INTRODUCTION TO BUCHAREST

Famous for its remarkable Belle Époque buildings and its vast, tree-lined boulevards, Bucharest remains as Romania’s largest city and capital. Renowned for being the cream of society, this bustling metropolis has earned its nickname of ‘Little Paris’. The capital of Romania is dynamic, energetic and fun; take the time to wander the magnificent museums, gander around the gardens and chill-out at the cultured cafés. Altered by its past Communist regimes, Bucharest is now a revolutionary city, home to some of the greatest nightlife in Europe, making it the perfect destination for hen and stag weekends and affordable holidays. Continue ready for some tips on how to get the best out of Bucharest, including where to eat, drink, visit and dance the night away.

BUCHAREST BY DAY

Explore the majestic Bran Castle As once the home of Queen Marie, Bran Castle has quickly become the chosen destination for over 500,000 visitors each year. Being the inspiration for Dracula’s Castle in Bram Stoker’s ‘Dracula’, you are able to explore rooms that are dedicated to Transylvania’s most famous count. The castle’s narrow corridors embody a mystical labyrinth of ghostly nooks and hidden chambers, making for the perfect chilling experience. Indulge your cultural side as you tour around this magnificent home, with stunning views of Romania surrounding you.

Website: www.bran-castle.com
Address: Strada General Traian Moșoiu 24, Bran 507025, Romania
Contact: +40 268 237 700 / office@bran-castle.com
Opening times: Mon (12pm-6pm), Tue-Sun (9am-6pm)

Stroll through the tranquil Herăstrău ParkBeing the largest park in Bucharest, it boasts beautiful scenery. With trees of all different types, shapes and sizes, you can get lost in the nature that surrounds you. The fantastic views provide the perfect backdrop for photographs, and its visitors will allow you to experience the vast amount of different cultures within the capital of Romania. Built up around Lake Herăstrău, its waters create a calm, peaceful atmosphere that envelopes the park. With two main entrances, the park is very easily accessible and is the perfect place to spend a summer’s afternoon. Although enjoyed by hundreds of visitors each day, the park never gives off the feeling of overcrowding; you can always find a nice quite spot to relax in the sun.

Website: www.herastrauparc.ro
Address: Strada Kiseleff, Bucharest, Romania
Contact: +40 744 630 000 / hascu@digicom.ro
Opening times: Open 24 hours

Palace of Parliament
After the Pentagon in the United States of America, Bucharest’s Palace of Parliament is the second largest building in the world, making it an extremely popular tourist attraction. This unmistakeable building is undoubtedly the most controversial building in all of Romania, particularly for its physical, psychic and historic antiquity. As former dictator and Communist leader Nicolae Ceauşescu’s most infamous development project, the Palace is currently home to the Bucharest parliament. Due to its sheer size, the building spans over 330,000 sq metres, including more than 3000 rooms. Despite prominent indifference, the Palace of Parliament remains one of the most prestigious and biggest tourist attractions in not only Bucharest, but the entire country.

Website: www.cic.cdep.ro
Address: Bucharest, the Palace of Parliament, 2-4, Izvor Street
Contact: +40 733 558 102 / cic.vizite@cdep.ro
Opening times: Daily (9am-5pm)

The Arcul de TriumfLocated in the north of Bucharest, the Arc de Triumf was resurrected to commemorate the Romanian soldiers who lost their lives during World War One. This iconic monument stands at 25 metres tall and boasts a beautiful terrace on its roof top, allowing for visitors to climb on top and look at the breath-taking views across the city of Bucharest. Decorated with the stunning works of Romanian sculptors such as Dimitrie Paciureaand Ion Jalea, the arch acts as a symbol of independence, being visited frequently every day. Be sure to visit the arch on December 1st where Romania’s National Day is celebrated by military parades. It is phenomenal to see.

Address: Piața Arcul de Triumf, București, Romania
Opening times: Open 24 hours

Delve into Bucharest’s past at the Grigore Antipa National Museum of Natural HistoryFor those of you who are interested in the history of Bucharest, the Grigore Antipa National Museum is the ideal place to visit. As the largest museum of natural history in the whole of Romania, it allows the study of ethnographic exhibitions, as well as the extensive mineralogical, zoological and paleontological collections. This grand museum allows you to expand your mind and knowledge, and to begin to understand the world as it is today. Home to around 2 million specimens, it is quite impossible to find yourself getting bored.

Website: www.antipa.ro
Address:Șoseaua Pavel Dimitrievici Kiseleff 1, București 011341, RomaniaContact: +40 21 312 8826
Opening times: Tue-Sun (10m-8pm)

EAT ‘TIL YOUR HEARTS CONTENT

Marin Seafood GrillFor lovers of seafood, Marin Seafood Grill is the perfect place to eat if you fancy some fresh, tasty sardines, with a side of grilled veggies. Or if you want to experience the high life, you can feast on squid, mussels and octopus! The building itself looks as though it has been taken straight out of Croatia and placed in the centre of Bucharest. Although a little on the small side, it has a terrace out on the street where you can enjoy your food on a hot summers day.
Website: www.marinseafood.ro
Address:Strada Gabroveni 4, București, Romania
Contact: +40 723 973 025
Opening times: Sun-Thu (12pm-1am) Fri-Sat (2pm-5am)

Caru’ cu Bere
The first stop on anyone’s list when visiting the capital of Romania should be the Caru’ cu Bere restaurant. In the centre of the Old Town district, this restaurant is a popular choice for food, especially as it can be served with some of their own home-brewed beer. Its wondrous interiors include ornate woodwork and painted ceilings – fine dining at its best, but without the heavy price tag. For those who choose to dine in the evening, you will be treated to an enjoyable folklore show unlike any you’ve seen before.
Website: www.carucubere.ro
Address: Strada Stavropoleos 5, București 030081, Romania
Contact: +40 726 282 373 / rezervari@carucubere.ro
Opening times: Sun-Thu (8am-12am) Fri-Sat (8am-2am)

Hanul Lui
ManucIdeal for those seeking a different dining experience, the Hanul lui Manuc is a great place to visit. Being one of Europe’s only remaining caravanserai, it is very popular among tourists and locals alike. You can indulge yourselves as you enjoy the simple but extraordinary Romanian food, built around food staples such as chicken, pork and lamb. Along with the delicious cuisine, you can swill it down with a decent pint, while you admire the spectacular interior courtyard.

Website: www.hanumanuc.ro
Address: Strada Franceză 62-64, București 030106, Romania
Contact: +40 730 188 653 / rezervari@hanumanuc.ro
Opening times: Mon-Sun (8am-12am)

Crama Domnească
In the very heart of Old Town, this elegant restaurant serves Romanian food of historic proportions. You won’t leave feeling half full as you are provided with mammoth portions of spare ribs and pork steaks. Renowned for serving its warm, home baked bread, you can be sure to be content as your tuck into your meal. As your evening progresses, the wine will keep on flowing to keep your spirits high. Its friendly staff will be sure to make your dining experience the best, and are very attentive throughout the night.
Website:www.cramadomneasca.net
Address: Street Selari 13-15, Sector 3, Bucharest
Contact: +40 758 333 000 / emil.manea@cramadomneasca.net
Opening times: Mon (2pm-12am) Tue-Sun (12pm-12am)

VacamuuuAs well as being a fantastic and unique restaurant, Vacamuuu is also a store for the greatest cuts of meat. So if you fancy having a go at cooking your own version of a meal served at the restaurant, you can buy from a variety of quality meats to cook at home. No fine dining experience is complete without sampling different wines on offer. Regardless of what meal you decide to order, it is evident that a lot of effort and passion is put into preparing and serving your food. That is what makes Vacamuuu a one-of-a-kind restaurant.
Website: www.vacamuuu.com
Address: Calea Floreasca 111, București, Romania
Contact: +40 731 351 135 / office@vacamuuu.com
Opening times: Mon-Sun (10am-11pm)

Furgoneta Street Chefs
Home to the best burgers in town, this more convenient way of eating out has been taken by storm. Its fast service and friendly food staff make your food experience in Bucharest unique and interesting. Although the chefs operate only on food trucks and vans, the menu is extremely diverse and full of intriguing flavours and options. These super kitchens on wheels are fully equipped with great cooks and state of the art cooking gear, ensuring that you receive the highest quality food in the whole of Bucharest.
Address: Strada Buzești 59, București, Romania
Opening times: Mon-Fri (11:30am-5pm)

La Brasserie
Founded in 2012, this fairly new restaurant is the perfect place for a business lunch, romantic dinner or a night out with friends, As well as boasting a gracious 90-seat salon, La Brasserie has a 110-seat terrace that overlooks to shores of Herăstrău Lake. This bistro and lounge is one of the places favoured by the young people of Bucharest, especially for its indulgent atmosphere and delicious menu of salads, soup, pasta and risottos, and some good old burgers. The drinks aren’t half bad either. Whether you want some caffeine or cocktails, this place has it all.
Website: www.labrasserie.ro
Address: Șoseaua Nordului 7-9, București 014101, Romania
Contact: +40 374 999 999
Opening times: Mon-Sat (10am-3am) Sun (10am-12am)

Il Calcio
Perhaps the best place for lovers of football and food, Il Calcio promises to offer a memorable dining experience, and something unique that provides a burning desire to return time after time. Although in Bucharest, this restaurant and bar is home to some of the best Italian cuisine. With popular and lower prices than of any usual restaurant, the food and service is of 5 star standard. Founded back in 1996, this great restaurant has been growing in success and popularity since, and is sure to provide you with a unique dining experience.
Website: www.trattorialcalcio.ro
Address: Șoseaua Colentina 1, București 021151, Romania
Contact: +40 734 382 419 / office@trattorialcalcio.ro
Opening times: Mon-Sun (12pm-12am)

Osho SteakAs the ultimate steak house in Bucharest, this restaurant was born out of love for culinary excellence and love of tasty perfection. Situated in the perfect location, Osho is the ideal place for business lunches or just for some food with friends. With the menu being great value for money, this restaurant is one of the best places to go in Bucharest, particularly if you are looking for the ultimate steak. With weekly special cuts of meat, and a variety of soups, salads, seafood and burgers, you will be spoilt for choice,
Website: www.osho-restaurant.ro
Address: Bd. Primaverii, Nr. 19-21, Bucuresti, Romania
Contact: +40 215 683 031 / rezervari@osho-restaurant.ro
Opening times: Mon-Fri (10:30am-11pm) Sat (10am-12am) Sun (10am-10pm

SHOP ‘TIL YOU DROP

Unirea Shopping Center
As quite literally the home of every shop known to man, the Unirea Shopping Center is one of the largest of all shopping destinations in Bucharest. Located in downtown Bucharest, this shopping mall is very accessible and close to many tourist attractions such as the Palace of Parliament. Here you can find hundreds of famous, named brands, places to relax and hang out, but more importantly, places to pig out. Whether you are looking to buy clothes, cosmetics, jewellery, shoes or books, the Unirea Shopping Center has it, and for a great price too!
Website: www.unireashop.ro
Address: Piața Unirii 1, București, Romania
Contact: +40 213 030 208
Opening times: Mon-Sun (10am-10pm)

Bucuresti Mall
Located in the very heart of Bucharest, Bucuresti Mall is the first modern shopping center in the whole of Romania. As a great place for some well-earned retail therapy or just somewhere to hang out and make some new friends, this mall is home to some of the biggest names in the business. Just some of the stores available at the mall include Zara, Sephora, Tommy Hilfiger, Lacoste, Marks & Spencer, H&M and the megastore Debenhams. With three floors to choose from, there is something for everyone in this fantastic shopping mall, whether you want to shop ‘til you drop or even if you just want somewhere to chill out or find some entertainment, Bucuresti Mall is the best place to go.

Website:www.bucurestimall.com.ro
Address: Calea Vitan 55-59, București 031282, Romania
Contact: +40 213 276 700 / infodesk.BM@anchorgrup.ro
Opening times: Mon-Sun (10am-10pm)

AFI Palace Cotroceni
This is another of one of Bucharest’s biggest shopping malls, and is undoubtedly its best and most popular among tourists and locals alike. However, it is not just a great place to shop. The AFI Palace offers a large variety of leisure activities including a huge ice skating rink and even an indoor roller coaster! With a fun children’s playground, there is somewhere for the kids to go while you go off shopping, without all the tantrums! With the added attraction of an IMAX cinema, you’ll find it impossible to run out of things to do while here. If travelling to the AFI Palace is an issue, there are plenty of trams to get you here, or you could even opt to take the metro to Politehnica.

Website: www.aficotroceni.ro
Address:Bulevardul Vasile Milea 4, București 061344, Romania
Contact: +40 314 257 510
Opening times: Sun-Thu (10am-10pm) Fri-Sat (10am-11pm)

Romanian Boutique
For those of you that are looking for a little place to shop for some last minute souvenirs, the Romanian Boutique is a great place to find the perfect gifts for your family at home. From luxurious treats, to traditional trinkets, this store is ideal for bringing some of the fantastic Romanian culture back home. So before you break the bank spending lots of money on souvenirs, be sure to check out the Romanian Boutique – here you will find fantastic deals on a range of products including traditional clothes, postcards and more!
Website: www.romanianboutique.ro
Address: Strada Bărăției 27, București 030322, Romania
Contact: +40 721 389 927 / office@romanianboutique.ro
Opening times: Mon-Sun (10am-7pm)

BUCHAREST BY NIGHT

SAMPLE THE LOCAL WATERING HOLES

Freddo Bar & Lounge
Based in the centre of Bucharest’s Old Town, the Freddo Bar and Lounge is probably the biggest, boldest and best place to go for a mix of great food and drink. Just some of the delicious goodies available include perfect pizzas, superb salads, and a vast array of classic cocktails. An overall great place to hang out, the lounge regularly hosts party nights, performances of live music and even invites a top DJ or two. If you fancy coming down to enjoy the night on the weekends, you may want to reserve some spaces – its popularity is rising fast!

Website:www.freddo.ro
Address: Strada Smârdan 24, București, Romania
Contact: +40 722 373 336 / rezervari@freddo.ro
Opening times: Mon-Sun (10am-5am)

Beer O’Clock
As the big brother of it’s the two bars in Old Town Bucharest, you will be absolutely spoilt for choice when it comes to their beers. With over 160 types of magnificent beer, you can be sure to never have the same beer twice! Not only a beacon for fantastic beer, this pub is equipped with a glass suitable for any brew. Ever drank from a Flute glass or a Footed Pilsner, well now is your chance! During the summer months you can sit and enjoy a delicious beer or two on the street terrace. Or, if you fancy a spot that is a little cosier, head down to its smaller pub just across town (but be sure to reserve if you want to be guaranteed a seat).

Website: www.beeroclock.ro
Address: Strada Gabroveni 4, București, Romania
Contact: +40 735 187 013
Opening times: Mon-Sat (4pm-2am) Sun (4pm-12pm)

Gradina Eden
For those of you who prefer a more rustic setting, the Gradina Eden is the perfect little bar for you. Tucked away in the heart of the city, it is no wonder to see why they call it ‘Eden’. Surrounding the bar is some fantastic vegetation, giving you a sense of privacy – not to mention a relaxing atmosphere. Located behind the Stirbei Palace, you get a mixture between historic and more modern vibes (the ultimate place for those Hipsters!) With a great choice of drinks available, both alcoholic and non-alcoholic, there is something here for everyone. Unlike your usual bar or pub, the Gradina Eden doesn’t have music playing in the background, so you can relax with a book and a coffee or drinking a beer while sitting in a hammock.

Address: Calea Victoriei 107, București, Romania
Contact: +40 744 510 687
Opening times: Mon-Sat (4pm-5am) Sun (10am-12am)

Nomad Skybar
For seekers of unique experiences, Nomad Skybar is home to one of the greatest uses of an amazing loft space in Bucharest’s Old Town. With a huge glass roof, you can look upon the beautiful sky above (it’s even better when the sun is out!) As well as offering a great selection of drinks and beverages, this bar has a decent variety of outstanding food that is sure to add to this unique experience. Not only is this bar the ideal little spot to hang out in, there are also a range of events on every day to keep you entertained, whether it be live music or in-house DJs spinning to latest tracks.

Address: Etaj 1, Strada Smârdan 30, București 030167, Romania
Contact: +40 735 448 080
Opening times: Mon-Thu (4pm-2am) Fri-Sat (4pm-6am) Sun (4pm-12am)

Vintage PubIf you are looking for a fantastic evening out, Lipscani and Old Town are probably the best places to go in Bucharest. In Lipscani, the Vintage Pub is a popular location for those looking to spend the evening drinking and chatting with friends. Recommended by almost everyone, the Vintage Pub boasts great prices and excellent services. If you are more of a daytime drinker, you can spend your visit lounging on the terrace that surrounds the pub, watching Bucharest life pass by.

Website: www.thevintagepub.ro
Address: Strada Smârdan 43, București 030167, Romania
Contact: +40 743 797 173 / contact.bucuresti@thevintagepub.ro
Opening times: Mon-Sun (3pm-5:30am)

ShoteriaThe best way to kick off your night in Old Town Bucharest, or even to wrap it up, is to take a trip to Shoteria. Sampling shots has never been more exciting that at Shoteria, with its amazing bartenders who know just what to do to put a smile on your face. There is an endless supply of shots waiting and lined up the bar, you can be certain to have some good quality drinks accompanied by some great music.

Website:www.shoteria.ro
Address: Strada Șelari 17, București 030167, Romania
Contact: +40 735 400 505
Opening times: Thu-Sat (9pm-5am)

DANCE UNTIL DAWN

Control ClubThe Control Club is probably the ideal place for those who don’t like traditional clubs. It is more a pub than a club nowadays, and has a great terrace for when the weather gets good. Unlike most clubs, it opens pretty early, and serves some amazing food upstairs. However, it is still the best place to go for those who want to experience a club vibe, with plenty of international bands to entertain. Whether it be a DJ or live music by some of Bucharest’s very own, you can be certain that there is always something brilliant going on.

Website:www.control-club.ro
Address: Strada Constantin Mille 4, București, Romania
Contact: +40 733 927 861
Opening times: Sun-Mon (1pm-4am) Tue-Thu (1pm-5am) Fri-Sat (1pm-6am)

Bamboo Club Bucharest
At times this could possibly be the most difficult club to get into in Bucharest, but once you are in you won’t want to leave. After quickly becoming the most famous club in Romania, Bamboo Club is a popular attraction for generations of beautiful people and is central to the best nightlife experiences in Bucharest. Home to some of the most amazing dance shows and entertainment you will ever see, Bamboo Club has been known to host many concerts in collaboration with international artists from the likes of Ciara, Pitbull, Missy Elliot, Jay Sean, Kelly Rowland, Tinie Tempah and many others! As the world’s finest club, there is no question about missing out!

Website:www.bambooclub.ro
Address: Strada Tuzla 50, București, Romania
Contact: +40 723 226 266 / office@bambooclub.ro
Opening times: Fri-Sat (11pm-5am)

Player Club
Remember those pool parties we all wanted to go to when we were younger? Well now you can mix alcohol with chlorine as you dance the night away at the poolside. At the Player Club you could be partying with the likes of Audiofly, Digitaria, Francesca Lombardo and many other famous Bucharest artists! Whether you prefer electronic music or live music, the Player Club is the perfect place for you to let your hair down and have some fun.

Website: www.playerclub.ro
Address: The Player Club, Montreal Square no. 1, Bucharest, Romania
Contact: +40 720 734 734
Opening times: Mon-Sun (10am-8pm) Wed, Fri-Sat (11pm-6am)

BE SURE TO CHECK OUT THESE FESTIVALS AND EVENTS

Romanian National Day
The 1st December every year marks Romania’s National Holiday. It is celebrated throughout Bucharest with a military parade through the city, beginning at Casa Scanteii and circling around the Arc de Triumf. If you want to enjoy the best view, it is recommended that you arrive early, as the crowds can be very big. It is a fantastic opportunity to learn about some of Romania’s iconic history.

Date: 1st December 2016
East European Comic Con: Winter EditionFor all you lovers of all things games, comics, TV series, books and just general geeky things, the East European Comic Con is the ultimate zone for updating your collections and having some nerdy fun! The regular Comic Con back in May was so successful that the organisers have decided to grace Bucharest with yet another, but this time a winter edition. It’s time to get your cosplays ready, get your group of friends together, and embark on a journey into your desired homelands. You may even be delighted by a surprise celebrity guest or two! So what are you waiting for? Book your tickets before it is too late.

Website:www.comic-con.ro
Address: Romexpo C1, C2, C3, C4, C5, Bulevardul Mărăști 65-67, București 011465
Dates: November 11th 2016 – November 13th 2016

LAST NIGHT OF FREEDOM

So you are probably wondering what could be so great about having your stag party in Bucharest of all places. Although not the usual destination of choice for future Grooms to spend their last few days of freedom, it is the perfect place for those seeking adventure and something different from their stag party.

From as little as £28 you can book a direct flight from London Gatwick, Stansted or Heathrow, straight into the centre of Bucharest. That leaves plenty of extra cash to spend when you get there! If you need flights from a closer airport, there are plenty of direct flights to Bucharest (although they might be a little bit more expensive).

Once you arrive in Bucharest, we can arrange for you to have airport transport to your accommodation. You won’t have trouble finding your ideal hotel, there are hundreds in and around Bucharest. Or perhaps you would prefer the cheaper alternative? Why not rent an apartment for you and the lads? You will feel right at home.

Bucharest won’t let you down, especially if you are looking to plan an action-packed stag weekend. The beer and alcohol is cheap, so you can be sure to get the Stag drunk at an affordable price! Although cheap, it is good quality and can often be followed by a sumptuous steak to soften the affects – be sure to head to the Osho steak house for the best meat in town!

Nicknamed as ‘Paris of the East’ or ‘Little Paris’, Bucharest is famous for its vibrant nightlife and beautiful women. Why not combine the two with a night at a strip and lap dance club? You’ll find it too challenging to take your eyes of the girls, and if you do it will only be to see the drinks flowing in.

A Bucharest stag weekend cannot be complete without trying some of the array of activities available. Whether you prefer a more relaxed evening meal or guide and tour, or whether you desire to go wild on the go karting track or at the shooting range, Romania’s capital is sure to provide the best stag weekend experience of all time.

PACKAGES AVAILABLE:

Budget PackageFor those of you who have a little less to spend on your stag party, the Bucharest Budget Package is ideal for you. As part of the 2 night stay, your stag will include stay in one of the local hostels - where you will experience great hospitality, and minibus transport to and from the airport. You will also receive entry into a Lap Dance club, including a VIP room and private dance show for the Stag, with a second drink for free! To finish the weekend off, you will have a 5 hour pub crawl – during this, you will get a taste of the finest beers that Bucharest has to offer.

Prices start from £56.

Bubble Football Package
One of the most popular stag packages available is the Bubble Football Package. A great way to kick start your stag weekend is by competing in the marriage between traditional football and banger racing. Although it is quite different to regular football, you still need to come equipped with you FIFA and PES skills. In addition to this, the package also includes stay in a 4 star hotel in a large apartment. Along with the greatest hospitality, you and your group will receive return airport transfer. To bring the weekend to a close, you will get the opportunity to sample Bucharest’s best beers, followed by entry to a nightclub located in the city centre (we’ll even throw in entry to a strip club in Old Town, with a private show for the stag).

Prices start from £136.

Other Packages:

• Basic Package (from £81)
• Shooting Package (from £146)

Our website removes all of the pain and stress of organising a stag party, making it as easy as possible for you to get everything sorted and ready for the big weekend. By using our services you can save boat loads of time and money – just choose your ideal destination and desired activity/activities, enter a few details about your intended group and we will do the rest for you. You can rest easy knowing that this will be a stag party to remember.

So what are you waiting for? Don’t delay! Now is the perfect time to visit the extraordinary Bucharest, with so much to do and so much to see. For more travel tips and inspiration for your hen or stag weekend, visit our website today or call: 0800 210 0643. Ne vedem în curând!