Communist-era displays of strength and unity sit alongside neo-classical landmarks, creating an incredible hotbed of architecture. A stroll through Bucharest introduces jaw-dropping sights and settings as you turn every corner, with every street dotted with charming shops, bars and restaurants.
A relatively young city, Bucharest did not really consolidate its position as Romania’s capital until the late 19th century. This has allowed for a well-considered infrastructure – making it a pleasurable and simple city to navigate by foot.
Bucharest’s origins are incredibly humble, with legend suggesting it was founded for the mysterious Bucur – who was a prince, an outlaw, a fisherman, a shepherd or a hunter, depending on who’s account you believe. And the city really grew in terms of population, culture and significance in the years which followed WWI, with 30,000 new residents moving to Bucharest every year. This was when Bucharest earned the nickname of Little Paris, as the city’s artistic output increased dramatically.
Museums and galleries opened at pace during these years, celebrating the works and achievements of Romanian artists, as well as some of the world’s best known artistic minds. Matisse, Pissarro and Picasso are just a handful of the esteemed artists who would find their works hanging on Bucharest’s walls.
