What to do for Valentine’s Day in Bucharest

With Valentine’s Day just around the corner, romance will soon become the word of the day as people look for things to do, and places all across Bucharest are stepping up with a variety of events specifically designed to celebrate love, from Valentine’s Day-themed fairs to brunches, movies, theatre plays, concerts and many others.

There are several fairs taking place around the city that are worth dropping by on the search for the perfect gift, for example the “In love with spring” fair taking place at Sun Plaza between February 11 – March 8 where personalized gifts, unique jewelry, handmade decorations, colorful candy, perfumed cosmetics can be found.

The Vintage Pub is organizing the Handmade Valentine’s Day fair throughout the weekend, where both those gift-hunting and those looking for the perfect Valentine’s Day outfit can find something to take home.

Another spot where one can go searching for that elusive just right gift is the Mesteshukar ButiQ shop, where those “in love with beautiful things [can] find objects made with lots of care and love for tradition by Romani artisans,” according to a press release from representatives of the Mesteshukar shop. Offering silver and brass jewelry, scarves and other accessories but also kitchen utensils made out of materials such as copper and wood, the shop could prove to be the place where even the pickiest of gift-givers can find something. Additionally, on the 13th of February at 5pm, the Mesteshukar ButiQ is hosting a screening of the “Gadjo Dilo” French movie, directed by Tony Gatlif and starring Rona Hartner as the main female character.

And if walking around the fairs has built up an appetite, many restaurants and cafes are hosting Valentine’s themed days. Among them, the National Museum of Contemporary Art (MNAC) is hosting a Valentine’s Day brunch from 11am to 6pm, according to the event’s Facebook page.

The La Un Ceai cafe will also make available a special menu for the weekend under the “Waffles with Love” theme, where people can choose from four creatively named varieties, as detailed on Facebook.

Then, after enjoying candy and other treats that are bound to satisfy even the sweetest tooth, there are several evening shows of note. Starting at 8pm on Sunday, February 14, the La Scena theatre, club and restaurant, is hosting the “Jazzy Valentine’s Night” where after a busy week, they will “offer you a quiet night, enveloped in magic and romance”, according to their website.

If the day’s events prove to be too sweet, however, plays such as “Divorce on the wedding day” at the Music Club, “Romantic Fools” at Godot Cafe Theatre or the “How to be Single” movie premiering this week at the cinema are bound to entertain those who aren’t looking forward to Valentine’s Day.

Andreea Tint