BEST THINGS TO DO IN BUCHAREST ROMANIA

Bucharest is Romania’s capital and largest city, which can only mean exploring Bucharest is one of the best things to do in Romania. The list of things to do in Bucharest Romania includes activities ad sights to delight every traveler. Keep it handy when organising your Bucharest sightseeing as it includes all the top things to do Bucharest along with some unusual things to do in Bucharest. 

Bucharest is home to 1.7 million inhabitants and stands in the South of Romania, 75km from the border with Bulgaria and over 275km away from Moldova. Blad the Impaler, a Wallachian ruler and national hero, founded the Romania capital city in 1459. Since then, it has been ruled by Ottomans, Habsburg, Russians, and even Germans. Additionally, the country was a Socialist Republic from 1947 to 1989. Therefore, the places to visit in Bucharest include many heritage remnants from its diverse historical past. Expect so many Byzantine, Art Nouveau and Neoclassical buildings to grant Bucharest the nickname of ‘Little Paris’. 

Yet, it’s not only wonderful buildings that Bucharest has to offer. In this lively city you’ll also find beautiful parks, vibrant nightlife, restaurants, cool restaurants, and great museums. Get ready to explore the fourth largest city in the European Union with this list of what to do in Bucharest.

Unmissable things to do in Bucharest

1. Bucharest Parliament, the People’s House of Romania

Every list of what to see in Bucharest should start with the city’s parliament, also known as the People’s House of Romania. That’s because this is the world’s second biggest parliament building, only behind the White House in Washington. It’s so huge it’s actually the world’s heaviest building, featuring over 330,000m2 and 3,000 rooms of marble and steel, most of which are underground. 

Back in the 1980s, the communist dictator Nicolae Ceausescu aimed to redesign the entire city and show off to the world how successful his country was. This led to the destruction of many existing neighborhoods and put over 20,000 builders and 700 architects at work. The plan was inspired by Kim Il-sung’s palaces in Pionyang and took over 13 years to complete.

Along that time many romanians faced poverty and lots where starved to dead while over 700,000 tonnes of steel and bronze where placed into the palace, so the building is quite controversial. Nevertheless, the building is now home to Romania’s parliament. Visitors can book a guided tour to enjoy the building to its fullest. Just make sure to bring along your passport for security reasons.

Expect a small art museum, an atomic bunker, catacombs, ballrooms, restaurants, libraries, parking lots, concert halls, and even a swimming pool. All decorated with crystal chandeliers, marble columns. Despite the building not being fully finished and the tragedy brought by its construction, visiting the People’s House of Romania (or staring at it for a good while) is one of the best things to do in Bucharest.

2. Old Town

Bucharest’s Old Town is one of those Bucharest sights among the best places to visit in Romania. Known as Centrul Vechi, it’s the city’s earliest settlement dating back to the 15th century. It survived Ceausescu’s rebranding of the city and although some facades are almost in pieces others have been restored and shine bright. Thus, walking along its cobble streets, mostly renovated in 2011, is an absolute delight. 

This maze of narrow pedestrian extends from Dambovita river to Calea Victoriei, Bulevardul Brătianu, and Regina Elisabeta streets. It’s the liveliest district in the city and a favorite among tourists and locals. Here stand many baroque and neoclassical buildings along with nice bookshops, restaurants, and cafes serving the best coffee in Bucharest.

The highlights what to see in Bucharest’s old town include Curtea Veche, which is a museum on the city’s foundation by Vlad the Impaler. The famous umbrella alley on Pasajul Victoria, the vibrant nightlife in Lipscani street, the fancy buildings along Calea Victoriei, and the arcades at Macca-Vilacrosse passage are also a must. And so are Cantacuzino Palace, CEC Palace, Coltea Hospital, Royal Palace, and the Central Library. A wonderful way to discover the old town is wondering around without a map and finding your own favourite spots in Bucharest.

3.  Arch of Triumph

Bucharest built its first Arch of Triumph out of wood in 1878. Later on, in 1936, a granite one dedicated to the soldiers fighting in WWI substituted it and still stands in Bucharest city center. You’ll find it in the middle of the roundabout uniting boulevards Kiseleff, Mareșal Alexandru and Alexandru Constantinescu. 

This stunning 27-meter-high arch is features sculptures by notable local artists and serves as the central point for military parades. It also offers wonderful views over the city, yet it’s only open on special holidays and events. Nevertheless, admiring the arch near or afar is a must when visiting Bucharest.

4. Romanian Athenaeum

This list of what to visit in Bucharest would be incomplete without the Romanian Athenaeum, which is the city’s most prestigious concert hall. And one of the best places to visit in Bucharest for architecture and music lovers as it’s the oldest cultural institution in Bucharest and holds a label of European Heritage sites.

Architecture wise, this 19th century building resembles an ancient Greek temple, ionic columns and dom included. Inside the neoclassical building visitors will find a lobby with gold-leaf ceilings, spiral marbled staircases, and cascading balconies. There’s also a 70-metre-long and 3-metre-high fresco featuring twenty five different scenes from Romania’s history. These begin with Trajan’s conquest of Dacia and end with 1918’s realization of Greater Romania. Since its restoration in 1992 this might well be the nicest building to visit in Bucharest, and you can book a tour to make the most of it here.

In terms of music, the Romanian Athenaeum is home to the George Enescu Philharmonic Orchestra. Since its opening in 1888 it has become a symbol of Romania’s culture and of Romanians’ love for music. Tickets are quite affordable and available here or at the opera’s box office.

5. Revolution Square

Revolution Square is one of those Bucharest attractions that visitors can’t miss because it’s both home to relevant local buildings and the scenario of city-changing events. Back in the days this was Palace Square as it’s very close to the city’s old Royal Palace, currently hosting the National Museum of Art. Yet, in 1989 its name changed to Revolution Square as it was the epicenter of Romania’s Christmas Revolution that ended the communist rule in the country.

Bucharest’s and Ceaușescu’s history is closely tied to this square. This is where he reached his highest popularity in 1968 when condemning the Soviet invasion of Czechoslovakia and announcing Romania’s independence from the Kremlin. However, it is also where he addressed its citizens for the very last time on 21 December 1989, only four days before being detained and executed. Back then, over 100,000 romanians stood against Ceausescu leading an anti-communist revolution that forced him to flee. Over 1,000 people lost their life in this revolution, and over 3,000 were injured. Yet, it succeeded and on 25 December 1989 Nicolae Ceaușescu and his wife were tried and executed. 

Nowadays, those visiting the square will get a feel of its historical significance. Make sure to admire the Monument of Rebirth, a bronze sculpture built in 2005 which includes the names of those victims of the revolution. Locals call it potato on a stick (you will see the resemblance) and although it was once bandalised with a ballon of red paint, its splatter was never removed as it’s meant to add significance (i.e. blood) to the monument. In any case, strolling around the square is one of the best things to do in Bucharest.

6. Bucharest Markets

Bucharest is a city of merchants and as such there’s no shortage of lively markets in town. These make a great spot for people watching, interacting with locals, and getting a feel of the real life in Romania’s capital. Simultaneously, local markets are ideal for those looking to buy tasty local produce, find unique souvenirs, take pictures, and spend sometime shopping around. 

The best farmers market to visit in Bucharest is Amzei Market. It stands close to the Ateneu and is open daily from 6am. The ebay time to visit is around midday, when all stalls are at full capacity. Beware of the closing hours, as these are 9pm on weekdays, 7pm on Saturdays and 3pm on Sundays. 

Alternatively, those willing to try some traditional foods should visit Matache Market, also known as Piata Matache. This one stands close to the Military Museum and is open daily from 7am, closing at 6pm on weekdays, 4pm on Saturdays and 2pm on Sundays. Additionally, check out Obor Market for the most unique local items and clothing. It’s also open daily till mid-afternoon and stands on Piata Obor. Finally, FIX at Piata de Flori is Bucharest’s most famous flower market and a must see in Bucharest for those who love its view and smell.

7. Manuc’s Inn

Bucharest hosts one of Europe’s final caravanserais, the famous accommodation halls that hosted international traders and their animals back in the days. As if you were in Marrakech, Fes, or Kyrgyzstan, one of the coolest things to see in Bucharest is indeed Manuc’s Inn. 

The Armenian Merchant Manuc Bei built it in 1802 and it soon became Bucharest’s business hub. It features a large central courtyard where goods and animals used to be stores. Further up there’s two levels of wooden galleries hosting the old sleeping areas and kitchen. A really beautiful spot that after a recent restoration has become a restaurant serving traditional Romanian and Balkan cuisine accompanied by folk music and dancing. A great spot to spend the night and one of the most special fun things to do in Bucharest.

8. Carturesti Carusel

Cartuseri Carusel is a very famous bookshop in Bucharest. There’s actually a whole chain of them. Yet, the one among the best things to do in Bucharest stands in Strada Lipscani 55 and is open daily from 10am till 10pm. 

This impressive bookshop occupies a 19th century building with stunning spiral staircases and curved balconies, so is a must see on its own. Additionally, what makes the booksho s special is that it hosts over 10,000 books within 1,000m2 spread across six floors. Most of these books are written in Romanian, but you’ll also find some copies in English and other foreign languages in the international section. The store also sells albums and DVDs, and features a beautiful reading area usually hosting media presentations. Additionally, there’s a top-floor cafe with nice views over the old town. 

Carturesti Carusel is thus one of the world’s most beautiful bookstores. During communist times the government confistaced and nationalized the building, making it a general store. However, after the government’s fall the old owners claimed it back and restored it. Since 2007, the bookstore is open again and shines brighter than ever, so make sure to pay it a visit.

9. Go underground

As it is the case in many ex-communist countries such as Armenia, or Kazakhstan, exploring the metro is one of the best things to do in Bucharest. Additionally, the metro makes a great way to move around the city, is open from the early morning until late, and is really affordable. 

The architecture of its main stations include true real gems designed in the 1970s and 1980s well worth seeing. The nicest are Tita, Universitate, Gara de Nord, and Eroliolor.

10. Communist Tour

One of the best things to do in Bucharest is take a guided tour of the city’s communist past. There’s many great communist tours, and you can check their availability and prices here. Plus, some tours will even let you take a ride on an old communist car, which I keep as one of my most fond memories of Bucharest.

These will take you around the old town and nearby streets while showing you the many buildings and remnants that still stand from the communist times. What makes the tours really worth it is the many stories and context tour guides provide while exploring the city. The history, the political figures, the local people’s struggles, and many fascinating stories come alive during these tours which makes them one of the best activities in Bucharest.

11. Taste Romanian food and wine

One of the greatest things what to do in Bucharest Romania is to indulge trying lots of delicious Romanian food. Sampling the local cuisine is a highlight when traveling and Bucharest is no exception to the rule. 

Romanian cuisine is strongly influenced by that of the Balkans and consists in tones of vegetables, fruit, meat, and dairy. The most popular Romanian dishes everyone should try are to ensure they are having the best food in Bucharest are:

• Sarmale cu Mamaliguta: cabbage rolls stuffed with ground meat
• Mici cu Mustar: grilled sausages similar to cevapci
• Pastrama de Oaie cu Mamaligutā: Polenta with lamb pastrami
• Papanasi cu Smîntînā: cheese Doughnuts with Sweet Cream
• Plăcinte cu brânză: fried bread and sweet cheese 

Many of the best restaurants in Bucharest are located in the old town. Here and along Strada Episcopiei you’ll also find great bars in Bucharest. Some of the best places to eat in Bucharest are Gastronomika, La Mama, Pescarus and GRAM Bistro. Those looking for international cuisine will the best burgers in Bucharest in Burgeria Știrbei by Malacu while buoni e bravi serves some of the best pizza in Bucharest. Enjoy!

Best churches to visit in Bucharest

12. Stavropoleos Church

Stavropoleos is one the tiniest and most beautiful churches to visit among Bucharest sights. You’ll find it in the Old Town and it’s open to visitors daily from 7am to 8pm free of charge. 

A Greek monk built the church in 1724 in a wonderful mix of Romanian and Byzantine styles. It stands out for its stone and wood carvings, courtyard, and frescos. Although the church was destroyed by an earthquake and rebuilt several times, this unique Eastern Orthodox Church houses a large collect of books on Byzantine music and serves as a concert venue. Make sure to check whether there are any ongoing concerts during your Bucharest holiday.

13. Hidden Churches of Bucharest

Back in the communist days practicing a religion was strictly forbidden and many churches were destroyed along communist lands. In Bucharest, however, locals managed to spare some churches of Ceausescu’s destruction by moving them, stone by stone, to hidden locations. Therefore, nowadays, exploring the city in search of hidden churches is one of the best things to do in Bucharest. 

Among these relocated 17th and 18th century churches, make sure to lookout for the following. Firstly, Kretzulescu Church, an Eastern Othodox church in Brâncovenesc style standing on Calea Victoriei. Secondly,  Antim Church, a monastery fo great iconography close to the Parliament. Finally, Biserica Doamnei, perfectly hidden in a Pizza Hut parking lot at the crossing between  Regina Elizabeta boulevard and the Doamnei Street. These are all worth the detour because of their red brick walls, decorated interiors, and fascinating histories.

14. Palace and Cathedral of the Patriarchy

The Palace of the Patriarchy and the Cathedral of the Patriarchy are two of the main religious Bucharest sights to see. Both stand side by side on Mitropoliei Hill. And exploring same is one of the top things to do in Bucharest to appreciate the city’s sacred heritage. 

The Palace of the Patriarchy, built in 1908, hosts the administrative offices of the Romanian Patriarchate. Therefore, it’s closed to the public unless used as a conference center or event venue. Despite visitors not being allowed inside, exploring the surrounding of the palace is among the best things to do in Bucharest as it’s really beautiful. 

On the contrary, the Cathedral of the Patriarchy is open to the public on a regular basis. This one is much older as it dates from 1654 and is still functioning as a church. Appreciate its huge bell tower and beautiful restored frescoes. The place is a pilgrimage hotspot on Palmsunday, the centerpiece of the Romanian Orthodox faith so do not miss it.

Top museums to visit in Bucharest

15. Dimitrie Gusti National Village Museum

This open air museum in Herastrau Park depicts Romania’s traditional way of life from the 17th century until the present. Thus, it’s the perfect place to get a glimpse of the country without having to leave Bucharest. The museum features nearly 350 traditional Romanian buildings including peasant homes, cabins, churches, workshops, mills, and thatched barns. Along with over 50,000 pottery goods, cooking items, farming tools and traditional artifacts. 

This is one of the must visit places in Bucharest for those willing to learn more about the farming and agricultural life in Romania. Here you’ll see representations of the different Romanian regions, including their own unique traditions, clothing, and arts. Additionally, as the national village opened in 1936 it’s one of the oldest ethnographic museums in Europe. It’s open daily from 9am to 5pm on Mondays and till 7pm every other day. Tickets can be purchased at the door or online here.

16. National Museum of Romanian History

The National Museum of Romanian History is open from 10am to 6pm Wednesday to Sunday, and the entrance fee is $4.50. If this suits and you are interested in learning a bout the country’s history, head to this stunning neoclassical building that was once the headquarters of the Romanian postal service.

Nowadays, and since 1970, the museum displays fascinating Romanian historical exhibits from the prehistoric times to the modern era. Visitors will enjoy Neolithic artifacts, Romanian Crown Jewels, stone artifacts, war art, toys, ceremonial swords, and travel dinnerware.

The museum’s highlight is the 4th-century gold collection from the Pietroasele Treasures, which was the world’s largest gold fortune until Tutankhamen’s tomb was unearthed. This includes twelve Gothic gold items from the Chernyakhov culture and is really unique. Additionally, the museum is home to a massive replica of Trajan’s Column, originally built in the 2nd-century to honour this Roman emperor for defeated Romania’s ancient Dacian tribes.

17. Sighet Memorial Exhibition

The Sighet Memorial Exhibition is one of Bucharest’s first communism exhibitions. It showcases the beginning of communism in the country, how it got enforced, how locals lived during those times and the revolution that led to its withdrawal. Therefore, this museum is one of the best places to visit in Bucharest to learn about the country’s past in an informative yet entertaining manner. It’s similar to some of the exhibitions available through Bosnia Herzegovina in Sarajevo and Mostar, or those in Tirana, Albania’s capital. 

Get ready to learn about how Romania became Soviet’s satellite state, looked by Joseph Stalin in so many ways. Local industries were nationalized, practicing a religion got strongly forbidden, re-education programmes were established, etc. Within the museum you’ll find lots of interesting images, documents, and representations of those times. The exhibition is open daily from 10am to 6pm and is totally free to visit. Much recommended, even if it’s just for a quick visit. 

Nicest parks to unwind in Bucharest

18. Herāstrāu Park

Herastrau Park, with 187 hectares, is the largest park in Bucharest. Therefore, it’s the best place among Bucharest tourist attractions to enjoy a relaxing walk and escape the hustle and bustle of the city. The park hosts a stunning lake with a perimeter of over 7km, a river, and a promenade perfect for jogging and cycling. 

Expect lots of Romanian food stalls, picnic areas, children playgrounds, and beautiful statues and fountains. There’s also a wonderful Japanese garden and a huge rose garden. Additionally, the parks hosts a few museums including the Dimitrie Gusti National Village Museum discussed above. Consequently, this is one of the best parks in Bucharest and one not to be missed.

19. Cișmigiu Garden

Cismigiu Gardens is the oldest park in Bucharest, dating back to the 19th century. When visiting Bucharest, make sure to spare some time to enjoy this outdoor delight. The park is very central and open 24/7.

The gardens feature over 30,000 plants transported both from the Romanian mountains and botanical gardens in Vienna. There’s also a beautiful lake transformed into an ice-rink during the winter, nice restaurants and a kid’s playground.

20. Botanical Gardens

Bucharest’s Botanical Gardens opened in the 1890s and host over 5,000 plant spices along 17 hectares. The places is open from 8am until 8pm every day and the entrance fee is $1.10, while another $0.50 are due to enter the greenhouses in the botanical garden Bucharest.

Within its grounds you’ll find tropical and sub-tropical spices, exotic flowers, fruit trees, and even an informative museum. Therefore, if you love special plants and are looking to spend some time outdoors during your trip, add the Botanical gardens to your Bucharest places to visit.

Recap on the best things to do in Bucharest

A trip to Bucharest is always a great idea as there’s things to do in Romania Bucharest to satisfy every traveler. History lovers will fall for its Parliament, Revolution Square, and Sighet Memorial and communist tours. Foodies will have a great time trying local cuisine and spending an evening in restaurants such as Manuc’s Inn. Architecture fans will enjoy the old town, the rch of Triumph and the hidden churches. While nature lovers can’t missHerastrau Park, the Cismigiu gardens north the Dimitrie Gusti National Village.

Hope this post have helped you navigate them and tailor your idea Bucharest itinerary. If you have any additional questions, leave a comment below or DM me on my Instagram or Tiktok pages. Wish you all safe travels and a wonderful time in Bucharest Romania.