My introduction for my place of birth:)
If is your first time in Bucharest and wonder what to see and do here, you’ve come to the right blog. As an actual Bucharester, I always take pride in talking about my place of birth. Although I now live very far away from it, I believe there are many good reasons to visit Romania and its beautiful capital. In this article I’ll give you an overview of the best things to do in Bucharest if you want to have fun. I will also give you tips on what to eat and where to stay when visiting the Bucharest.
Bucharest, the capital of Romania, has something of a complicated reputation. After years of political upheaval, not to mention association with a certain vampire:) some may wonder what to expect when visiting the area. But the country’s capital is bursting with excitement, beauty, and mystery, and is fast becoming one of the trendy destinations in Eastern Europe. From its origins as a summer home for royalty, the city has blossomed into a haven for arts and culture, particularly renowned for its beautiful buildings. But it also offers more contemporary attractions as well, including amusement parks, interactive tours, and an active nightlife scene.
So whether you want to go medieval or modern, you’ll find plenty of awesome things to do in Bucharest!
1. Visit the streets of Lipscani (Old Town)
The most popular street in the Old Town is Lipscani. This entire area is full of life, beaming with new restaurants, pubs, and stores and always full of people roaming around. Although it’s a is a hodgepodge of old and newer buildings (some in good condition, some not), the Old Town still maintains the charm and character of the old Bucharest. The area is great for walking and exploring many historic sites, shops, restaurants, cafes, and bars. It is also the best place if you want to experience Bucharest’s vibrant nightlife.
Curtea Veche (the Old Court, or the Royal Court) is an archaeological site located on French Street, in the Old Centre of Bucharest. This used to be the center of political and economic activity in the medieval period of Bucharest.
The Palace at Curtea Veche was built during the rule of Vlad III Dracula, in 1459. Hence the statue of Vlad the Impaler you see in the yard. For two centuries, Curtea Veche was the residence of the rulers of Wallachia, in parallel with that of Târgoviste, the old capital.
Admire the City’s Beautiful Architecture
Bucharest has an astonishing architectural diversity. An interesting mix of Neoclassical, Art Nouveau, Modernist, and Soviet architecture. And while the latter is immediately apparent, in the city’s central areas you will discover elaborate façades and many old buildings that display charm and elegance. Some of the most impressive buildings in Bucharest were build between 1901-1903. Like Cantacuzino Palace (the current location of the George Enescu Museum), the CEC Palace, Coltea Hospital, the Royal Palace, or the Central Library.
Unfortunately, many of the historic buildings in Bucharest are still in a state of disrepair. While there are some nice and well maintained buildings, in many parts of Bucharest you’ll still see rundown and neglected ones. As you walk the streets of Bucharest, take time to notice both extremes.
2. Visit The Macca-Villacrosse Passage (Pasajul Macca-Villacrosse) and enjoy a shisha in the Valey of Kings
Pasajul Macca Villacrosse is an elegant, glass-covered passage dating to the late 1800s and it’s one of the top things to see in Bucharest. Natural daylight filters through the yellow glass roof, creating a feeling of warmth, even on the coldest Bucharest days
Passajul Vilacrosse intersects with Calea Victoriei right before Lipscani (if you’re walking from any point North, that is) and is so understated you might miss it the first pass or two.
Visit The Macca-Villacrosse Passage (Pasajul Macca-Villacrosse) and enjoy a sisha in the Valey of Kings.
3. Visit the Palace of Parliament
The gigantic structure was the brainchild of Romania’s former dictator, Nicolae Ceausescu, who had the ambition to build the largest administrative building in the world. And he succeeded. According to the Guinness World Records, the Palace of the Parliament (also known as the People’s House) is indeed the largest and heaviest building in the world. The palace encompasses 365,000 square meters (3,930,000 sq ft) and contains over 700,000 tonnes of steel and bronze.
The building is an excellent example of the country’s remarkable evolution in the post-Communist era. It took 5 years, 20,000 workers, and 700 architects to build this massive structure. In total, it has 12 stories, 1,100 rooms, 4 underground levels, including an enormous nuclear bunker.
While you’re in the area, take some time to visit the adjacent Piața Constituției, the largest square in town, which is especially renowned for its lively Christmas market.
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Opening hours: Monday to Sunday between 10:00 am – 6:00 pm. You can tour the Palace’s interiors, but you must take a guided tour. Since this is one of the most popular places to visit in Romania, you should try booking your ticket online, in advance.
The Grigore Antipa Museum of Natural History is recognized as one of the best natural history museums in Europe. Its magnificent collection, which includes even dinosaur skeletons, is enough to keep both kids and their parents occupied all day. The museum also offers a variety of workshops, interactive displays, 3D films, artificial caves, as well as a wealth of animal and plant life typical of Romania.
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The museum's building also deserves mentioning. It was constructed in 1908 at the request of Grigore Antipa, renowned Romanian naturalist, who ran the museum up until his death in 1944. The design was done by engineer Mihail Rocco who took into account all of Antipa's suggestions. The beautiful facade was crafted by architect Gregory Cerchez, decorated with sculptures representing natural history and a bronze eagle on top
5. Amble through Cișmigiu Gardens
Located in the center of Bucharest, this beautiful park is built around a romantic lake surrounded by old willow trees and wroth iron benches.
Back in town, take some time to explore the peaceful environs of Cismigiu Gardens, one of the area’s most beloved green spaces. Check out a spectacular display of more than 30,000 native plant species, as well as some remarkable specimens that were shipped over from Viennese collections.
Then check out the monuments to French and American soldiers that perished in Romania during the two world wars, as well as some remarkable statues commemorating prominent national writers and activists.
Be sure to save some time for Lake Cișmigiu, a splendid artificial lake that offers entertainment in every season, from skating in the winter to rowing in the summer. It’s the ideal place to spend a tranquil afternoon!
6. Admire Arcul de Triumf
Much like its iconic counterpart in Paris, Bucharest’s Arcul de Triumf is a monument to perseverance and military victory.
This 89-foot tall structure was first built in 1878 to celebrate Romania’s newfound independence as a country. While the original was somewhat hastily created from wood, it has since undergone quite the makeover, rebuilt masterfully with granite.
It continues to serve as a historical landmark; if you happen to be in town at the beginning of December, you might even see military parades passing by to mark the anniversary of liberation. It may have a famous twin, but this fascinating structure is a marvel of its own!
The arch sits at the intersection of three boulevards: Kiseleff, Mareșal Alexandru and Alexandru Constantinescu.
7. Eat at Excalibur Restaurant Bucharest
Excalibur restaurant is the only place in Bucharest where succulent steaks, tasty pies and vintage wines are served in generous portions.
Located in downtown of Bucharest, 39-41 Academiei street, Bucharest, Excalibur Restaurant already has the reputation of being known both for unique medieval experience offer, but also for portions of delicious food, carefully prepared menus for two, four or six people. The novelty lies in the fact that cutlery are optional. So if you want a relaxing evening in a medieval note, but with food and impeccable service, Excalibur Restaurant is the ideal choice.
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Stepping into Excalibur felt like a journey back in time to medieval days. The wait staff, clad in traditional attire, added to the immersive experience. Eating with our hands, just like the folks of yore, was initially surprising but quickly became part of the adventure. It was a shock, but undeniably memorable. If you're seeking a dining experience unlike any other, Excalibur is the place to be.
8. Discover the Hidden Churches of Bucharest
The old Orthodox churches in Bucharest aren’t probably the first thing that comes to mind when you think of places to visit in the capital. But many of these religious edifices are true architectural monuments, well worth your time, even if you are not into religious services. Some of these churches date back to the 17th and 18th centuries and are decorated with Byzantine frescos and precious icons.
Some of the churches to look for are Stavropoleos, in the Old City, Kretzulescu Church, on Calea Victoriei, Antim Church, close to the Palace of the Parliament, and Biserica Doamnei, which lies pretty well hidden in the back lot of a Pizza Hut, at the crossing of Regina Elizabeta boulevard and Doamnei Street. They also count themselves among the most beautiful churches in Romania.
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Sprawling over a large area north of Piaţa Victoriei, this 200-hectare park surrounding a large lake is (arguably) Bucharest’s nicest park, with plenty of shaded strolls and open-air cafes, plus boats to hire. At night in summer, some of the city’s best clubs decamp along the shore here and transform the park into an all-night party scene. One of the main entrances to the park is short walk from the Aviatorilor metro station. There is lots to see and do here.
Play tennis, visit the old-fashioned fairground, relax on the grass and rent a boat for a trip on the lake, or take the ferry. Enjoy the lush flora and visit such popular areas as the Japanese Garden and Rose Island which is filled with roses and is also home to exotic birds. Take a stroll along the lakeshore, a place where Bucharest’s wealthiest citizens used to come to promenade.
Spend some time in the Dimitrie Gusti National Village Museum, an open-air ethnographic museum that explores traditional Romanian village life. See numerous authentic peasant farms as well as houses from all over the country. There are also churches, sheds, stables and windmills, and some of the properties have been furnished with authentic items such as old furniture and tapestries.
Other highlights of the village museum are the statues of Romanian revolutionary Nicolae Balcescu and Rabindranath Tagore, a Bengali polymath and towering literary figure. There is also a statue of Prince Charming (Fat Frumos) and a memorial to Michael Jackson. The children will love a visit to the park's Reef Aquarium where they can get close to more than 300 kinds of fish and other forms of sea life.
Sometimes a scene is placed here for concerts. Herastrau Park is a great place to walk, as we said, but it is also a place full of history. The fathers of Europe are to be seen in a small square on the Roses Island, where there are 12 statues, the heads of the founding parents, like Konrad Adenauer, Pierre Werner or Jean Rey, all of them having played an important role in the political construction we know as European Union. PEOPLE USE TO ADMIRE AND TAKE PICTURES WITH THIS FAMOUS SCULPTURE IN HERASTRAU PARK BUCHAREST
An interesting monument signed by Filip Marin was placed on the main alley of the park. This famous sculpture in Herastrau Park is called the Sleeping Beauty. Legend says two brothers fell in love with her and she didn’t know whom to chose to be her husband. So, she jumped in a lake and the one who was to save her, would be the lucky man. The two brothers started a fight and the young woman drowned. The two brothers were changed to statues that can be seen in Carol Park. In HERASTRAU PARK IN BUCHAREST, many artists have statues, from Constantin Brancusi to William Shakespeare or Rabindranath Tagore. You can go to the jetty and cross the lake with boats during summer. But before you do that, make sure you visited The Japanese Garden and took picture of the cherry trees where you can make a wish.
Among the many eating and drinking establishments located within (or nearby) the Herastrau Park (including the Hard Rock Cafe), Beraria H is our choice. The massive beer hall, which also has a lakeside beer garden and a regular line up of evening entertainment, is one of the fun places to go in Bucharest for socializing!
10. Visit the Revolution Square
The setting for all sorts of Romanian institutions, Revolution Square got its name from the violent unrest in 1989 that deposed Nicolae Ceaușescu and overthrew the Socialist Republic of Romania.
An interesting building to ponder for a moment is the Ministry of Internal Affairs.
This was built as the Central Committee of the Romanian Communist Party, and in 1989 Ceaușescu and his wife Elena fled by helicopter from the roof before eventually being tried and executed on Christmas day of that year.
Another landmark event took place here twenty years earlier when Ceaușescu announced Romania’s policy of independence from the Kremlin after condemning the Soviet invasion of Czechoslovakia.
That speech marked the height of his popularity.
11. Calea Victoriei
It’s a sign of this street’s history and prestige that many of the attractions and landmarks on this list are located on its route.
Beginning at Revolution Square in the north Calea Victoriei continues all the way down to the Dâmbovița River, and after a fallow period during the Socialist Republic is a posh shopping and entertainment street traced by cafes, fashion emporia, restaurants, cultural venues and art galleries.
These are mostly set on the southern end, while the northern reaches are for stately residences.
Calea Victoriei’s upmarket reputation has persisted for hundreds of years, partly because it was one of the only paved streets in the city (at first the road was covered with wooden planks), sparing its wealthier citizens from the mud that dominated the rest of the city in autumn and spring.
12. Botanical Gardens
With 5,000 plant species in 17 hectares, the Botanical Gardens are maintained by the University of Bucharest. You can enter for a small fee, and pay a little extra to go inside the greenhouses like the Sera Veche, which reopened 2011 after being closed for 35 years.
This structure was built at the start of the 1890s and inside is a small world of tropical and sub-tropical vegetation. In the open air are ponds and winding paths guiding you to a rose garden and a glorious display of some 1,000 exotic flowers in summer.
13. Visit the Monuments at Parcul Carol I
Walking at the Parcul Carol I, Bucharest
Designed as a French garden in 1900 and used for the 1906 Bucharest Exhibition, Park Carol I is one of the interesting places to see in Bucharest. The park features shaded paths, panoramic views, heaps of monuments and a couple museums. The most striking (and contentious) monument is the Nation’s Heroes Memorial and Mausoleum.
Built in the 1960s to honor socialist militants and as a place of burial for leaders, the monument took on new meaning after the fall of Communism in Romania. Renamed the Nation’s Heroes Memorial, the mausoleum now hosts the remains of Romanian soldiers and a flame burns for the Unknown Soldier. Unfortunately, it is impossible to get close to the monument or visit the mausoleum; it’s guarded and entering any area of the memorial is strictly prohibited.
14. Visit National Military Museum
The National Military Museum is a museum in Bucharest that was established in 1923 and is devoted to the history of the Romanian people from a military perspective. The museum holds a collection with over 1,300,000 pieces, containing items such as military uniforms, weapons/firearms, flags and medals, ordered chronologically as well as per theme, with infantry, cavalry, the air force and the marine. The National Military Museum in Bucharest regularly rotates the objects it displays in the Museum.
The Romanian Uniforms’ collection of the National Military Museum is made up of over 13900 items, thus being the largest collection of the museum. Out of these, less than 1000 are on display, representing around 7% of the total.
Among important pieces of the collection, uniforms, pieces of uniform or accessories belonging to important historical figures such as King Carol I (M. 1873 general in-chief uniform), King Ferdinand (M. 1925 Field marshal uniform), King Carol II (M. 1930 Artillery Field marshal uniform), Queen Maria (M. 1895 Honorary Colonel in the 4th Line Cavalry Regiment), Princess Elisabeta (M. 1895 Honorary Second Lieutenant in the 4th Line Cavalry Regiment) stand out as well as important commanders of the Romanian Army: Field Marshals Alexandru Averescu, Constantin Prezan, Ion Antonescu, General Nicolae Dăscălescu etc.
The first military uniforms and equipment accessories, which were the founding stone of the collection, started to be acquired in the early years of the 20th century. They were supposed to be exposed within the Military Section of the National Antiquities Museum, on Kiseleff Road, opened in 1914. In the years that followed, the items’ gathering continued, reaching, in 1923, the year of the National Military Museum’s opening, up to 496 items. Uniform and equipment items from Prince Alexandru Ioan Cuza are also scarce and are, mostly, elements and accessories such as Lancers’ helmets, kepis etc. The number of original items dated after 1866 begins to grow progressively becoming numerous towards the end of the 19th century. The scarceness of uniforms and accessories dating before 1895 is also tributary to the relative lateness to which the systematic process of collecting started, after 1918.
The Models Collection reunites within itself several types of items such as: plan-reliefs for fortifications, artillery, armoured and automotive, air-force, navy, industrial plants, civilian motive elements, rail, auto or horse drawn, monuments, maps and surveying elements. Some of these models were done by artists under the Union of Artists or the Arts and Crafts Fund. Others were manufactured by the “Ioan Mincu” Architecture University, the Craiova Aircraft Plant, ICEPRONAV Engineering Galați, by military units from Bucureşti, Constanţa, Ploieşti, Piteşti, Craiova, Târgovişte, Sibiu, Mediaş, Mizil, or the Niculeşti (Ilfov District) Collective Farm. Some models come from the “Peleș” Museum or the Constanţa Naval Museum.
WEAPONS
The Edged and Firing Weapons’ Collection constitutes, from a time line point of view, one of the first collections of the National Military Museum. Its beginnings are tributary to an 1865 order given by Prince Alexandru Ioan Cuza which stated that weapons that were obsolete and were of some interest to military history, were to be kept in the Army’s Arsenal. In time, the collection started to grow, based on this, and also by the military captured material which was collected along various campaigns. Another source of enriching the collection is done by exchanges with other institutions, as well as private or institutional donations. Today this collection counts over 11650 items.
THE AVIATION COLLECTION
In the Aviation Pavilion we can find one of the most valuable military technical collections in Romania. The exhibition is formed of aircraft, engines, propellers, models but also some elements in connexion with the space flight of Dumitru Prunariu (14-22 may 1981). For the Interwar and the Second World War periods, the museum exhibits to items which are part of the National Treasury: the Fleet 10 G faze 1 training and liaison airplane, and the Nardi FN-305 fighter training airplane, both built under licence in Romania. Next to them, the replica of the IAR-80 fighter airplane is placed, a fighter built at the IAR plant in Brașov, produced between 1939 and 1945. Also, original elements belonging to the No. 426 IAR-81 airplane shot down on 21st April 1945 in Slovakia are on display, airplane flown by Lieutenant Gheorghe Mociorniță.
ARMOURED AND AUTOMOTIVE
The first automotive items included within the National Military Museum’s collections were the vehicle used by King Ferdinand during the Great War and the vehicle used by Prince Carol on 6th June 1930 when he went from Băneasa Airfield to Cotroceni Palace, returning for the throne. Both items were lost during the 1938 fire. The interest in this collection was reactivated during the Second World War when the museum exhibited, with an obvious propaganda role, a number of Soviet, British and American armoured vehicles (tanks and self-propelled artillery), captured on the front lines. These pieces were recovered by the Red Army after 1944, thus disbanding the collection. Its revival began in 1949 when materiel removed from usage was turned over to the Military Museum, thus making the current collection, which in the beginning had the Renault FT-17, the Renault R-35 and the TACAM R-2 (self-propelled anti-tank artillery cannon). Up until today the collection grew with several other valuable pieces such as the Sdkfz 9 FAMO 18 t heavy half-track, the PzKpfw 4, the T-34, the T-55, the TR-580, the TR-800, the T-72, the TR-85 M1 or the P-125 Tanks or the Renault-Malaxa UE Chenillette and the SU-76 or the SU-100 self-propelled cannons, as well as a number of armoured personnel carriers, tracked artillery tractors and trucks.
One of the loveliest properties in Bucharest is the Beax-Arts/Art Nouveau palace conceived for the Prime Minister Gheorghe Grigore Cantacuzino in the early 1900s.
From the street the elements you’ll notice is the exaggerated iron and glass entrance canopy and the dormers in the mansard roof. The building has an oblique connection to Romania’s celebrated composer George Enescu, as Gheorghe Grigore Cantacuzino’s son was initially married to Enescu’s future wife, who then remarried the composer after he passed away. Since 1956 there has been a small museum devoted to Enescu in a few rooms in the palace, with personal possessions, instruments, posters and photographs
16. Manuc’s Inn
A place of real meaning, not just because it is one of the oldest buildings in the city, but because it is one of Europe’s final caravanserais (khans). Manuc’s Inn was set up by the Armenian Merchant Manuc Bei in 1802 with the classic format of a large central courtyard around two levels of wooden galleries with rooms for lodging, dining and storing goods.
In the first half of the 19th century this was Bucharest’s business hub and after several restorations, the most recent at the end of the noughties, the essential structure remains intact as a restaurant. On the southern edge of the Old Town, Manuc’s Inn cooks traditional Romanian and Balkan cuisine accompanied by music and folk dance in the evenings.
17. Get a Peek at the People’s Salvation Cathedral
This isn’t quite yet a thing to do in Bucharest…because the National Cathedral is not completely finished. However, it is nearly impossible to miss the golden domes that peek out from behind the Palace of Parliament. Construction on the record-breaking church is set to be completed in 2025. When finished, it will rank as the tallest and largest Eastern Orthodox Church (by volume and area) in the world.
18. See the Stavropoleos Monastery and Church
Exterior of the Stavropoleos Monastery Church, Bucharest, Romania
The Stavropoleos Monastery Church is a favorite attraction in Bucharest. The quaint and colorful Orthodox church dates to 1724. Although small, it is well worth going inside to see the murals that cover the walls. There is no fee to enter, making it one of the top things to do in Bucharest for free.
While nuns still live and work in the adjoining monastery, visitors are welcome to step into the courtyard garden, where there are tombstones and other fragments of the past.
Hidden Bucharest Churches
During Communism, many historic churches in Bucharest were either demolished, moved or hidden from sight by apartment blocks. Bucharest visitors can seek out some of the hidden churches in and around the Old Town today.
Doamnei Church is hidden in the old city center and one of the Bucharest must-see sights. Wedged behind a block of flats, the Doamnei Church dates to the late 1600s, and has suffered damage due to multiple earthquakes throughout the centuries. The church stands as a Romanian Ministry of Culture Historic Monument.
Biserica Sfantul Nicolae Selari (inside the Old Town) and Biserica Sfantul Ioan Nou (just outside of the Old Town) are two other fabulous hidden churches to track down.
19. Browse the Carturesti Carusel Bookstore Bucharest
Famous Carturesti Carusel Bookstore Bucharest, Romania
A bright and lovely bookstore in Bucharest, Carturesti Carusel is a sophisticated, multistory shop that is loved as much for its beautiful design as it is for the collection of books. One of the fun things to do in Bucharest Old Town is to visit the bookshop and enjoy a beverage at the top floor café.
20. Peruse the Produce at Bucharest Obor Market
The massive Obor Market is, without doubt, the city’s biggest market and one of the fascinating things to see in Bucharest. Spread over two buildings – one for household goods and the other for fresh produce, meats and cheeses – visitors could spend hours perusing the aisles.
That said, we think the best reason to go the Obor Market is for a meal of mici – little grilled sausages – at Terasa Obor. The cheap, fast-food meal is a favourite among locals and there will most certainly be a line, but don’t worry because it moves quickly.
21. Visit ParkLake Shopping Center
The 70,000 sqm mall is set to be one of Bucharest’s top 5 shopping destinations, alongside Baneasa Shopping City, AFI Palace Cotroceni, Sun Plaza, and Mega Mall. ParkLake is located next to the Alexandru Ioan Cuza park in Titan, one of Bucharest’s biggest residential areas. Irish group Caelum Development and Portuguese Sonae Sierra have invested EUR 180 million in this project.
The mall has more than 200 stores, restaurants and service vendors, a multiplex cinema operated by Cinema City, and a World Class fitness center. The catering area is equipped with a spacious terrace and will provide a selection of bars and restaurants, such as KFC, Pizza Hut, Paul, Wu Xing, Brioche Dorée, Starbucks, Gloria Jean’s Coffees, K-Grill, Oro Toro (by OSHO), Bistrot du Paris, La Cerdac, Chopstix, SaladBox and many more. ParkLake has a 14-theatre Multiplex cinema managed by Cinema City.
22. Visit City Gate and enjoy a great view at the 18 Lounge restaurant
18 Lounge by Embassy
Rooftop Bar in Bucharest
18 Lounge by Embassy is a fine dining rooftop restaurant, perched on the 18th floor of the City Gate South Tower, close to Herastrau Lake in the northern part of Bucharest. Up here you get an absolutely magical view over the city skyline and the lake and park below.
Modern and stylish in decoration, 18 Lounge comes with seating for 180 guests inside and 60 on the rooftop terrace. So a larger part indoors, but with floor-to-ceiling windows the views are panoramic just about anywhere. Open daily from lunch to late dinner, the rooftop restaurant serves international flavours from a seasonal á la carte menu. Or you head to the 15 meter long bar and order crafted signature cocktails made with local and fresh products. With a sophisticated yet friendly vibe, 18 Lounge is a great rooftop bar in Bucharest for a date or a nice night out with friends and family. Sometimes there is live music, and otherwise you can expect nice tunes out of the speakers. For dinner, reservations are highly recommended, and note that the 18 Lounge dress code is smart casual.
23. Stroll the Length of Calea Victoriei
A main thoroughfare through the heart of the city since the 1700s, strolling Calea Victoriei is a must do in Bucharest. One of the first paved roads (with wood) to keep the mud at bay – it has long been the most fashionable street Bucharest.
Lined with boutique shops, upscale restaurants and historic palaces, it remains one of the top Bucharest, Romania tourist attractions.
In addition to Revolution Square and the Royal Palace, Calea Victoriei is also where visitors will find the Museum of Art Collections, the luxurious Athenee Palace Hilton Hotel and brilliant architecture, like the 19th century Palatul Stirbei and the Central University Library Carol I.
24. Visit Promenada Mall Bucharest
Promenada Mall Bucharest is a shopping center located in Romania. It was developed by investment firm Raiffeisen Evolution and inaugurated on 17 October 2013, after a 130 million euro investment. Promenada is the first mall opened in bucharest after the financial crisis in 2007-2009, construction began in January 2012 and lasted 22 months.
The shopping center includes the businesses Carrefour Market, CCC, Help Net, Hervis, Burger King, Zara, Samsung, H&M, Altex, KFC, Intersport, Deichmann, ISTYLE, McDonald's, C&A and Peek & Cloppenburg.
Promenada Mall, in Bucharest, won the first prize in the category "Mixed solutions" at the first edition of the Rigips Trophy România.
One of the fun and free things to do in Bucharest is to watch the fabulous fountain show. Taking place on weekend evenings during the summer months, the Bucharest Fountain Show is a 45-minute production of spraying water set to music and lights. Of course, the Piata Unirii Fountains are beautiful (and free) to look at any time of day. From here you can also gaze down Bulevardul Unirii to see the colossal People’s Palace.
Piata Unirii is one of the biggest squares in Bucharest and is nowadays considered the very centre of the city. It unfortunately lost most of its ancient character as historical buildings and known landmarks constructed in Art Deco, Brâncovenesc and Neoclassical style were levelled during the communist era to redesign the square. What remained after the reconstruction was a big commercial and transportation hub. Presently, the central park is surrounded by a building up to 10 stories high, of which the Unirea Shopping Mall with its neon lights and huge electronic billboards is the most visible.
In fact, Union Square is a passage point where thousands of citizens cross each other daily to catch one of the two metro lines or several buses and trolleys. Next to the park on the west side of the square lies the beautiful Bulevardul Unirii with the Palace of the Parliament forming the background. If you want to know more about Bucharesters, then head towards the north side of the square, between the exits of the subway. Sit on one of the benches and watch locals sellers advertising their merchandise, people lining up for a covrig (a salty doughnut type quick snack), old grandmothers begging for a piece of bread, locals running to catch a bus or metro etc.
26. Enjoy a football game in Arena Nationala
The Arena Naţională got built on the site of Romania’s previous national stadium, Stadionul Naţional Lia Manoliu, which closed its doors in 2007. Construction of the new stadium began in 2008, and, with several delays, was completed in 2011. During the building works it was decided to equip the stadium with a retractable roof.
The stadium is owned by the city of Bucharest, but can be rented by any football club. From the start of the 2012/13 season.
27. Visit IOR Park.jpg)
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The Alexandru Ioan Cuza Park (Parcul Alexandru Ioan Cuza), also known as Titan Park (Parcul Titan), or IOR Park (Parcul IOR), is a large urban park with a lake in eastern Bucharest. IOR is a reference to the Întreprinderea Optică Română factory in the vicinity of the park.
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The Alexandru Ioan Cuza Park was created between 1965 and 1970 and is one of the largest parks in Bucharest with an area of around 85 hectares. The park is laid out around the Titan Lake which has five small islands that are connected with bridges. The largest island is called Dog’s Island (Insula Câinilor) and here you can let your dog run around unleashed. The other islands are called the Island of Pensioners, Island of Arts, Fishermen’s Island, and Duck Island. The park and lake are divided in two sections north and south of Strada Liviu Rebreanu which crosses the park.
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Due to its large size, the park is great for long walks and jogging and it’s easy to find quiet and peaceful spots, for example for a picnic. In summer you can make a boat trip on the lake, or rent a peddle boat or kayak. There’s also a i’Velo bike rental station and there are several sports facilities, including fitness equipment, ping-pong tables, a skate park, a football pitch, and tennis courts.
For children there are several playgrounds in the park. There are also several restaurants, kiosks, ice cream parlours, and multiple puplic toilets. The ParkLake Shopping Center is located in the southeast corner of the park, which also has several restaurants, toilets, ATMs and a supermarket.
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28. Sit in the Garden at Primaverii Palace
The Primaverii Palace – also called the Ceausescu Palace or House of Ceausescu – was the luxurious residence where the dictator lived with his family in Bucharest. The interior of the 80-room abode is decorated with silk wallpaper and gold furnishings. Additionally, there is a pool, a sauna, a greenhouse and a garden with peacocks.
Since the downfall of Ceausescu, the house has been preserved as a museum. Visitors can tour the home, including the palace study, the richly decorated living room and the underground bunker.
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However, those not keen on going inside can skip the tour and simply enjoy the palace garden. The entry takes you along a long hallway decorated with photographs of Ceausescu posing with (in)famous heads of government (like US President Nixon, Yugoslavia leader Tito and Saddam Hussein).
29. Discover the Street Art of Bucharest
Street art is much more than the “vandalism” of graffiti. The paintings that cover the Bucharest walls are proof of that. The communist city of the past is being transformed into a bright-coloured European capital, thanks to the work of former gaffers turned into talented artists.
Bucharest has a lot of street art and you will probably be able to find at least a couple really interesting murals on your own. However, Romanian street art often goes deeper than just a painting on the wall. There is so much history, so much social involvement and political protest behind these paintings. Here is a small selection of really nice tours that will show you the alternative side of Bucharest:
30. Visit The Drumul Taberei Park (Moghioros)
Drumul Taberei Park is one of the most beloved parks, an oasis of relaxation in the urban jungle. Drumul Taberei Park (formerly "Moghioros") is a park located in Sector 6 of Bucharest, in the Drumul Taberei neighbourhood. Drumul Taberei area, Bucharest's West Side, has a tiny park with a modern design that complements nature. Colourful, with playgrounds and relaxation, this park surprises you with its tranquillity and beauty.
Besides Cismigiu Gardens, visit Krishna Caffe in the vicinity. Taste the menu of Indian cuisine at this cafe. At Krishna Caffe, visitors may try nicely cooked taro. Order good ice cream, it's quite nice. Most likely, you'll come back to this place later to degust delicious wine. You will be offered great coffee, lemonade or tea.
This spot is well known for its great service and friendly staff, that is always ready to help you. Pay fair prices for eating at this café. The fine décor and charming atmosphere let guests feel relaxed here.
This place has a magic touch. I've been here many times, and each time was very ok.
good music, nice atmosphere. The coffee and coffee products were good, tea is also very good.
prices are decent, especially in this part of city.
32. Attend a Concert at the Romanian Athenaeum
Exterior of the Romanian Athenaeum Bucharest, Romania
The Ateneul Roman is Bucharest’s premier performing arts theater and home to the George Enescu Philharmonic Orchestra. Built in the 1880s, the prestigious concert hall is gorgeously decorated and features stunning acoustics.
Interested parties can visit the Romanian Athenaeum for a small fee. However, one of the unique things to do in Bucharest is to actually attend a concert! The image of the building, the neo-Greek portico, located under the Ionic pediment, and the beautifully decorated dome, has long been the emblem of Bucharest. The Romanian Athenaeum is one of the most famous tourist attractions in Bucharest.
33. Gawk at the House of the Free Press Building
34. Get away from it all at Therme Spa
City noise got you down? I hear you. Whether you want to sweat out your hangover from last night in the Old Town (I’m not telling you to not go to the Shoteria, but you probably shouldn’t go to the Shoteria), or you just want to relax and unwind, Therme is luxury writ large — really large.
As in, it’s the “biggest relaxation, wellness, and indoor entertainment center” in Europe big. And, since it’s right by the airport, it’s the perfect spot to unwind before your flight home.
What to Eat in Bucharest
When you visit, try to learn the basics below:
Hello | "Salut." (sah-LOOT)
How are you? | "Ce mai faci?" (chey my FAHTCH)
Thank you | "Mulţumesc" (mool-tzoo-MESK). "Merci" is also popularly used.
Nice to meet you | "Încântat" (oohn-koohn-taht) or "Îmi pare bine" (OOHM pah-reh BEE-neh)
Please | "Vă rog" (vuh ROHG; usually follows the request.)
Ticket | "Bilet" (Be let)
Is it worth going to Bucharest?
Yes, Bucharest is worth a visit. It’s got a unique charm, lively nightlife, and plenty of history and culture to dive into. Bucharest comes alive when the sun sets, offering a vibrant and diverse nightlife scene that caters to all tastes. From trendy bars and lively clubs to cosy pubs and stylish lounges, the city provides an array of options for night owls seeking entertainment. Bucharest’s nightlife is not just about partying; it’s about immersing yourself in the city’s dynamic and social atmosphere. Bucharest proudly showcases a fascinating blend of architectural styles, reflecting its rich history. The Palace of the Parliament, a colossal masterpiece and one of the heaviest buildings in the world, stands as a testament to Romania’s complex past.
