FAST VISIT AROUND THE HOSTEL
THE PALACE OF PARLIAMENT
A must of any Bucharest visit, the Palace of the Parliament, also known as the House of the People, is no doubt the most famous landmark of Romania’s communist period. One of the most impressive and controversial constructions in the world, the House of the People is an unforgettable symbol of a regime that irremediably reshaped the country’s history. Located nearby the quaint Old Centre and over the Dâmbovița river, the Palace is the world’s heaviest and its second largest administrative building, after the Pentagon. The colossal 1,100-room edifice, today’s headquarters of the Romanian Parliament, was built by former dictator Nicolae Ceauşescu.
PRIMĂVERII PALACE
As dictators’ stories go, while elsewhere in Bucharest people were suffering from electricity and heat shortages, in one particular villa in the north of Bucharest there was always plenty of water to fill a mosaic-decorated swimming pool and heat for the exotic plant greenhouse. Additionally, Primăverii Palace, the home of former dictator Nicolae Ceauşescu and his family, even had gold plated faucets in its master bathroom as well as a private spa. Today a museum, the residence can be visited as part of group and private tours.
CURTEA VECHE
Curtea Veche is a small archeological site in the Old Town of Bucharest. It used to be a residential palace of Vlad III Dracula in the 15th century. So if you want to see the statue of Dracula, this is the place to be.
COTROCENI PALACE
Since 1991 the residence of the President of Romania, Cotroceni Palace, has shared in the city’s tumultuous history. A former royal residence of King Carol I, as soon as the Communist regime was established in the country in 1947, it was seized and turned it into the headquarters of the Communist party. The part that is open to the public, the Cotroceni Museum, has on display a large and valuable collection of books, paintings, sculptures, and icons.
SHOPPING IN BUCHAREST
Unirea Shopping Centre Shopping in Bucharest old town is an experience in itself. This shopping center is a regular shopping center for all your regular shopping needs. Standing here for years, it has become a part of the old town landscape. This structure may look a bit dated, but it lies in the heart of the city. There is also a huge Mega Image supermarket which can be found in the basement. The Complex Commercial Rahova Shopping in Bucharest is a luxury Mall, but this one is a bit different. This isn't the place for people who don't like crowds.
Here you will find from branded and designer clothes to bouquets and plants, to accessories from over 40 Romanian designers- both established and upcoming ones. Carturesti Carusel is the most amazing bookshop and it dates from the 19th century. The building was gifted life by a team of architects and the design itself is worth seeing even if you aren't particularly fond of books. Apart from the books on sale, there is also a gallery as well as an exhibition area. If you get hungry then there is a bistro on the top floor.