Primăverii

Primăverii is, with few real rivals, the priciest slice of the city. It's a quiet residential quarter of interwar and modern villas tucked behind tall fences, embassies, official residences and streets shaded by lime and chestnut trees. The neighbourhood took shape in the 1930s on the northern edge of the old city, and after 1948 it was steadily handed over to the Communist nomenklatura, which is how it earned its lasting reputation as the address of power. You don't come here for sights on every corner — you come for the atmosphere and for a walk that shows you the city's other face.

What to see

The one genuine attraction is Palatul Primăverii — the Ceaușescu House, the family's former residence, now open to visitors. The opulent interiors, the mosaic-tiled pool and the garden say a great deal about the pre-1989 regime; the contrast between the lavish décor and the austerity imposed on the rest of the country is the whole point of the visit. Tours are guided and slots are limited, so check the official schedule and book ahead. Otherwise, Primăverii is for contemplating on the move rather than ticking off, reading the brass plaques on the embassy gates as you pass.

The vibe

Calm, green and quietly heavy with power and money. Many of the villas now serve as embassies, law firms and diplomatic residences, which keeps the streets discreet and well-kept rather than lively. The quarter borders Herăstrău Park, the city's largest park, so a stroll naturally continues along the lakeshore. The cafés and restaurants here are smart and not cheap — see the restaurants section for options.

Getting there

Easiest by metro to Aviatorilor or Pipera and then on foot, or by surface lines heading north. There is no metro station in the heart of the quarter itself, so expect a pleasant walk in from the edges. For tickets and routes, see the public transport guide. For the bigger picture and how Primăverii sits among the northern districts, browse the neighbourhoods page.