This morning we are heading to the Palace of the Parliament. It is one of the largest administrative buildings in the world. Groundbreaking began in the '80s but the building was not finished until 1997. Nicolae Ceaușescu, who ruled at the time, modeled it after Pyongyang, North Korea. Many places were bulldozed over to make room for the Palace. Nicolae Ceaușescu ended up being killed before the building was complete, which is the main reason it was not finished until 1997. The building is huge. Over 70% of it is empty. There's just simply no need for the space there. The building is also the heaviest in the world. Due to this, it sinks 6mm each year!
Visitor entrance to the Palace of the Parliament
Lobby Area
If you want to visit, you need to book in advance. When you arrive, you will go to your designated ticket line. You will be required to have your passport, so make sure you bring it with you. Then, you head into the visitor store (behind the glass area below) to pay. After paying, you will wait until your tour guide comes out from the wooden doors. Once you go back, your guide will give you instructions. You will go through security and be required to hand over your passport. They will keep your passport until the tour is over.
This hall is used only for conferences.
Some Romanian clothing on display
The big gray boxes below are translator boxes.
This design on the floor is actually a map of the building's layout.
There is LOTS of emptiness in this building!
The famous balcony
Due to the size of the building, you only get to visit 5% on the tour. Being able to go out on the balcony was the best part of the tour. If it weren't for the balcony, the tour isn't worth it much.
Bucharest's main road in front of the Palace is lined with these fountains. It's a pretty sight!
For lunch, we headed to Hard Rock Cafe.
Hard Rock Cafe is located at Bucharest Herastrau Park. It's a lovely waterfront. They had boat tours and food stands.
I thought these umbrella bubble wands were cute!
Communist-style apartments
Cărturești Carusel, a beautiful bookstore in Bucharest.
There is a little cafe at the top.
Across from the bookstore.
This must be Romania's Walk of Fame...not sure!
Pasajul Macca-Vilacrosse, a covered restaurant street in Bucharest
Covered umbrella street
Across from the umbrellas
Cișmigiu Gardens, a park in Bucharest
Mega Image Grocery Store
Below is the Palace of the Parliament lit up for the night. Goodnight from Bucharest!
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