A flight to Bucharest takes visitors from the megalomaniac Palace of Parliament to the unusual shops that stud the streets of Lipscani. Piata Universitatii is the place for vibrant nightlife, tree-lined Sos Kiseleff for gourmet dining.

Things to do

From the Arch of Triumph to the grand Piata Revolutiei square, a flight to Bucharest uncovers Romania's turbulent past. Book airline tickets to Bucharest and explore the Romania's rural heritage at the Museum of the Romanian Peasant. The urban oasis of Cismigiu Gardens is where visitors take on locals at chess.

Shopping

Take a traditional folk costume or hand-painted trinkent from a flight to Bucharest. Stylish boutiques sell elegant fashion on Calea Victoriei and small shops offer antiques in Lipscani.

Restaurants

An airline ticket to Bucharest is an introduction to Romanian cooking. Dishes are hefty and traditional near Piata Romana square, upmarket on Sos Kiseleff. You'll find relaxed delis in Lipscani, while the city's movers and shakers order at fusion restaurants around George Enescu square.

Nightlife

Visitors travel around Bucharest taking in Romanian folk bands and beer served in mugs. The Lipscani district is home to bustling bars, and the jazz scene around Calea Victoriei street is lively. Star DJs frequently take flights to Bucharest to work at Kristal Glam Club.

When to go

KLM has frequent flights to Bucharest. Book arline tickets to the music spectacle EuropaFest in May, the BCR Open Romania tennis tournament in September, or the December Winter Gifts Festival.