Top 14 Attractions and Activities in Bucharest

Best Things to Do in Bucharest

The city of Bucharest is a must-see for any visitor eager to experience the beauty and history that Romania has to offer. With grand architecture, numerous museums, vibrant shopping spots, and beautiful parks, you’ll find countless activities to enjoy in this captivating city.

1. Palace of Parliament

The Palace of Parliament, also known as the People’s House, is Bucharest’s most iconic building. Situated atop Dealul Spirii hill, it ranks as the world’s second-largest administrative building after the Pentagon and serves as the home of Romania’s parliament.

This architectural wonder is recognized as the heaviest building in the world, weighing approximately 9.04 billion pounds. Constructed using marble and steel, it encompasses over 360,000 square meters of land.

Get skip-the-line tickets in advance to facilitate quick access to the Parliament. Once inside, you’ll meet an official guide who will help you explore its stunning interior. Notable highlights include breathtaking panoramic views from the Dictator’s Balcony and an exploration of the communist regime’s historical significance, showcased through its nearly 500 chandeliers and 35 million cubic feet of marble.

A visit to the Palace of Parliament is essential for any tourist in Bucharest, representing both an architectural masterpiece and a reminder of the nation’s communist past.

2. Old Town

If you’re in Bucharest, don’t miss Old Town! It’s teeming with history and central to many of the city’s key landmarks.

Old Town boasts a lively atmosphere filled with restaurants, cafes, and shops. Stroll down Calea Victoriei, the main thoroughfare, and absorb the beautiful architecture around you. Make sure to stop by Manuc’s Inn, a historic inn dating back to the 18th century.

As the historic center, Old Town was once the court of Vlad the Impaler, featuring Curtea Veche, a museum showcasing medieval ruins, alongside the National Museum of Romanian History on Calea Victoriei, which presents artifacts tracing Romanian history from prehistory to the modern age.

3. Bucharest Nightlife

Bucharest is widely recognized for its vibrant nightlife. In Old Town, you’ll uncover some of the city’s finest clubs, such as Nomad Skybar, featuring a picturesque terrace, and Bordello, known for its lively atmosphere with live music and cabaret shows.

Experience Old Town by joining an Old Town pub crawl tour. This four-hour journey allows you to discover the best bars and clubs with a local guide, offering a unique opportunity to meet new people and receive local recommendations for additional activities in Bucharest.

If your goal is to immerse yourself in the nightlife, Old Town is the ideal spot, providing a blend of history, culture, and endless entertainment options suited for every taste.

4. Arch of Triumph

The Arch of Triumph towers at 27 meters tall and is situated on Kiseleff Road. After Romania’s independence in 1878, wooden beams were swiftly erected so the victorious troops could march beneath them.

This landmark was reconstructed in 1922 and replaced in 1935 to honor Romanian soldiers who fought in World War I, adorned with statues of national heroes and serving as a key attraction in Bucharest.

5. Dimitrie Gusti National Village Museum

The Dimitrie Gusti National Village Museum, or Village Museum, is a unique outdoor museum featuring restored traditional Romanian folk houses. Each of the 272 structures was carefully taken apart, transported, and reconstructed in the museum.

Founded in 1936 and located in King Michael I Park, the museum spans over 100,000 square meters, illustrating the lifestyle and culture of Romania’s past with various displayed artifacts.

6. Cismigiu Park

Cismigiu Park, also referred to as Cismigiu Gardens, is centrally located in Bucharest. Although not the largest park, it provides a serene escape amidst the picturesque Romanian landscape.

If you’re seeking a break from the city’s hustle, Cismigiu offers a peaceful setting complete with colorful flower gardens, shady paths, and a large artificial lake that transforms into a skating rink during winter.

This spot is ideal for family visits or romantic strolls, offering ample space for leisurely picnics. Relax on one of the benches, camera in tow, as you take in the tranquil scenery around you.

7. Romanian Athenaeum

Since its opening in 1888, the Romanian Athenaeum has been a beloved concert hall centrally located in Bucharest. Renowned for its stunning architecture, this building is one of the city’s most historic landmarks.

Its neoclassical design makes it a premier concert venue known for exceptional acoustics housing the George Enescu Philharmonic Orchestra. Ensure to check the concert schedule to catch a performance if you are a fan of classical music.

8. Go for a Walking Tour

One of the best ways to explore Bucharest is through a walking tour, offering insights into the city’s rich history and culture while also providing a bit of exercise.

Numerous walking tours are available, focusing on areas of interest, including the city’s history, its architecture, or even its food scene. Noteworthy tours include the Old Town Tour, Communist Tour, and Dracula Tour.

Walking tours are perfect for personalizing your exploration experience, allowing you to pause for photos and explore shop and restaurant options along the way.

9. Herastrau Park

Herastrau Park, or Parcul Herastrau, is among the largest and most popular parks in Bucharest, situated along the shores of Lake Herastrau. While offering natural beauty similar to Cismigiu Park, this park features a wider range of recreational activities.

Enjoy rowboating or ferry rides on the lake to appreciate the park’s surroundings. With expansive paths ideal for cycling or strolling, keep an eye out for notable statues and various significant sculptures.

Activities like picnicking, visiting the rose garden, or enjoying the excellent Reef Aquarium are also available, making this park an inviting outdoor space.

10. Try Traditional Food at Caru cu Bere

Caru cu Bere is a traditional Romanian restaurant located on Lipscani Street, within Old Town and celebrated for serving authentic Romanian dishes since 1879. Known for its unique atmosphere, the restaurant offers a diverse menu featuring soups, stews, meats, and an extensive selection of beverages.

A visit to Caru cu Bere promises a distinct culinary experience, enhanced by live classical music, making it a must-visit for anyone keen on tasting Romania’s culinary culture.

11. Spa Day at Therme Bucharest

After a day filled with exploration, unwinding at Therme is the ultimate way to relax. Located just 10 minutes outside Bucharest, this enormous spa complex provides a variety of treatments and services. A complimentary shuttle service runs all week from Piata Romana to the spa’s entrance.

As the largest wellness center in Europe, Therme features mineral pools, water slides, and an indoor botanical garden. Ensure to schedule a treatment to leave feeling refreshed and rejuvenated.

12. Dracula’s Castle and Peles Castle

No visit to Romania is complete without seeing Dracula’s Castle. A highly-rated full-day tour takes you from Bucharest to Transylvania, where you will explore Bran Castle and the spectacular Peles Castle, along with the medieval town of Brasov.

13. Stunt School Training

For an adventurous experience, consider enrolling in a stunt training course just outside of town at Academia Titi Aur, where you can learn driving techniques and participate in various simulation exercises.

14. Transylvania and Brasov

A tour from Bucharest to Brasov includes skip-the-line tickets to Peles and Bran Castles alongside guided exploration of the area while discovering the fascinating history surrounding Vlad the Impaler.

Where to Stay in Bucharest

For accommodations, the Hilton Garden Inn in Old Town offers a central location, making it easy to navigate the city on foot or by taxi.

Another excellent option is the Novotel downtown, conveniently situated near major attractions.

Both hotels are currently welcoming guests displaced by the war in Ukraine, so be sure to check availability directly with them.

Bucharest is an affordable European city with plenty to explore. Hopefully, these tips will assist you in making the most of your visit to this dynamic capital of Romania.