Overview

Once dubbed the "Little Paris of the East," Bucharest, the capital of Romania, impresses with its grand, tree-lined boulevards and elegant Belle Époque architecture that hints at its sophisticated past. The city even boasts its own Arc de Triomphe, proudly positioned on a boulevard longer than the Champs-Élysées, where a stunning array of trees bursts into bloom each spring, adding a romantic charm to the urban landscape.

What sets Bucharest apart is its strikingly eclectic architectural blend. You’ll find centuries-old Orthodox churches and serene monasteries nestled among opulent Second Empire mansions, alongside stark communist-era blocks and monumental socialist realist structures. The most breathtaking of them all is the Palace of the Parliament, a huge structure that ranks as the second-largest administrative building in the world, second only to the Pentagon.

Beyond the architecture, Bucharest is a city of contrasts, where bohemian cafes and modern art galleries are tucked into historic courtyards, and lively nightlife just blocks from quiet, cobbled lanes. The city’s Old Town (Lipscani) is a hub of energy, with its buzzing bars, boutique shops, and charming eateries offering both traditional Romanian fare and international cuisine. Meanwhile, sprawling parks like Herastrau and Carol Park offer leafy retreats in the midst of the city’s bustle.

Culturally rich and constantly evolving, Bucharest is a destination that surprises and enchants. Whether you're admiring the neo-classical façade of the Romanian Athenaeum or exploring hidden corners full of local color and charm, the city invites visitors to experience its unique fusion of history, resilience, and modern vibrancy.

Things To See & Do

Get acquainted with the city. Bucharest was known as “Paris of the East” in the 1900s for its reputation for the high life and the art nouveau influences reminiscent of Paris. The capital city has a lot to offer visitors with a mixture of old and new architecture and attractions found throughout the city, the new “Old Town” and a thriving art scene. The city has a walkable city center and a decent transportation system, making it easy to connect to the sights and attractions. Taking a walking tour is a great way to get accustomed to the city, and there are free guided walking tours of the city center.

The city is known for its beautiful tree-lined boulevards and grandiose Belle Epoque buildings, it is Romania’s largest city and a bustling metropolis today. Check out the charming churches, historical palaces, and fantastic museums such as the Museum of the Romanian Peasant, which tells the tale of the country’s long and rich peasant tradition with elaborate woodwork, pottery making, egg painting, and weaving skills shown educationally and amusingly.

See the stunning People’s House or Palace of the People, a massive, famous structure in the city featuring over 1,000 rooms. A Totalitarian and modernist Neoclassical building is the biggest civilian building in the world, the heaviest building in the world, and the most expensive to build. The complex consists of the two houses of the Parliament of Romania, an international conference center, and three museums: the National Museum of Contemporary Art, the Museum of the Palace, and the Museum of Communist Totalitarianism, all are well worth a visit and will keep you occupied for hours. There are hour-long guided tours of the 1980s building, which is adorned with tons of marble, hardwood, and gold.

Head over to the Old Town/Lipscani neighborhood, the locals refer to it as “the youngest old town in the world” due to a recent makeover, there are brand new buildings that stand next to ones that are hundreds of years old. Stroll through the charming cobblestone streets filled with people, shops, cafes, pubs, and restaurants, making it a go-to place for travelers and locals alike.

You will find many of the city's attractions on the narrow streets of Old Town, including the National Museum of Romanian History and the Romanian Athenaeum. You will also come across quite a few interesting churches like St. Nicholas Russian Church and the stunning quaint Pasajul Macca-Vilacrosse with its yellow glass ceiling.

Be sure to visit Carturesti Carusel, the now-famous bookstore in Old Town, a book lover’s dream! The bright, airy, and elegant establishment is comprised of six floors and home to around 10,000 books along with 5,000 albums and DVDs. There is a multi-media area, an art gallery, a gift shop, and a cafe bistro on the top floor with great views.

Within walking distance is the beautiful Cismigiu Gardens, a public park with old trees and wrought iron signposts, and benches covering several acres. Stroll through the park after lunch and wander by the lake, decorated with fountains and flowers. This park is an important monument in the history of the city. The park and lake form the oldest and largest park in the city’s central area.

Explore the city’s beloved markets, Piata Obor. Bursting with fresh produce, meats, local wine, and delicacies such as honey, white cheese, rose petal jam, and walnut honey. The market also has a section selling unique, authentic Romanian souvenirs such as beaded jewelry, ceramics, and clothing. The food served here is also amazing, be sure to sample the meatballs or sausages served with fresh bread. Take in the fun, vibrant atmosphere of the market and enjoy a true Romanian experience. You will need a few hours to explore the massive marketplace.

See the captivating Stavropoleos Monastery Church. The church was founded by the Greek monk Loanikie Strtonikeas in 1724. There used to be an entire Orthodox monastery here for nuns until the late 19th century. What is left today is the striking Brancovan architectural style church, the facade features ornate arches, with small medallions of saints above them, and there are beautiful frescoes and an iconostasis inside. The church’s courtyard is a hidden gem and the perfect place for some quiet time in the morning.

Head over to Revolution Square (Piata Revolutiei) on Calea Victoriei, one of the main squares in the city, and once the location of the Central Committee of the Romanian Communist Party. The stunning square is surrounded by some of the city’s most important and impressive buildings, including the Romanian Athenaeum, and two monuments that celebrate the revolution. The marble Memorial of Rebirth was erected in 2005 and includes the names of over 1,058 victims of the bloody revolution, and a bronze statue of Luliu Maniu, the Romanian Prime Minister imprisoned by the Communist Party.

The Royal Palace of Bucharest is also found on Revolution Square, it was once the King of Romania’s residence before the Communist regime took over. The palace has been restored several times after being damaged by fire and during the 1989 Revolution, and today it is home to the National Museum of Art of Romania.

Bucharest’s own Arc de Triomphe, which was originally built in 1878 of wood and celebrated Romania’s Independence, the current version was completed in 1935 featuring a Neoclassical look and closely resembles the Arc de Triomphe in Paris with the Romanian Royal Crown and scenes from WWI inscribed into its stonework.

The Dimitrie Gusti National Village Museum of Bucharest is the highlight of King Mihai I Park. A unique open-air ethnographic museum that stretches through Herastrau Park, depicting the traditional Romanian village. The museum was created by Dimitrie Gusti in 1936, and over 300 buildings, including genuine farms, thatched barns, churches, workshops, mills, and peasant houses relocated here from across the country. Throughout the museum, visitors will notice each region boasts its own peasant-style farms, and the park itself has plenty more to offer, with lawns, forests, and Lake Herastrau with plenty of restaurants along the shore, with beautiful scenery to enjoy a drink and some lunch.

The ruins of Old Princely Court (Curtea Veche) are nestled in the heart of Old Town and were the palatial residence of Wallachian princes. Its best-known occupant was Vlad Tepes, also known as Vlad the Impaler, the inspiration for Bram Stoker’s tale of Dracula. There is a statue of the infamous Romanian prince still standing along with the court walls, several arches, and columns. The Old Court Museum is also found here, and a worthwhile visit featuring pottery and artifacts found during an archaeological dig around the ruins.

Relax at Therme Bucuresti, the largest thermal bath complex in all of Europe. The spa temperatures are between 84-86 degrees, and the water temperatures are at a constant 91.4°F. The pools and spa are surrounded by hundreds of thousands of exotic tropical plants, which transport you to a tropical location. There are six saunas, four wet saunas, and 16 water slides to enjoy on the property.

Events & Festivals

Bucharest hosts a number of cultural festivals, many taking place during the summer months of June, July, and August.

Opera Festival - May and June - Includes ensembles and orchestras from all over the world.

George Enescu Festival - September every two years (odd years) - Several locations throughout the city hosted by the Romanian Atheneum Society.

Romanian folk arts and crafts - events throughout the year - The Museum of the Romanian Peasant and the Village Museum host events showcasing Romanian arts and crafts.

International Cow Parade - dozens of decorated cow sculptures placed across the city.

Chinese New Year’s Eve Festival - February - Nichita Stanescu Park.

Bucharest International Film Festival - Honoring famous names from the world cinema.