Bucharest is the capital and largest city of Romania. It is located midway between the Carpathian Mountains and the Black Sea, and is situated on the banks of the Dambovita River, which flows into the Arges River, a tributary of the Danube. Several lakes, the most important of which are Lake Floreasca, Lake Tei and Lake Colentina stretch across the city,



After the year 2000, the city has modernised and is currently undergoing a period of urban renewal. Various residential and commercial developments are underway, particularly in the northern districts, while Bucharest's historic centre is currently undergoing significant restoration.

Bucharest night life has finally come into its own with clubs and new bars opening through out the city. The growing foreign population in the capital has resulted in an increase of Western style bars. In the city there are clubs, pubs, bars, discotheques, night clubs, and casinos every where. Every night they are taken by storm by masses of young people looking for fun and adventure. These places are mostly open all night, with great music, superb drinks and a friendly and welcoming atmosphere.

Unirea Shopping Centre is a former communist department store which was transformed into the largest shopping area in Bucharest. Today it houses over 200 boutiques and shops.

Since the 1990s, brand names and high-end stores have been pushing their way into the Romanian market. From high fashion boutiques to art galleries, shopping in Bucharest can fit any ones taste or budget. Stroll down Blvd. Magheru from Piata Romana to Piata Universitatii for a shopping extravaganza or go to one of the many shopping malls favoured by the local rich and famous.

In recent years, how ever, more and more casinos have opened up in Bucharest, one of the few cities in east-central Europe offering gambling opportunities. Sixteen casinos at the last count, Bucharest offers plenty of opportunity for those who want to try their hand at gambling.

The Royal Palace was erected between 1927 and 1937 in neoclassical style, the palace was home to King Carol II and to his son, King Mihai I, until 1947, when the monarchy was abolished. It was in side the halls of this palace that King Mihai, aged 18, led a coup that displaced the pro-Nazi government during the World War II and put Romania on the Allies side. Today, the former Royal palace houses the Romanian National Art Museum.