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Welcome, dear friends, to the enigmatic and fascinating everyday life of Cotroceni neighborhood. Or should I say, the "18th coolest neighborhood in Europe"?
Yes, you heard it right! "Cool", a word that will rarely be difficult to associate with the grandeur of Cotroceni. But don't let these old houses, gorgon gardens, and luxurious mansions deceive you. Cotroceni has a die-hard punk youthful vibe and a rich history that curious tourists are still discovering.
You may wonder where the history of this enigmatic neighborhood comes from?
Well, if you look around, you will see the names of all the doctors who once lived on these streets. Yes, there was a time when Cotroceni was the place where the wealthy and educated crowded together, longing for a more refined lifestyle and culture shock in anticipation of their invitations.
And now, let's find out why Cotroceni is among the coolest neighborhoods in Europe. Firstly, only in Cotroceni can you stroll in a vintage car while holding a vegan frappuccino in your hand, indulging yourself in a vintage fashion boutique while discussing philosophy with friends. That's life in Cotroceni, an eccentric blend of old and new, cool and classic. Here we have hipsters living on streets named after doctors from the 19th century. Quite something, isn't it?
I can assure you, you won't regret a visit to the Cotroceni neighborhood, a place that reflects the silent yet vibrant soul of Bucharest. Welcome to Cotroceni, the neighborhood of the rich, educated, and hipsters in turn!
Walking through its streets, you can get lost between the gentle tones of the Neo-Romanian style, the dramatic curves of Art Deco, and the clean lines of modernism. Cotroceni is not just a neighborhood, it is an open-air museum.
The architecture here offers a panoramic view of history and social transformation. In Cotroceni, the villas establish a shameful motto: "If you have money, you can build anything." Here you will see chapels on rooftops, garages for yachts the size of a normal house, and gardens that are each more luxurious than the last; all in an endless race to keep up with the neighbors. There were times when these villas housed the political, social, and cultural elites of the country. In the mid-19th century, doctors left their mark on Cotroceni, with emphasis on health and well-being. Signs of past times, many streets still bear the names of these doctors who lived here and contributed to the cultural and historical life of the neighborhood. Today, these villas serve as silent monuments of a bygone era and remind us of the influence of doctors on the old Cotroceni.
If you wanna see the interior of a villa I recommend you to stop at Ceainarie Infinitea for a good tea and a dive into the past. On the way there make sure to stop at the rainbow steps of Cotroceni.The steps were painted during the first lockdown in 2020, initially erased by the authorities, but then repainted. They've become a major attraction in the neighbourhood.
The main tourist attractions of Cotroceni.
Let's start with the star of the show, the Cotroceni Palace, which greets you with style and elegance, serving as both a museum and the official residence of the President of Romania. Oh, and it's also a wonderful spot for Instagram photos, so get your phones ready!
But let's not forget the National Opera of Bucharest, a fantastic theater that brings the art of the stage to our area. A night at the opera, a lovely dinner, the beautiful Cotroceni in the background, and friends - sounds pretty tempting, doesn't it?
We also can't forget the Botanical Garden, which is part of this triangle of fascination in Cotroceni. Imagine a green space full of flowers, plants, and trees from all over the world, an oasis of calm in the midst of busy city life. Yes, this is the Botanical Garden, where strolling and jogging on the paths used to be the national sport before malls appeared. The scenario you find yourself in is the kind of place you'll fondly tell friends and family back home about - despite the sarcasm and irony - because behind them, Cotroceni truly wins you over with its wonders."
So, you took a sip of Cotroceni, didn't you? Do you remember the getaway to Cotroceni Palace, running through streets with doctors' names and chic cafes? And you wondered why you haven't moved there already? Well, you're just one of many. Cotroceni remains a magnet for anyone seeking a touch of history, culture, and impressive architecture. Royal, bohemian, and enticing at the same time, this neighborhood never ceases to amaze, no matter how many times you visit it. In fact, it lingers in your mind, a bit like that old song that follows you everywhere.
Ah, lovely Cotroceni! Perhaps one day you'll run away with us...
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