3 Days In Bucharest: An Itinerary for Exploring Romania’s Capital 

Are you planning to spend 3 days in Bucharest this Summer, but not sure how to make the most of your time?  

Bucharest was the first stop on our two-week road trip around Romania.  We were there for 2 days, and still, to this day, I regret not staying longer.  Romania’s Capital is so underrated!  If I had my time again, this is how I would spend 3 days in Bucharest.  

3 Days in Bucharest Itinerary

Day 1: Explore Bucharest’s Old Town & Top Attractions

Just like you can’t go to Sydney without visiting the Sydney Opera House or Paris without seeing the Eiffel Tower, you can’t go to Bucharest without exploring the Old Town.

Catering largely to tourists, it’s not the most authentic Romanian experience.  But the area played a very important role in the city’s history, so you would be missing out on the full picture if you didn’t visit.  

Morning: Free Walking Tour

A free walking tour is the perfect introduction to a new city. 

I recommend this Story of Bucharest tour by Walkabout.  Our guide took us to the main sights in the Old Town and delivered the history behind each place in such an engaging way.  

By the end of the tour, you’ll understand why Bucharest’s architecture feels so mismatched and have a newfound appreciation for the locals after learning about everything they’ve been through.  

Despite their past struggles, Romanians were some of the friendliest people we’ve met on our travels!  

The tour starts daily at 10:30 am by the fountains in Unirii Square and finishes around 1:30 pm at Revolution Square.   

Note: These tours are tips-based, so make sure you have cash. You can tip as much as you like.   I try to give at least the equivalent of 10 euros.

Lunch: Traditional Romanian cuisine at Caru cu Bere

After all that walking, you deserve a nice lunch!  

We had never tried Romanian cuisine before, and the walking tour guide recommended Caru cu Bere.

The restaurant was first opened in 1879 and has retained its old-age charm with its neo-gothic wooden panels and stained glass windows.  

We were overwhelmed by how much choice there was on the food menu but eventually settled on the famous skinless mici sausages and ciorba soup in a bread bowl, and we were happy with our order 🙂

Other Romanian specialities you can try here are the slow-roasted pork knuckle or papanasi donuts with jam and cream. 

⚡️ TIP:  We managed to get an outdoor table without trouble.  But if you want to sit inside, especially to enjoy the live entertainment, I highly recommend making a reservation beforehand.   Click here to book a table

Afternoon: Palace of Parliament and the MNAC Roof Terrace

Spend the rest of the afternoon visiting the Palace of Parliament – the heaviest and most expensive building in the world. 

As impressive as the building looks from the outside (and inside), it’s important to remember that there were a lot of sacrifices made at the expense of the Romanian people to complete its construction during the Communist regime. 

It’s only possible to see the inside of the Palace of Parliament with a guided tour. It costs 60 RON per person and takes about an hour. Expect to pay extra to take photos.   

⚡️ TIP:  There are companies that offer “skip-the-line” tickets, but you’ll be paying triple the price.

To avoid queuing and paying extra, book a guided tour by contacting the following numbers:  +40 733 558 102 or +40 733 558 103. Email cic.vizite@cdep.ro for group bookings of 10 or more people. 

All bookings must be made 24 hours in advance between 9:00 am and 4:00 pm.  

Unless you’ve never visited anything like it before (think the Palace of Versailles in Paris or Charlottenburg Palace in Berlin), then I would personally skip the tour. 

Instead, head to the National Museum of Contemporary Art (MNAC) in the back wing of the Palace of Parliament.  You can access it from Gate B3 on Calea 13 Septembrie.  

The MNAC has 3 floors of modern art featuring work by artists from all over the country.  

On the top floor, there’s a rooftop terrace with a cafe where you can enjoy lovely views of the Palace of Parliament from a different perspective.

The museum is only open from Wednesday to Sunday between 11:00 am and 6:30 pm.  Tickets cost 32 RON.  Click here to buy tickets

⚡️ TIP:  Admission to the MNAC is free on the first Wednesday of each month.

✌🏼 Alternative Option: 
If there’s a massive queue to get into the Palace of Parliament or the art museum is closed, head back to Old Town and spend a couple of hours at the Museum of Communism where you can experience what life was like for locals during this time, including trying the Romanian substitute for coffee “nechezol”.

Dinner: Traditional Romanian Cuisine at Hanu’ lui Manuc

Take a stroll along the tree-lined Bulevardul Unirii as you make your way back to Old Town for dinner. 

Another institution for traditional Romanian food in Bucharest is Hanu’ lui Manuc.  Built in 1808, it’s one of the oldest inns in Europe.  

There are several dining areas.  I recommend sitting in the beer garden or balcony. Usually, around 8:00 pm most evenings, there are live music and folk dancing performances.  

Then I would order everything I wanted to eat but didn’t get to try at Caru cu Bere earlier! 

👉🏼 Click here to make a reservation

Evening: Unirii Water Fountains Show

Did you know that Bucharest holds the Guinness World Record for the longest choreographed fountain display?

Between May to October – on Friday, Saturday and Sunday evenings – at around 9:00 pm, there’s a free multimedia show at the water fountains in Piata Unirii.  

Each show goes for 45 minutes. The water fountains change colour and dance in time to the music in a spectacular fashion. 

What a way to end your first day in Bucharest!

Day 2: Victory Avenue, King Michael I Park and the Arcul de Triumf 

Bucharest was sweltering hot in July when we visited.  

Luckily for the locals, there are plenty of parks in the city that provide much-needed respite from the heat. 

Today is all about getting active and spending some time outdoors.

Morning: Victory Avenue

Start the day with a bike ride down Victory Avenue (Calea Victoriei), Bucharest’s oldest street.  

The locals like to call it their “Champs-Elysee”. It’s full of restaurants, shops and some of the city’s most notable landmarks.

Pick up your bike from Bike The City at 10:00 am.  Prices start from 75 RON per day. 

There are also i’Velo public bike stations located throughout the city.  Just keep in mind that these do not come with bike helmets. (It’s not mandatory to wear helmets while cycling in Romania unless you’re less than 14 years old.)

Riding along Victory Ave is easier than it sounds because there is a dedicated bike lane.  

Keep following the bike lane until you reach Piata Victoriei, then switch to the bike lane on Bulevardul Aviatorilor.  When you reach the Crucea Secolului Monument, turn left to enter King Michael I Park. 

Without stopping, the entire bike ride should take about 30 minutes.  

Some highlights to look out for during your ride include Cantacuzino Palace, the Romanian Athenaeum and the National Military Circle. 

⚡️ TIP:  Every weekend in Summer, the city hosts a large outdoor event called Open Streets.  Part of Victory Avenue becomes pedestrian-only spaces from 10:00 am to 10:00 pm to make way for live performances, exhibitions and workshops.   If you’re lucky enough to visit during this time, I highly recommend walking rather than cycling so that you can join in on the festivities.  

Lunch: Picnic or Lakeside Lunch at King Michael I Park

King Michael I Park is the biggest park in Bucharest. It’s huge!

Set aside an hour to complete the bike circuit around Lake Herastrau.

You’ll come across several lakeside restaurants with outdoor terraces for lunch. 

⚡️ TIP:  If you have the budget for it, Hiro Bay does an all-you-can-eat buffet brunch on Sundays between 12:00 pm and 5:00 pm for 299 RON per person (about £50).   

Alternatively, before you enter the park, make a detour to BOB coffee lab near Piata Charles de Gaulle to grab some takeaway sandwiches and cookies for a picnic. 

Afternoon: Dimitrie Gusti National Village Museum and Elizabeth Palace

After lunch, check out the Dimitrie Gusti National Village Museum in the park.  It’s an open-air museum displaying hundreds of historic buildings that have been physically transported from different rural villages across the country.  This includes entire farmhouses, windmills and wooden churches.  Admission costs 30 RON.  Click here to buy tickets

Nearby is the Elizabeth Palace, the current residence of the former royal family.  In 1947, King Michael I was forced to give up his throne by the Communist regime.  His eldest daughter, Queen Margareta, was able to reclaim the palace when she returned to Romania in 2001.  

⚡️ TIP:  From July to September every year, Elizabeth Palace is open to the public on Friday, Saturday and Sunday between 10:00 am – 1:00 pm and 2:00 pm – 5:00 pm.   Tickets cost 40 RON.  

Other activities in the King Michael I Park include pedal-boating, kayaking, tennis and outdoor theatre. 

Evening: Panoramic View from the Arcul de Triumf 

Once you’re done exploring the park, exit on Aleea Michael Jackson to the Arcul de Triumf. 

The Arcul de Triumf was built in 1920 to honor Romania’s victory in World War I.  

Between June and October, on Saturdays and Sundays from 2:00 pm to 9:00 pm, you can climb to the top of the arch for lovely views of the city.  

It’s not as big as the Arc de Triomphe in Paris, but it’s still worth a visit.  Just be careful crossing the road during peak hour traffic times!

⚡️ TIP: The 1st of December is a national holiday in Romania to commemorate Great Union Day.  Crowds gather around the Arcul de Triumf to watch the annual military parade on this day.  

The bike shop closes at 7:00 pm.  So make your way back along the same bike path to return your bike before it closes.  

Dinner: Sunset Dinner at Linea Closer To The Moon Rooftop

End your day with dinner at Linea Closer To The Moon rooftop in Old Town. 

Grab a table on the outdoor terrace for the best view of the sunset.  

From Monday to Thursday evenings, they have performances by local musicians.  During the weekends, there’s a resident DJ.  

👉🏼 Click here to reserve a table

Day 3: Obor Markets and exploring Neighbourhoods beyond Bucharest Old Town

Today is Market Day! 

We’ll also explore two of Bucharest’s most charming neighbourhoods. 

Morning: Obor Market 

No visit to Bucharest is complete without stopping by the city’s iconic Obor Market. 

I think it’s one of the best ways to immerse yourself in a new travel destination. 

Having originated 300 years ago, it has grown into the largest market in Bucharest.  You can find everything from fresh produce, cured meats, household goods and souvenirs. 

Obor Market is open every day from 7:00 am until 7:00 pm (some stalls start packing up around 4:00 pm on weekends so I recommend getting there earlier rather than later).  

It’s easy to get there by public transport.  There are bus and tram stops right next to the market, or take the yellow line to Obor Metro Station, which is a 5-minute walk away.  

Lunch: Try the “Best” Mici at Teresa Obor

Ask any local, and they’ll tell you the best mici in town is from Teresa Obor. 

You can find the stall located in the Obor market outdoor terrace.  It’s cheap, delicious and worth the wait.  

⚡️ TIP:  Go on a weekday or arrive just before lunchtime to avoid the massive queues.   Bring cash because there’s no card payment facility.  

Early Afternoon: Explore the Cotroceni Neighbourhood

If you want to know what Bucharest looked like before Communism, then head to Cotroceni, the city’s most elegant neighbourhood.

The houses here are beautiful, and most of the streets are named after prominent doctors. 

The main attraction is Cotroceni Palace, where the current Romanian President lives.  You can’t visit his home, but you can visit the Cotroceni National Museum next door from Tuesday to Sunday, between 9:00 am and 5:00 pm.   Click here to book tickets.

Cotroceni is also fast becoming somewhat of a hipster neighbourhood with its thriving coffee scene.  I recommend Nine Bar Coffee Shop, but there are so many good choices in the area!

Other highlights include the Stairs of Happiness and the Botanical Gardens.

Late Afternoon: Break

Go back to your accommodation and change into something nice because we are about to embark on a fancy culinary experience …

Dinner: Fine Dining in Dorobanti

Dorobanti in North Bucharest is the posh neighbourhood for foodies.

We sadly didn’t make it here, but next time I find myself back in Bucharest (and I’ll be back), a fine-dining experience at Kaiamo is high on my bucket list.  

You can choose between a 9, 11, 15 or 20 course tasting menu.  Each dish is made up of local ingredients and traditional Romanian flavours presented in a creative way.  The photos and amazing reviews speak for themselves.   It’s making me hungry just thinking about it!

This experience isn’t the cheapest, but these memories will last a lifetime, and … when in Rome-ania, I say!

👉🏼 Click here to book your experience  

✌🏼 Alternative Option: 
For something more budget-friendly, head to the Universitate area next to the Old Town.  This is where all the local university students hang out, so eating out is much more affordable.  

👉🏼 For more inspiration on things to do in Bucharest, check out my 15 Things To Do In Bucharest, Romania’s Underrated Captial travel guide.

Day Trips from Bucharest

Why I DON’T Recommend Day Trips to Transylvania If You Only Have 3 Days in Bucharest 

One of the goals of my blog is to encourage a kinder and more intentional way to travel. 

You’ll often see companies offering day tours to Bran Castle, Brasov and the Transfagarasan Highway from Bucharest.  

But here’s the thing…

Unless your 3 days in Bucharest is your only chance to visit Romania ever (which I hope not because it’s such a beautiful country), I don’t recommend doing any day trips from Bucharest to Transylvania.

These places are NOT close to Bucharest.

Expect to spend at least 5 hours in transport, and only having a limited time to explore when you get there.  You’ll also have to deal with the crowds because every other tour bus gets there at the same time.  

I don’t know about you, but this does not sound fun at all. 

Transylvania is BEAUTIFUL, and trust me, it is definitely worth more of your time than just a day. 

👉🏼 For day trips from Bucharest that I do recommend, read my 5 Day Trips From Bucharest: Places To Visit (< 1 Hour) travel guide.

3 Days In Bucharest: FAQs

Is 3 days in Bucharest enough?

I think 3 full days is the minimum amount of time you should spend in Bucharest.  

It will allow you more time to explore beyond the Old Town, which – in my opinion – isn’t the best representation of everything this city has to offer. 

When is the best time to visit Bucharest?

This itinerary was based on 3 days in Bucharest during the Summer. But it’s relevant for shoulder months, too. 

May to October is usually when most of the attractions, like the Arcul de Triumf and Elizabeth Palace, are open.  Double-check schedules, as times vary.  

Weekends are the best time of the week to visit Bucharest when events like “Open Streets” and the Unirii Fountain show occur. 

This doesn’t mean that you shouldn’t visit in Winter.  

Winters in Bucharest usually mean fewer crowds and cheaper travel deals.  The city is covered in snow, and there’s a huge Christmas Market in front of the Palace of Parliament. 

How to get around Bucharest?

If you like walking, like we do, you could easily get in 20,000 steps a day just walking everywhere.  But we totally understand it’s not for everyone!

Bucharest is well connected by metro, bus and tram networks.

Check out this super helpful guide on Public Transport in Bucharest by Visit Bucharest.

For longer distances (for example, to the airport or bus stations), we found Ubers and Bolt a lot cheaper in Romania than in the UK and Australia. 

Final Thoughts: 3 Days In Bucharest

So, there you have it.  Based on everything I’ve learnt during my last visit, this is how I would spend 3 days in Bucharest next time I’m in the city. 

There’s so much to do in Bucharest.  I hope it’s given you some inspiration on what 3 days in Bucharest might look like for you. 

My itinerary encourages you to explore beyond the Old Town. It’s jam-packed, and you will be exhausted.  But remember to keep things flexible and leave room for travel serendipity. 

The beauty of Bucharest is that it’s full of hidden gems waiting to be discovered. 

Anyone who tells you that one day in Bucharest is enough, has not explored it properly.

Check out my other Romania Travel Guides 😊

• Two Week Romania Itinerary: 13 Places To Visit For First Timers
• 19 Things To Do In Brasov, My Favourite City In Romania
• 10 Things To Do In Sibiu, Romania’s Capital of Culture
• 12 Things To Do In Sighisoara, Romania’s Real-Life Fairytale
• 15 Things To Do In Cluj-Napoca, Romania’s Most Liveable City
• Transfagarasan Highway: Everything You Need To Know