full of alternative lifestyle and attitude and on the other impressive shops like Market 8 which is an extremely charming space featuring expensive design objects for home and a cafe/restaurant for modern cuisine and smart crowd.

credit: Ciprian Strugariu

Further down the traditional Caru' cu bere, a free house offering an endless list of beers, will makes you realise the interplay between tradition and modern lifestyle in Bucharest.

You should walk in Vilacrosse arcade and have a drink in one of the bars. The Museum of Modern Art has an excellent roof garden, while the National Art Museum exhibits works of El Greco, Rubens, etc. A visit at Palace of Parliament will certainly leave with with a feeling of awe, and walks along the river are fun.

credit: Ciprian Strugariu

Restaurants

For restaurants, you should try Charme and its creative Mediterranean cuisine, Casa Di David which is considered one of the best (and most expensive) in the city, or Dada Bistro, a beautiful space with strokes of modern design where you can also buy accessories and clothes.

Shopping

Shopping malls have a special place in Bucharest with the largest one being Plaza, packed with beautiful Romanian ladies wandering around with shopping bags. The shop that is on a league of its own is Victoria 46; two floors filled with smartly placed designer clothes such as Balenciaga, Lanvin, etc., it can give Italian or UK boutiques a run for their money. Carturesti is a very cozy bookstore/tea shop/gallery that features art exhibitions, sells international titles and tea!

Entertainment

Casinos in Bucharest are destinations in their own right and the best ones are in the large hotels. For clubbing, Gaia and Bamboo are the major contenders in the commercial entertainment category while Kristal and Studio Martin are the ones to go for international artists and electronic dance music. For those who want Greek bouzouki music there is Elysee, and the most popular student place seems to be Maxx.