Things to do in Bucharest – part I

Romania is one of those countries that makes me wonder why isn’t on everybody’s top list. Romania has great people, it is one of the cheapest destinations in Europe, it is full of history, the cultural side is huge, is the home of Dracula and has the Latino vibe I miss so much in 3 years of Germany.

In other words, visit Romania. Better, spend a few days of your life contemplating how life can be amazing inside Romania’s capital: Bucharest.

Fotostrasse went to Bucharest during Easter and, immediately, the city became top 5 destinations on our top list. The people are so great that the minute me and DJ got a little lost on the airport, out of the blue, this huge beard guy approached us saying “If you want to use my internet, I can do a hotspot for you” with a big smile on his face. I mean, where in the world you can find such hospitality? Bucharest won me on that same second!

Things to do in Bucharest

On this post I will tell you a few places to visit inside the Old Town of Bucharest, ok?

The city has so much to offer that I cannot put in just one post everything you must do and see.  This first part will be focused on one of my favorite parts of Bucharest and the next posts I will cover more historical sites and landmarks. And there are so many things to do in Bucharest!

Drink at Shoteria

I guess the name says it all, huh? Shoteria is the first bar I saw that is completely dedicated to shots. Only shots. Somente shots. Nur Schnapps.

You have a vast and incredible list of shots that goes from jäger bombs all the way to names like Shit on Grass and 69. The last one being served as you are “eating a pussy” and “sucking a cock” but a PG version of both. And no, I won’t give you more details, this is something you can only see it live! It is so funny you can’t even imagine!

A bar that only serves shots! What a fantastic concept, right? The idea today may sound amazing, but on the next day….. it is still amazing! And you want to know why? Because Shoteria  has a recovery stand with shots like matcha and green tea! I’m the living proof that those shots can keep you away from regretting any decision made on the previous night.

At least the ones involving ordering more shots!

Eat everything at Calif

Right next to Shoteria you can find Calif, a oriental fast food place full of vegetarian, vegan and meat options.

Gotta say that having a great night out at Shoteria demands a quick stop after at Calif.

The prices are incredibly cheap, the food is fantastic and the ambiance is awesome, mostly because the owner of both establishments are the same. Just like its costumers.

If you’re a fan of Ayran like myself, try the version with fresh mint! It is to die for! And if you don’t know what Ayran is, please go make some. Ayran consists in 2/3 of yogurt and 1/3 of ice and water blending together with a bit of salt. The drink is perfect for summer days and hangover times.

 Carturesti Carusel

Carturesti Carusel is the most beautiful bookstore I’ve ever seen in my entire life.

Designed by Square One, a architecture and design studio from Romania, the bookstore is located inside a beautifully restored 19th century building.

All in white and woodwork, Carturesti Caruse, the literally translate into Carousel of Light, is the place to stare at its beauty and delicacy for at least a few hours.

You can find books from several authors and in many languages, as well a huge collections of design notebooks, cute pens and some toy art.

Hanul lui Manuc

Hanul lui Manuc or Manuc’s Inn, is an amazing place inside the Old Town of Bucharest.

The inn was one of the most famous Bucharest inns in the first half of the nineteenth century. It was Bucharest’s most important commercial complex, with 15 wholesalers, 107 rooms for offices or living, 23 retail stores, a pub and 2 receiving rooms.

Right now, after a huge restoration and refurbishment, the place is one of Bucharest’s main attractions. On the first floor has an amazing and delicious restaurant that I totally suggest to pay a visit for dinner or lunch. The food was incredible.

The statue of Vlad the Impaler

Just a few meters from Manuc’s Inn you can find Romania’s most famous ruler: Vlad the Impaler.

If you have no idea who I’m talking about, he is the main inspiration of Bram Stocker’s Dracula. And the reason why Transylvania sounds familiar to your ears.

The truth about Vlad is that he was never a vampire, but a guy who really liked to impale people. Enemies, thieves and murderers in general died in this horrifying way when Vlad was ruling Romania around 1450.

Pasajul Macca-Vilacrosse

This was one of the nicest surprises I found when I was walking around the streets of Bucharest.

This passage is a fork-shaped arcaded street covered with a beautiful yellow glass ceiling in heart of Bucharest, Romania.

A long time ago Câmpineanu Inn (Romanian: Hanul Câmpineanu)  stood in the place that nowadays is occupied by this passage.

The history goes something like this: After  Xavier Vilacrosse, the Chief Architect of Bucharest back in the days, married the daughter of this inn owner (1843), the couple received it as a wedding present. Amazing, huh?  And towards the end of 19th century it was demolished, being replaced by a two-stories-high, ornate structure, in the style of Western passages. And the place that you now see on the pictures.

You can find restaurants, places to smoke narguile and much more. A must do on your list of things to do in Bucharest for sure.

That was it for now. The next post I will focus more in parks and historical sites, ok?