As many visitors to my travel websites will know I try to include cities which the average traveller wouldn't think to visit

One such city is Bucharest and yet it has some of the finest architecture in Europe

Bucharest was once known as 'Little Paris'  and has all the tree lined boulevards and glorious Belle Époque architecture which one would associate with the French Capital

The city was remodelled, in the late 19th century, by French and French-trained architects - Bucharest even features a Triumphal Arch on the elegant Soseaua Kiseleff, a boulevard longer that Paris' famed Champs-Elysees

One of its most famous buildings is the 'House of the People' (pictured above at night) which was constructed during  the 21 year dictatorship of Nicolae Ceausescu

It is the largest building in Europe and the second largest in the world

Only Romanian materials and products were used (local marble, cherry and walnut panelling, crystal chandeliers, specially commissioned hand-woven tapestries, carpets and draperies) to build what supposed to be the headquarters of Romania's last communist leader. Now renamed the Palace of Parliament, this magnificent building of 1,000 rooms reflects the work of the country's finest architects and artisans

Whilst this building represents a period in Romanian history that some would rather forget it is none the less a magnificent example of the skills of these remarkable people

Although Bucharest lost some of its reputation as a lively cosmopolitan city when it fell under communist control it has steadily regained its vibrancy and now boasts nightlife equal to many other European cities

If a walk in the park is your idea of Heaven then make for Herastrau Park, the largest in Bucharest - It has a beautiful lake and is also the perfect place to while away a few hours at one of its many floating bars and restaurants

If culture is your delight then Bucharest is definitely the place for you - it has Museums, Theatres, Opera Houses, Concert Halls and Art Galleries

As well as budget accommodation of a very high standard it also has many world class hotels

For those who enjoy international cuisine of the highest standards Bucharest has plenty to offer, if like me you enjoy good local food at reasonable prices then the place to head for is one of the four 'La Mama' restaurants which are popular with both locals and visitors who are 'In the Know'

In January 2007 Romania becomes a member of the European Union and hopefully this will encourage more visitors to this magnificent city.

If you enjoy Paris and all it has to offer you should certainly take the time to visit Bucharest - It shares much of its charm at a fraction of the cost

I decided to place my pictures on this website without any explanation
I hope they will tell their own story and give you some sense of this magical city
 If they do - that would be reward enough for me

I hope my photographs will encourage you to make Bucharest one of your 'Must Visit Cities'

PARALELA 45

I would like to thank the Romanian travel company Paralela 45 for all the help they gave me on my most recent visit

If you are considering a visiting I would be very happy to recommend them as they are one of the largest and best known travel agents in Romania
and the level of service they offer is exceptional.

I would also like to thank Ana in the Bucharest office who arranged all my travel and also my guide and driver Ion who was happy to drive me wherever I wanted
and help me to set up my camera equipment - despite the occasional drop of rain.

Please click on the picture above to visit their website