Going on vacation in Romania doesn't seem obvious at first glance. The country's history doesn't abound with treasures from the past, as in Rome, for example. However, the country is just waiting to reveal its well-kept secrets to you, during a visit like no other. Bucharest, the country's capital, is one of the must-sees in Romania. In addition to its lively nightlife, you're invited to discover its Orthodox churches, museums and the Palace of Parliament. Discover Petit Futé's top 13 things to do in Bucharest, a city well worth spending at least two days in.
1. Stroll through Bucharest's Old Town
Top rated guided tour: Go here to book your guided walking tour of Bucharest's most beautiful spots.
It's great to stroll through the narrow streets of Bucharest's historic center. You'll discover a surprising mix of ancient and modern architecture, with Haussmann-style buildings and constructions from the Communist era. The Macca-Vilacrosse passage, renowned for its beautiful architecture, is one of the most beautiful places to see in the heart of the city!
Step by step, you'll discover many unsuspected treasures, such as the Arc de Triomphe, located on Place Charles de Gaulle, which looks a little like our Parisian monument. Also in the heart of the city, you'll find the Romanian Athenaeum, one of the city's most beautiful buildings, with its superb dome and frescoes retracing the history of Romania in its concert hall.
Good to know: if you'd like to visit the Athénée, make sure you get all the information you need, as visits are not possible during concerts or rehearsals.
2. Stroll along Avenue de la Victoire, the road of wonders
Close to theRomanian Athenaeumyou'll reach the famous Calea Victoriei, which promises plenty of photo opportunities and interesting sights. With its mix of historical and modern ambience, it leads you to a number of must-sees:
- the Museum of the Former Princely Court,
- cantacuzino Palace (magnificent villa of former Prime Minister Grigore Cantacuzino),
- revolution Square,
- the National Museum of Romanian Art,
- the National Military Circle.
So many great places to visit between two stores and a coffee break!
3. Discover the imposing and majestic Palace of Parliament
Do you see a huge white building with 1001 arches and windows? There's no doubt about it: this is the Palace of Parliament. The second largest administrative building in the world, it illustrates the dictator Ceaucescu's dreams of grandeur. Visiting this building is a bit like memory tourism, between historical interest and sadness... The dictator took advantage of a terrible earthquake to rebuild this villa according to his own ideas, inspired by those of his North Korean counterpart. To do so, he didn't hesitate to destroy inhabited houses, hospitals and much more. Keeping all this in mind is important... to never do it again.
To book: Join a guided tour of the Palace of Parliament, a must-see when visiting Bucharest, by booking here.
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4. Visit the Romanian Village Museum, the unusual ecomuseum in Bucharest
I've fallen in love with this open-air museum! The Romanian Village Museum (or Satului Museum) takes you on a journey back in time to discover Romania's rural way of life. Different eras, regions and cultures are explored by enthusiasts... and it shows! This charming outdoor museum gives you the impression of living in a real village, with its authentic houses.
Covering an area of 100,000 square meters, with 340 buildings on display, this museum is well worth a half-day visit. Everyday objects, houses, farms and even mills shape this unusual museum, a must-see during your visit to Bucharest!
To book : Visit the Bucharest Village Museum, a time capsule in the heart of the urban jungle, by booking here.
5. Shopping in the Lipscani district and street
As you stroll through the city center, including the Old Princely Court Museum, you come to Rue Lipscani. Once a working-class district, it has retained the authentic charm of another era. The buildings are very well preserved, the atmosphere 100% bohemian. If you love old town architecture and prefer to avoid neighborhoods that are too modern for your taste, you've found the perfect place. Cafés, restaurants and boutiques are gradually taking over the lipscani districtdistrict, making it one of the liveliest spots in the Romanian capital. Day or night, Lipscani offers 1001 pleasures, from shopping and partying to local delicacies!
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6. Amazement at Muzeul Micul Paris
Let's stay a little longer in the Lipscani district for one of Bucharest's most unusual visits. As you enter the Muzeul Micul Paris, you literally feel as if you've stepped aboard a time machine... In an old-fashioned setting, you'll discover an impressive collection of objects and clothes from another era... when Bucharest was known as Le Petit Paris. Parisian chic can be felt in every piece of lace and tapestry, and you'll be delighted to immerse yourself in an astonishing visit!
7. The Museum of the History of the Romanian Jewish Community, at the heart of history
Visiting Romania also means immersing yourself in a not-so-distant history. The museum of the History of the Jews in Romanialocated near Bucharest's historic center, is a perfect illustration of this. Housed in a former 19th-century synagogue, it is divided into three sections:
- the history of the Jewish community,
- pictorial art,
- everyday objects.
From religious objects to personal items such as a shofar and a tailor's kit from the early 20th century, the visit transports you to another era. The museum recalls the Jewish presence in Romania, which numbered 756,930 Jews in 1930. It also recalls the tragedies of the community, particularly during the pogroms of 1941. Upstairs, you'll find local art, including works by Romanian artists.
The article to read: Romania, country of a thousand facets
8. Take a relaxing break at Parc Herăstrău
Finally some greenery, and it's in one of the city's most beautiful parks! Located next to King Michael I of Romania Park, Parc Herăstrău is a natural wonder laid out at the gateway to the city. Superbly maintained, it gracefully immerses you in a world where trees, flowers and plants in all their splendor take pride of place. Strolls around the lake are extremely pleasant, but you can also rent a boat for a peaceful cruise. Easily accessible from the Aviatorilor metro station, this pretty park is a delight for children and parents alike.
Good to know: In summer, some of Bucharest's best nightclubs move to the lakeside. The atmosphere becomes electric, in a 100% unusual place to party!
9. Relax at the Bucharest thermal baths
Here's The Place To Be for families on vacation in Romania! Accessible via the Piata Romana metro station, the bucharest thermal baths are divided into three zones, each offering its own range of leisure activities. The most beautiful zone, which literally takes you on a journey, is Le Palm. Numerous palm trees create an absolutely magnificent exotic setting, surrounding huge pools. A complete change of scenery, this area is pure pleasure, a bubble of relaxation. As an added bonus, the bar is right next to the pool, so you can order your drink without even getting out of the water! Payment is easy: your wristband is beeped, and you pay as you exit. As for theGalaxy area and its 16 slides, they're sure to please the kids (and why not the parents too?). The hardest part will surely be convincing them to leave..
To book: Book your ticket for the Thermes București, located just outside Bucharest,right here . The fare includes round-trip transport from several pick-up points around the city.
Good to know: in this area you'll find access to hammams, with the added bonus of free treatments (ask about opening times).
Finally, the Elypsium zone is 100% reserved for adults. With its saunas and mineral pool, it's the ideal place to recharge your batteries, or even treat yourself to a massage. The open-air restaurant is a welcome bonus when the weather's nice!
10. Learn at the National Art Museum of Romania
Visit the national Art Museum of Romaniato visit the National Art Museum of Romania is also to step inside the incredible building that houses it: Bucharest's Royal Palace. The magnificent collections cover a wide range of subjects:
- romanian medieval art
- romanian modern art,
- european art.
Long closed for renovation after the 1989 revolution (it is located on the Place de la Révolution and was therefore particularly exposed), it has finally returned to us more beautiful and complete than ever.
This exceptionally large museum, which immerses you in both Romanian art and history, takes 2-3 hours to visit.
11. Visit the charming and unusual Stavropoleos Church
Rarely have we seen such a charming church! From its adorable cloister and murals to its richly decorated interior, this unusual little church is a marvel to behold. Initially, stavropoleos Church was originally built as an inn and monastery. Time and earthquakes took their toll over the years, before it was finally rebuilt. And thankfully so! Today, this little marvel is one of Bucharest's must-sees.
12. Discover the Romanian Peasant Museum, one of the best museums in Bucharest
In perfect continuity with the Romanian Village Museum, the National Museum of the Romanian Peasant plunges you into the country's ancestral daily life. In fact, why not visit them on the same day to keep with the theme? They're just 2.5 km apart on foot and around 3 km apart by car. By metro, the journey takes just 20 minutes.
The collection contains a veritable bric-a-brac of Romanian peasantry: costumes, partially restored houses, folklore, handicrafts: nothing is left to chance! Different regions and eras are represented, once again plunging visitors into a fascinating time-space rift.
Good to know: english signs explain what you're seeing, and French audio guides are also available.
Behind the museum, don't hesitate to push open the doors of the 18th-century church. It houses an attractive souvenir store and restaurant.
13. Escape to Parc Cișmigiu, between poetry and escape
A stream topped by a pretty bridge... Artistically planted flowers... Trees forming a plant arch... Welcome to the Cișmigiu Parkbucharest's oldest park. A veritable source of inspiration for local artists, it's also a popular place for Romanians and visitors alike to stroll, relax and escape. Let your steps guide you along the shady paths, admiring here and there busts of local writers, the Monument to French Heroes and pretty sculptures.
Good to know in winter, the frozen lake in Parc Cișmigiu turns into a giant ice rink!
Where to stay in Bucharest?
Considered one of the cheapest countries in Europe in which to travel, Romania has some fine hotels at low prices. Bucharest's Old Town and Unirii are the perfect places to base your suitcases, as close as possible to points of interest. The area around Parc Herăstrău is also well worth a visit.
- The best location
Elegant and modern, the Rosetti Hotel offers rooms with integrated kitchens. Travelers appreciate the comfort, as well as the location, with everything within walking distance. Book your room your room in Bucharest.
- The most luxurious
At the Grand Hotel Continental, you'll feel like you're in a golden bubble where luxury is everywhere. The old-fashioned charm of the decor adds to the chic ambience of this exceptional establishment, which you can book here.
- The most complete
For a reasonable rate, you can stay at the Parliament Hotel, which, as its name suggests, is located near the Palace of Parliament. From the restaurant to parking and airport transfers, the service is top-notch. Click here to book.
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What to do in Bucharest in the evening?
Bucharest comes alive at night, and there's something for everyone! As we mentioned earlier, the historic Lipscani district is renowned for its nightlife. Its bars and restaurants nestled in ancient buildings are sure to get your evening off to a great start. For a 100% party atmosphere, stay in Old Town (Centrul Vechi). Here, trendy bars and clubs like Control Club abound. But beware! Evenings in Bucharest are never complete without a visit to the Bamboo club, famous for its glamorous scene and late-night parties. In short (and against all odds), Romania's capital is a great place to party. So if you're looking for an original place to hold an EVJF or EVG, take a look!
Petit Futé Tip: In the mood to rock? Discover the Rock the City Tour, an English-language night tour of Bucharest for groups. All the best places to visit at night will be part of the program!
Whether you're looking for a long weekend in Europe or a starting point for a longer vacation in Romania, Bucharest is an interesting destination. Inexpensive, it's ideal for travellers who like to get off the beaten track. The best way to do this is toorganize a completeroad trip, or a tour of Europe by train. Bohemian travelers can opt for a tour of Europe in a van, and the program will be just as tempting!
Find out more about the trendiest things to do in Bucharest below:
