Bucharest

Bucharest is the capital city, industrial and financial centre of Romania. It is the largest city in Romania, located in the southeast of the country, and lies on the banks of the Dâmboviţa River. The city proper is administratively known as the Municipality of Bucharest (Municipiul Bucureşti), and has the same administrative level as a county, being further subdivided into six sectors.

Bucharest seen from Spot satellite

The Cismigiu Gardens

Travel agencies in Bucharest

Marshal Tourism:Address: B-dul Gen. Gheorghe Magheru, Nr. 43 (p-ta Romana), Sector 1 Tel: 021/3194455, 021/3194456 Web page: www.marshal.ro

Eximtur:Address: Str. Profesor Dimitrie Gerota, Nr. 1-5, Sector 2 Tel: 0745112331, 021/3158711 Web page: www.eximtur.ro

Omnia Turism:Address: B-dul Regina Elisabeta (denumire veche: , Cartier: ), Nr. 37, Sector 5 Tel: 021/3125409, 021/3124034 Web page: www.omnia-turism.ro

Bucharest has the dubious distinction of being the densest city per capita in the EU. Easily the largest city in Romania, Bucharest is actually the 6th largest city in the EU by population. Despite the etymology of its name meaning "City of Joy," Bucharest hasn't exactly had an easy time of things as anyone who's had a look around might be able to quickly surmise.By European standards, the city is not an old one. The extravagance in the arts and architecture that occupied Bucharest in the late 19th century, in addition to its elevated cosmopolitan culture (and presumably its almost French snootiness), earned the city the title of "Little Paris“ or "Paris of the East."Bucharest is again became a bustling boom town in the 21st century as the city undergoes a period of urban renewal, modernisation and an economic upswing. Significant (and much needed) restorations are now taking place all over the city thanks to the plug of EU funds the country received upon ascension into the vaulted Union in 2007.

Several cultural festivals are celebrated in Bucharest throughout the year, but most festivals take place in June, July and August. Here are some of the more prominent ones:

• The International Opera Festival is organised by the National Opera and gathers ensembles and orchestras from all over the world for performances throughout the capital (May to June). • George Enescu Classical Music Festival is an annual event hosted by the Romanian Athaeneum that draws international and national musicians to honour the world-renowned hometown musician, and the entire festival spans various venues across the city (September). • The Bucharest Biennale was inaugurated in 2005, and brings an impressive collection of contemporary art to the city. The next edition will be this year .

Howard Johnson Grand Plaza Hotel has an excellent location in the heart of Bucharest and offers superb panoramic views.After a complete renovation, the former Dorobanti Hotel is now a modern, fully equipped hotel offering

very good services; it is an 18-floor building featuring 285 rooms and suites. Additionally, there are 8 meeting rooms. Price: 120 - 180$

Accommodation

Famous restaurants and pubs

Famous BamBoo the club and restaurant

Pillow Cafe