Gay Bucharest

After twenty-four years of oppression under the former Communist dictator Nicolai Ceausescu, Romania is experiencing a rebirth in sights, sound and spirit. Written off for nearly twenty years as Europe’s “forgotten capital,” European Union membership has brought with it billions of dollars in rebuilding money that is spent almost as fast as it is received.  Nowhere is it more visible than in Bucharest – the capital city.  Nearly every main street is under construction.  The entire old town is street-less, wall-less and light-less as one enormous redevelopment project aims to bring new life to the entire ten square block area by 2011.  No doubt the crown jewel of the city - and possibly the nation - is the Parliamentary Palace.  Built by Ceausescu in the 1980s, this 1000-room monstrosity is the world’s second-largest building after the Pentagon!  100,000 tons of marble, 1,200 crystal chandeliers and a $1.5 million electricity bill make this a site to be seen.
 
Most tour books suggest skipping Bucharest, but doing so would mean missing the real heartbeat of this re-emerging nation.  No, it’s not all that pretty and no, it’s not all that clean, but boy is it tough, and that strength is inspiring.
 
Bucharest is situated in the South Central part of the country.  To the west and to the north lies Transylvania, the famed home of Count Dracula as well as breathtaking scenery and charming 10th and 11th century towns and villages.  To the east lies the Black Sea Coast and Romania’s summer capital - Constanta.  In the hot months Europeans head here in the thousands to enjoy endless miles of black sand beaches and some of the most intense nightlife in Europe.

The Gay Scene in Bucharest

View the Gay Scene in Bucharest