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Bucharest
is Romania's capital since 1862 and largest city, as well as the
most important industrial and commercial center of the country.
With 2 million inhabitants in the city proper and more than 2.4
million in the urban area, it is also one of the largest cities
in Eastern Europe. |
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Typical - Once called "the Paris of the East" or "Little Paris",
Bucharest is usually the entry point for most people into
Romania. On one hand, the city itself isn't particularly
appealing to all tourists, and it is usually a
 matter
of personal taste whether visitors like it or not. Some people
adore it and think
it really has a special feel to it; others feel uncomfortable
due to the gray Communist-era buildings and lack of charm or
tourist attractions. On the other hand the city offers some
excellent attractions, and increasingly has the sophisticated,
trendy and modern edge to it that defines a European capital.
Not having a defined style, mixing Romanian elements with
international culture the city has a number of landmark
buildings and monuments worth to be seen.
Languages -
The official (and native)
language is Romanian, a Romance language. The generations after
the 1970’s tend to have a better knowledge of English and more
of other Romance languages as French or Italian making it easier
for tourists to be understood. Besides this the Roma (Gypsies)
speak their native Romany, as well as Romanian, and sometimes
English. Beyond that, as in any major city, there will be a
smattering of other languages.
Climate
- Bucharest
has, like most of Romania, a temperate-continental climate with
hot summers and cold winters. This region of Romania
 gets
all four seasons, although spring is brief and falls mainly in
April. The average high daily temperature in summer is about
28ºC and in winter about 0ºC. It can get really hot and dry
during the summer (40ºC) and really cold during the winter
(-20ºC). Best time to visit is April through June, September
through October and early December. If you're in the region, it
would be negligent to not visit it, even if just for the
curiosity of seeing such a paradoxical city.
Learn more - We'll show you all the
nice places in Bucharest or at least how to get there. Also we'll
make suggestions for high quality accommodation and restaurants.
And last but not least we'll let you know what other travelers
think about Bucharest. We hope you find this city guide useful and
handy. If not, please help us to improve
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