Bucharest

For many travelers, Bucharest is a transfer point to the legendary Transylvania. And, it doesn’t get any more than a few hours of stay. But give it a chance, and it will deliver just about anything more iconic capitals have to offer. Under the hefty shade of communism, Bucharest has undergone changes that made it less of a picturesque city. Still, you will recognize some of its old charms tucked away among the decrepit modern buildings in its center. Harboring a motley collection of monuments, traditional residences, and communist-era touches, the capital is a study in contrast.

The classical music tradition is inherent in the most spectacular building in the city, the concert hall. Home to the exquisite orchestra of the country, the concert hall also serves as a museum with vivid frescoes depicting history. Further away, the national village offers a chance to dig deeper into the authentic heart of the country through a journey into its rural world. For more on the proud and audacious peasantry culture, head to the museum of the peasant.

Bucharest is much about the experience as it is about the sights. Its Old Town is a dazzling touristic hub of trendy alfresco cafes and boundless entertainment. More off-the-map experiences await in the branching streets. Seek the main boulevard for some epitomic architectural sights. Or, revel in simple living in the quaint neighborhoods brimming with tea houses and cozy parks. After dark, the old town and the creative quarter will lure you in for late-night happenings.