To & From Bucharest
Good connectivity between Dublin and Bucharest (OTP), Ryanair and or Blue Air fly direct and are the most viable options.
Flight time is roughly 4 hours and note Bucharest is 2 hours ahead GMT.
Taxis are very efficient and provide a convenient method of transfer to downtown, expect to pay around € 15 and ride takes 30-40 minutes.
We plumped for the Intercontinental which is in a prime location and within easy walking distance to most attractions and the Old town.
It may be described as five stars but realistically more like a good 4 star, however it does have a fantastic leisure centre with the highest pool in town, and keenly priced.
Woke Tip: Include breakfast in the rate, as it is exceptional.
Awake Tip: Don’t spend too much time at the Intermezzo bar lounge, prices are definitely five star.
Day 1.
With the two- hour time difference even with the fast transfer arrival to hotel is late afternoon, so just enough time to take in the local scenery and quick explore of Old town, about a 15-minute walk.
On the way worth dropping into the Municipality museum, giving great insight into Romanian life both past and present blended with culture. Easy to access via the pedestrian underpass at the main roundabout in front of the hotel, located in the Neo-Gothic Sutu Palace with a very impressive staircase in the lobby.
See Useful link 1
Day 2.
After an exceptional buffet breakfast at the Intercontinental, the big attraction is the Palace of the Parliament.
Figure 1 The Palace at Night
If you are on foot the entrance to the palace as you approach across the square in front is on the right-hand side, the walk around the full building takes the bones of an hour, so unless you want the exercise don’t go left as you approach.
The palace is enormous and even has its own theatre, all tours are guided and very informative, photographs are encouraged as are questions about the actual building construction and importance. It is a working administrative parliament building so much is off limits, but with its size, that is probably a good thing as you would need plenty of time and energy to fully explore. For a poor country it is quite a statement.
Figure 2 Palace Theatre
Awake Tip : You must have your passport to buy tickets, and English speaking tours are interspersed with Romanian speaking tours, so check first so you don’t have to wait for a long time.
Head out and across Izvor park over the Dambovita River and into the Cismigiu gardens, charming gardens with a beautiful restaurant called Monte Carlo.
See useful links 3
Figure 3 Cismigiu Gardens
On the way back to the Intercontinental Hotel, stop for a refresh at the Grand Hotel Continental, swanky hotel oozing charm, toilets are well concealed!
Figure 4 Alternative Transport
Plenty of walking involved, but there is always an electric scooter for hire if you can negotiate the cobbles and cracked pavements. Either way back to relax in the leisure centre just the tonic before heading back out to Old Town for dinner—plenty of choice at good value, we found a fantastic wine bar and Bistro called Bruno:
See Useful link 4 under useful addresses.
Day 3.
Old Town
Figure 5 Old Town Map
Gentle stroll around the Old town, points of interest The National Savings Bank of Romania, and worth visiting the Curtea Veche Museum – The Voievodal Palace and the Curtea Veche – Old Court Church.
Stop at the Grand Café Van Gogh, theme is obvious but very well done with plenty of the post impressionists works on display.
Figure 6 Old Town National Savings Bank
In the afternoon time just to head to the National Art Museum, most impressive art collection housed inside the splendid former Royal Palace, there are two permanent galleries split over three floors, closed Mon/Tues.
Last night why not enjoy some outdoor cocktails and great food at Old Habits in Old Town –could be the new reality.
Figure 7 Old Habits — New realities, Covid Friendly !
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