Cotroceni, one of Bucharest’s most fascinating neighborhoods, is not a tourist hotspot, so for those of you who want to avoid the hustle and bustle of Old Town, I recommend taking the metro from Old Town to the Eroilor metro stop and then starting your adventure from there.
I have created a special Google Maps tag link that you can use to find these objectives: Link
Carol Davila University of Medicine and Pharmacy
It is one of the architectural highlights of the French Neoclassic architectural style, finished in 1903. Another cool fact is that Mr. Carol Davila founded several institutions, including the University of Medicine of Bucharest, Mihai Voda Military Hospital, The Veterinary School, The Sanitary Service of the Army, The Sanitary Services of the United Principalities of Romania, The School for the Hearing Impaired, The Institute of Chemistry, and others. As you can see, pretty awesome, dude!
The House of Prince Nicolae
Nicolae was ousted by his brother from the royal family because he married someone who was not of royal descent. The funny thing is that his brother, Carol II, had his marriage canceled by the royal family before he got married. He ended up driving rally cars but was exiled from Romania during his brother’s reign. The house that you will see is truly stunning!
Cotroceni Palace
Currently, it hosts the Cotroceni National Museum and the residence of the president of Romania. From the street, you will be able to glimpse the palace in the distance after the leaves fall. What we do recommend is booking a visit, as it has a very beautiful interior design and a long history that is worth hearing about.
Motherland Heroes’ Monument
The statue itself is a piece done in a communist style and is a monument dedicated to the Romanians who fought against fascism during WW2. On the sides of the statue, there are bas reliefs of the history of Romania with a communist touch. Behind you have the National Defence University “Carol I”, an interesting modernist style building finished in 1939, with undertones of Italian fascist architecture. (Reddit helped out with the architectural style.)
Collective Housing on Panduri Street
Originally intended as housing for soldiers during the early days of communism, this style retains architectural elements from the past while incorporating concrete and brick. When I first walked into this residential area, I felt like I was no longer in Bucharest, and it reminded me a little of UK universities with their inner courtyards.
The Mimi Villa or The House with Lions
To be honest, this is Dracula’s favorite building in Cotroceni in terms of design; other buildings have more of a storyline, but with this one I just want to gaze at the details, particularly the porch on the right hand side. It was designed by Virginia Andreescu Haret, Romania’s first female architect.
The Rainbow Stairs
It is one of Bucharest’s Instagram hotspots; the stairs have deteriorated, but it is still a nice spot for a view.
The Fountains of Romniceanu Park
Are they impressive? The ones at Unirii Square are more impressive, but will the mini light show fill your heart with joy at night? They absolutely will!
“Saint Eleutherius” Church
One of the most expensive churches in town to get married in, but if you want to be like the cool kids this is the place to go to. The church is dedicated to Saint Eleutherius of Illyria, a Christian martyr, and its history reflects the enduring religious heritage of Bucharest and Romania.
The Monument of Medical Heroes
Considering the sacrifices that medical workers made during the pandemic I would argue that this is a great monument dedicated to people doing all that extra work. This monument was made with the medical workers of World War 1 in mind. An interesting detail would be that Queen Mary was working as a nurse to help with the war effort.
Bucharest National Opera House
Built during the communist regime, the Opera House boasts a neoclassical design with socialist motifs on its exterior bas-reliefs. Inside, a grand chandelier illuminates the main auditorium. It presents diverse productions, from classical operas and ballets to contemporary works.
If you love the Italian Opera and you can speak Italian:
More photos below:
Dracula was not as fast as AnaTepus… she made a really cool Instagram reel
Part 1 below:
Dracula's Guide to Romania 
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