Bohemian Bucharest: Markets & Mahallas Small Group Walking Tour

Dive into the history, architecture, and culinary face of Bucharest on this engaging tour that takes you from the heart of the city into the beautiful countryside. Step into the lovely neighborhoods of Belle-Époque Bucharest as you sample traditional cuisine and rustic Romanian dishes.

Kick off your outing in University Square and learn about the area's troubled sociopolitical history as you walk among the 19th-century Neo-Romanian architecture of the Strada Batistei. Stop at a turn-of-the-century townhouse in a state of beautiful decay to nibble on an array of Romanian gustari (appetizers) beneath draping trees and grapevines. Try typical cucina povera (peasant food) like goat cheese, cured meats, spring onions, fresh-baked bread, and local craft beer as you soak in the atmosphere of this tucked-away locale.

Stroll into the Armenian mahalla (neighborhood) to admire eclectic and opulent architecture from centuries past, cross into the old Jewish quarter for a bite of pretzel-like covrigi, and absorb the peace and quiet of the Mantuleasa area. From there, detour for a refreshing Romanian weissbier in an artsy, garden-like bookstore, and then hop on a tram to clatter down Mosilor Street into the blocks and projects of Communist Bucharest.

Head to the famed Obor Market, stopping for a drink of palinca (brandy) to whet your appetite before tasting your way through stands piled high with cheeses and fresh local produce. Try a mici, a type of sausage served along with mustard and cold beer, and wrap up the outing on a sweet note with a piping hot Wallachian donut.