Anyone been to Bucharest lately?
#1
Original Poster
Join Date: May 2003
Location: Paris
Programs: AA LT Plat (4m+), AF Plat, A3 Gold, Hyatt Lifetime Globalist, Marriott Plat, IHG Plat/Ambassador
Posts: 2,648
Anyone been to Bucharest lately?
Have to go for work for a few days... I heard there were a bunch of new spots... never been to Romania before.
thanks!
thanks!
#2
Join Date: Feb 2002
Location: MSN, ORD
Programs: A3 Gold, SPG Gold, LH FTL
Posts: 35
Bucharest does not really have a gay scene, and although it has come a long way, it is still not the most gay-friendly place in the world.
The main club (I believe it's pretty much the only one -- people keep mentioning a few gay-friendly places, but those come and go) is Queen's. The club is in the basement of an old building, so it has an 'underground' feeling - good DJ, some drag shows on the weekends, and a diverse, quite fashionable crowd (ranging from young RO guys to the EU investors who buy them Puma sneakers ). Cigarette smoke becomes an issue once that place fills up (usually after midnite). If you're heading there with a bunch of people, I would advise that you book a table in advance, so that you have a place to sit in case the bar & dance floor area become too crowded (it's a tight space).
As far as 'non-gay' stuff, the city offers some good cultural sites/restaurants, decent shopping, some performing arts (less so in the summer, though), etc. Let me know if you have any specific questions about OTP.
The main club (I believe it's pretty much the only one -- people keep mentioning a few gay-friendly places, but those come and go) is Queen's. The club is in the basement of an old building, so it has an 'underground' feeling - good DJ, some drag shows on the weekends, and a diverse, quite fashionable crowd (ranging from young RO guys to the EU investors who buy them Puma sneakers ). Cigarette smoke becomes an issue once that place fills up (usually after midnite). If you're heading there with a bunch of people, I would advise that you book a table in advance, so that you have a place to sit in case the bar & dance floor area become too crowded (it's a tight space).
As far as 'non-gay' stuff, the city offers some good cultural sites/restaurants, decent shopping, some performing arts (less so in the summer, though), etc. Let me know if you have any specific questions about OTP.
#3
Join Date: May 2003
Location: TLL
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I would also recommend going to the old Parliament building, built during the socialist times, as the largest building in the world. Its a bit smaller then the pentagon, but I believe it is still the largest office building in Europe. Its kitch-tastic.
You can get some really groovy pottery in Bucharest as well, if you have the ability to take stuff back with you.
Be careful of people on the street running scams on tourists. I got stopped no less than 3 times in one day but someone who first asked me where a certain hotel was followed by "police men" who said the person I had been talking too was a known drug dealer. They police asked to see my passport, then they insisted they had to see my wallet....just walk away.
If you have the time, take a quick trip up to Brasov in the mountains. Its about a two hour drive from Bucharest and is absolutely beautiful.
You can get some really groovy pottery in Bucharest as well, if you have the ability to take stuff back with you.
Be careful of people on the street running scams on tourists. I got stopped no less than 3 times in one day but someone who first asked me where a certain hotel was followed by "police men" who said the person I had been talking too was a known drug dealer. They police asked to see my passport, then they insisted they had to see my wallet....just walk away.
If you have the time, take a quick trip up to Brasov in the mountains. Its about a two hour drive from Bucharest and is absolutely beautiful.
#4
Join Date: Jan 2006
Location: OTP
Programs: PC
Posts: 507
Don't know about GLBT spots, but am from there...this time of the year the parks are very beautiful and you could check out the Village Museum, which is an extremely pleasant way to spend an afternoon, it's like going to a fairy-tale setting, very nice old houses, inns, mills and churches that have been lovingly restored and transported there.
You should also check out Cotroceni Palace (partially used as the Presidential Palace, so you need to schedule a visit)...quite beautiful, though not as impressive as Peles Castle (in Sinaia, on the way to the above-mentioned Brasov...Sinaia itself is an exquisite place to check out)
If you have any other questions, I'd be happy to help you out
You should also check out Cotroceni Palace (partially used as the Presidential Palace, so you need to schedule a visit)...quite beautiful, though not as impressive as Peles Castle (in Sinaia, on the way to the above-mentioned Brasov...Sinaia itself is an exquisite place to check out)
If you have any other questions, I'd be happy to help you out
#5
Join Date: Apr 2001
Location: London, UK
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Posts: 6,070
Just went there a few weeks ago (like you for work).
Not much really. It's an OK place. Didn't really hate it, but then again wouldn't rush back either.
Food was pretty cheap. Did eat at a nice Swiss restaurant, Mica Elvetie http://www.micaelvetie.ro/micaelvetie.htm
Must say didn't really feel much for searching out the scene. Did do a walk around the town, which was OK. Down to the palace then up through the fountains.
Not much really. It's an OK place. Didn't really hate it, but then again wouldn't rush back either.
Food was pretty cheap. Did eat at a nice Swiss restaurant, Mica Elvetie http://www.micaelvetie.ro/micaelvetie.htm
Must say didn't really feel much for searching out the scene. Did do a walk around the town, which was OK. Down to the palace then up through the fountains.
#6
Join Date: Mar 2003
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any updates to this thread?
Is the JW marriott still THE hotel?
Is the JW marriott still THE hotel?