Tenement blocks
by iwys
You can't avoid them, most of the inhabitants of Bucharest still live in them - the grim, tenement blocks of the communist era. The blocks are huge, but Inside them the flats are small and uniform, generally measuring either 50 sq metres or 70 sq metres. The hot water supply and central heating systems in the blocks are centrally controlled and are not very reliable. Nowadays, the shortage of accommodation in the centre of Bucharest is so chronic that even a basic flat in a decaying tenement block can cost 600 euros per month to rent. According to a local newspaper the price of these flats has increased by an incredible 100% in the last 12 months.
Hopefully, one day they will all be pulled down and replaced by more attractive places to live, like the traditional rows of Romanian houses that you still find in the historic centre.
City of Advertisements
by josephescu
You’ll notice an abundance of advertisements all over the city buildings, as if installing huge posters became a local hobby. If you pay more attention, you’ll notice that brand new, glass-covered office buildings do not bear any advertisement, while some historical buildings are proudly showing laptops or underwear on their hundreds old facades.
Although I cannot recognise any merit in this, it seems advertisement helps paying the bill for the buildings inhabitants, while the authorities turn a blind eye thanking for the extra money they get on the expense of the city’s past.
Villa architecture
by gosiaPL
If you get a chance to go into the residential areas of Bucharest, you will see some nice examples of housing architecture - other than the communist-style apartment blocks from Ceaucescu times.
Many of these old villas are in pretty bad condition and need a good restoration, but you will still get an idea of what Bucharest was like before. The arches and columned porches seem to be a common feature...
Antiques and art galleries
by Andraf about Hanul cu Tei Complex
A lot of antiques stores seem to have flourished in the historic quarter in particular on Lipscani and Covaci Streets (or maybe they were there for a long time but I didn't notice them). Since I'm not into buying antiques I can't say if the prices are high or not, you'll have to judge for yourself. From what I saw you can find almost any type of artwork like paintings, sculptures, icons, etching, engraving, jewelry, tapestries, carpets etc. A nice place to visit, even if you don't plan on buying something is Hanul cu Tei Complex, a former caravanserai built in 1833. Nowadays a rectangular courtyard lined with antiques shops the place retains some of the 19C atmosphere. The courtyard links the Lipscani and Blanari Streets. They also hold auctions here. Even if you walk away with nothing, this is still an interesting experience.
Taxi fares
by ATLC
You can hail any taxi from the street considering the following:
- there should be an oval plate on the side with a 4 digit number. This indicates the taxi is licensed.
- the taxi fare is stated on the outside of the taxi.
- Check if the counter inside the taxi is set by the taxi driver to the same amount that is stated on the outside of his taxi
- Dacia taxis are much cheaper than Mercedes taxis. The (mostly yellow) Dacia taxis are about 6990 lei per km (around 19 eurocent per km). The Mercedes taxis are about 16990 lei per km (about 44 eurocent per km). It's your choice.
According to VT member Taseq, the prices in 2007 are approx. 1.5 - 2 lei (that's about €0.45 - €0.6) per km.
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Revolution Square, Bucharest
Romanian Atheneum, Bucharest
Academy of Economic Studies
Biserica Italiana, Bucuresti
