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15 Things to do in Bucharest, Romania – Insider’s Guide 2021
Bucharest, Romania’s capital, is the biggest city m in the country and has many interesting things to do and see, both for locals and tourists. From lively boulevards and beautiful parks to fascinating museums and a thriving nightlife, there’s something here for everyone. If you’re considering visiting the City of Joy, take a look at this guide to 15 of the most amazing activities to do in Bucharest.
1. Visit the Palace of Parliament
The palace is one of the largest and heaviest buildings in the world, weighing an incredible four million tonnes. Despite the communist dictator Nicolae Ceaușescu never moving in, it remains a stunning tribute to Romania’s history. Today, it houses the Romanian Parliament, the National Museum of Contemporary Art, and several other government offices.
2. Admire the beautiful Romanian Orthodox churches
Romanian culture is heavily linked to Orthodox Christianity. As a result, there are many impressive churches you can visit in Bucharest, including Patriarhia and Curtea Veche. Both are especially popular with tourists and offer stunning architecture, beautiful frescoes, and inspiring spiritual atmosphere.
3. Explore Bucharest’s old town, Lipscani
Lipscani is the oldest district in Bucharest and one of the most picturesque areas too. As you walk through its winding cobble stone streets and alleys you can find some fascinating churches and monasteries such as Manuc’s Inn, as well as plenty of art galleries, souvenir shops, bars and cafes.
4. Lose yourself in Cişmigiu Gardens
Take a break from the hustle and bustle of the city and lose yourself in Cişmigiu Gardens. This southern part of Bucharest has been allowed to retain much of its old charm and it’s a great place for a romantic walk along the lake or for getting lost in nature.
5. Visit Muzeul National de Istorie a Romaniei
Want to learn more about Romanian history? Visit the impressive Muzeul National de Istorie a Romaniei. Learn about Romania’s origin stories, the development of its culture and society throughout the centuries, and discover many historical artifacts such as ancient coins, weapons, and religious symbols.
6. Feast on traditional Romanian food
No visit to the city is complete without trying some of its local dishes. Popular dishes include sarmale (stuffed cabbage rolls), mămăligă (cornmeal mush), ciorbă (sour soup) and tochitură (stew). Visit any one of the many “Crama Domnească’ taverns for some delicious Romanian cuisine!
7. Shop in Piata Unirii
Piata Unirii is one of Bucharest’s busiest squares and home to many restaurants, shops and stores. There’s always something to do here, from spending hours at the bookstore to finding something unique in one of the antique shops.
8. Visit the Village Museum
Learn more about Romania’s culture and history by visiting the Village Museum (Muzeul Satului). Here, you can admire traditional rural homes and farms from different regions across Romania, as well as handicrafts used throughout the centuries. The variety of items on display makes it one of Bucharest’s must-visit attractions.
9. Explore Carol Park
Carol Park is Bucharest’s oldest urban park, home to some striking sculptures including ones dedicated to Romania’s former kings. While here, you can also visit the open-air Military Museum with its selection of 18th-century cannons, tanks and howitzers.
10. Visit Grigore Antipa Natural History Museum
The Grigore Antipa museum is dedicated to biology, geology, and paleontology – perfect for anyone interested in natural sciences. The museum houses thousands of specimens from all over the world, including sea creatures like sharks, coral reef animals and jellyfish.
11. Unwind at Herastrau Park
Herastrau Park is one of Bucharest’s largest parks with lush vegetation and many activities for visitors to enjoy. Wander along winding pathways until you discover one of the many lakeside restaurants or take a boat out onto Lake Herastrau itself.
12. Stop by the Old City Centre
The Old City Centre, which is also known as Lipscani, is a great place to spend an evening or a weekend. It dates back over 600 years and is home to many bars, pubs and restaurants as well as small boutiques, perfect for some retail therapy.
13. Ride the cable car up Cismigiu Hill
Cismigiu Hill, also known as Babel Garden, boasts spectacular views of the city below. Take a ride on the cable car from the bottom station at Centrul Vechi up to Cismigiu Gardens for an unforgettable experience.
14. Go clubbing at Old Town
Old Town is known for its vibrant nightlife, with trendy clubs popping up all over like Gluga Vernescu and YOLO Club. If you’re looking for some serious partying and amazing music performances then this is definitely the place to be.
15. Check out Bucharest Botanical Garden
Bucharest Botanical Garden, also known as Gradina Botanica din Bucuresti, is a tranquil spot where you can admire rare flowers from all over the world as well as hundreds of plant species from Romania itself. Spend an afternoon here peaceful walking or simply take a break from hectic city life.
Conclusion: Visiting Bucharest can be an exciting experience if one knows what attractions to visit beforehand, ranging from natural parks to lively streets of Old Town. Whether one wishes to explore fascinating churches or taste authentic Romanian food, or just take some much-needed time off from life bustling everyday life – Bucharest has plenty activities that would cater to everyone’s taste!
