Bucharest

On the Dambovita River, Romania’s capital of Bucharest is painstakingly restoring its lost grandeur after shedding Communism and dictatorship in 1990.

Funded by Romanian privations, Romania’s most famous or infamous building is former dictator, Ceausescu's 3.76 million square foot, People's Palace, second only to the Pentagon’s size. Built with great national sacrifice, it utilized the best artisans and materials Romania could possibly offer. Post-dictatorship fervor nearly dynamited it, then considered it for casino use. Known for originality and whimsy, the Romanian Peasant Museum includes 20,000 traditional garments, handmade tools, weaving, ceramics, painted eggs and religious iconography.

If just for architectural interest, step out of historic Lipscani district’s construction, into Caru cu Bere Restaurant’s ornate chandeliers, frescoes and stained glass. Crowded and bustling with traditional music, try fresh lemonade, hearty entrees and Papanatsi doughnuts. The outdoor Village Museum Muzeul-Satulu , in Lake Herastrau Park, displays 60+ Romanian residences, water and windmills, barns and churches,, including a half-underground, Straja earth home.

George Enescu Museum, inside Cantacuzino Palatul Palace features spectacular wrought iron work. The museum honors this celebrated Romanian composer and violinist who taught renowned violinist, Yehudi Menuhin. Concerts at the 1888 Romanian Athenaeum, with impressive frescoes, gold leaf and spiral staircases, boast acoustics favorably compared to La Scala.

Climb Arcul de Triumf’s interior staircase for sweeping Bucharest views and photos.

Cuisine highlights include Sarmala, meat and rice stuffed cabbage; Mici, fried minced meat with mustard; Mamaliga, polenta with sour cream and Ciorba, sour soups, the most popular being Ciorba de Burta.