The Enchanting Old Town of Bucharest

• HelloSalut
  [sah-loot]
• GoodbyeLa revedere
  [lah reh-veh-deh-reh]
• YesDa
  [dah]
• NoNu
  [noo]
• Please/You're welcomeTe rog
  [teh rog]
• Thank youMulțumesc
  [mool-tsoo-mesk]
• Excuse me/SorryScuzați-mă
  [skoo-za-tsi muh]
• How are you?Ce mai faci?
  [cheh mye fa-chee]
• Fine. And you?Bine. Și tu?
  [bee-neh. shee too]
• Do you speak English?Vorbiți engleză?
  [vor-beetsee en-glez-uh]
• I don't understandNu înțeleg
  [noo in-tseh-leg]

• I'd like to see the menu, pleaseAș dori să văd meniul, vă rog
  [ush doh-ree suh vad meh-nyool, vuh rog]
• I don't eat meatNu mănânc carne
  [noo muh-nuhnk kar-neh]
• Cheers!Noroc!
  [noh-rok]
• I would like to pay, pleaseAș dori să plătesc, vă rog
  [ush doh-ree suh pluh-tesk, vuh rog]

• Help!Ajutor!
  [ah-yoo-tor]
• Go away!Du-te!
  [doo-teh]
• Call the Police!Apelați Poliția!
  [ah-peh-la-tsi po-leet-see-ah]
• Call a doctor!Apelați un doctor!
  [ah-peh-la-tsi oon dohk-tor]
• I'm lostM-am pierdut
  [muhm pyer-dooot]
• I'm illSunt bolnav
  [soon bol-nav]

• I'd like to buy...Aș dori să cumpăr...
  [ush doh-ree suh koomp-ur]
• I'm just lookingDoar mă uit
  [doh-ar muh ooyt]
• How much is it?Cât costă?
  [kaht kohs-tuh]
• That's too expensiveEste prea scump
  [es-teh prah skoomp]
• Can you lower the price?Puteți reduce prețul?
  [poo-tehtsee reh-doo-che preh-tsool]

• What time is it?Cât este ora?
  [kaht es-teh oh-rah]
• It's one o'clockEste ora unu
  [es-teh oh-rah oo-noo]
• Half past (10)Jumătate (la zece)
  [zhoo-muh-ta-teh (lah zeh-che)]
• MorningDimineața
  [dee-myeh-na-tsa]
• AfternoonDupă-amiază
  [doo-puh ah-mee-ah-zuh]
• EveningSeara
  [seh-ah-rah]
• YesterdayIeri
  [yehr]
• TodayAstăzi
  [ahs-tuhz]
• TomorrowMâine
  [muh-yeh-neh]
• 1Unu
  [oo-noo]
• 2Doi
  [doy]
• 3Trei
  [tray]
• 4Patru
  [pa-troo]
• 5Cinci
  [cheen-chee]
• 6Șase
  [shah-seh]
• 7Șapte
  [shahp-teh]
• 8Opt
  [opt]
• 9Nouă
  [noo-wuh]
• 10Zece
  [zeh-che]

• Where's a/the...?Unde este unul/o...
  [oon-deh es-teh oon-ool/oh]
• What's the address?Care este adresa?
  [ka-re es-teh ah-dre-sah]
• Can you show me (on the map)?Puteți să-mi arătați (pe hartă)?
  [poo-teh-tsi suh-mee ah-ra-tsu (peh har-tuh)]
• When's the next (bus)?Când este următorul (autobuz)?
  [kund es-teh oor-muh-toh-rool (ow-toh-booz)]
• A ticket (to ....)Un bilet (spre ...)
  [oon bee-let (spreh)]

Old Town, known as 'Centrul Vechi', has its origins in the late 14th century, when Bucharest was first documented. Established as a trade hub due to its advantageous location along the Dâmbovița River, it quickly grew as a center of commerce and culture, attracting merchants and craftsmen from various regions.

During the 18th and early 19th centuries, Bucharest was under the influence of the Phanariot Greeks, who served as rulers of Wallachia. This period saw the construction of significant buildings in Old Town, including churches and mansions that reflected the neoclassical architectural style, contributing to the area's cultural richness.

Old Town played a pivotal role in the 1848 Romanian Revolution, a period marked by a desire for national independence and social reform. Revolutionary movements began in the streets of Bucharest, leading to the establishment of a national assembly and the call for civil rights, although the revolution was ultimately suppressed.

The late 19th century marked a significant turning point for Bucharest, culminating in the unification of Wallachia and Moldavia in 1859. Old Town was at the heart of this transformation, witnessing the construction of important institutions and the establishment of Bucharest as the capital of Romania in 1862.

The interwar period was a time of prosperity for Old Town, as it became a cultural and artistic center. Cafés, theaters, and galleries flourished, showcasing the works of prominent Romanian artists and writers. The architecture of the period reflected a blend of modernist and traditional styles, enhancing the neighborhood's charm.

Old Town suffered during World War II, with its historic buildings damaged and the population affected by the war's devastation. Post-war, the communist regime began to reshape the neighborhood, leading to significant demolitions and the construction of utilitarian buildings that altered the urban landscape.

Following the fall of communism in 1989, Old Town underwent a renaissance as efforts were made to restore its historical buildings and revive its cultural significance. The area has since become a vibrant tourist destination, bustling with restaurants, bars, and shops, while preserving its architectural heritage.

Old Town is centrally located in Bucharest and is easily accessible from other neighborhoods. The most convenient way to get there is by metro; the closest stations are Universitate and Piata Unirii, both within walking distance. Alternatively, you can take a bus or tram; numerous lines serve the area. Taxis and rideshare services like Uber are also available for direct access to Old Town.

Old Town is compact and best explored on foot. Many of its attractions are within a short walking distance of each other. Public transport options include buses and trams, which connect to other parts of Bucharest. Bicycles can be rented from local shops, and some areas have dedicated cycling paths. For longer distances, taxis and rideshare services are readily available.

Old Town is generally safe for tourists, but it is advisable to remain vigilant, especially in crowded areas. Petty crimes such as pickpocketing can occur, particularly in places like the Lipscani district and near major tourist attractions. Avoid walking alone at night in less populated streets and be cautious near ATMs.

In case of an emergency, dial 112 for police, fire, or medical assistance. The main hospitals in Bucharest can provide emergency care, and there are pharmacies throughout Old Town for minor health issues. It's advisable to have travel insurance that covers emergency medical situations.

Fashion: Do dress comfortably for walking, but avoid overly casual attire when dining out. Religion: Do respect local customs, especially when visiting churches; covering shoulders and knees is appreciated. Public Transport: Do validate your ticket before boarding and don't eat or drink on public transport. Greetings: Do greet locals with a friendly 'Bună!' (Hello) and a smile. Eating & Drinking: Do try traditional dishes and local wines; don't refuse food or drink offered to you, as it can be seen as impolite.

To experience Old Town like a local, visit the vibrant markets and try street food from local vendors. Engage with shopkeepers and ask for recommendations; many are eager to share their knowledge of the area. Don't miss out on hidden gems like small art galleries and local crafts shops tucked away in alleyways. For a unique perspective, consider joining a free walking tour to learn about the history and culture of the neighborhood.