InterContinental Bucharest

Bucharest was once known as 'Little Paris'. It's perfect then to start the day with hot chocolate at Leonidas, 2 minutes away from the hotel, and then discover how this reputation came about. Back from the Universitatii Square, stroll down Victoriei Boulevard to the Dambovita river, passing by the Military Club, the Savings Bank and the National History Museum (a copy of the Palais du Poste in Paris). Then take a walk around the old downtown with its early 19th century houses and antique shops. Have a brake at Van Gogh Cafe where you can enjoy a quick snack in the shadow of the National Bank Palace. Refreshed, cross the river and visit the world's second-largest building - the Palace of the Parliament.

After a local flavoured delicious lunch at Vatra, catch the Metro from Universitate (near the hotel) to Aviatorilor. Here you will find Herastrau Park - at 24 square kilometres is the largest park in Bucharest - and after a walk, you can enter the Village Museum. Houses from all regions of Romania, and from various periods, have been preserved here to give a picture of Romanian village life. The museum has a souvenir shop well stocked with handicrafts such as painted eggs, ceramics and icons. Stepping out of the museum, you encounter the Triumphal Arch, another piece of 'Little Paris.' Though smaller than the Parisian arch, it stands on the intersection of six boulevards, just like its big brother, and was built to commemorate Romania's Great War dead.

A perfect evening begins with a classical concert among the harmonic acoustics of the Romanian Athenaeum - just a short walk from the hotel and one of the most beautiful buildings in Europe. It was recently renovated with funds donated by the public after a national campaign. Further in the old district behind the Mitropoly Palace, you will discover the old Bucharest`s spirit inside a special restaurant : Locanta Jaristea. Here you will be embraced by a Belle Epoque atmosphere and you will finally understand the cosmopoitism of this capital : the Istanbul`s musaka and pilav are competeging with the most exquisites french souflees, the northern Moldavia`s cooked meals are happily racing against the Mediteranean sweets and icecreams, but not forgeting about the serbian zakuska, the russian kaviar, the Volos olives or the smoked hams. Everything accompayned by a taraf`s music and old Romanian romance songs and dances. Pofta buna !