Euro 2021 is approaching, you can`t enter the arena because of the COVID restrictions but still want to support your favourite team playing in Romania.

The Union of European Football Associations (UEFA) has decided to make the event truly special by deciding to host the tournament matches at not the usual one or two, but at 12 different venues in 12 separate participating countries across Europe, from Turkey to London.

In Bucharest, there are scheduled fixtures from a group with Austria, North Macedonia and Ukraine. Also, a round of 16 will be played on National Arena, the biggest Romanian stadium with 55,600 seats.

Various channels across the globe will stream every preview show, highlights, and live streams of the matches. You won’t want to miss a single kick so here are the best places to watch the Euros in Bucharest.

Best sports bars in Bucharest and Bucharest pubs showing live football

Calling all football fans: here’s where to hang with Bucharest locals and cheer on your favourite team. We are here to help you with the best 5 pubs to watch a football game in Bucharest:

1. Halftime

With the big LCDs and a video projector, this pub offers the best quality to watch a football game. This location is known for having a TV in the bathroom so you do not miss a second from the game. Their menu is giving you a lot of alternatives for food and drinks, and by drinks, I mean that more than a half is beer, perfect for a night out with the boys. If you want all of that for the next game be sure to make a reservation in advance. This place boasts fresh food, quality drinks and a vibrant atmosphere.

Address: 14, Gabroveni Street

2. Stadio

Do you want to feel more like you are in the arena? Found just a stone`s throw from Old Town Bucharest, this pub gives you an inner courtyard with a ring alike scoreboard with big TVs and a projector so you have a full 360-degree view of the games. Complete with a cosy atmosphere, this pub has a very diverse menu for every taste.

Strong selection of beer and amazing food. This pub is an iconic spot and is definitely worth a visit to. Come for the atmosphere and its special atrium designed especially for football fans!

Address: 11, Ion Campineanu Street

3. Hanul cu Tei Brewery

Found in the Old Town Bucharest, one of a few old inns remained in the city with a perfect combination of beer and football. It has 12 TVs placed alongside the walls, a beer menu where you can definitely find your favourite and a food menu with simple, but perfect snacks for a game night. Also, here you can find a consistent offer of beers, cider or whiskey.

This inn blends perfectly in the old historic town with its authentic facade, so if you are looking for a place with a history to enjoy a football game this is the perfect place.

Address: 63-65 Lipscani Street

4. Champions

Located inside of the Marriott Hotel, Champions Sports Bar & Restaurant emanates a bougie vibe with its fine selection of food and high resolutions TVs. They have 27-inch TV plasma screens to make the whole experience of watching your favourite team even more fun.

Expect a higher price than the previous pubs, but directly proportional with the quality. During summer you can the pub in The Garden, an open-air bar with the same facilities where you can enjoy the football game under the clear sky.

Great atmosphere, lovely staff, the options are great and the food is very delicious. Why not kick off your evening with a few beers before catching all the live-action?

Address: 90, 13 September Street

5. Dreamer`s

One of Bucharest`s cosy pubs, The Dreamer`s is located close to the city center. Besides the major sports channels streaming on the HD monitors, the pub has a darts area where you can play against friends or other people who can become your friends. The kitchen and the bar are open until late at night so you can enjoy the game without any problems. If you want to find a nice place to watch a football game, play a game of darts, and enjoy some nice local beer, this is the perfect place!

Address: 111, General H. M. Berthelot Street

UEFA Euro Cup 2021

Nothing is more beautiful than watching the streaming of a football game on a big TV or a projection with your friends, in rooms full of people who love this sport as well, with a beer in your hand. These pubs are the best in town for this kind of activities, so if you are in Bucharest at the same time with a major football game make sure to stop by one of them. If you won’t just settle for your local boozer and plan to go a little farther afield, why not check out our list and give one of these fine pubs ago?

Where will you be watching EURO 2021?

Exhibition of sacred icons painted on ostrich eggs

April 15 – May 9, 2021, „Tancred Bănăţeanu” Hall

The National Museum of the Romanian Peasant

The National Museum of the Romanian Peasant is waiting for you on Thursday, April 15, 2021, at 17.00, at the opening of the exhibition of sacred icons decorated on ostrich eggs, During Easter, which will take place at the “Tancred Bănăţeanu” Hall.

By exhibiting the author’s collection, 60 sacred icons decorated on ostrich eggs made by Mariana Andone-Rotaru, in thematic association with sacred icons painted on glass from the collections of the Peasant Museum, we will present to the general public a unique approach to the Easter Egg, mediated by dialogue between two types of exhibits.

Mariana Andone-Rotaru is an archaeologist, museum keeper for over 15 years, a doctor of history specializing in the Roman era, being captivated by everything that is old, beautiful, and touched by the patina of time. Concerned with traditional art and crafts, Mariana Andone-Rotaru realized, in 2020, the project Icons decorated on ostrich eggs after old Transylvanian sources (XVIII-XIX centuries) – a harmonious amalgam between creation and experiment, between original and traditional crafts. She found balance by experimenting with a unique way of decorating Easter eggs, by transposing and reinterpreting on ostrich eggs the icons once painted on glass in Transylvania, taking into account the iconographic canons and the rigors of the decoration technique.

A new technique for decorating Easter eggs

The unique icons are inspired by old Transylvanian springs painted on glass and reinterpreted on ostrich eggs by „writing” with wax and successive colored baths. For the creation of these unique icons, heritage pieces (sources/models) were used, kept in different museum collections or private collections, coming from the following production centers: Nicula, the so-called Iernuțeni (reassigned Nicula), Northern Transylvania; Șcheii Brașovului; Făgăraș / Țara Oltului, Savu Moga, Matei Țâmforea, Petru Tămaș, Ana Deji.

For each spring, the right egg was carefully selected, and the design was made with melted beeswax with the help of a traditional quill. In most cases, the ovoid circumference was divided into two surfaces, the iconographic theme being framed on one of them. The border on the excerpt (belt with the twisted rope motif – Nicula, flower belt – Șcheii Brașovului or geometric motifs rendered with gold – Țara Făgărașului) closes the composition, having the role of delimiting the sacred space from the profane one. The decoration on the opposite side of the icon is a unique creation, harmoniously developed in its own compositions, starting from the elements of the field represented: stylized angels, flowers, leaves, flower vines that sometimes culminated in a lush decoration on a gold background. (eg the so-called Iernuțeni). Where the theme allowed, the representation of the scene was used on two-thirds (the Nativity) or on the entire ovoid surface (Saint George killing the dragon). The painting was done by successive color baths, being protected with wax. As can be noticed, the colors and the treatment of the drawing followed the stylistic particularities specific to the glass painting schools represented. The gilded elements were rendered with 24 k gold foil and silver foil, patinated with propolis.

Iconographic themes

The collection of 60 icons decorated with ostrich eggs illustrates the main iconographic themes specific to glass painting, as follows: Representation of the Lord Jesus Christ and the Holy Trinity (Jesus Pantocrator, Jesus with the vine, Holy Trinity); Representation of the Mother of God (Mother of God with the Infant (Hodighitria), Mother of God Sorrowful (Poor), Coronation of the Virgin); Representation of royal feasts, feasts of the Mother of God (Birth of the Mother of God), Repentance (Bringing the Mother of God to the Temple), Annunciation, Nativity of the Lord, Circumcision of the Lord), Abstraction (Bringing the Lord to the Temple), Baptism of the Lord, Resurrection of the Lord); Representation of themes from Lent and Passion Week (The Last Supper, The Crucifixion of the Lord, The Lord’s Supper); Representations of the saints (the Table of Heaven, the Holy Pious Paraschiva, the Holy Archangels Michael and Gabriel, the Holy Archangel Michael, the Holy Hierarch Nicholas, the Holy Martyr Haralambie, the Holy Great Martyr George, the Holy Emperors Constantine and Helen, the Holy Apostles Peter and Paul II).

The exhibition can be visited at „Tancred Bănăţeanu” Hall, until May 9, 2021, from Tuesday to Sunday, between 10.00 and 18.00. It is closed on Monday.

Entrance ticket price: adults – 8 lei; pensioners – 4 lei; pupils and students, holders of the Euro 26 card, up to 30 years old, adults with medium or mild disabilities – 2 lei. Tickets can also be purchased online HERE.

International exhibition of painting, icons, photography, tapestry and jewelry

April 22 – May 9, 2021, Aquarium Hall

The National Museum of the Romanian Peasant

The National Museum of the Romanian Peasant is waiting for you on Thursday, April 22, 2021, at 15.00, at the opening of the international exhibition of painting, icons, photography, tapestry, and jewelry, Balkan Interferences, which will take place at the Aquarium Hall.

Opening speech: Adina Moldova Țitrea, curator of the exhibition, and Dr. Marius Tița, art critic.

The exhibition brings together a number of 42 artists from Romania, Bulgaria, and Greece, countries belonging to the Balkan region, thus creating not only cultural bridges but also a new state of normality in this difficult period that influenced not only our lives but also our artistic activity.

Along with the Romanian artists, there will be artists from other Balkan countries and beyond. They will try in this way to promote, in the new cultural context, an extremely wide range of specific features, mentalities, customs, cultural and civilizational affiliations, which integrate Balkan interculturality.

The exhibition can be visited at the Aquarium Hall, until May 9, from Tuesday to Sunday, between 10.00 and 18.00. It is closed on Monday. The entry is free.

On April 9, Earth from Space video programme featured Bucharest, the capital of Romania, on Copernicus Sentinel-2 satellite.

For those who don’t know, the Copernicus Sentinel-2 satellite is a fascinating project that aims to supply both coverage and data delivery desired by Europe’s Copernicus program. During this mission, the same area is often being revisited. Due to the high spatial resolution, all inland water body changes are closely monitored.

To give you a better understanding, the following image is displayed on Earth from the Space video program.

This time, the two satellites surprised images from Bucharest and compiled them in an eye-catching episode. Before you watch it, you should know that Bucharest is considered one of the most authentic European Capitals. In fact, centuries ago, Bucharest was known as “The Little Paris”, because of its resemblance to Paris. The Earth from Space video will illustrate exactly why.

Bucharest is located in the Southern part of Romania, with a population of 1.83 million citizens. The city is designed with a lot of boulevards, tiny streets, and main squares. Among them, there is Bulevardul Unirii, which leads to the Palace of Parliament. This building is the second-largest building in the world, after the Pentagon in the United States.

Bucharest is a colorful lively city, therefore you will not be surprised to find out that are a lot of lakes and green spaces. The most astonishing ones are Lake Herăstrău as well as Lake Cișmigiu. These are not the only ones though! Lake Văcărești, Tei, and Colentina can also be seen from the satellite.

If this caught your attention, you should definitely visit Bucharest. We guarantee you will have a great time! This will be your chance to see the top Bucharest attractions. We also recommend you to visit other places close to the Capital, which can be done in just a one-day trip from Bucharest. To make it easier for you, the Bucharest city app is now available on Google Play.

Check out the latest version of our app

Visit Bucharest Today app turns your phone into a personal tour guide around Bucharest!

Visit Bucharest Today! App is a mobile app for Bucharest lovers in order to help any tourist to have a memorable experience in Bucharest.

And now, you have a new function that will make your tours more enjoyable: an audio guide!

By using storytelling, creative audio guides involve an engaging narrative to follow. This narrative is unique to a certain museum, or touristic objective, ensuring a clear focus and message. We are sure that the new audio guide feature will be highly appreciated.

The travel app has an intuitive and well-structured menu and it can be considered a virtual friend who can help any tourist to have a memorable experience in Bucharest.

Visit Bucharest Today app is the perfect audio-companion to your trip to Bucharest

Our app is the perfect choice if you are looking for a Bucharest audio travel guide. The app will guide you through the 6 main categories: Attractions, Tours&Trips, Vibe, Shopping, Tips, and Top Bucharest. Furthermore, while virtually browsing on our app, you can also find Bucharest Tours and Day Trips from Bucharest to other neighboring destinations in the country. For example, the special section of one-day trips includes Dracula’s Castle, Constanta, Brasov, Sibiu, and other beautiful Romanian destinations.

More advantages for you by having the audio guide option!

First and foremost, the audio guide is a means of interpretation. Sound remains one of the most powerful means of catching the visitors’ attention and directing them in their engagement with the exhibition.

The audio guide is all about a good visitor experience. Well integrated into the touristic objective, you can enjoy your tours through Bucharest and its surroundings:

• different styles of architecture
• great parks for outdoor fun
• monarchist and communist history
• impressive museums
• great food, beer, and wine
• lively nightlife
• one day trips

So far, the VisitBucharest.today app is only available for Android mobile devices, but an iOS version will come up in a short time as well.

❤️ Enjoy your stay in Bucharest!

What does Easter symbolize?

Easter in Romania is one of the main religious holidays in the country. Romania is a lively and colorful place, accompanied by lots of celebrations and traditions. As it may occur to you, Easter is also celebrated in other European countries. What do they actually celebrate? Easter is a Christian festivity that honors the resurrection of Jesus Christ. Easter always falls on a Sunday, no matter the month. Since Romania is mainly a Christian orthodox country, religious heritages play a crucial part in society.

Apart from its spiritual meaning, Easter in Romania symbolizes peace, enlightenment as well as joy and hope. This is a great chance to spend time with loved ones and focus on your inner self. During this period, Romanians do not fail to have some fun. Therefore, you will find a lot of traditions and old practices in all the parts of the country.

If you decide to visit Romania during Easter, you should definitely check out this article. It will give you a wider perspective about everything you need to know about this holy period.

​How is Easter celebrated in Romania?

As we mentioned above, here comes the best part! Easter is an old celebration, therefore its traditions are well embedded in the culture. You must know that before Easter there is a period of preparations.

These preparations begin with the Easter Lent. This is undoubtedly the toughest period in the year. Why? People need to fast for six weeks, which represents the 40-day and 40-night Lent held by Jesus Christ before the preaching of the gospel. During this period, Romanians do not eat meat, milk, eggs, or any other product coming from an animal. Even so, on some days they are allowed to eat fish.

Moving forward, the week before Easter is called the Holy Week. This is the time when Christians go to church to confess and repent for their sins. Moreover, all the Christian churches hold wonderful Christian services for everyone.

The day before Easter, people paint red eggs. The red color illustrates the drops of blood that Jesus Christ spilled on His crucifixion day. Perhaps the most meaningful event during this holiday is Resurrection Night. This is the night when people gather to lighten their candles around the church. By doing so, they honor the resurrection of Jesus Christ.

In the following three days, Christians knock eggs. The one who starts to knock says “Jesus has Resurrected”, the reply being “Indeed He has Resurrected”. Once the eggs are cracked, the one with the cracked egg gives it to the winner. They do this so that „they do not end up eating the rotten egg in hell”.

Since Romania is a relatively big country in Europe, it is split into different regions. As you might have guessed, each region comes with its own traditions. Let’s give them a look!

​Easter Traditions in Muntenia

Muntenia represents the territory located in the South part of Romania. As the name suggests in Romanian, it is the region below the mountains (munte). Even though the majority of traditions faded away in this part, they still have their charm. During Holy Week, the wives and the mothers prepare the well-known red eggs and the traditional food. Every house needs to have Pasca, which makes an allusion to Jesus Christ’s body. Additionally, Pasca is surrounded by braiding that creates the image of the sun around it. This symbolizes the vitality of people and nature. The same rituals are present in Bucovina, the Northern part, as well.

Throughout the church service on Thursday before Easter, boys and girls bring a rope. What do they do with it? With each gospel, they make a nod and a wish. Thus, by the end of the gospel, the rope will have 12 nods. Then the rope is put under their pillow on the night between Thursday and Friday so that the youngsters dream about their future half. It is also said that a wish came true, the corresponding nod will loosen by itself.

During Resurrection Night, the Christians who do not make it to the gospel have a special ritual. They need to wash their face the next day in the water together with a red egg, a normal one, and a coin. This practice is meant to purify them.

If you are in Bucharest, do not miss the chance to visit some places from Muntenia! There are one-day trips to Mogosoaia Palace, which is only one hour away from Bucharest. We guarantee you it will be impressive!

​Easter Traditions in Oltenia

Oltenia, the Southeast part, is a place filled with old Easter customs. The first thing you need to know is that every house in Oltenia needs to be cleaned before Easter. This is a sign of purity in front of God. In terms of food, one can eat painted eggs, Pasca, cozonac as well as lamb meat. An interesting fact to know is that in Oltenia men are the ones responsible for painting the eggs.
Another thing you should know is that on Sunday morning when people come back from church with their lit candles, they need to take some grass out from the garden and step on it before they enter the house.
Perhaps the most distinct tradition in Oltenia is splashing the girls with water on the second day of Easter. It may sound amusing, but this is a ritual performed for a girl’s beauty and fertility. Traditions in Oltenia are similar to the ones in Maramures, the region „at the top of the map”.

​Easter Traditions in Transylvania

Transylvania, the middle of the country, has mostly the same traditions as the previously mentioned regions. What distinguishes Transylvania from any other place in Saturday night’s customs. During this time, boys decorate small trees with colorful ornaments. After the twilight, they sneak into the girl’s gardens and tie up the decorated tree to their doors. The next day, the girls pick their favorite tree and reward the boys with traditional food. It is also said that the boy that made the most beautiful tree will be chosen by the girl to marry.

Transylvania has a great variety of places that you must definitely visit! Brasov, Sibiu, and Sighisoara are some serene places that you should travel to. All of them can be done in just a one-day trip from Bucharest.

Easter Traditions in Moldova

Last, but not least is Moldova. Compared to the other regions in Romania, Moldova is a place that strictly follows the Easter traditions. As a matter of fact, all the customs are transmitted from generation to generation.

You should probably know by now what is Easter’s traditional cuisine. Moldova does not make any exception when it comes to food. The famous lamb meat, painted eggs, Pasca, and cozonac are always present on all Moldovian tables.

What differentiates Moldova from other counties though? The Resurrection night. Apart from going to the church gospel to lighten their candles, people also mark this moment with shootings. They do so in order to scare the evil spirits.

What is more, during this night, girls wash the bell of the church with water. They keep this water because they wash their faces with it the next morning. In this way, they will be admired by all the boys. The old tradition says that the boy who falls in love with one of the girls needs to give her a red egg.

Furthermore, each Christian has a basket prepared according to the rituals of the old ancestors. The basket is covered with a towel decorated with specific traditional patterns. Inside it, people put poppy seed, salt, sugar, flour, onion, and garlic. These are considered to be the symbols of happiness. After that the poppy seed is thrown into the water, the sugar is given to the animals and the salt is kept over the year. Lastly, the onion, as well as garlic, are kept to protect the grains against insects.

Are you still not convinced yet? Easter in Romania gives you a great chance to learn more about Romanian traditions and culture.

Romanian gastronomy, as well as Romanian culture, is a mirror of the fascinating history of the country. Romanians have always been involved in hunting, agriculture and animal husbandry. Despite this, at the beginning, the Romanian cuisine was quite poor in ingredients. In addition to meat, the Romanians used to eat dishes based on wheat, barley, rye, millet and stevia or any other edible green plants. After the discovery of America and the introduction of potatoes, tomatoes and corn in the European space, there was an auspicious change in the Romanian diet. Moreover, the domination of other peoples and migration brought flavor to the Romanian cuisine that was gradually completed. Even the Orthodox Christian Church, through the feasts of the great holidays it has ordained, has contributed to the gastronomic diversity of this territory.

However, it is not a novelty that Romanians like food. They like meat that should be as fat as possible, they like bread baked in wooden ovens, they like pies and jams, they like smoked cheese and a lot of other goodies that you must taste when you get here. So, don’t be shy to ask for Romanian food when in Bucharest or in Romania – you’ll be generously served. Restaurants from all over the country have included traditional Romanian dishes in their menu. So, during your trip to Bucharest, you have the opportunity to eat something absolutely traditional.

Here are 10 traditional Romanian dishes we recommend during your stay in Bucharest:

SARMALE CU MĂMĂLIGĂ (Mince Rolled In Pickle Cabbage With Polenta)

You will find SARMALE in every traditional restaurant you enter. They are a culinary preparation of minced meat (usually pork, but also beef, sheep, poultry, or even fish), mixed with rice and other ingredients, wrapped in rolled cabbage leaves. They are usually served with polenta and cream. To be really tasty, the SARMALES are boiled in a cast-iron cauldron or a clay pot over low heat. It is considered that if consumed after „staying” 2-3 days, they will have a special flavor.

Probably in your travels you have found sarmale in other countries, too. No wonder. They are also cooked in Turkey, Bulgaria, Serbia, Macedonia, Palestine, Jordan, Syria, Lebanon, Greece, and the Republic of Moldova, but only in Romania, you will eat SARMALES cooked this way. We guarantee they are the best but don’t take our word for granted, just order and you’ll taste for yourself!

MĂMĂLIGĂ CU BRÂNZĂ ȘI CU SMÂNTÂNĂ ( Polenta With Cheese And Cream)

Yes, the same polenta that you will receive with sarmale, can become an absolutely delicious dish with cheese and sour cream. Depending on the area from which it comes, it is cooked in many variants: with cheddar, bellows cheese, fresh or even sweet cheese. Sometimes it even has a fried egg on top. As simple as this dish seems, it’s as tasty as it gets!

CIORBĂ DE FASOLE CU CIOLAN (Bean Soup With Smoked Ham Hock)

Ciorba de fasole cu ciolan (Bean Soup With Smoked Ham Hock)  is an integral part of Romanian cuisine. There are noticeable differences from area to area. In the south of the country, it is cooked with several vegetables. In Moldova, it is flavored with a lot of dills. In Transylvania, it is seasoned with cream, heavier with a spoonful of vinegar or borscht. Regardless of the area, bean soup with smoked ham hock remains a national good. We leave it to you to tell us what you think, but we are absolutely delighted with the Ciorba de fasole cu ciolan!

CIORBĂ DE BURTĂ (Tripe Soup)

There are several types of  CIORBĂ DE BURTĂ (tripe or belly soup) in Romania, but we think you already know this. The most common options, however, are those based on cream and those served with garlic sauce and vinegar.

What exactly is Ciorba de Burtă? Belly soup is a beef soup based on vegetables: carrots, guillemots, celery with beef stew to which is added the main ingredient: beef belly cut into strips. What does Ciorba de Burtă taste like? Divine!

SARAMURĂ DE CRAP (Carp Brine)

As we said above, the Church has played an important role in the culinary culture of Romanians. During fasting periods over the year, there are days when believers are allowed to eat fish. So the Romanians competed in the preparation of fish.

SARAMURA DE CRAP (Carp brine) is a delight. A delicious sauce made from hot peppers, tomatoes, dill, pepper, and bay leaves. Carp completes the taste, and the polenta is the final note. Good appetite!

MICI (Skinless Sausages/Little Ones)

Romanian MICI is normally made from a mix of beef, pork, and lamb as well as spices that may include garlic, black pepper, thyme, and coriander. Even if you think you’ve eaten MICI in other places, well, you’re wrong. These are a Romanian invention from the 19th century.

Legend has it that the first MIC (Skinless Sausage) was eaten in the Old Center of Bucharest, being invented by chance. A skilled chef from the Capital, Iordache Ionescu, prepared several grilled dishes for his customers. The innkeeper Ionescu, as he was known among the local customers, had an exceptional sausage recipe, famous throughout the city. One day, the innkeeper was working hard on the grilled sausages, but the mats that wrapped the minced meat were gone. Seeing that the demands for sausages are more and more, Iordache Ionescu took a piece of the „sausage dough” and put it on the grill without any mat. The first to taste the innkeeper’s invention was impressed by the taste of the „little one”, and the new product became the star of the place in the city center.

If before the Second World War, on almost every street corner there was a bodega where MICI were served, today there is no restaurant with traditional food where the MICI is missing from the menu. Order them with French fries and mustard and quench your afternoon thirst with a cold beer!

POMANA PORCULUI (Pork Feast)

POMANA PORCULUI (Pork Feast) is an ancient custom. This is the Thanksgiving table for the help received in slaughtering the pig from relatives, neighbors, or friends and is offered after the work is completed by the host. Pork Feast is obtained by frying pieces of meat (muscle, liver, bacon, ribs, jaw, representing all parts of the slaughtered animal) in fat. Serve with polenta and a glass of wine. An honorable meal!

PAPANAȘI (Romanian Donuts)

PAPANAȘI is a kind of dessert made from sweet cottage cheese, eggs, flour, semolina, breadcrumbs, and sugar. They are normally served with cream and jam, but they are also served after being sprinkled with sugar.

A legend of donuts with a hole in the middle comes from Denmark. It is said that a ship’s captain, trying to turn the rudder while eating a donut, was caught in huge waves. Then he stuck his donut in one of the rudder spokes so he could use both his arms. Thus, the housewives took these donuts with the hole in the middle and adapted them to the culture of each country.

We are not saying that Romanian PAPANAȘI is among the best donuts with a hole in the middle that you have ever eaten. We say that Romanian PAPANAȘI is really the best donuts you will ever eat! Try them with cream and blueberry or cherry jam. You will feel that you have reached heaven!

PLĂCINTA (Romanian Pie)

The pies are a pastry product with an old tradition in Romania. Romanians eat cheese and raisin pie, apple pie, cabbage pie, meat pie, and the list can continue. Although they differ from country to country, pies are desserts made of dough, which hides a sweet or salty filling. And their forms are diverse. The Americans make them round, in tart trays, and with a dough pattern on top. In Romania, they fold them, while in Greece they roll them.

Regardless of the filling you choose, PLĂCINTA (Romanian pie) is a delight. You can find them in any traditional restaurant or at pastry shops that you will meet almost everywhere. Eaten hot, Romanian pies will brighten your day!

COZONAC (Romanian Easter & Christmas Sweet Bread)

The favorite dessert of the Romanians, the COZONAC, has a long history. At the origin of the Cozonac is bread, and leavening and baking techniques have evolved over time. 

Romanian tradition says that if you have a COZONAC on the table, it means that you are celebrating. This is how, during the holidays, Romanian housewives start kneading the Cozonac dough. Whether it will be filled with walnuts and cocoa or Turkish delights, the Romanian COZONAC is a must-have dessert for Christmas or Easter. 

However, you will find it all year round at cake shops. We recommend that you do not miss it. A slice of COZONAC and a glass of milk will give you energy and will fill you with goodwill!

Bon Apetit!

National Geographic issued the list of the best trips for future planning. In the article, which was published earlier this month, NatGeo said the pandemic has brought journeys to a standstill, but it has not quieted people’s curiosity. „Ahead of a new year—with the promise of a return to travel—we are eager to share these 25 timely tales of timeless places that will define our future itineraries.”

The list covers 25 “amazing places to inspire future journeys and remind us why we love to travel.” The destinations are grouped into five categories: adventure, culture and history, nature, family, and sustainability.

The ‘must see’ sights of Transylvania

One of the most popular Romanian regions, Transylvania, charms its visitors with a rare mix of culture, wild natural beauty, and medieval enchantment. When planning your trip here, you need a minimum of 3-5 days to travel between different parts of Transylvania and understand why this region is so famous. In Transylvania, the locals have preserved their traditions, customs, and their rural way of life living in perfect communion with nature. There’s a lot to explore and a lot of places to visit in Transylvania.

Places to visit in Transylvania

The Bran Castle is where you will discover the myth and facts of the fortress also known as Dracula’s Castle. Once you get there, you have the exciting opportunity of uncovering the truth and the legends surrounding this legendary castle located in the heart of the epic Carpathian Mountains.

Brasov

Located in Transylvania, Brasov is one of the most beautiful cities in Romania and attracts so many tourists because it has an ideal position, surrounded by mountains. The old town and the medieval walls are still accessible, and they are hiding a story full of history and culture, Brasov being one of the best-preserved medieval cities. Brasov is also a suitable destination for those who want to get lost on the streets filled with a medieval air, but also for those who want a little adventure in the fresh air.

The Peles Castle

Located 40 miles south of Brasov and 80 miles north of Bucharest, the Peles Castle is a masterpiece of German new-Renaissance architecture.

Peles Castle is one of the most beautiful castles in Europe. It used to be the summer residence of the Romanian royal family from 1883 until 1947. Peles Castle has 160 rooms and it was the first castle in Europe ever to be entirely lit by electric current. The castle houses a large collection of unique pieces of furniture, fine art, and various invaluable objects.

Viscri

The article also mentions that Transylvania’s charms have long captivated the Prince of Wales, whose foundation funds local projects dedicated to preserving the land’s architectural heritage.

With a history that goes back to the 12th century, Viscri is one of Romania’s most famous villages that attract tourists who want to discover the typical rural life from Transylvania.

You can come here and stay for a few days in a traditional house, visit one of the oldest fortified churches of Transylvania (which is also a UNESCO site) and climb the church’s tower, walk around the village, enjoy the silence and the sounds of nature and eat healthy, traditional food made by the locals.

The complete list of National Geographic’s 25 „Destinations on the rise for 2021”

• Katmai National Park, Alaska
• Lord Howe Island, Australia
• Dominica
• Los Glaciares National Park, Argentina
• Svaneti Region, Georgia
• Tulsa, Oklahoma
• Pueblo Nations, New Mexico
• Guam
• Gyeongju, Republic of Korea
• Vitoria-Gasteiz, Basque Country, Spain
• Tonglu, China
• Isle Royale, Michigan
• Cerrado, Brazil
• Yellowknife, Northwest Territories, Canada
• Indigenous British Columbia, Canada
• Space Coast, Florida
• England Coast Path, UK.
• Hortobágy, Hungary
• Transylvania, Romania
• Denver, Colorado
• Alonissos, Greece
• Gabon
• New Caledonia
• Copenhagen, Denmark
• Freiburg, Germany

The list features under-the-radar destinations that National Geographic hopes will inspire future journeys and remind us why we love to travel!

Get beyond the stereotypes and come to explore Transylvania!

Bucharest is a unique city that doesn’t need comparisons for defining its own identity. Romania’s largest city and its capital merge its rich history with a modern identity and it certainly needs to be discovered and appreciated by international tourists.

Yet, with only 2.7 million foreign tourists visiting Romania in 2019, the last year before the pandemic restrictions, as compared to around 10 million visiting Hungary and Bulgaria, and with only 1.2 million foreign tourists visiting Bucharest a year, as compared to 6 million visiting Budapest, a comparison with the neighboring countries, to mentioned only these ones, makes Romanian inbound tourism to look like a child sitting next to a giant.

“Romanian tourism needs a revival and perhaps 2020 is the best year to launch online projects in anticipation of 2021, when we all hope we’ll be able to travel again, more freely and without so many restrictions.

VisitBucharest.today! is a platform where English-speaking locals and tourists can discover the most visited attractions in the city, but also some of its hidden gems. Not only that, but Visit Bucharest Today! also presents destinations within a day trip distance from Bucharest. Thus, here you can also find attractions like Dracula’s Castle, Sighisoara medieval city, or Brasov, one of the oldest citadels in Transylvania” says Adriana Gheorghe, project manager of the platform.

Now, the enthusiasts who created the platform announce the launching of the corresponding Android app: Visit Bucharest Today! on Google Play Store.

Are you planning to visit Bucharest in 2021? You’d better start your trip from Visit Bucharest Today! Android app

With a lively atmosphere and many unique attractions, Bucharest is one of the safest and most accessible destinations in Europe. This is why Visit Bucharest Today! tries to become your guide to Bucharest at a fingertip.

The aim of the project is to help tourists discover great places to spend time at and the top attractions in Bucharest, all at the touch of a fingertip. This way, whenever visiting the city, you can explore Bucharest more like a local.

Besides, the project aims at persuading international travelers to visit the city.

“On December 1st, Romania’s National Day, we’ll start in full the promotion of the platform and the dedicated app all across European countries, with the goal to persuade more and more users to enter the platform on the web or download the app from Google Play Store. Hopefully, with the help of our sponsors and partners, we will further improve this project and make it as attractive as possible, for helping the local tourism and hospitality initiatives”, added Adriana Gheorghe, project manager.

The website and the mobile app function together as a guide for tourists visiting Bucharest starting from 2021, but also for the locals. Thus, users can find out what are the main tourist attractions in Bucharest and nearby, as well as the events organized in the city – concerts, exhibitions, local cultural events etc. In addition, Visit Bucharest Today! also offers a structured list of museums, restaurants, cafes, clubs, shopping malls, casinos, spas, and parks.

Besides, as some museums launched their virtual tours during 2020, trying to attract online visitors during the lockdown, Visit Bucharest Today! integrates these tours within the platform.

Bucharest Tours and one-day trips from Bucharest

On top of that, while virtually browsing on the platform, on a laptop, or within the dedicated app, one can also find Bucharest Tours and Day Trips from Bucharest to other neighboring destinations in the country. For example, the special section of one-day trips includes Dracula’s Castle, Constanta, Brasov, Sibiu, and other beautiful Romanian destinations.

This way, a tourist would certainly realize Romania has a lot more to offer than only its Capital city.

Visit Bucharest Today! app – a Mobile App for Bucharest Lovers and not only!

Visit Bucharest Today! app aims to become the foremost virtual friend who can help any tourist to have a memorable experience in Bucharest. The app will guide you through the 6 main categories: Attractions, Tours&Trips, Vibe, Shopping, Tips, and Top Bucharest. It has an intuitive and well-structured menu and it can be considered a virtual friend who can help any tourist to have a memorable experience in Bucharest.

At the moment the app is only available for Android mobile devices, but in early December the team behind the project will also launch an iOS version for iPhone users.

Adriana Gheorghe has quite an experience with traveling. Besides being a passionate traveler, she’s been working for different travel agencies for more than 10 years. Her experience and her passion made this project available for travel lovers out there.

The National Museum of the Romanian Peasant organizes from Friday, November 8 to Sunday, November 10, a fair dedicated to craftsmen and antique dealers from all over Romania.

The Peasant Museum marks the end of autumn and the last days before entering the Christmas fast, inviting its public to the Fair with craftsmen and antique dealers called ,,Moşii de Arhangheli”. It is a successful attempt to encourage rural Romanian craftsmen and to promote their handmade goods in the city markets and among Bucharest tourists.

On November 8, the Orthodox Church celebrates the saints Mihail and Gavriil. It is also the name day for all Romanians named Mihai, Mihaela, Gabriel, Gabriela, Gabi. Almost 1.3 million Romanians celebrate their name day on this occasion.

50 Romanian craftsmen, antique dealers, and artists will come from all over the country with everything they have worked over the year.

“On this special occasion of Hranghel, every man must light a candle that will be his eternal light in the world beyond. The Finns go with the coils to their godfathers. The rams are mixed with the sheep. The special cake must be thrown between the sheep. If it falls face up, the sheep will do well”, explained the late folklorist and ethnologist Irina Nicolau, (1946-2002), a member of the team with which the painter Horia Bernea founded the Museum of the Romanian Peasant.

What can you find at the craftsmen’s fair?

The fair of folk craftsmen and the fair of antiques will bring for sure new objects handcrafted with love and care but also old, collectible, for connoisseurs – jewelry, crocheted objects, books, folk costumes, peasant furniture, etc. Visitors will be able to buy ceramic objects, fabrics, icons, ornaments, wooden objects, but also honey, cakes, gingerbread, herbs, natural juices, fruits, and vegetables. The demonstrations and exhibitions proper are complemented by food sampling opportunities, such as to give visitors the occasion to make a complete idea about the regional traditions of Romania.

The price of the entrance ticket to the fair: adults – 8 lei; pensioners – 4 lei; pupils and students, holders of the Euro 26 card, up to 30 years old, adults with medium or mild disabilities – 2 lei.

The National Museum of the Romanian Peasant

The building of the National Museum of the Romanian Peasant is located in Victoriei Square in Bucharest, next to the „Grigore Antipa” Museum of Natural Sciences and the Geology Museum. One of Europe’s leading museums of popular arts and traditions, the National Museum of the Romanian Peasant was designated „European Museum of the Year” for 1996. The Romanian Peasant Museum owns the richest collection of peasant objects, at present. The almost 90,000 pieces that are part of its patrimony are as many witnesses to the village spirituality. This treasure of national and international importance is stored and preserved according to rigorous scientific criteria and it has been systematically cataloged, having scientific files, even from the moment when the collection was started. The National Museum of the Romanian Peasant is under the authority of the Ministry of Culture and holds collections of ceramics, folk wear, interior fabrics, wood, furniture, and hardware.

Explore the Romanian traditions, its artisans and craftsmen

Romania is one of the countries where modern culture embraces traditions and the natural way of living is still not forgotten. If you visit a Craftsman fair, you may be surprised to find the passion and the faith of the artisans are transcending through their kind words and beyond their products and into your heart.

The Museum of the Romanian Peasant invites you to rediscover the passion of the Romanian artisans and craftsmen. Apart from their kind words and beyond their wonderful products, the Romanian artisans’ and craftsmen’s passion is transcending straight into your hearts!

Please respect the rules of social distancing and show responsibility for your health and the health of others.