I have always believed that Bucharest is a city with many faces and unstable moods, like an unpredictable teenager: sometimes sleepless, sometimes thrilled and joyful, other times quiet and nostalgic. Five to ten minutes away from the busiest boulevards and the tallest buildings you can find peaceful streets with cozy silent houses. Such an example is Mântuleasa neighborhood, which is located near Unirii and Universitate.
The neighborhood is filled with houses from the beginning of the 20th century and some buildings even older than that. There are houses where famous artists and writers used to live, bistros (Simbio), coffee shops (Coftale), tea houses and beautiful churches.
A walk on Popa Soare - Romulus - Negustori - Mântuleasa streets and the connected alleys feels like a magical maze, in which you completely forget the passing of time. Actually, even Mircea Eliade describes this sensation in his fantastic tale "La țigănci" - which I recommend you read before visiting Mântuleasa, if you can find a good translation of it.
Strada Mântuleasa 20
Leu
free
Find your way with 88 Insider Tips from our Local Spotters
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"La Petite Bouffe Cotroceni" in Bucharest is a cross between a French-style boulangerie, a coffee shop & a bookstore. One of my favorite lonely-time spots.
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"Cofetăria Alice" in Bucharest take me back to the old days. I recommend the Tortul Jeni. Preorder it online to skip the (quite long) queues!
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"Bocca Lupo" is the coolest Italian restaurant in Bucharest. They use a yellow Fiat as a working table for making pizza. Yes, the whole car...
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"Beraria H" Bucharest claims to be the biggest beer house in Europe or Eastern Europe (not sure). They have a lot of meat and plenty of beer!
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"Simbio" Bucharest is a restaurant located in a nicely renovated building with an interesting history. It's one of my favorites!
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"Shift" in Bucharest is always friendly and relaxed, with a simple and clean design. I can recommend this restaurant for its chocolate lava cake and beef.
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"Beraria Hanul cu Tei" is a beer house/restaurant in one of the few remaining typical Romanian inns in Bucharest. I love their 'all you can eat' lunch.
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88 Insider Tips from our local Spotters
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