Bucharest Travel Guide: 16 Must-See Sights and Tips for Your Visit

When planning a European city trip, few travelers think of Bucharest, which is a real shame.
Romania’s capital is often called the “Paris of the East” and it truly lives up to that name.
Magnificent architecture, charming old town streets filled with bars and restaurants, elegant boutiques and a lively nightlife shape the city’s atmosphere.
At the same time, large concrete apartment blocks from the communist era create a striking contrast.
These opposites give Bucharest its unique character and make the city so fascinating to explore.

We spent two days in Bucharest, which was the perfect start to our road trip through Romania.
In this post we share our best Bucharest travel tips and show you the top highlights and attractions you should not miss during your short city break in Bucharest.

BEST TIME TO VISIT BUCHAREST

Bucharest can be visited all year round, as each season has its own charm. In spring, nature awakens and the city’s many parks are filled with blooming flowers.
In summer, numerous festivals and long evenings attract both locals and visitors, although it can get very hot during this time.
Winter is often cold, but around Christmas the beautifully decorated streets create a very special atmosphere.
Autumn offers pleasantly mild temperatures, perfect for sightseeing or long walks through the old town. At the same time, the trees turn colorful and bathe the city in warm light.

We visited in early October and experienced exactly that: mild weather and vibrant autumn colors.
That is why we can highly recommend autumn as one of the best times to visit Bucharest.

HOW MANY DAYS TO STAY IN BUCHAREST

That depends on how much you want to see and experience. Here is our general recommendation:

• Stay 2 days in Bucharest if you want to see the main attractions such as the impressive Palace of the Parliament, the lively Old Town with its highlights, Cismigiu Park, and Calea Victoriei.
• Stay 3 days in Bucharest if you would like to take your time for interesting museums, enjoy some shopping in the large malls, or visit Therme Bucharest.
  Three days are also perfect if you want to experience the city’s colorful nightlife.
• Stay 4 days in Bucharest if you want to go on day trips.
  From Bucharest, you can visit highlights such as Peleș Castle, the legendary Dracula’s Castle in Bran, or the fascinating mud volcanoes.

HOTELS & ACCOMMODATION IN BUCHAREST

When visiting a city, the location of your accommodation plays an important role. Our tip: the more central, the better.
This way you can reach the main attractions quickly and easily on foot or by metro and even return to your room for a short break in between.

We chose Maison Bucarest Apartments by Olala Homes, which we booked through booking.com.
The accommodation is very central, modern, and spacious.
It was also important to us that it has a private and free parking space for our rental car.
Everything we needed for a pleasant stay was provided.

We deliberately decided against staying in a hotel. In big cities we like to have breakfast outside and try different cafés, but we still enjoy the comfort and space of an apartment.

GETTING TO BUCHAREST

The easiest and fastest way to reach Bucharest is by plane.
Many European and international airlines offer direct flights to Romania’s capital, landing at Henri Coandă International Airport (OTP).
Low-cost carriers such as Wizz Air and Ryanair also operate frequent connections, making Bucharest one of Eastern Europe’s most accessible destinations.
You can compare routes and prices easily on skyscanner.com.

The flight time from most major European cities is around two to three hours, while flights from the Middle East take roughly the same.
Travelers coming from North America or Asia usually connect through major European hubs such as Frankfurt, London, or Istanbul.

Romania is a member of the European Union, and visitors from many countries, including the United Kingdom, the United States, Canada, and Australia, usually do not need a visa for short tourist stays.
However, entry requirements can change, so it is always best to check the latest regulations for your country before traveling.

If you prefer to travel overland, Bucharest is also connected by train to several European cities, including Vienna and Budapest. The journey takes longer but rewards you with beautiful countryside views along the way.

GETTING FROM THE AIRPORT TO THE CITY

The most affordable way to reach the city center from the airport is by shuttle bus line 783. Depending on traffic, the ride takes around 40 to 60 minutes.

If you prefer a faster and more comfortable option, ride-hailing apps such as Uber and Bolt are widely available, along with traditional taxis.

GETTING AROUND BUCHAREST

Would you like to explore Bucharest on foot? No problem, that is absolutely possible, as most of the main sights in the old town and its surroundings are located close to each other.

Alternatively, you can easily get around by metro, tram, or bus.
Bucharest has a well-developed public transport network that is also very affordable.
Tickets can be purchased at vending machines or kiosks.

Another option is to take a tour with the hop-on hop-off buses.
During the ride, an audio guide provides information about the main attractions.
The advantage is that you can get off at any time to take a closer look at a sight that interests you.
You can find tickets for the tour here: Bucharest Hop-on Hop-off Tour.

For longer distances, Uber and Bolt are very convenient. Traditional taxis in Bucharest are also inexpensive, but make sure the meter is turned on before starting your ride.

SIGHTSEEING IN BUCHAREST

THE PALACE OF THE PARLIAMENT

The landmark of Bucharest is the Palace of the Parliament.
It is not only the largest building in Romania but also the second largest administrative building in the world after the Pentagon.
Construction began in 1984 under the rule of the communist dictator Nicolae Ceaușescu, but the palace was not completed until 1997, more than ten years after Ceaușescu’s fall from power.

To make space for his monumental project, Ceaușescu ordered large parts of the historic old town to be demolished.
Numerous churches and synagogues were destroyed, and around 30,000 people were forced to leave their homes.
Countless architects, engineers and construction workers worked day and night to build this enormous structure made of concrete and marble.
The result is a palace with more than 5,000 rooms spread across 12 floors above ground and another six underground levels.
Many of the rooms are huge halls and salons ranging from 200 to 2,000 square meters in size.

Today, the Romanian Parliament and Senate hold their sessions inside the building. It also houses three museums and a large conference center.

Tips for your visit: you cannot just walk in spontaneously.
Tickets must be reserved at least one day in advance by phone (Monday to Friday, 9:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.).
For a visit on Monday, you need to call the previous Friday.
The phone numbers are +40 733 558 102 and +40 733 558 103.
A guided tour is mandatory, and you must bring and present your original passport or EU ID card.

If you do not manage to join a tour, there is no need to be disappointed, because the palace is absolutely impressive even from the outside.

BOULEVARD UNIRII

Anyone visiting the Palace of the Parliament will also come across the nearly three-kilometer-long Bulevardul Unirii, which leads directly to the building.
A walk along the boulevard is worthwhile both during the day and at night.
After dark, the atmosphere becomes especially beautiful.
Numerous fountains light up in vibrant colors, while the palace behind them glows in a warm golden hue.

THE OLD TOWN OF BUCHAREST

The old town of Bucharest, also known as Lipscani or Centru Vechi, is the heart of the city.
Here you can stroll through narrow streets and small passages, admire historic buildings, and discover new corners at every turn.
During the day it is rather quiet, making it perfect for sitting in one of the cafés, enjoying a good coffee, and soaking up the atmosphere.

In the evening, the old town truly comes to life.
Bars, restaurants, and music on every corner make it the ideal place for night owls.
We especially liked that during our stay in October, it was still warm enough to sit outside.
This filled the streets with even more life and created an especially vibrant atmosphere.

THE STAVROPOLEOS MONASTERY

One of our favorite sights in the old town is the small Stavropoleos Monastery.
From the outside it looks rather modest, but as soon as you step into the courtyard, you immediately feel its special atmosphere.
The church dates back to the 18th century and impresses with beautiful frescoes, wooden carvings, and a peaceful setting.
If you need a short break from the hustle and bustle of the city, this is the perfect place to relax.

THE MUSEUM OF COMMUNISM

Also located right in the old town is the small but very interesting Museum of Communism.
Visiting it offers a strong contrast to modern-day Bucharest and gives you valuable insight into Romania’s history.

The museum shows what life was like during the time of Ceaușescu.
You can see authentically furnished rooms with furniture, clothing, toys, and everyday household items.
There are also exhibits about surveillance, censorship, and propaganda from that era.
Particularly fascinating are the photos and personal stories that make history feel very real.

All information in the museum is provided in English.
During our visit it was pleasantly quiet, so we could take our time exploring everything.
Opening hours and ticket prices can be found on the official website of the museum: Museum of Communism.

CĂRTUREȘTI CARUSEL – THE MOST BEAUTIFUL BOOKSTORE IN ROMANIA

For us, Cărturești Carusel is the most beautiful bookstore in Bucharest, and it is also located right in the old town. The name translates to “Carousel of Light.”

The historic building stood empty for many years before it was renovated.
Today, you can browse through thousands of books in its many cozy corners and maybe take one or two home with you.
If you want to enjoy a coffee and a piece of cake, head to the top floor where you will find a small café.

It is no surprise that this special place has become famous far beyond Romania’s borders, not least thanks to the many photos shared on social media.

CALEA VICTORIEI

A walk along Calea Victoriei is a must during any stay in Bucharest.
This historic main street in the heart of the city is about 2.7 kilometers long and full of history, charm, and hidden treasures.
Here you can admire impressive architecture, go for a relaxed stroll, enjoy a meal, or simply watch the lively street life.

What makes it special is the mix of architectural styles, from neoclassical to art nouveau, which together tell the story of Bucharest in their own way.

Among the architectural highlights are the Cantacuzino Palace, the Romanian Athenaeum, the National Museum of Art, and the CEC Palace.

Calea Victoriei also has a lot to offer when it comes to food.
A true classic is the traditional Café Casa Capșa, which dates back to 1852.
Another popular spot is Caru’ cu Bere, a rustic restaurant serving traditional Romanian cuisine.

VICTORIA PASSAGE & MACCA VILACROSSE PASSAGE

In Victoria Passage, also known as Umbrella Street, a colorful canopy of umbrellas stretches over the narrow alley.
The bright umbrellas are a real eye-catcher and a popular spot for photos.

Just a few minutes’ walk away is the Macca-Vilacrosse Passage. With its glass roofs, small cafés, and restaurants, it has a very special atmosphere.

A short stop at both passages is definitely worth it during a walk through the city.

ARCUL DE TRIUMF

As already mentioned, Bucharest is often called the “Paris of the East.” The best example of this is the Arcul de Triumf, which was built after the model of the Arc de Triomphe in Paris.

It is located a bit outside the city center, and depending on where your accommodation is, you might even pass by it on your way from the airport.
If you only have a short amount of time in Bucharest, a visit to the Arcul de Triumf may not be essential.
However, if you have more time, it is well worth combining it with a visit to the Ceaușescu Villa and a walk through the large Herăstrău Park.

CEAUSESCU’S VILLA

If you want to see how the Romanian dictator Nicolae Ceaușescu and his family lived, you should definitely visit the Ceaușescu Villa (Palatul Primăverii), which is located a bit outside the center of Bucharest.

Separated from the rest of the population, the family lived here in luxury that was far out of reach for most Romanians at the time.
Lavish rooms, a gold-plated bathroom, a private cinema, and even a large indoor pool – while poverty and shortages dominated the rest of the country, the Ceaușescus enjoyed a life of abundance. This striking contrast makes the visit especially impressive.

Good to know: The palace can only be visited as part of a guided tour.
It is best to book your tickets online in advance, as the groups fill up quickly.
You can find tickets for the tour here: Tour Ceaușescu Villa.
The M2 metro line stops almost directly in front of the entrance.

HERĂSTRĂU PARK

Just a few minutes’ walk away lies the vast Herăstrău Park.
It is the perfect place to escape the hustle and bustle of the city for a while.
Covering more than 180 hectares around the lake of the same name (today often referred to as Lacul Herăstrău or King Michael I Park), it is the largest park in Bucharest.

You will find plenty of nature, car-free walking paths, themed gardens including a lovely rose garden and a small Japanese garden, as well as playgrounds and countless spots to relax and unwind.

Especially beautiful in good weather: you can rent a pedal boat, kayak, or rowboat and explore the lake from the water.

COTROCENI NATIONAL MUSEUM

The museum is located in the former royal palace of the same name.
It is no surprise that visitors can admire impressive architecture, lavish rooms, many artworks, and a special collection of porcelain from past centuries.
The palace grounds also include a small church and a beautifully maintained garden.

Another unique feature is that the official residence of the Romanian president is located in another part of the palace.
Since the building still serves an important political function today, visits are only possible as part of a guided tour. It is best to book your tickets in advance.

Information about opening hours and tickets can be found on the museum’s official website.

NATIONAL MUSEUM OF ART

If you are interested in art, the National Museum of Art is the perfect place to visit. It is located in the former royal palace right in the heart of the city.

The museum offers a diverse collection that provides an engaging overview of Romanian and European art history.
It features everything from medieval icons and church frescoes to modern paintings.
The works of Romanian artists such as Grigorescu, Andreescu, Tonitza, and Pallady are considered true classics in Romania, even though they are less known internationally.

What makes this museum especially enjoyable is that, unlike many major art museums in Europe, it is not overcrowded. You can take your time admiring the works and enjoy a relaxed visit.

Information about opening hours and tickets can be found on the museum’s official website.

CISMIGIU PARK

Right next to our accommodation and not far from the old town center lies Cismigiu Park, a large and beautifully maintained green space in the heart of Bucharest.
Since there are only a few parks in the city center, it is the largest and best option for taking a short break from the noise and hustle of the city.

The car-free paths and small, decorative bridges invite you to take a relaxed walk.
Many locals come here to jog, play with their children, or walk their dogs.
This makes the park a great place to experience a bit of everyday life in Bucharest.

SHOPPING MALLS IN BUCHAREST

If you feel like going shopping, you will definitely find what you are looking for in Bucharest.
In the city center you will mostly find small shops and boutiques, while several large shopping malls await you outside the center.
Examples include Unirea Shopping Center, Bucharest Mall, AFI Cotroceni, Veranda Mall, and ParkLake Shopping Center.

These malls offer everything a shopping lover could wish for.
They are also a great alternative on very hot summer days, cold winter days, or when it rains, allowing you to spend a pleasant time in Bucharest no matter the weather.

You can easily reach the malls by metro or conveniently by Bolt or Uber.

HALF-DAY TRIP TO THERME BUCUREȘTI

If you need a break after all the sightseeing in Bucharest, you can relax at Therme București, one of the largest thermal spas in Europe.
Located just a few kilometers north of the city center, this true wellness oasis welcomes you with palm trees, warm pools, saunas, and a tropical atmosphere.

The complex is huge and divided into several areas, ranging from saunas and massage zones to a family area with slides and fun pools, as well as warm outdoor pools.

Our tip: combine a half-day of sightseeing in the morning with a relaxing afternoon at the spa.
Especially in the evening, when the lights come on and the pools are softly illuminated, the atmosphere is particularly beautiful.

The best part is that admission is surprisingly affordable compared to similar spas in Western Europe. You can easily book your tickets online here: Ticket Therme București.

From the city center or old town, you can reach the spa by taking bus number 100, which goes directly there. The ride takes about 30 to 40 minutes.

THIS POST WAS NOT ENOUGH FOR YOU? WANT MORE TIPS, INSPIRATION AND SIGHTS FOR YOUR TRIP TO ROMANIA? THEN CHECK OUT OUR FOLLOWING POSTS:

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