Bucharest

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Known for its wide, tree-lined boulevards, glorious Belle Époque buildings and a reputation for the high life (which in the 1900s earned its nickname of "Little Paris"), Bucharest, Romania's largest city and capital, is today a bustling metropolis.

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Surrounded by Mistery

Romanian legend has it that the city of Bucharest was founded on the banks of the Dambovita River by a shepherd named Bucur, whose name literarily means “joy.” His flute playing reportedly dazzled the people and his hearty wine from nearby vineyards endeared him to the local traders, who gave his name to the place.

Some Statistics

Population

1.921 milion

Size

228 square kilometers

Key Locations

During you stay in Bucharest, there are a few key locations that will give you a good sense of what this city has to offer. From old markets and beautiful parks to stunning architecture and museums, we’ve listed some places every visitor should try to see.

House of Free Press

A masive edifice standing in the northern part of Bucharest, since 1956, Casa Scânteii (as it is still universally known) was designed by architect Horia Maicu. The building is a smaller replica of the Lomonosov University in Moskow – Russia.

The Arch of Triumph

Initially built of wood, in 1878, to honor the Romanian soldiers who fought in the Independence War, Bucharest’s Arch of Triumph was rebuit in 1922 and redecorated in 1936 with base reliefs carved in granite brought from Transylvania.

Herăstrău Park

The park has an area of about 187 ha, of which 74 ha is the lake. Initially, the area was full of marshes, but these were drained between 1930 and 1935, and the park was opened in 1936. The park is divided into two zones: a rustic or natural zone.

Calea Victoriei

Calea Victoriei (Victory Way) is Bucharest’s oldest and arguably, most charming street. In 1878, the name was chose as Calea Victoriei to mark Romania’s victory in its Independence War against the Ottoman Empire.

Cantacuzino Palace

A former Prime Minister, Cantacuzino desired to have the most elegant residence in all Bucharest. His Beaux Arts palace features superb wrought iron balconies, tall arched windows and a porte-cochere flanked by two lions.

Romanian Athenaeum

The work of French architect Albert Galleron, who also designed the National Bank of Romania, the Athenaeum was completed in 1888, financed almost entirely with money donated by the general public. With its high dome and Doric columns, the Athenaeum resembles an ancient temple.