Bucharest pairs the Communist-era Palace of the Parliament (the world's heaviest building) with the surviving baroque Old Town Lipscani district, and the Village Museum's open-air collection of Romanian rural architecture.
Cișmigiu Gardens blooming, Old Town terraces full, and the Bucharest International Film Festival in late May filling the city with screenings and parties.
Hits 35°C with sticky summer heat, but the Therme Bucureşti spa complex offers relief and the Old Town runs into the early hours.
Bucharest International Theatre Festival in mid-October, Old Town walking pleasant, and Calea Victoriei boutiques at peak autumn shopping.
Cold continental winter, Old Town Christmas market in Piața Constituției, and the Therme Bucureşti pools steaming under snow making winter visits photogenic.