Long under dictatorial influence, Romania wasn't exactly one of Europe's ideal destinations. But that was before! The country is gradually rebuilding itself, revealing its many fascinating facets to the curious. From its history and crafts to its astonishing museums, the country's capital, Bucharest, immerses you for a weekend in a fascinating universe. Find out what to do in Bucharest in 3 days, during a stay in one of Europe's least expensive destinations!
Day 1: What to do in Bucharest in 3 days? Old Town, Lipscani, Cișmigiu Park and Parliament Palace
From the Old Town to one of the city's most beautiful parks, via the Palace of Parliament, your stay in Bucharest is off to a great start!
Top rated guided tour: Click here to book your guided walking tour of Bucharest's most beautiful spots.
Morning: Old Town, Calea Victoriei, Lipscani district
Old Town is the most authentic part of Bucharest. Although modernity is gradually making inroads here, the streets are still imbued with the atmosphere of yesteryear, right down to the walls of the Haussmann buildings. One of the most astonishing (and magnificent!) spots is undoubtedly the Macca-Vilacrosse passage. In the style of the Paris passages, it is divided into two corridors lined with cafés and topped with glass roofs. The effect is striking!
Return to the open air to admire other treasures in the heart of the city, such as the Arc de Triomphe and the Romanian Athenaeum romanian Athenaeum. The latter, with its magnificent dome and frescoes depicting the history of Romania, is clearly one of Bucharest's must-sees.
Your footsteps will then take you to Victory Street (Calea Victoriei), famous for its beautiful period buildings and the many sights on offer. From the Museum of the Old Princely Court to the Cantacuzino Palace, via the National Museum of Romanian Art, you're likely to be here for a long time!
It's only natural that you should arrive in Bucharest's most emblematic district: Lipscani. Superbly preserved in the architectural style of yesteryear, it immerses you in a more relaxed atmosphere than other parts of the city. It's a great place to shop, have a drink and even party the night away.
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Afternoon: Cișmigiu Park, Parliament Palace
The cișmigiu Park is ideal for a picnic based on local delicacies, or to treat yourself to a digestive stroll. Appreciated by locals in winter for its lake transformed into a giant ice rink, it's even more beautiful in summer. Here and there, you'll find sculptures of writers' busts and the Monument des héros Français. 100% bucolic, it's a park that's a pleasure to stroll around in love or with the family. The lake, the little stream, the romantic bridges, the colorful flowers: everything is there to make you spend a magical moment.
Without wishing to break the mood, it's time to visit another Bucharest must-see: the Palace of Parliament. The brainchild of the dictator Ceaucescu's dreams of grandeur, it remains an impressive building in terms of its immensity and architecture. Although it recalls a sad episode in the lives of Bucharest's inhabitants, it makes for an interesting visit, a real plunge into the country's fairly recent history.
Tip from Petit Futé: in season, the Palace of Parliament can be very crowded. We recommend that you opt for tickets with a guided tour by booking here for example, to save you time.
Day 2: What to do in Bucharest in 3 days? Romanian Village Museum and Romanian Peasant Museum
The atmosphere on this second day is one of time travel. Immerse yourself in the everyday life of Romanians in days gone by, in these must-see museums in Romania!
What to book: Visit Bucharest's Village Museum, a time capsule in the heart of the urban jungle, by booking here.
Morning: Romanian Village Museum
Visit romanian Village Museum is well worth a 3-4 hour visit. Set in the open air, it literally plunges you into the daily lives of Romanians from another era. Here, authenticity is paramount. Over an area of 100,000m², you'll discover a total of 340 period buildings: mills, farms, handicrafts - you name it! Every nook and cranny is perfectly reconstructed to show you that this unusual Bucharest museum is run by enthusiasts. The décor, reconstructions and everyday objects make visitors feel fully immersed in the atmosphere. A must-do during your 3-day visit to Bucharest!
Good to know: No visa required! French citizens can travel to Romania for stays of less than 90 days simply by presenting their passport or identity card.
Afternoon: Romanian Peasant Museum
Stay on theme with a visit to the romanian Peasant Museumwhich is fully linked to the open-air museum visited in the morning. The neo-Romanian building is already superb. Push open the doors and you'll discover a joyful mix ofobjects linked to the Romanian peasant world. Architecture, handicrafts and local folklore are the focus of a rich and varied collection. Part of the museum is also devoted to exhibiting paintings and sculptures dating from the Communist era.
Good to know the museum is closed on Mondays and Tuesdays. Keep this in mind if you're visiting Bucharest on these days!
Day 3: What to do in Bucharest in 3 days? Muzeul Micul Paris, Stavropoleos Church, Parc Herăstrău and thermal baths
Your stay will soon be coming to an end, but before you leave, we've got some great surprises in store for you!
Morning: Muzeul Micul Paris, Stavropoleos Church, Museum of the History of the Romanian Jewish Community
Did you know that Bucharest was nicknamed Petit Paris (Micul Paris)? We've seen it with its covered passageway, Haussmann buildings and Arc de Triomphe: the influence is definitely there! And it's fully in evidence at Muzeul Micul Paris, which immerses you in the Parisian world of the turn of the century. It's like stepping into an old French movie! The objects, the decor, everything is designed to immerse you in a chic, refined Parisian universe.
Just a two-minute walk away, you'll find the charming stavropoleos church. Small and charming, it's a real eye-catcher. Its architecture is absolutely magnificent, accentuated by beautiful frescoes and a flower-filled cloister that invites you to stroll around.
Finally, you can end your morning at one of two museums:
- The Museum of the History of the Romanian Jewish Community, whose collection includes pictorial art and everyday objects, tracing the history of the Jewish community.
- The National Art Museum, housed in the Royal Palace. It exhibits works of medieval Romanian art, modern Romanian art and European art.
A final Romanian meal before a relaxing afternoon!
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Afternoon: Parc Herăstrău and Bucharest thermal baths
If the restaurant doesn't tempt you, you can enjoy a picnic in the superb Parc Herăstrău. Since it's located next to the Park of King Michael I of Romania, you can take the opportunity to stroll through both, if you feel like it. A stroll on foot, a boat trip on the lake, a stroll in the heart of bucolic flowery vegetation... everything is there to offer you a pretty bubble of serenity.
Don't wait too long, however, as you may want to spend a long time at the bucharest thermal bathsdivided into three zones:
- The Palm: huge pools set amidst an exotic backdrop of palm trees.
- The Elypsium zone: swimming pool, sauna, massage (a lovely program, exclusively for adults!).
- The Galaxy area: a large swimming pool and 16 slides to keep the kids happy.
A great way to round off 3 days in Bucharest!
To book: Book your ticket your ticket to the Thermes București, located just outside Bucharest. The fare includes round-trip transportation from several pick-up locations around the city.
Good to know: most tours can be made on foot, by bus or metro. For destinations a little further afield, you'll find many affordable cabs in town.
Where to stay in Bucharest for 3 days? Our selection of the best hotels
The area around Place Unirii looks like an ideal place to spend a few days. To help you make your choice anywhere in the city, here's our selection of hotels in Bucharest, so you can pack your bags for your cheap weekend in Europe.
- The best value for money
For an extremely reasonable price, the MOXA Bucharest Boutique Hotel welcomes you in refined, elegant surroundings. The staff are always ready to listen, in this magnificent hotel in an ideal location. A must-book here.
- The quietest
Far from the hustle and bustle of the high streets, theEpoque Hotel immerses you in the Paris of yesteryear. Each room, decorated according to its own color code, offers comfort, calm and refinement. Book this magnificent Bucharest hotelhere.
- The cheapest
Put down your suitcases in Bucharest for less than €30 at theAntique Hostel! Simple and efficient, this youth hostel offers private or shared rooms and bathrooms. Click here to enjoy a friendly atmosphere at a low price.
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Romania is a country with a thousand facets, an ideal destination for a stopover duringa road trip by car or a trip in a van. It's an interesting change of scenery, an inexpensive destination with everything you could wish for! Generally speaking, the countries of Eastern Europe have gradually become perfect vacation destinations. Easily accessible, they open up new horizons, off the beaten track. Will you be tempted?
Here are the trendiest things to do in Bucharest over a two- or three-day weekend:
