Bucharest, into the wild
Bucarest’s center looks like any other place for douchebags to hang out, with all the dull bars and strip clubs. But if you did a little, you will find a few gems hidden in the Romanian capital. Locals sure know it: nights in Bucarest can be wild, especially when the owners of Eden or Guesthouse decide they’ll stay open for five days in a row. Most good clubs are really close to the city center, but only a few are worth going to and they don’t often plan parties on school nights. Hence the scene is rather small, although supported by a growing number of Romanian producers hooked on minimal.
In the Summer, most clubs shut their doors and there are parties held in the close suburbs. The arty squat Carol 53 organizes a few parties, and the two best record shops in the city; Misbits and MadPiano sometimes offer very chic before parties in their bars. One cannot describe Bucarest without mentioning the tragedy that hit the club Colectiv, still in everyone’s mind. On October 30th, 2015, 64 died in a fire. This terrible accident made people go out on the streets to expose the country’s corruption, that allowed many clubs to stay open despite some serious security issues. Most clubs closed then, some indefinitely, others to make the place safer before re-opening. 
Drugs and alcohol
Drinking on the street is forbidden, but it’s no big deal: most bars are open 24/7 and drinks are very cheap. As for drugs, Romanian seem to enjoy speed more than MDMA or ecstasy. It’s not always easy for tourists since the police visit clubs without their uniforms on, but locals are careful with that.
3 clubs, 3 atmospheres
- Control: the home of the hipsters. You can listen to a rock concert opening the night, followed by disco. The outdoors bar is the perfect place to chill.
4 Strada Constantin Mille - Guesthouse: THE unbridled club in Bucarest. The music is very sharp and there’s a big focus on minimal. The crew [a:rpia:r] decided to make it its new home. International DJs often mix there.
82 Strada Popa Nan - Eden: International and local youth mingles in the afternoon to grab a beer and at night, to dance to the sound of local DJs. A little peace of heaven in the heart of the city.
107 Calea Victoriei
What a night will cost you: 20,50 €
Dinner: 8 €
2 beers in a bar: 3 €
2 gin & tonics in a club: 6 €
Club entrance fees: 5 €
Taxi back to the hotel: 1,50 €
Berlin cred’: 6,5/10
The best time to go: In November for the Interval festival, or in the Spring for those who don’t want to be too cold.
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