Bucharest & Wallachia

Bucharest and the Region of Wallachia

Bucharest, the capital of Romania, is also the principal city of Wallachia, formally established in the 15th century under Vlad Țepeș. Whether you spend most of your visit here or simply use the city as a gateway to explore Romania, Bucharest is bound to surprise you. The cultural scene is vibrant, with 37 museums, 22 theatres, 18 art galleries, opera houses, and concert halls ready to welcome visitors.

The best way to explore the city is on foot. Stroll along Calea Victoriei to Piaţa Revoluţiei, where you can admire the Romanian Athenaeum and the former Royal Palace, now the National Museum of Art. The old city centre near Lipscani is a must-see, offering a glimpse of why Bucharest was once called "Little Paris" in the 1920s. Also not to be missed is the Palace of the Parliament, the world’s second largest administrative building. Its immense size is best appreciated with a walk or drive around the exterior, while a guided tour provides insight into the opulent interiors.

Beyond Bucharest

The gentle foothills of Wallachia rise to the Carpathian Mountains. Just an hour and a half north lies the beautiful Prahova Valley, home to popular ski resorts such as Predeal, Buşteni, and Sinaia. Sinaia also boasts Peleș Castle, a masterpiece of German New-Renaissance architecture and one of Europe’s best-preserved royal castles. In summer, these resorts are excellent starting points for hiking in Bucegi Nature Park.

Art and history enthusiasts will appreciate a visit to Târgu Jiu, a town on the banks of the Jiu River, famed for the works of Constantin Brâncuși, considered the founder of modern sculpture. Wallachia also offers serene monasteries, including Horezu Monastery, a UNESCO World Heritage site and a masterpiece of Brâncovenesc architecture. Horezu is also a hub for traditional pottery, where travellers can admire local artisans at work.

Sightseeing Highlights:

• National Art Museum, Bucharest

• Palace of the Parliament, Bucharest

• Village Museum, Bucharest

• Cozia National Park – an important bird migration corridor from Central Europe to the Aegean

• Bucegi Nature Park – cliffs up to 1,000m, glacial valleys, waterfalls, and ski slopes

• Small Moor of Brăila Nature Park – nesting ground for over 205 bird species

Food & Wine:

Wallachian cuisine, including Muntenia and Oltenia, features hearty sour soups and slow-cooked vegetable stews often prepared in traditional clay pots. Knot-shaped bread and pies baked in earthen ovens are still commonplace in local households.

The region is also known for its red wines, including Fetească Neagră, Merlot, Pinot Noir, and Cabernet Sauvignon. The Dealu Mare area, stretching from the Prahova Valley along south-facing Carpathian foothills to Vrancea County, is considered the finest region in Romania for cultivating red grapes.

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