Articles (652)

Where does the name of Bucharest’s Colentina neighborhood come from? A historical overview of the old mahala

The Colentina neighborhood, whose name seems to derive from the expression “colea-n tină” (“over there in the mud”), has evolved from a peripheral mahala into one of Bucharest’s most densely populated urban areas. The Colentina River and its lakes (Tei, Plumbuita, Fundeni) give the district a distinctive—though often underused—identity, with banks...

How much does it cost to maintain a 3-room apartment in Bucharest? A detailed analysis of real expenses

Lately, social media has been full of discussions about housing maintenance costs in the capital. Bucharest residents have shared their experiences, offering a real picture of the monthly expenses for a 3-room apartment occupied by 3 people.Looking at these conversations, we see that the monthly budget varies significantly, from 800 to 1,500 lei, d...

What does the “Open Streets” project mean for Bucharest? Who organizes it and what can you see at the events?

Every weekend, until October 12, 2025, Bucharest transforms into a friendlier, more vibrant city through the project “Open Streets – Bucharest, Urban Promenade.” The initiative, launched by the Bucharest City Hall and implemented by ARCUB (Bucharest’s Cultural Center) and PROEDUS (Center for Educational and Sports Projects), closes car traffic on m...

August enters history with the first visit of a U.S. president to Bucharest

On August 2, 1969, Otopeni Airport witnessed an unprecedented moment in communist Romania’s history. Richard Nixon became the first American president to set foot on Romanian soil during an official visit, received with full honors by Nicolae and Elena Ceaușescu and the Communist Party leadership. This emblematic visit came just a year after Romani...

SNSPA – the school shaping Romania’s leaders in administration and communication

In post-December Bucharest, during a period of institutional reconstruction and an urgent need for professionals who could understand the mechanisms of modern governance, the National University of Political Studies and Public Administration (SNSPA) was founded in 1991. Inspired by models from France, the United Kingdom, and the United States, SNSP...

UNATC – The tradition of Romanian theatre and film, from the first schools to today’s university

The National University of Theatre and Film “Ion Luca Caragiale” in Bucharest, known simply as UNATC, is today the leading institution for training artists in theatre, film, and performing arts in Romania. With a history dating back to 1834, it is a place where tradition meets innovation, and artistic education evolves in step with the cultural and...

ASE – A century of economic education in the heart of Bucharest

The Bucharest University of Economic Studies (ASE) is today Romania’s leading institution for higher economic education, an academic hub that has directly shaped the careers of generations of economists, managers, accountants, finance specialists, and experts in tourism and marketing.Origins and evolutionASE was founded on April 6, 1913, by royal d...

Bucharest’s academic landscape: top institutions, fields of study, and student life

Bucharest is not only the administrative and economic capital of Romania, but also a major academic center, with higher education institutions covering every field — from exact sciences and engineering to arts, medicine, economics, and social sciences. The city’s universities are not just buildings with lecture halls, but important actors in urban...

Bucharest’s main neighborhoods and the stories behind their names

Bucharest is not just a crowded capital, but also a collection of place names that tell the story of the city’s past. Each neighborhood carries a legacy — noble, military, popular, or industrial — and their names are often the key to understanding the identity of the place.Băneasa – a name with noble rootsThe neighborhood’s name comes from the titl...

The Palace of Parliament, between history and myth: What are the most credible stories about the People’s House?

Bucharest’s most emblematic building, the Palace of Parliament (also known as the People’s House), remains one of Romania’s most controversial and fascinating landmarks. Built during the communist era under Nicolae Ceaușescu’s regime, this colossal structure of concrete, marble, and steel has generated numerous legends over the years — some wildly...