Bucharest, Romania’s capital, has emerged as a surprising travel destination, propelled in part by the online buzz surrounding Therme Bucharest Spa. However, a deeper exploration reveals that the city’s true allure lies within its historic heart, offering a rich tapestry of experiences beyond the spa’s manufactured oasis. A spontaneous trip, fueled by affordable flights, provided a 48-hour window to discover Bucharest’s hidden charms. Armed with a crowdsourced itinerary gleaned from TikTok recommendations, the journey began with a late arrival, leaving only enough time for a quick room service dinner and a night punctuated by the city’s vibrant sounds.
The following morning ushered in a culinary adventure at Bread and Butter, a trendy cafe brimming with greenery and bustling with patrons. This experience illuminated Bucharest’s flourishing cafe culture, with numerous establishments rivaling those found in European capitals like London, Bruges, and Milan. From themed cafes to traditional coffee houses, the city provides a diverse range of options for a caffeine fix or a light meal, all at remarkably affordable prices. A short stroll led to Cărturești Carusel, a breathtakingly beautiful bookshop. Beyond its English-language section, the store offered a curated selection of gifts, stationery, and charming trinkets, adding to the city’s unique appeal. Venturing off the main thoroughfares, the exploration continued through charming cobbled alleys, revealing a fascinating mix of antique jewelers, fur shops, and cigarette stands. This eclectic blend, interspersed with communist-era architecture and historic churches, exuded a captivating old-world charm, setting the stage for the next destination: the Palace of Parliament.
A pre-booked tour of the Palace of Parliament, inspired by a travel show, provided a glimpse into Romania’s complex history. A cautionary tale from the tour guide about heightened security measures added an unexpected layer to the experience. The Palace itself, a colossal structure, commanded attention with its imposing presence. Its construction, initiated in 1984 under the communist regime of Nicolae Ceaușescu, remains unfinished, yet it stands as a testament to a bygone era. As the world’s second-largest administrative building, its sheer scale—built with over 550,000 tonnes of cement and over a million cubic meters of marble—is awe-inspiring. The guided tour offered a glimpse into the opulent interiors, featuring mint green hallways, crystal chandeliers, and pink marble walls. The tour highlighted the stark contrast between the Palace’s lavishness and the harsh conditions endured by the 100,000 workers who toiled tirelessly on its construction.
Beyond its historical significance, the Palace also serves as a venue for diverse events, from conferences to weddings, and even fashion shows. The unexpected sight of a catwalk during the tour added a surprising element to the experience. The tour delved into the Palace’s underground network of tunnels and nuclear bunkers, further adding to its mystique. While the sheer volume of facts and figures about the building’s dimensions and history could be overwhelming, the visit provided a captivating insight into Romania’s past and present. A refreshing dip in the hotel pool and a rejuvenating steam room session prepared the way for Bucharest’s vibrant nightlife.
As night descended, Bucharest transformed, revealing a hidden side unseen during daylight hours. Unassuming shops from earlier in the day now beckoned with neon signs, while restaurants morphed into lively entertainment venues. This unexpected vibrancy led to a spontaneous decision to indulge in a first-time fine-dining experience. Kaiamo, an experimental Romanian cuisine restaurant, promised a unique culinary journey. Despite initial skepticism about the concept of a tasting menu, the experience surpassed all expectations. Each of the nine courses presented a theatrical display of culinary artistry, from expanding napkins to a deceptively realistic mushroom-based “oyster.” The restaurant’s creative use of simple, staple ingredients, reminiscent of the communist era, elevated them into exquisite dishes, reflecting the city’s own blend of past and present. The warm hospitality of the staff and the chef’s personal touch, like the inclusion of pickles from his mother’s garden, added a heartfelt dimension to the experience.
The final day began with a familiar routine – a return trip to Bread and Butter, browsing through shops, and acquiring another unnecessary but irresistible trinket. A less captivating walk to Bucharest’s Arcul de Triumf, a less impressive counterpart to its Parisian namesake, served primarily as a route to the highly anticipated Therme Bucharest Spa. This sprawling indoor oasis, heavily promoted on social media, promised a relaxing retreat with its swim-up bars, Jacuzzis, saunas, and steam rooms. However, the reality proved to be less serene than advertised. The sheer popularity of the spa translated into long queues, mandatory towel and slipper rentals, and a crowded pool area. The lack of tranquility and the constant presence of other patrons detracted from the intended relaxation.
Despite the initial disappointment, the spa experience eventually became more enjoyable. The heat of the sauna, the soothing red light loungers, and a surprisingly delicious Pad Thai at the in-house restaurant salvaged the experience. While Therme Bucharest Spa might not be the tranquil haven depicted online, it still offered a pleasant way to unwind after a busy exploration of the city. Bucharest’s allure extends far beyond the hyped-up spa experience. The city’s vibrant cafe culture, historic landmarks, and surprisingly innovative culinary scene offer a genuine and compelling travel experience. The unexpected discoveries and the city’s unique blend of past and present make it a destination worth exploring beyond the surface level.
