Bucharest Nightlife
Bucharest has plenty to offer the visitor looking to enjoy a few drinks after a hard day's sightseeing. Many of the bars and clubs are located in the historic centre of town, meaning bar hopping, or bar crawling for those who have had a few, is a definite possibility. Those arriving between June and October are warned that many of the larger nightclubs close for the summer, as everyone heads to the beaches for their fun.
Opium Studio on Strada Horei is a bar for the trendies to hang out in, with its tunes of yesteryear and décor with a surrealist bent.
Those who fancy a beer while checking their emails can head to the Corner, on Piata Alba Lulia. More a drinking establishment than an internet café, nevertheless the computers are there if the conversation turns stale.
Large beer halls are also popular in Bucharest and Belle Époque on Strada Aviator Radu Beller is one of the favourites. The beer tends to be of the potent Belgian variety, so don't overdo it.
The National Theatre on Bulevardul Balcescu houses a couple of decent bars. Il Caffé is a cosy establishment with a nautical theme, while Laptaria Lui Enache on the fourth floor offers superb views over the city thanks to its roof terrace, with the occasional weekend live band as well. After enjoying a drink or two, why not watch a play or a new ballet production. There is always something entertaining on and the standard of performance is high.
There is plenty to enjoy in the city for jazz fans. Café Indigo on Strada Eforie has a band on round the clock, while for top name acts; try Green Hours on Calea Victoriei or the Art Jazz Club on Bulevardul N Balcescu.
Nightclubs in the city cater to all tastes. For those doing things on the cheap, Spell House on Strada Gabroveni is a touch dark but is friendly and popular with students for its house music.
Dancing to Latino rhythms is possible at Strada Zalomit's Club Flamingo, where art deco and marble-looking dance floors are the order of the day.
At the top end of the scale, Club Sugar on Strada Batistei is for those with money to spare and has a very strict dress code.
If a good, long meal is more your things, you will not be disappointed by Bucharest.
Local dishes combine a number of elements from the east, as well as neighbouring countries. Some unique meals to try include polenta (made from ground maize), which can come with or without cheese, bacon and sour cream, as well as tocana (stew) and tochitura, a selection of meats and sausages served with eggs and polenta.
Romanian wines are justifiably famous and Cotnari, Dragasani and Murfatlar are just some of the bottles to try.
Those wishing to combine a local meal with traditional folk music and dancing should try La Mardare on Calea Grivitei or Burebista Vanatoresc on Strada Batistei. Both offer a number of good local dishes at very decent prices.
For local fare at a much greater cost, try Locanta Jaristea, which is famed throughout the city. Reservations are a must.
For more international tastes, it is difficult to go wrong at Amsterdam on Strada Covaci. Bistro style fare at great prices is the modus operandi here. Once a month, it is also home to the Blind Food event, where diners eat entirely in the dark.
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Nightlife and Eating & Drinking
