Carol Park serves as a green escape in a highly-trafficked and dense area of south-central Bucharest. Communist-themed tours of the city often include a stop at the park’s mausoleum, which was originally erected in 1963 in honor of socialist militants, and once held the remains of Communist leaders. Sightseeing tours of Bucharest focusing on off-the-beaten-track attractions and specific historic themes—such as the city’s 19th-century transformation into the so-called “Little Paris of the East”—also make stops at the picturesque park.
Carol Park is situated in south-central Budapest, not far from Tineretului Park. To get here, take the tram (7, 47, 23, or 27 lines) to the Parcul Carol I stop.
The best time to visit Carol Park is on a sunny day, when you can take advantage of all the park’s outdoor space and recreational opportunities. During summer, concerts are occasionally held in the park’s open-air theater.
Carol Park is much more than a mere place to walk and jog, with plenty of quirky sights to see. Find the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier at the south end of the park. Head to the northeast corner of the park to Dimitrie Leonida Technical Museum, which showcases cutting-edge technology—or at least what was cutting-edge technology back when the museum opened in the early 20th century. Also worth seeking out is Ţepeş Castle, a mini recreation of Vlad Ţepeş-owned Poenari Castle, and the Giants sculptures by Frederic Storck and Dimitrie Paciurea, depicting two naked male figures.
