Tick's photos​

OLD TOWN

​(​ ​Romanian: Centrul Vechi ​)​

   Perhaps the city's unique charm can be best observed in the area known as Lipscani, named for the many German traders from Lipsca or Leiptzig, which consists of a jumble of streets between Calea Victoriei, Blvd. Bratianu, Blvd. Regina Elisabeta and the Dambovita River.

    Old town's streets took on the names of various old craft communities and guilds, such as Blanari (furriers), Covaci (blacksmiths), Gabroveni (knife makers) and Cavafii Vechii (shoe-makers). The mix of nationalities and cultures is reflected in the mishmash of architectural styles, from baroque to neoclassical to art nouveau.

   A once-glamorous residential area, the old city centre is now slowly being refashioned into an upscale neighborhood. The whole area is covered in restaurants and bars and despite everything is a great place for a drink or a meal. Highlights include the Old Court (Curtea Veche) once the palace of Vlad Tepes aka Dracula, the Old Court Church, the Hanul Lui Manuc - a former inn. There are also several churches such as the Russian Church and Stavropoleos Church.  You will also find the famous Caru cu Bere (beer cart restaurant) here.