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Alternative Bucharest

Tour Snapshot

Explore the artistic and cultural side of one of Eastern Europe’s most quickly transforming cities.

Familiarize yourself with the emerging urban art scene, learn about fashion trends and urban planning efforts, visit cutting-edge galleries and design spaces where creatives are shaping the future of the metropolis. Romania has an effervescent art scene, aligned with Western trends, while keeping the local ethos. Learn about fashion trends and urban planning efforts, see the artistic and cultural side of contemporary Bucharest on a walking tour with a local guide.

If this sounds good, then wait ’till you see the real deal. Until then, here are some highlights of this paticular tour:

  • discover Bucharest’s urban culture
  • see amazing street art in the most surprising locations
  • hip hang out places frequented by locals
  • stroll through quaint neighborhoods unknown to most tourists
  • find out about the city’s history, architecture and art
  • discover bookstores and hidden gardens
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Language

English

Starting time

11:00

Duration

2.5 hours

Meeting place

in front of KFC Piata Romana

Group size

1 – 12

Distance

3.5 km

The Tour in Detail

When we first started this tour, it was focused on street art and urban culture. In time, we realized that as much as we love these forms of expression, they can’t reveal their full meaning without a basic understanding of context and history. The tour starts in front of the KFC restaurant at Piața Romană (The Roman Square), and meanders through some of the little-known historic neighborhoods of Bucharest (called mahallas). Here you can find out about the history of the city and see the ways in which the old interact with the new. Street art is still young in Romania, as graffiti was forbidden and virtually non-existent during the communist period.

Now street art is flourishing in Bucharest, with an increasing number of artists and walls dedicated to this form of expression. Some urban works of art have even been funded by Interesting Times Bureau, so as you are taking this tour, you will not only be enjoying local art, but you will also be supporting the creators. 

The tour includes a visit to Cărturești Verona, one of the most popular bookshops in town, located in the house of a boyar (aristocrat) family and designed to be “a living room to the city”. Another remarkable place is Universul Palace, formerly the headquarters of Universul newspaper, currently restored and functioning as an arts and leisure hub, with an independent theatre, a club, work spaced for creatives and, of course, street art. 

Your local guide can also tell you about the latest urban planning projects, urban trends and local youth culture. Experience a side of Romania’s capital that remains unknown to most tourists.

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Additional Information

Inclusions: Local English-speaking guide, a traditionally Romanian snack.

Exclusions: Additional food and drinks, souvenirs and personal shopping, tips/gratuities for your guide.

Child Policy: Children over the age of 6 are permitted on this tour with a special price. Please select ‘child’ above when booking.

Additional: We reserve the right to make changes to the route or the locations included in the tour in order to ensure the safety and quality of your experience.

Dietary Notes

We can adapt the snack to dietary needs, such as vegan, gluten intolerant or others. Also, please notify us in advance whether you have any allergies or sensitivities. You can do so in the “Additional Information” box at checkout.
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