Bucharest City Breaks - Romania 2008

Not many capitals like Bucharest can boast roots that stretch back to the Neolithic period. The city has grown and prospered over the centuries thanks to its favourable position on the banks of the Dambovita River. The various civilisations that have passed through Bucharest have all left their mark on the architecture and culture and have given rise to its reputation as the 'Gate of the Orient', and later in the 19th century as a 'Little Paris'. Today, Bucharest is still a mysterious and romantic city of paradoxes. In spite of the grim years of communism, the city succeeded in retaining its legacy of art, music and learning. The gypsies, who settled here on their long journey from the East, brought with them their own style of music, dance and language. Most restaurants still have a resident gypsy band to transport you back to a more romantic era.

Regent recommends...visiting our favourite museum Muzeul Taranului Roman (Peasant Museum). First-rate exhibits depict the diversity and history of life around the country over the past few centuries. Leave some time for the Communist Iconography Museum, a compact but fascinating cellar room within the Peasant Museum, which features a collection of communist-era busts, paintings and nostalgic memorabilia.