Best things to do in Bucharest
Find out more about those top places in Bucharest
Bucharest, Romania: Where History Gets a Hipster Twist (Think Grand Buildings, Delicious Bites, and Maybe a Vampire Sighting... Just Kidding... Mostly!) - Your Hilariously Honest Travel Guide to This Balkan Beauty!
Bună ziua (that's "hello" in Romanian!) and welcome to Bucharest, a city that's not just lovely and friendly (though it totally is!), but also seriously exciting! This Romanian capital is like that cool friend who's got a fascinating past but also knows how to have a seriously good time. Get ready to feast your eyes on historical buildings that whisper tales of bygone eras, meet beautiful people with smiles as warm as the Romanian sun, get your brain buzzing in fascinating museums, and treat your taste buds to some truly great cuisines that will have you saying "Mmm!" at every bite.
As the powerhouse capital of Romania and its largest commercial center, Bucharest is a city with serious energy. Home to over 2 million people, it's stepped into the world's limelight and is now attracting thousands of tourists yearly who are discovering its unique charm. And trust us, this "city that never sleeps" has a vibe that's both historically rich and vibrantly modern.
So, what are the top attractions and unmissable places to visit in this Balkan beauty? Well, when you're touring this lively capital, your first stop for a dose of its great heritage absolutely has to be the Old Town of Lipscani. Picture this: charming cobblestone streets, centuries-old buildings now housing trendy cafes, bustling bars, and quirky shops – it's like stepping into a historical postcard that's been given a seriously cool makeover. While you're soaking in the Old Town vibes, make a beeline for Caru’ cu Bere, a legendary beer hall that's been serving up traditional Romanian fare and frothy brews since 1879. It's the perfect place for a literal "taste" of the city and a hearty dose of local atmosphere.
But Bucharest's appeal stretches far beyond its Old Town charm. Prepare to be wowed by the monumental Palace of the Parliament, one of the largest administrative buildings in the world – it's so massive, you might need a GPS to navigate it! For a glimpse into Romania's art scene, the National Museum of Art of Romania houses an impressive collection. And for a breath of fresh air, stroll through the beautiful Herăstrău Park, a sprawling green oasis surrounding a picturesque lake. Exploring these diverse places to visit offers a fantastic insight into Bucharest's multifaceted character.
And the best part? Bucharest is definitely one of those towns you won’t leave rushing. There's a certain laid-back charm that invites you to linger, to explore hidden corners, to savor that extra glass of Romanian wine. Whether you're soaking up the history, indulging in the delicious food, or experiencing the vibrant nightlife, Bucharest has a way of making you feel right at home (minus the nagging relatives, hopefully!).
Our hilarious (and incredibly helpful!) travel guide is here to navigate you through the best places to visit and the most exciting things to do in this Balkan beauty. Get ready for some truly unforgettable sightseeing, from exploring historic old towns and monumental palaces to indulging in delicious cuisine and experiencing the vibrant local culture, all while uncovering the top attractions that make Bucharest a truly special and hilariously welcoming destination. Just be prepared to fall in love with its unique blend of old-world charm and modern energy – and maybe keep an eye out for any friendly (and definitely not bloodthirsty!) vampires! Bună călătorie! (Happy travels!)
Top Attractions: History, Hops, and Huge Buildings!
Bucharest offers a captivating blend of historical grandeur and modern vibrancy:
Old Town (Lipscani): Heritage and Hip Vibes
Wander through the charming cobblestone streets of the Old Town (Lipscani), exploring historic buildings now housing trendy cafes, bars, and shops. A must-see attraction for historical sightseeing and soaking in the city's atmosphere.
Caru’ cu Bere: A Taste of Tradition
Experience the legendary Caru’ cu Bere, a historic beer hall serving traditional Romanian cuisine and local brews since 1879. A key place to visit for a delicious and atmospheric meal.
Palace of the Parliament (Palatul Parlamentului): Monumental Scale
Marvel at the sheer size of the Palace of the Parliament, one of the largest administrative buildings in the world. A key place to visit for impressive sightseeing.
National Museum of Art of Romania (Muzeul Național de Artă al României): Artistic Treasures
Explore the impressive collection of Romanian art at the National Museum of Art of Romania. A must-do thing to do for culture enthusiasts.
Herăstrău Park (Parcul Herăstrău): Urban Oasis
Relax and enjoy the green spaces of Herăstrău Park, a large park surrounding a picturesque lake. A key place to visit for a break from the city bustle.
Things to Do Beyond the Iconic Landmarks (and within this Balkan beauty!):
Our travel guide wouldn't be complete without suggesting some other fantastic things to do to truly experience the Bucharest vibe:
- Visit the Romanian Athenaeum: Admire the stunning architecture of this concert hall.
- Explore the Village Museum (Muzeul Satului): Step back in time and see traditional Romanian houses.
- Indulge in Romanian Wine: Discover the local vineyards and wine culture.
- Experience the Nightlife: Bucharest has a vibrant and diverse nightlife scene.
- Take a Free Walking Tour: Get an insider's perspective on the city's history and culture.
So, if you're looking for places to visit in Europe that offer a unique blend of history, delicious food, a vibrant culture, and a welcoming atmosphere, Bucharest, Romania, is calling your name! Our travel guide promises an unforgettable adventure filled with incredible sightseeing and exciting things to do. Just be prepared to be charmed by its blend of old and new – and maybe learn a few Romanian phrases to impress the locals! Bună călătorie!
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Parliament Palace
Established in 1984, the Parliament Palace is a colossal piece of architecture that is also known as “House of the Republic”. It was designed by over 700 architects under the direction of chief architect Anca Petrescu. Located on Dealul Arsenalului, the building is known as the world’s largest civilian building with an administrative function, world’s heaviest building and also the world’s most expensive administrative building.
A major part of the Parliament Palace is still empty but despite that it contains several museums, receptions halls, government offices and the parliament hall. A visit to the Palace can be an all in one stop for tourists having a short period to stay in Bucharest.
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Lipscani (Old Town)
Take a trip down to Bucharest’s Old Center to get a feel of how the city was before the second world war. The city often called “Paris of the East” or “the little Paris” has been affected by earthquakes and wild fires in the past which has made it lose some of its old style, but a trip to Lipscani will certainly give you a glimpse of Bucharest’s old beauty.
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Caru' cu Bere
This is probably Bucharest most famous restaurants/bar. Located on Stavropoleos street in Lipscani, the building was designed by Austrian architect Siegfrid Kofczinsky and has been the home of Bucharest Oldest beer house since 1899. When you arrive at the Caru’ cu Bere you are first stunned by the gothic exterior before embracing the art nouveau interior, it is important to know that the food served at the restaurant is also of top quality.
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Cismigiu Gardens
If you are looking for an escape from the hectic city streets, then it is best to visit the Cismigiu Garden. Established in 1847, it is one of the largest, most beautiful and most popular public gardens in Bucharest. The gardens cover over 16 hectares of land and it is surrounded by artificial lakes. Also, doubling as a park it is an avenue to see other monuments like “The Monument of French Heroes” and “The Monument of American Heroes”.
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Romanian Patriarchal Cathedral
The Romanian Patriarchal Cathedral is one of the oldest buildings in Bucharest, established in 1659 under the orders of the Wallachian prince, Serban Basarab. With its Brancovenesc style the cathedral serves several religious functions; it is the number one destination for pilgrimage on Palm Sunday. For tourists looking to visit, entry is free.
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Dracula’s Castle
Bran Castle, also known as Dracula's Castle, was completed by 1388 built for defending Transylvania's border. The castle is now a museum dedicated to displaying art and furniture collected by Queen Marie. Tourists can see the interior on their own or by a guided tour. At the bottom of the hill is a small open-air museum exhibiting traditional Romanian peasant structures from the Bran region.
