Steaua Bucharest v Liverpool

Bucharest is set to be invaded this Autumn by supporters of English football team Liverpool, who will be in town for a Europa League match against local side Steaua Bucharest.

The Europa League - seen in the UK as a competition for teams not good enough for the Champions League – is not taken altogether seriously in Western Europe, but here in Eastern Europe it attracts much media attention, and Liverpool (and their fans) are likely to be greeted as superstars.

The game is being played at Steaua Bucharest’s Ghencea Stadium.

If you are in town without a ticket, getting one should not be a problem: there will be plenty of shady characters hanging around outside the stadium willing to sell you one.

To get to Ghencea, you can take tram 41 (pick it up from outside Crangasi metro station), which stops right outside. Else take a taxi, though note that all traffic is usually prevented from getting anywhere near the stadium on big match days. Just take the taxi to as close as you can get, then walk: follow everyone else.


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Bucharest for football fans: Quick Picks

Liverpool have been to Bucharest a number of times before, most recently in the Spring, when they played Unirea Urziceni, and most memorably in the second-leg of the 1981 European Cup semi-final, when the beat Dinamo Bucharest in a terrible downpour. Liverpool have yet to lose in Bucharest*, though there is a first time for everything.

Anyway, here's a quick look at the kind of places you might think about heading for (and where they will not take one look at you and shut up shop double quick).

Beers

The Dubliner is the expat pub of choice, but Bordellos, St. Patrick , Fourteen, Dreamer's or Walhalla are all good and used to groups of lads. You will also get a warm welcome at the live music club Mojo: the guy who runs the place is one of your own. Other than that, we recommend just walking the streets of Old Town: it will not be long until you find a place you fancy.

Eats

Champions sports bar at the Marriott has the best burger in the city, Cantina is another big sports bar serving good food, while City Grill and Caru Cu Bere - if you fancy trying something local - can all handle big groups of lads showing up at the same time without going into a panic.

Late Nights

The aforementioned Mojo will probably be your first choice, while those of you looking for a bit of the other should steer clear of the strip clubs (most of which will rip you off without even thinking twice) and instead head for a far more civilised massage parlour (same kind of thing on offer, except it’s all above board and just about legal).

Don’t turn up mob-handed though: phone first. English will be spoken. If you want to try your luck with the local ladies, then Club A is the top student hangout, while Deja Vu attracts a wild-ish crowd.

Tips & Tricks

First, don't leave home without reading our guide to Arriving in Bucharest: crucial if you want to avoid paying the price of a season ticket for a taxi into town from the airport. 

Then, read what we say about Taxis.

You might also like our Vice Advice.

If you have an iPhone, download our app.

Lastly, you can download a free PDF version copy of the print guide Bucharest In Your Pocket here.

*Trivia fans might like to know that Liverpool have only ever lost once against Romanian opposition: 3-1 to Petrolul Ploiesti, in the 1966 European Cup.