Smardan Street, Bucharest
Smardan Street (Strada Smardan) is a charming pedestrian artery winding through the heart of Bucharest鈥檚 historic Lipscani district. Originally documented in 1672 as the 鈥淕erman Street鈥� or 鈥淕erman Alley,鈥� it was later dubbed 鈥淪mardan鈥� in 1878 to honor the Romanian victory at the Battle of Smardan during the War of Independence. Stretching roughly 370 meters from north to south, the street curves gracefully between restored neoclassical buildings, reflecting the city鈥檚 transformation from old-world market lanes to a vibrant urban promenade.
In the 19th century, Smardan became a bustling hub of commerce and hospitality. Notably, a now-iconic event occurred at the former Hotel Concordia, where, in January 1859, Wallachian deputies elected Alexandru Ioan Cuza as Prince鈥攁 pivotal moment leading to the unification of the Romanian Principalities. A commemorative plaque once marked the site, though it has been briefly obscured by renovation work. The street was also part of Bucharest鈥檚 tram network until the 1960s, a surprising relic of the past given how narrow the thoroughfare is.
Today, Smardan buzzes with energy, lined with caf茅s, bars, restaurants, and boutique shops. Its elegant street lamps, reminiscent of Bucharest鈥檚 鈥淟ittle Paris鈥� era, cast a warm glow over cobblestones, creating the perfect setting for an evening stroll or an alfresco meal. Whether you鈥檙e savoring Romanian specialties or enjoying a cocktail under historic fa莽ades, the atmosphere here is lively yet steeped in the weight of history.
Visitors shouldn鈥檛 miss exploring the side streets branching off Smardan, which lead to hidden gems such as the Macca-Vilacrosse and Vilacrosse passages, and landmarks like the nearby Stavropoleos Monastery and Manuc鈥檚 Inn. Smardan Street is more than a link between destinations鈥攊t鈥檚 a living bridge between Bucharest鈥檚 storied past and its bustling present, inviting you to take your time, sip, savor, and soak in every detail.
In the 19th century, Smardan became a bustling hub of commerce and hospitality. Notably, a now-iconic event occurred at the former Hotel Concordia, where, in January 1859, Wallachian deputies elected Alexandru Ioan Cuza as Prince鈥攁 pivotal moment leading to the unification of the Romanian Principalities. A commemorative plaque once marked the site, though it has been briefly obscured by renovation work. The street was also part of Bucharest鈥檚 tram network until the 1960s, a surprising relic of the past given how narrow the thoroughfare is.
Today, Smardan buzzes with energy, lined with caf茅s, bars, restaurants, and boutique shops. Its elegant street lamps, reminiscent of Bucharest鈥檚 鈥淟ittle Paris鈥� era, cast a warm glow over cobblestones, creating the perfect setting for an evening stroll or an alfresco meal. Whether you鈥檙e savoring Romanian specialties or enjoying a cocktail under historic fa莽ades, the atmosphere here is lively yet steeped in the weight of history.
Visitors shouldn鈥檛 miss exploring the side streets branching off Smardan, which lead to hidden gems such as the Macca-Vilacrosse and Vilacrosse passages, and landmarks like the nearby Stavropoleos Monastery and Manuc鈥檚 Inn. Smardan Street is more than a link between destinations鈥攊t鈥檚 a living bridge between Bucharest鈥檚 storied past and its bustling present, inviting you to take your time, sip, savor, and soak in every detail.
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Smardan Street on Map
Sight Name: Smardan Street
Sight Location: Bucharest, Romania (See walking tours in Bucharest)
Sight Type: Food/Drink
Guide(s) Containing This Sight:
Sight Location: Bucharest, Romania (See walking tours in Bucharest)
Sight Type: Food/Drink
Guide(s) Containing This Sight:
Walking Tours in Bucharest, Romania
Create Your Own Walk in Bucharest
Creating your own self-guided walk in Bucharest is easy and fun. Choose the city attractions that you want to see and a walk route map will be created just for you. You can even set your hotel as the start point of the walk.
Bucharest Introduction Walking Tour
Bucharest, the capital and cultural center of Romania, is one of the largest cities in Southeastern Europe.
The name Bucure葯ti has an unverified origin. Tradition links it to the guy named Bucur, who (according to various legends) was either a prince, outlaw, fisherman, shepherd or a hunter. The Romanian word 鈥渂ucurie鈥� means joy (happiness), which in turn explains one of Bucharest's... view more
Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 3.7 Km or 2.3 Miles
The name Bucure葯ti has an unverified origin. Tradition links it to the guy named Bucur, who (according to various legends) was either a prince, outlaw, fisherman, shepherd or a hunter. The Romanian word 鈥渂ucurie鈥� means joy (happiness), which in turn explains one of Bucharest's... view more
Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 3.7 Km or 2.3 Miles
Old Town Walking Tour
The Historical Center of Bucharest, or the Old Town, as the locals habitually refer to it, is one of the most beloved and attractive areas in the Romanian capital. The neighborhood is really beautiful a place to visit, and you can walk into it pretty much from anywhere in central Bucharest. Ion Constantin Br膬tianu Boulevard crosses the historic heart of the city from Piata Universitate... view more
Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 1.9 Km or 1.2 Miles
Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 1.9 Km or 1.2 Miles
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