Bucharest

Bucharest, one of the best places to visit in Eastern Europe, is the capital of Romania and its largest city with a population of more than 2 million. The city is one of the main attraction points of Eastern Europe in terms of culture, entertainment, commerce and tourism. Its location promises a good mixture of various cultures. The city is located 80 kilometers north of Bulgaria and also neighbors to both Serbia and Ukraine.

The confluence of architecture in Bucharest is dizzying yet fascinating. Its Byzantine buildings; 16th, 17th, and 18th-century churches; Art Nouveau mansions; and spectacular Neoclassical facades have survived earthquakes, war, and later, communism, combining to create a breathtaking urban display. During that dark political era, somber block panel masonry left its imprint, as well as the gargantuan Palace of the Parliament, the prized creation of dictator Nicolae Ceausescu.

The charm of Bucharest is revealed by exploring its sprawling city parks, admiring the works of art and exhibits at its excellent museums, and getting lost in the gritty yet charming lanes that weave through the Old Town. A stroll down Calea Victoriei, arguably one of the city's most beautiful streets, is an encounter with the country's grandest buildings and most meaningful monuments, all of which bear witness to a bygone era.

Many of Bucharest's tourist attractions, such as the Palace of Parliament, which has 1,100 rooms and is billed as the world's second-largest administrative building, provide insight into the city's communist history. To learn about the history of the Romanian people, go to the Romanian Peasant Museum and the open-air Village Museum. Then, stroll through Bucharest's charming Old Town and sample the city's impressive gastronomic offerings, which include a mix of traditional hearty dishes and modern international staples.

Rankings:

• #5 in Best Places to Visit in Eastern Europe

Location: Romania