15 Things To Do In Bucharest, Romania’s Underrated Capital
First time in Romania, and looking for things to do in Bucharest?
We visited Bucharest during our two-week road trip around Romania last Summer. Here’s a comprehensive guide on things to do in Bucharest based on our experience and everything we discovered along the way.
But first, have you ever visited a place and regretted not staying longer?
That’s how I feel about Bucharest.
We were in Bucharest for only 2 days and trust me, this was not enough time to do the city justice! Romania’s capital city is bigger than we thought it would be.
At first glance, it lacks the charm of Transylvania. Sure, there are some really beautiful buildings, but next to one another, it seems random and mismatched.
In fact, the city’s lack of identity is actually a sign of a more turbulent past.
In 1989, there was a revolution in Romania that ended 42 years of strict communist rule. Since then, the country has been on a slow but upward journey to rebuild itself.
Romania has been through a lot. Bucharest has been through a lot. Yet the people here continue to fight for a better future from what they’ve known. This is the lens with which you should visit this city.
Top 5 Things To Do in Bucharest
If it’s your first time in Bucharest, here are my top recommendations to help you get to know the city:
1. Get a Free Walking Tour by a Local
One of the first things I like to do in a new city, especially when time is limited, is get my bearings with a free walking tour. Who better to show you around the city than a local themselves?!
Some people think that paying less means less quality. But that’s not the case with free walking tours – I think the guides work harder for their tips!
I highly recommend this Story of Bucharest tour. Our guide Elena was funny and engaging, and I learnt so much about the history of Romania.
The tour meets daily at 10:30 am by the fountain in Union Park, and it goes for 2 and a half hours. There’s an extra 3:00 pm session on Fridays and Saturdays.
2. Learn about Romania’s History
To really understand and appreciate Bucharest, you have to learn about its past and its people.
- This highly-rated Life in Communist Bucharest free walking tour offers insight into what life was like for locals during the communist period – both the good and the bad.
- The Museum of Communism, in the heart of Old Town Bucharest, has recreated a typical communist apartment where you can interact with household objects and immerse yourself in the feeling of communist life. It also has a coffee shop where you can try Nechezol – Romania’s substitute for coffee when it was briefly banned.
👉🏼 Short on time? Check out this experience which combines dinner and guided tour at the Museum of Communism after closing.
- You can book a private tour of Casa Ceausescu, which is the family residence of Romania’s last Communist leader Nicolae Ceausescu before he and his wife were overthrown and executed in 1989.
3. Take a tour of the Palace of Parliament
The Palace of Parliament is the world’s heaviest building and was commissioned by Nicolae Ceausescu as a symbol of his power.
It’s so large in size that apparently it can be seen from space. Inside there are 1100 rooms decorated with sheer opulence – think crystal chandeliers and marble staircases.
All this sounds very impressive, but the construction of this building came at a very hefty price.
Ceausescu demolished entire neighbourhoods to make room for the site, diverted funds from healthcare and education to the detriment of the Romanian people to repay the mortgage, and countless lives were lost under forced labour and horrible working conditions.
You can only visit the Palace of Parliament on a guided tour.
Bookings must be made 24 hours in advance by contacting +40 733 558 102 or +40 733 558 103 during business hours. The standard tour costs 60 RON.
For a higher price, you can also purchase skip-the-line tickets online.
⚡️ TIP: If you can’t get tickets for the Palace of Parliament, head to the National Museum of Contemporary Art in the back wing (accessible from Gate B3 on Calea 13 Septembrie).
It has a rooftop terrace with nice views of the palace and Bucharest’s cityscape. The museum is closed on Mondays and Tuesdays. Admission costs 32 RON.
4. Watch the Unirii Square Fountain Show
From the Palace of Parliament, walk along the tree-lined Union Boulevard (Bulevardul Unirii) for about 15 minutes and you’ll eventually arrive at Union Square.
Union Square is one of many green spaces in Bucharest. It’s not the prettiest park in the city, but many people come here to see the dancing fountains.
There are 44 fountains in total that stretch over a distance of 1.4 km.
In 2018, the fountains were refurbished with new technology to produce a spectacular and colourful multimedia show projected onto the water.
Fun fact: Bucharest holds the Guinness record for the longest row of synchronised, choreographed fountains in the world!
Between May and October, there’s a free water fountain show with colourful lights and music on Friday, Saturday and Sunday evenings. It usually begins around 9:00 pm and lasts for 45 minutes.
5. Eat, drink (and dance) in Bucharest’s Old Town
Bucharest’s Old Town, or Lipscani, is where you go to have food and drink, and experience the nightlife… if you’re a tourist.
In Summer, the pedestrian-friendly cobblestone streets come alive with outdoor terraces. There are also a few rooftop bars that offer another way to soak up the sun or city lights.
It certainly isn’t my favourite area in Bucharest, but there are some places worth mentioning for a good meal or coffee.
- Caru’ cu Bere and Hanul Manuc’s Inn are two of the oldest restaurants in Bucharest. Come here to try traditional Romanian cuisine and local beer and wine.
- The coffee culture in Bucharest is thriving. My favourite cafes in Old Town were Forma Coffee and Origo.
- For good food and lovely views, head to Linea Closer to the Moon rooftop.
Things Do in Bucharest for Free
One of the things I love about Bucharest is that it’s a very budget-friendly destination. Here are some main attractions that won’t cost you anything to visit:
6. Take a stroll down Victory Avenue
Victory Avenue is often referred to as the “Champs-Elysée” of Bucharest. Here, you’ll find luxury shops, restaurants, cafes, museums and some of the city’s most notable buildings.
The boulevard stretches 2.7 kilometres from the Dambovita River, south of Old Town, to Victory Square in the north.
You could complete the walk in an hour, but I recommend taking your time, stopping to grab a bite and admire the diverse architecture!
Keep an eye out for:
- Palace of the Deposits & Consignments: Elegant building with a glass-domed rooftop. From the outside, you would have no idea that it’s a bank! Looks especially beautiful at night when illuminated.
- Macca-Vilacrosse Passage: A shortcut from Victory Avenue to Old Town’s bustling Lipscani Street. It’s full of bars and restaurants. A bit of a tourist trap, but its yellow stained-glass rooftop looks great in photos.
- National Military Circle: A cultural hub for the Romanian Army. Gorgeous building with giant pillars and a fountain at the front. Its construction could only be completed using donations from soldiers who survived WWI.
- Revolution Square: The place where Romania broke free from Communism in 1989. Ceausescu and his wife were forced to flee from the rooftop of the former Romanian Communist Party Headquarters, now the Ministry of Internal Affairs.
- Romanian Athenaeum: A beautiful concert hall for classical music lovers, also known as the Romanian Temple of Arts.
- Cantacuzino Palace: A yellow building, home to a museum dedicated to George Enescu, the greatest musician in Romanian history.
⚡️ TIP: Every weekend during Summer, there’s an an outdoor event called Open Streets. Victory Avenue and some of its side streets are transformed into a pedestrian-only zone filled with street performers and open-air exhibitions. It’s definitely worth checking out!
⚡️ TIP: Victory Avenue has a dedicated bike lane, so it’s also possible to explore the street by cycling if you’re feeling adventurous. You can rent public bikes at various i’Velo stations around the city.
7. Climb to the top of The Triumphal Arch
Located in a busy intersection in Bucharest’s north, the Triumphal Arch is a symbol of Romania’s independence and national pride.
It was built in the early 1920s to commemorate Romania’s victory in World War I.
On the weekends, from June and October, between 2:00 pm – 9:00 pm, you can climb to the top of the Triumphal Arch for free.
At 27 metres tall, it’s not as big as the famous arch in Paris, but lovely panoramic views of the city are guaranteed.
⚡️ TIP: On December 1st every year, crowds gather around the Triumphal Arch for the annual Great Union Day military parade.
8. Marvel at the Stavropoleos Orthodox Church
The Stavropoleos Orthodox Church is a cosy little 300-year-old church in the centre of Old Town. Every inch of the interior walls is covered in intricate frescoes laced with gold.
What makes this place interesting are the highly educated Stavropoleos nuns who all have PhDs and can speak at least five foreign languages!
It’s free to visit. If you come around 8:00 am or 5:00 pm, you might hear the nuns singing during service.
There’s also a beautiful courtyard next door where you can find some peace and quiet away from the hustle and bustle of the city.
9. Browse the bookshelves at Carturesti Carusel
Carturesti Carusel is a beautiful six-storey bookstore in the heart of Bucharest’s Old Town.
The building was originally a bank owned by a wealthy Greek family, but it was confiscated by the Communist regime in the 1950s and repurposed into a general store.
After the revolution, the grandson of the original owners eventually regained possession of the building and renovated the bookstore to how it stands today.
Some like to claim that it’s “the most beautiful bookstore in the world” which is definitely an exaggeration. I mean, have you seen the El Ateneo Grand Splendid in Buenos Aires?!
Still, it’s a nice place to go and browse the extensive collection of books and gifts. You’ll find books in various languages, including English. You can also relax in the cute coffee shop on the top floor.
10. Take advantage of the Free Admission Days
Did you know that many museums in Bucharest have free admission days?
Here’s a list of some museums that offer free entry at least once a month:
- Bucharest Municipal Museum
Free admission on the first Saturday of every month - National Museum of Contemporary Art
Free admission on the first Wednesday of every month - The National Museum of The Romanian Peasant
Free admission on the 26th of every month - The Admiral Vasile Urseanu Astronomical Observatory
Free admission on the first Saturday of every month - Ligia and Pompiliu Macovei Art Collection
Free admission on the first Saturday of every month
⚡️ TIP: Many museums in Romania are usually free to visit on local public holidays such as Great Union Day (1st December) and Romania’s National Culture Day (15th January).
More Things To Do In Bucharest
I think the true magic of Bucharest lies outside of the touristy Old Town area. It’s like a treasure chest full of hidden gems waiting to be discovered.
11. Neighbourhoods in Bucharest
You’ll be pleasantly surprised by the city’s vibrant coffee and food scene when you venture out a little further.
Some neighbourhoods that are worth visiting are:
- Universitate: A lively neighbourhood right next to Old Town. It’s home to the University of Bucharest so many of the cafes, bars and restaurants are catered to students – a great place to eat out on a budget.
- Dorobanti: A posh neighbourhood in the north of the city. It’s full of chic boutiques and art galleries, and is a fine-dining hotspot. No wonder Casa Ceausescu is located here.
- Cotroceni: A charming and quiet neighbourhood to Bucharest’s East, known for its beautiful architecture and hipster cafes. Any similarities to “Paris” can be spotted here as it was relatively untouched by the impacts of communism. It’s also home to Cotroceni Palace (where the Romanian president lives) and the Botanical Gardens.
12. Markets in Bucharest
I absolutely love markets. When I’m at home, it’s my favourite way to spend a sunny afternoon. Abroad, it’s my favourite way to immerse myself in a new place, just like a local!
- Obor Market is the largest and most popular market in Bucharest. Come here to sample local produce and try the best mici (Romanian skinless sausages) in town from the Teresa Obor stall.
Obor market is open every day from 7:00 am until 4:00 pm. From Old Town, you can get there by taxi or public transport in less than 30 minutes. The closest metro station is Obor Station.
👉🏼 Short on time? You’ll be able to sample many local dishes and drinks in one day with this highly rated Bucharest Market Walking Tour.
- The Souvenir Bazaar is Bucharest’s biggest flea market. It’s located on Strada Valea Cascadelor in the city’s east. Come here for second-hand clothes, accessories, homewares, books and other treasures.
The flea market is only open Thursday, Saturday and Sunday from 6:00 am – 1:30 pm. The closest metro stations are Pacii and Preciziei.
⚡️ TIP: Make sure you have cash on you! Many vendors, including the Teresa Obor stall, don’t have card payment facilities.
13. Parks in Bucharest
Another great way to experience the local culture is by visiting a park. Bucharest is full of green spaces, offering plenty of opportunities for outdoor activities and relaxing picnics.
Here’s a quick guide to the best parks in the city:
- King Mihai I Park is the largest park in Bucharest. It’s located in the north, next to the Arcul de Triumf. It’s home to the Dimitrie Gusti National Village Museum, an open-air museum showcasing hundreds of original buildings from different villages across Romania, as well as Elizabeth Palace, the residence of former the Romanian Royal Family.
- Carol I Park is the closest park to Old Town on this list. It features the Mausoleum of Romanian Heroes in honour of the fallen soldiers of WWII. The monument sits on top of a hill, offering panoramic views of Bucharest’s cityscape.
- Vacuresti National Park, also known as Bucharest Delta, is a unique urban wetland covering 184 hectares in the southern part of the city. After a failed attempt to build an artificial lake here, nature took over and over time the area transformed into a thriving ecosystem rich in flora and fauna. It’s a great place to connect with nature and observe wildlife in the middle of a bustling city.
14. Alternative Bucharest Walking Tour
If you’re seeking a more off-the-beaten-path experience, then this Alternative Bucharest guided tour is for you.
You’ll get to see some really cool street art while learning about the city’s hidden gems.
Plus, you’ll be doing the city a massive favour by helping to divert pressure away from the tourist hotspots.
15. Traditional Romanian Cooking Class
This Traditional Romanian Food Cooking Class is a fun way to learn about the food culture in Romania.
You’ll shop for fresh ingredients at a local market and learn how to prepare a delicious three-course meal.
Wouldn’t you agree that food just tastes better when you cook it yourself? Imagine being able to whip up some papanasi (Romanian doughnuts with cream and jam) every time you have a craving for something sweet. Yes, please!
Day Trips from Bucharest
You’ll often see companies offering day trips to Peles Castle, Bran Castle and Brasov from Bucharest, but I do not recommend this.
These places are not super close to Bucharest. You’ll be spending half the day in the car, with only a limited amount of time to explore when you get there. It really takes the fun out of visiting some of Romania’s most iconic places.
Luckily, I’ve compiled a list of places that you can easily get to from Bucharest in one hour or less.
👉🏼 5 Easy Day Trips From Bucharest: Places To Visit (< 1 Hour) 😊
Visiting Bucharest: FAQs
How do you get to Bucharest?
✈️ Plane: Henri Coanda International Airport (OTP) is 18 km from Bucharest city centre and connects the city to over 70 destinations in Europe and the Middle East. If you’re coming from further abroad, check for the best route on Skyscanner.
How to get from Bucharest Airport to Bucharest City Centre:
- The cheapest way is to catch Bus 100 from the front of the Arrivals Gate. It comes every 15 – 30 minutes and costs 3 RON one-way. You can pay using contactless with your bank card on the bus.
- The most convenient but also most expensive option is to order an Uber or Bolt. Depending on traffic, it’ll take about half an hour to get you from the airport directly to your accommodation in the city. A ride costs 50 – 80 RON. The good thing about ride-sharing apps is the prices are fixed, so you don’t have to worry about being overcharged by the taxis – a common scam in Romania.
- Don’t want to wait? You can arranged a driver to pick you up from the airport in advance using Welcome Pickups.
- The Henri Coanda Express train runs directly from the airport to Bucharest North station, but it’s the least convenient option. You have to catch the free shuttle from the airport to the Henri Coanda train station first, and the train only comes every 40 minutes. Bucharest North is also a bit out of the way, so you might need another connection to your accommodation.
🚍 Bus: Bucharest is well-connected by bus to other cities in Romania and neighbouring countries. We took the 4-hour bus from Varna in Bulgaria to Bucharest and it only cost us 60 RON (£10). We recommend booking tickets through FlixBus.
🚊 Train: The main train station is Bucharest North. I use the Rome2Rio to search for available routes.
⚡️ TIP: Consider purchasing the Bucharest Tourist Travel Card. The pass gives you unlimited access to the entire bus, tram and metro network, including the Henri Coanda Express Train and Bus 100 that connects the airport to the city centre.
It costs 20 RON for 24 hours or 40 RON for 72 hours. You can purchase the card at an STB kiosk or vending machine. At the airport, you’ll find the STB kiosk and vending machine by the Arrivals Terminal ground floor exit.
When is the best time to visit Bucharest?
Between April and October, is when the seasonal attractions – like the Unrii Fountain Show and the Triumphal Arch – will be open.
We visited Bucharest during Summer (June-August) in the middle of a heatwave, and it was sweltering!
There are plenty of outdoor cafes and parks to keep cool, but if you can’t handle the heat, then visit in Spring (March-May) or Autumn (September-November) for the most pleasant weather.
Winter (December-February) brings snow to the city, but not as much as other parts of Romania. Things to do in Bucharest in Winter include the Christmas Markets in front of the Palace of Parliament and outdoor ice-skating in the parks.
Alternatively, you might like to coincide your visit with one of the following calendar events:
- Bucharest International Jazz Festival (May)
- Bucharest Summer Well Music Festival (August)
- George Enescu Classical Music Festival (September)
- Spotlight International Light Festival (October)
How many days do you need in Bucharest?
As you can see, there are so many things to do in Bucharest beyond the touristy Old Town centre.
I recommend giving yourself at least 3 days to explore and get to know the real Bucharest.
How to get around Bucharest?
We like walking, so we pretty much just walked everywhere. However, there were times we regretted not taking public transport to make our lives easier! Bucharest turned out to be bigger than we thought it would be.
There’s so many ways to get around the city. You can take the metro, bus or tram. There’s a public bike sharing system. Ubers and Bolts were cheap and reliable.
Check out this super helpful guide on Public Transport in Bucharest by Visit Bucharest.
Is Bucharest a safe place to visit?
We felt safe in Bucharest. But it’s always a good idea to stay alert and keep a close eye on your belongings when you’re travelling, especially on public transport or in crowded areas.
Taxi drivers in Romania have a bad reputation for overcharging tourists at the airport or train station. Apparently the situation has gotten better over the years, but remember to use authorized taxis companies only and never get into a taxi without confirming the price beforehand. Otherwise, stick to Uber or Bolt.
Final Thoughts: Things to Do in Bucharest
So, is Bucharest worth visiting?
Well, I’ve just given you 15 ideas for things to do in Bucharest, so definitely yes!
When I was researching things to do in Bucharest for my own visit, I came across so many online recommendations that just one day in Bucharest would be enough.
But one day in Bucharest barely gives you enough time to get out of the Old Town area which, in my opinion, isn’t the best representation of the city.
It’s like judging a book by its cover right?
There are so many layers to this city. I really encourage you to give it the time it deserves so that you can get to know the real Bucharest.
👉🏼 Read my 3 Days In Bucharest: An Itinerary For Exploring Romania’s Capital for more travel inspiration.
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