Bucharest Entertainment

After you’ve spent the day sightseeing or checking out the capital’s museums, you’ll be eager to unwind and experience what Bucharest has to offer for the evening. Visitors who like to think of themselves as night owls, will be right at home here, as the city comes alive after dark, and its excellent selection of restaurants, bars and discotheques draw residents and visitors alike. Things don’t generally get going until late and partying can often last until the next day.

Nightlife

Much of Bucharest’s nightlife is concentrated between nightclubs, bars and casinos. Clubs are generally found near or in the historic centre, and are within easy walking distance of each other to make for a varied night of club-hopping. No licensing hours exist, so drinking and dancing can go on until the sun comes up. And while you must be at least 18 years old to buy alcohol, there is no legal drinking age. Note that many nightclubs close in June and reopen in early October. Popular clubs include the Tunnel Club, Club Sugar and Club Flamingo.

Gamblers, who must be at least 18 years old, will find 24-hour establishments to place their wagers, and should bring their passport for proof. Many establishments also have good restaurants and offer entertainment such as cabaret shows. Try the Palace Casino or the Victoria Casino.

Theatre and music

Romanians love jazz, and Bucharest is known for its jazz clubs. The 24-hour Café Indigo is well-known for its jazz and blues performances as well as for good cocktails and Ciuc, a dark Romanian beer. Green Hours 22 and the Art Jazz Club both attract top jazz acts. For more traditional music, you’ll find folk songs and dancing at restaurants specialising in Romanian cuisine such as Burebista Vanatores and La Mardare.

For classical music, head to Ateneul Roman, a magnificent and ornate 19th century building that holds splendid acoustics and hosts the George Enescu Philharmonic Orchestra as well as many top performances from abroad.

Festivals

Several cultural festivals are celebrated in Bucharest throughout the year, but most festivals take place in June, July and August. Here are some of the more prominent ones:

• The International Opera Festival is organised by the National Opera and gathers ensembles and orchestras from all over the world for performances throughout the capital (May to June).
• George Enescu Classical Music Festival is an annual event hosted by the Romanian Athaeneum that draws international and national musicians to honour the world-renowned hometown musician, and the entire festival spans various venues across the city (September).
• The Bucharest Biennale was inaugurated in 2005, and brings an impressive collection of contemporary art to the city. The next edition will be in 2008.
• GayFest is an annual gay pride festival that began in 2004. The week-long celebration entails art exhibits, film screenings, theatre and parties as well as debates and seminars and a parade (May to June).