Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
around Str Lipscani, has received a long overdue revamp and there isn't a more enjoyable
place in Romania to spend a night out.
Sights
PALACE OF PARLIAMENT & AROUND
Palace of Parliament
(Palatul Parlamentului; tour bookings 021-414 1426;
www.cdep.ro
; B-dul Naţiunile
Unite; standard tour adult/child 25/13 lei; 10am-4pm; Izvor)
Facing B-dul Unirii
is the impossible-to-miss Palace of Parliament, the world's second-largest building (after
the Pentagon near Washington, DC) and Ceauşescu's most infamous creation. Built in
1984 (and still unfinished), the building has 12 storeys and 3100 rooms covering 330,000
sq metres - an estimated €3.3 billion project. Entry is by guided tour only. Bring your
passport as they check IDs.
Several types of tours are available, including a 'standard' tour and a 'complete' tour.
Both take around 45 to 60 minutes - the complete tour includes a view of the terrace and
the basement. Don't expect a particularly accomplished (or polite) tour guide, but this is
the only way to get a glimpse inside. Entry to the palace is from B-dul Naţiunile Unite on
the building's northern side (to find it, face the front of the palace from B-dul Unirii and
then walk around the building to the right). You don't normally have to book tours in ad-
vance, but we recommend giving them a call beforehand since the walk to the entrance is
long indeed.
HISTORIC BUILDING
