Bucharest Holiday Guide

Airlines that fly to Bucharest from the UK include: British Airways, Blue Air, KLM, Wizz Air, EasyJet and Germanwings. The main airport Henri Coanda/Otopeni International Airport is located 15 km north of Bucharest. There is an express bus service (783) to the city centre that runs every 15 minutes. The journey takes 40 minutes. Or, you can take a taxi, or Sky Service minibus.

The easiest way to get around the city is by Metro which runs from 5am – 11.30 pm. You can also take a bus, tram or trolleybus. Buy your ticket beforehand at one of the many RATB kiosks. Taxis are also readily available. Look out for yellow taxis that charge by the meter. Or, stick to reputable companies such as: Alfa Taxi, Cristaxi and Meridian.

Holiday makers here should visit Revolution Square, the spot where President Nicolae Ceausescu's regime came crashing down in December 1989. It was here on the balcony of the Central Committee building (now the Romanian Senate) that angry crowds greeted the evil dictator. He was later shot at the Romanian border. Today, The Memorial of Rebirth, a 25m high, white, marble pillar, with a 'crown' marks this historic event.

Take a guided tour around the Parliament Palace, home to the Romanian Government and the National Museum. Work on the Palace originally began under Ceausescu, who ordered the demolition of an entire neighbourhood to make way for the building. Today, this imposing structure – which covers 330,000 square metres, has 12 storeys, an underground nuclear bunker and over 1100 rooms – is the third largest building in the world. Inside, you'll see amazing crystal chandeliers, mosaics, imposing stairwells, oak panelling, marble, intricate gold leaf designs and stained glass windows.

Visit Bucharest's old Historic Quarter, known as the Lipscani area – a maze of old, cobbled streets between the River Dambovita, Calea Victoriei, Boulevard Bratianu and Boulevard Regina Elisabeta. This area houses many old, 16th century buildings including the Curtea Veche, The Princely Palace, a former residence of Vladislav 111 (Vlad the Impaler), Bram Stoker's inspiration for Dracula.

See too the Old Court Church (Biserica Curtea Veche) the city's oldest church. There are also many cafes, bars and second hand shops in this area. To see the best of Romanian art – visit the Zambaccian Museum. Also, worth seeing is the National Art Museum where you can see works by Italian, Dutch and French artists.

If all that sightseeing has left the kids restless for action – give them a treat and take them to Aventura Parc, the only adventure park in Romania. The park is located in the heart Lucianca Forest, just outside the city. Come here and let the children have fun trying out all the various slides, ropes, climbing frames, tree houses and other adventure activities. They can also dress up and play games such as Cowboys and Indians.

Spend a fascinating afternoon at the Village Museum, where you can see replicas of peasants’ homes, barns, churches and mills – all of which offer a fascinating glimpse of rural Romanian life. Visit the Romanian Peasant Museum, which exhibits peasant artefacts including: handmade rugs, icons, pottery, tools, painted eggs, woodcuts and traditional costumes. There is also a gift shop where you can buy handicrafts and fabrics.

Take a trip to Snagov Lake, 30km from Bucharest. This beautiful lake surrounded by forest is a popular weekend getaway. Don't leave without visiting the monastery in the middle of the lake – a famous landmark for Dracula fans. According to legend the headless corpse of Vlad the Impaler is buried here at Snagov monastery.

Find out more about the myths and legends of Transylvania. Go on an organised day tour and explore this extraordinary region. Visit the fairytale Peles Castle, the former summer residence of Romanian Kings. Today, the castle is a national museum where you can see tapestries, paintings and weapons. Another must-see is Bran Castle, or Dracula's Castle, former home to Vlad the Impaler.

Romanian food is on the hearty side, and very much inspired by Greek and Germanic cuisine. Staples include thick vegetable soups, meaty stews and traditional dishes such as cabbage stuffed with rice, meat and herbs, and pancakes with cream cheese and raisins. Fish such as herring and carp are also popular. Romania also produces its own delicious homemade wines. Or try 'tuica' the potent plum brandy.

To sample traditional Romanian cooking, the best restaurants to try include: La Mama, Cina, or the lively Burebista, where you'll find sheepskin rugs and folk dancing. There is also a restaurant and pastry shop at Manuc's Inn, Bucharest's oldest inn. The city also has many international restaurants.

Romanians love to enjoy themselves. So, you'll find every kind of club and bar while on holiday here - from stylish lounge bars, including the Opium Studio to hip hop and latin dance clubs, and dark, cosy Jazz clubs such as Café Indigo and Blues Café.

Other popular venues include The Corner and La Belle Epoque bars. Or, let your hair down on the dance floor at Space or Club Sugar. For a Latin vibe, go to the art deco, marble floored Club Flamingo. Or, for a gothic atmosphere go to the Tunnel Club.

For the best shopping head to Boulevard General Magheru and Calea Victoriei. You'll find all kinds here - clothes, shoes, jewellery, household items. There's also a big shopping mall: Bucharesti Mall, at Calea Vitai. Look out for the popular department stores: Cocor and Unirea.

For traditional Romanian handicrafts – embroidered goods, linen, painted eggs and wood carvings - the best places are the gift shops at the Village Museum and the Romanian Peasant Museum. There are also two weekend flea markets at Strada Mihai Bravu and Strada Vallea Cascadelor.