Experiences in Bucharest, Romania by Iulian

What is it like to live in Bucharest? Would you recommend it? What is the city like?

It depends on the person. It depends on what are your expectations from the city. If you like to party, then Bucharest is a great option. It's also close to the mountains and not so far from the sea. Bucharest is also the cultural center of Romania and there are a lot of cultural activities for foreigners also. A lot of cultural institutes in town, also. The city can be nice and awful. It depends in which area you choose to life. Like any big city, it has it's "no go" zones.

What is the student lifestyle like in Bucharest?

Well, I don't really understand what is meant by student "lifestyle". I mean, Bucharest has at least 100. 000 students. There are areas in the city where only students life, so the area is pretty active - lots of dorms, clubs, pubs and what ever you like. There is party and studying going on. And not all the student areas in town are the same. It depends on what you want - noisy dorms or more peaceful.

How much does it cost to live in Bucharest?

Not much. If you don't smoke and don't have an expensive lifestyle, then 100 Euros a month are enough for food and drinks - if you don't go to expensive bars or if you don't eat out everyday and just buy stuff from the supermarket. If you stay in dorm, the rent can be as low as 25 Euros/month. You can rent a good room for about

200 euros. Maybe even 150 Euros. It depends when you start searching and if it's through an agency.

Is it difficult to find accommodation in Bucharest? Is there any advice you can give?

I don't know a lot about accommodation in Bucharest. I stayed in the one of the universities dorms. So I didn't have much trouble finding a place. International students can register for a place in these dorms. But take into account that the living conditions are not that great. In some places there are awful - depends on the person - but there are mostly just basic: bed, table, chair, bathroom. There are Universities that offer better conditions than others. You just have to ask around and find out if you'll want to live in their dorms. I don't know much about renting a room in Bucharest. I'm sure there are a lot of offers, but just watch out for people who might ask for a bigger price just because you are a foreigner. My only advice for you is to search for a place early. And see is the area in where the apartment is is OK. I don't recommend Rahova, Ferentari or Berceni. Also, try to get a place close to a metro station.

What is the food like? What are your favourite dishes?

I don't usually eat out. There are restaurant with traditional romanian food, other restaurants with greek food, italian and all the crazy things you can think about. The Old City is full of them. A lot of fast-foods: McDonalds, KFC, Springtime, etc.

What places would you recommend visiting in Bucharest?

I recommend visiting the museums. Especially the National History Museum and the George Enescu Museum. I recommend walking on Calea Victoriei where the Revolution Square is. I think that the most beautiful area in town is the Spring Quarter. You should definitely walk around there. You could visite Mogosoaia Palace, a couple of miles from the town. To find out more about the Romanian culture, visit Muzeul Țăranului Roman and Muzeul Satului.

Is it good to eat out in Bucharest? Can you tell us your favourite spots?

I only was to Springtime twice. The food was good. There are a lot of spots. Close to the student doorms there are a lot of bars and pubs that usually have pizza. And the prices are pretty low. One of these places if Philos Pub, in Grozavesti, close to the metro station with the same name. You can get a pizza for about 2. 5 euros.

Is the nightlife good in Bucharest? Where is good to go?

Bucharest has maybe the best nightlife in Romania. The nightlife is mostly centered around the Old Center. Where there are a lot of bars, pubs, clubs, restaurants. I don't really go out in the Old Center, so I can't recommend some places. I used to go in Oktoberfest, but they put water in their beer on tap. Which happens in a lot of places in the Old Center. Just get bottled beer. I strongly recommend a bar called Que Pasa, it's close to the Intercontinental Hotel (walk on the street on the left of the hotel, Batiste, it has a metro exit; and turn left when you see a small church and the bar is on the left side). You can usually listen to rock there - especially heavy metal, thrash metal, but the place is not full with metal heads. A beer there is about 2 euros. Another place with the same music is in Piata Unirii, called The Harp - Irish Pub. You can also eat there - for Romanians, the place is a bit expensive, but I guess foreigners can afford it.

What advice would you give future students heading to Bucharest?

Don't be cocky. Like some Spanish dudes from my dorm that think they can do whatever they want - drinking all night and disturbing others, just because this is Romania. I also heard about foreigners being beat up in front of a club by bodyguards. Don't expect the police to help you out much in these cases. Just don't think you rule the world because you have a pocket full of money. Beware of pickpockets. Don't be too flashy with your goods. Basically, don't put valuable things in your pockets. Don't give money to the poor - 90% they are part of a big scam, especially not to children - you'll probably end up without your wallet or purse. If in the Old Center, somebody offers you a flower - a red rose usually - don't take it, don't buy it. If somebody offers you something for free, just say no. Probably a scam.

I hope I didn't scare you. Bucharest has also nice people and is a great place for meeting other foreigners (a lot of Asian and Arab students study here). But there will always be a group of people that see foreigners as a target, because they have money, which makes them perfect for a scam. A lot of taxi drivers to that. If somebody offers you a ride - from the airport, train station, any station, club, etc. - Just say no. A Japanese girl ended up in the grave for this mistake. Also, beware of the dogs - in the city center there are not so many dogs as in the neighbourhoods. A lot of people get bitten by dogs. A few also died.