Historical center
Located between piața Unirii and Cișmigiu Park, it was the starting point for Bucharest's development. Around the princely court, whose ruins remain, this district attracted all manner of merchants and craftsmen in the 15th century. It was ravaged by fire on March 23, 1847, and foreign architects, most of them French, helped give it a modern European look. Having miraculously escaped the destructive madness of Nicolae Ceaușescu, people now come here to stroll through its lively pedestrian streets. In summer, in the Lipscani district, terraces invade the sidewalks. This district, which attracts tourists and locals alike, has become one of the city's trendiest spots, and a Mecca for Bucharest's nightlife. In the process, it has lost some of its charm.
Calea Victoriei
The city's nerve center, calea Victoriei winds for over 2 km from Lipscani. Lovers of architecture will be delighted by the many opulent 19th and 20th century buildings. These buildings testify to the splendor of Bucharest's elite during this period, when the capital was nicknamed "Little Paris" (Micul Paris). Calea Victoriei, the main witness to this period, is also home to a large number of churches and stores.
Palace of the Parliament
A controversial symbol of Ceaușescu's dictatorship, the Palace of Parliament, originally called the House of the People, was built in the 1980s, resulting in the demolition of a vast neighborhood of particularly picturesque old houses and priceless historic buildings. Between this imposing building and piața Unirii, along the former Boulevard de la Victoire du Socialisme (now Boulevard Unirii), lies the Centru Civic. Built at the same time, this district typical of the systematization projects initiated by Ceaușescu is made up of identical blocks of flats intended to house ministries, administrations and, formerly, the nomenklatura. Nevertheless, amidst this architectural disaster, some interesting religious and cultural sites remain. If you'd like to continue your excursion southwards and enjoy one of the few panoramic views of the city, head for Patriarchate Hill and Carol I Park.
Arc de Triomphe and the North
From piața Victoriei, among the parks and beautiful neighborhoods, you'll find a peaceful, rejuvenating atmosphere. There are still countless places of interest and a variety of influences. For a taste of Romanian folklore, head for the Peasant Museum or the Village Museum, where you can discover the country's traditions. In this part of town, you'll also be amazed by the French and Soviet influences. You'll understand why Bucharest was nicknamed "Little Paris" when you pass the Arc de Triomphe de Bucarest or the luxurious villas of șoseaua Kiseleff. Likewise, you can believe you're in Moscow as you contemplate the House of the Free Press, close to Herăstrău Park, the city's green lung. This part of the city is excellent for resting or enjoying a meal in the shade of the shady terraces.
Suburbs of Bucharest
Outside the historic center, several neighborhoods deserve special attention. Close to the center, on the other side of the Magheru and Bălcescu boulevards from calea Victoriei, the Icoanei district and its surroundings (Batistei, Armenian and Jewish quarters) are well worth a long stroll through their winding streets. These former mahales were built on the Ottoman model, where houses were first erected, usually around a church, and then roads. These residential areas are brimming with architectural nuggets in eclectic styles (Art Nouveau, neo-Romanesque, French classicism...). Some have been restored, sometimes in a gaudy fashion, but many have fallen into disrepair or have even been abandoned. Together, they exude a special, typically Bucharest charm. It's also a very lively area, home to many trendy bars and cafés, nestled in the beautiful houses and their gardens. Behind the Palace of Parliament, the Cotroceni district houses the palace of the same name: home to the President of the Republic, it is bordered by a pleasant botanical garden. The surrounding streets are ideal for a stroll, lined with plane trees and superb bourgeois mansions. For the rest, the areas furthest from the center are made up of block districts, such as Drumul Taberei or Tineretului, or suburban areas.
