Photo: AP
Returning glory
PhilSen
The bullet holes may still pock the walls in the university square, but Bucharest is a city eager to shed the austerity of the communist years and emerge blinking into the 21st century. Before World War II, Bucharest was one of Eastern Europe's most cosmopolitan capitals. Around the city centre you'll find some of the grandest architecture on the continent, some magnificent museums, plus a bustling arts and cafe scene that's just coming to life. You may even see the princely court founded by none other than Vlad Tepes, the inspiration for Dracula. And yet in the city centre stands a testament to another tyrant's incredible ego; Ceausescu's ultimate folly, the enormous Palace of Parliament, is the second largest building in the world. The Romanians can't wait for EU entry - the circle of gold stars on the EU flag flutters hopefully everywhere - but there are undeniably problems here, such as a lack of funds for much-needed restoration, not to mention the sorry sight of the city's many street children. Then again, prices are cheap and the tourist swarms are still rare, making Bucharest one of the hottest upcoming cities around.
