Paris
is on everyone’s bucket list. From fashion and cafes to some of the most
romantic backdrops
on the planet, the City of Love ticks all the boxes for a perfect city break.
However, like several
European destinations
, the
French
The capital is struggling with the
effects of overtourism
.
Recently, city officials increased tourist taxes and prohibited keyboxes as measures against unlawful short-term lets. Starting from 2024, 3-star hotels in Paris will impose a tax of €5.20 (£3.90) per guest per night, whereas 4-star establishments will have a higher rate of €8.45 (£6.19).
At
Sazua.com
, we’re dedicated to fostering
sustainable
travel and putting ‘hidden gems’ on the map, as long as the destination is truly eager for visitors.
When we learned about the ‘Paris of the East,’ an under-the-radar city offering cheap flights from the UK at only £40, we thought it was something worth sharing with our audience.
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.
Bucharest
has the beautiful buildings, tree-lined boulevards and swish cafes we associate with Paris — at a dramatically cheaper price.
Recently listed at number 9 in The Times’ compilation of ’24 top budget-friendly city break destinations across Europe’,
Romania
The nation’s capital and most populous city is warmly inviting visitors.
The government is
pouring money
into accommodation and public transport in a bid to attract travellers, while other countries are pushing them away.
During the 19th and 20th centuries, Bucharest was a hotspot for French artists and intellectuals, who frequented the city. At the time, society mirrored the Parisian way, with a focus on fashion, elegance and sophistication. Likewise, prominent Romanian artists, including Constantin Brâncuși, studied in Bucharest before making their names in Paris.
The city visually acquired its ‘Little Paris’ moniker due to its architectural resemblance to France’s capital.
Among numerous structures and sites shaped by French influence, the most apparent is the Arcul de Triumf, which serves as Romania’s counterpart to the iconic Arc de Triomphe.
Eager for a visit to this budget-friendly option? Here’s all you should know about Bucharest.
What activities can you enjoy in Bucharest?
The streets of Bucharest truly resemble those of Paris; intricate details from Neoclassical, Art Nouveau, Art Deco, and Romanian Revival styles can be seen around every turn.
Strolling through the city’s vast avenues will lead you to the Palace of the Parliament, which is the globe’s most massive structure, tipping the scales at approximately 4,098,500 tons.
You can view its scale and magnificence up close during a guided tour, which costs approximately 60 Romanian Leu (£12) for admission.
If you’re visiting ‘Little Paris,’ it would be impolite not to visit the Muzeul Micul Paris (Little Paris Museum), an intriguing spot for those who appreciate art, architecture, and the history of Romania’s bourgeois period.
The museum houses a collection of antique furnishings, garments, and fragrances from the ‘Belle Époque,’ which refers to the era of French and European history spanning from 1871 to 1914. Additionally, there is an old-fashioned art gallery along with a retro photo studio, allowing visitors to embark on an engaging trip back in time. Admission tickets are priced at 25 Lei (£4.18).
Leave the time capsule behind and immerse yourself in nature with a stroll through Herăstrau Park, located on the north end of town. Surrounding the lake, you’ll find an array of chic eateries and pubs, ideal spots to enjoy evening drinks.
If you’re looking for something active, boat rentals and hydro-bicycles are also available along the shore.
Sazua.com’
s
Alice Murphy
spent a day at the park during a trip to Romania and said it is easily accessible by train, bus, taxi, or on foot.
She also recommends the Free Walking Tour of Bucharest, where you can learn about the city’s history and culture, and a visit to the National Village Museum to discover how people live in rural Romania.
Of course, no
European city break
is complete without a stroll around the Old Town.
Bucharest’s pedestrian-only area is very tourist-friendly and brimming with terraces, cafes, restaurants, and shops.
How to get to Bucharest
Wizz Air
flies direct to Bucharest from
London Stansted
and
London Luton
For as little as $20 one-way.
Traveling from elsewhere within the UK?
Ryanair
Flights from Leeds Bradford airport cost £37, while Birmingham offers flights with Wizz Air at the same price.
An enticing short trip to a twin city
We can’t resist an Old Town. Whether in
Bruges
or
Krakow
What we adore most is meandering through winding medieval lanes or plopping ourselves down at local eateries that serve authentic cuisine and beverages.
However, for Alice Murphy, Bucharest’s Old Town seemed almost vulgar.
Referring to it as ‘ stag central,’ she notes that the plethora of bars and nightclubs detract from what might otherwise be a quaint atmosphere.
If you’re searching for a place that hasn’t been overrun by hens and stags, Alice suggests visiting Brasov.
A train journey into Transylvania will bring you to a place brimming with both traditional allure and contemporary urban living. The historic center of Brașov, awarded UNESCO World Heritage status, offers an experience vastly different from that of the nation’s capital.
Embroidered with medieval buildings, including the Gothic Black Church and the Council House, the city is home to Rope Street, the narrowest street in Romania.
The Bucharest to Brasov train takes around 2 hours and 30 minutes, with prices ranging between £5 to £14.
Other ‘destination dupes’ worth checking out
Love Venice? Why not try ‘
Venice of the Algarve
,’ an ‘understated’ destination with flights from £28.
Further afield you’ll find the ‘
Venice of the Middle East
,’ a hidden gem that’s 32°C in April.
Elsewhere, the Spanish ‘
mini Maldives
’ has recently bagged a brand new TUI flight from a UK airport, while closer to home there’s the ‘
Hawaii of the North,
‘a small British island receiving 240 hours of sunlight in May.’
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