Things to do in Bucharest

Things to do in  Bucharest

History, heritage, and good humor

Often overlooked in favor of the mist-shrouded mountains and castles of Transylvania, Romania's capital has both culture and history that demand a few days’ worth of discovery. Shrouded in architectural vestiges of Communist history, there are plenty of things to do in Bucharest, ranging from the Brutalist Palace of Parliament and the 17th-century belle epoque churches to bohemian cafés and markets, as well as museums that document folklore and Romanian history. The city is also within driving distance of the Black Sea coast, home to seaside gems such as Constanta and Mamaia.

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Top 15 attractions in Bucharest

#1

Palace of Parliament (Palatul Parlamentului)

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If you’re in Bucharest, it’s impossible to miss the massive Palace of Parliament which dominates the city center and contains more than 1,000 rooms. Built under the dictatorship of Nicolae Ceauşescu, this opulent edifice is now one of Bucharest’s most popular tourist attractions and home to the National Museum of Contemporary Art and more.More
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#2

Romanian Athenaeum (Ateneul Roman)

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Built between 1886 and 1888, the Romanian Athenaeum is one of Bucharest’s preeminent cultural venues. Classical concerts are held in its 800-seat auditorium, which is renowned for its excellent acoustics, though the concert hall is as much worth a visit for its elegant architecture and interiors as it is for its musical offerings.More
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#3

Arcul de Triumf (Arch of Triumph)

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Like its Parisian namesake, this triumphal arch sits at one of the city’s busiest intersections and is surrounded by a constant whirl of traffic. The 85-foot (27-meter monument, designed by influential Romanian architect Petre Antonescu, was inaugurated in 1936 to celebrate the unification of Romania and victory in World War I.More
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#4

National Museum of Art of Romania (Muzeul National de Arta al Romaniei)

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Set within the 19th-century Royal Palace, the National Museum of Art of Romania holds an impressive array of artworks. The collection is divided into two parts: Romanian art, with a particular emphasis on medieval and modern pieces; and European art, which includes works attributed to celebrated artists such as El Greco and Rembrandt.More
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#5

Revolution Square (Piata Revolutiei)

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Formally known as Palace Square, Revolution Square (Piața Revoluției earned its current title for its role in the Romanian Revolution of 1989 when then-leader Nicolae Ceaușescu made a final disastrous public appearance here to a booing and jeering crowd. At the center of the square sits a memorial commemorating victims of the revolution.More
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#6

Holocaust Memorial

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This memorial serves as a poignant and sobering reminder of the many Romanian Jews and Roma people murdered during World War II. The memorial, which was inaugurated in 2009, was seen as a symbolic step by Romanian leaders, with previous post-war governments having denied the role Romania’s Nazi-allied government played in the genocide.More
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#7

Stavropoleos Monastery (Manastirea Stavropoleos)

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Located in central Bucharest, Stavropoleos Church (Biserica Stavropoleos, also known as Stavropoleos Monastery, is one of the oldest churches in the city. Built in the 18th century, this small, ornately-decorated church is considered one of the most beautiful in the city, and offers an oasis of peace in the heart of Old Town Bucharest.More
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#8

Bucharest University Palace

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The University of Bucharest Palace, nestled in the heart of Romania's vibrant capital, is a beacon of academic excellence and cultural richness. Renowned for its distinguished faculty, diverse programs, and a storied history dating back to 1864, this prestigious institution offers a captivating blend of Romanian tradition and innovation.More
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#9

Victoriei Street (Calea Victoriei)

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Extending from Piaţa Victoriei in the north of Bucharest down to the Dâmbovița River, the 1.8-mile (3-kilometer long Victoriei Street (Calea Victoriei is the city’s main artery. The wide road is lined with landmarks, from communist-era blocks to museums and historic houses, churches, and monuments.More
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#10

Patriarchal Cathedral (Metropolitan Church)

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Located atop Mitropoliei hill in central Bucharest, the Patriarchal Cathedral (Metropolitan Church) is the city’s principal Orthodox place of worship and a historical landmark. Consecrated in 1658, it’s a copy of the Curtea de Arges Monastery in Pitesti dedicated to Saints Constantine and Helen.More
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#11

National Village Museum (Muzeul Satului)

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Step back in time and discover life in rural Romania at the Village Museum (Muzeul Satalui. Located on the shores of Herastrau Lake, this fascinating open-air museum features a large collection of reconstructed buildings gathered from different parts of the country, as well as exhibits and demonstrations of traditional skills and crafts.More
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#12

CEC Palace (Palatul CEC)

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Located in central Bucharest, on one of its main boulevards, CEC Palace (Palatul CEC) was designed by French architect Paul Gottereau and opened in 1900. The headquarters of Romania’s oldest bank, CEC, the palace is an architectural masterpiece considered by many to be one of the most beautiful buildings in the city.More
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#13

Snagov Monastery (Manastirea Snagov)

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Founded in the late 14th century, Snagov Monastery (Manastirea Snagov) sits on an islet in Lake Snagov, just a couple kilometers north of the village by the same name. The monastery is best known as the burial place of Vlad the Impaler, who provided the inspiration for the fictional Dracula. However, the island also once housed the coin minting facility of the medieval principality Wallachia and was considered one of the most important printing houses in southeastern Europe in the late 17th and early 18th centuries.Whether or not he ultimately came to rest at the monastery, Vlad the Impaler was strongly connected to it, building fortifications around the monastery in the 15th century, as well as a bell tower, new church, a bridge to the mainland and a prison and torture chamber. The remains of the prison can still be seen behind the present day church and frescoes from that era are visible inside the church. Vlad’s alleged grave can be found inside the church toward the back.More
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#14

Pasajul Macca-Vilacrosse (Macca-Villacrosse Passage)

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The Macca-Villacrosse Passage is an indoor arcaded passageway connecting Calea Victoriei and the Lipscani district’s National Bank. Opened in 1891, its two branches were built to weave around an existing inn and allow access to jewelry shops. Today, visitors can find cafes, boutiques, restaurants, and a few remaining jewelers.More
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#15

Mogosoaia Palace

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Also called the Brancovan Palace, the Mogosoaia Palace was built at the end of the 17th century by Constantin Brancoveanu. The building combines elements of both Venetian and Ottoman architecture, creating a style often referred to as “Brancovenesc.” Located just 10 kilometers from Bucharest in the village of Mogosoaia, it has been a museum since 1957 and is one of the most important tourist sites in the area. The palace is part of a vast complex that includes a guesthouse, watchtower, kitchen, vault, ice house, green house, church, and beautiful gardens.Today, visitors can tour parts of the palace or visit a museum featuring Brancoveanu style art. Exhibitions of paintings or textiles are often staged in the palace as well.More
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All about Bucharest

When to visit

Bucharesters will be quick to tell you that spring is the best time to visit the Romanian capital. The city comes alive with vibrant colors and pleasant temperatures, perfect for exploring the parks (try Herastrau Park), and outdoor attractions (see Mogosoaia Palace). Fall is also recommended, as the city hosts events such as the Bucharest International Jazz Competition and George Enescu Classical Music Festival. Year-round indoor attractions—including the mineral pools at Therme Bucharest, taverns, and museums—offer more things to do.

Getting around

Bucharest’s city center can be easily explored on foot, and navigating between other attractions is simple by using the city’s comprehensive public transit system. Invest in a Bucharest tourist card, and get unlimited access to the city’s metro, trams, and buses, plus the train to the airport. Taxis and rideshares are also readily available. For a more active approach, rent a bike or scooter. For ultimate simplicity and efficiency, take a bike tour or organized excursion that includes transportation.

Traveler tips

If you don’t have a time machine (or a few extra days to explore Romania’s other cities), head to Bucharest’s National Village Museum situated in King Mihai I Park. Wander through picturesque traditional houses, windmills, and rural landscapes, collected from the country’s diverse regions and meticulously reconstructed to showcase the country’s diverse regions. Visitors also have the opportunity to interact with local artisans, learn about ancient crafts, and see traditional customs come to life.

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People Also Ask

What is Bucharest known for?

Bucharest is the capital city of Romania, famous for its communist-era landmarks such as the Palace of Parliament—architecture that earned it the nickname Paris of the East—and an eclectic nightlife scene.

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How many days in Bucharest is enough?

Two days in Bratislava are enough to comfortably explore the city as it is not terribly large by international standards, even though it is one of the most popular tourist destinations in Slovakia.

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Why is Bucharest called Little Paris?

Bucharest earned its nicknames of Little Paris and Paris of the East thanks to its grand belle epoque architecture and the way its social elite adopted French greetings and habits in the early 20th century.

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How can I have fun in Bucharest?

It’s not hard to have fun in Bucharest. The city has a wealth of malls and boutiques if you like shopping, a diverse selection of bars and clubs if you’re seeking nightlife, and parks like Cismigiu Gardens that are pleasant to walk or cycle around.

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Is Bucharest cheap to visit?

Yes, Bucharest is regularly ranked as one of the most affordable city destinations in Europe for tourists thanks to great prices on accommodation, food, and public transport.

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Is Bucharest worth visiting?

Yes, Bucharest is worth visiting if you like complex history, affordable food and nightlife, and an edge that makes it a fascinating urban destination to explore.

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