A Guide to Bucharest: What are the Must-See Sights and Places?

Bucharest is the capital of Romania, located near the southeastern area of the country, at the Dambovita River and is affectionately referred to as “The Little Paris of the East.” Bucharest is filled with historical sites, monuments, and palatial buildings that attract millions of tourists from all over the world. While it is a modern city in many aspects, Bucharest is deeply rooted in history and culture.

The city is filled with spirited restaurants, bars, and some of the hottest clubs in the country. There is something to see and do for all types of travelers in this city—from cultural attractions and museums to historical sites and monuments. When visiting Bucharest, there are some must-see sights and places that should be on anyone’s list.

1. The Old Town (Centru Vechi)

The Old Town is located in the center of Bucharest and has been the hub of the city for centuries. Its cobblestone streets are lined with bars, nightclubs, and terraces. The buildings in this area are full of history and mystery, combining traditional Romanian elements with large Turkish influences. The small cafes, bars, and restaurants form a perfect atmosphere for visitors to enjoy the traditional foods and drinks of the city.

Some of the must-see attractions in The Old Town are the Palace of the National Military Circle (Cercul Militar National), The Tamil Tiger Bar (Barul Tiganca Tamil) – the first traditional street bar in Bucharest, Lipscani Street – the oldest street in Bucharest and its best preserved street, Stavropoleos Monastery (Manastirea Stavropoleos) – one of the most preserved monuments in Bucharest, The Hanul lui Manuc & Palace (Palatul Hanul lui Manuc) – a complex that includes traditional restaurants and bars, art galleries, and a guesthouse, The National Museum of History (Muzeul National de Istorie) – the biggest museum in Romania which hosts an impressive collection of old artifacts and artwork.

2. Parliament Palace

Completed in 1997, the Parliament Palace is one of Bucharest’s most recognized skyscrapers. It is also one of the world’s largest office building complexes with over 1 million square meters. It was initially built to serve as Romania’s government headquarters but has since become a popular tourist attraction due to its impressive scale, architecture, and beauty. Visitors can take tours of the various chambers and halls of the palace, as well as visit the Parliament Museum located on the 5th floor.

3. The Romanian Athenaeum

The Romanian Athenaeum stands as one of Bucharest’s most iconic buildings and is also one of its most popular tourist attractions. This concert hall was built in 1888 and holds many performances throughout the year such as classical music concerts, theater performances, readings, and poetry events. It features a unique neoclassical design with fascinating details on its facade, making it one of the most picturesque buildings in the city. Its beautiful garden is home to sculptures of famous Romanian writers and composers such as Gheorghe Zamfir and George Enescu.

4. Cismigiu Park & Lake

Cismigiu Park & Lake is one of Bucharest’s largest parks, covering around 60 hectares. Opened in 1847, it has been kept in impeccable condition by its dedicated staff who make sure that its monuments, trees, and fountains are beautifully taken care of. The lake is lined with shops, ice cream parlors, and cafes which attract a lot of visitors all-year round. Visitors can enjoy a romantic stroll around the lake or practice some yoga or tai chi by its shores.

5. The Village Museum

The Village Museum is an open-air ethnographic museum located in Herastrau Park, a park that lies on the edges of Bucharest’s center. It was established in 1936 by Anton Maria Crișan and consists of over 300 authentic buildings collected from all over Romania that recreate a traditional local village scene. It showcases various churches, houses and other buildings that date back from 2500 years ago up until today, displaying the traditional Romanian lifestyle.

6. Triumphal Arch & Revolution Square

Revolution Square is one of Bucharest’s most important historical sites due to its significance in Romanian history. It was built in 1878 to commemorate Romania’s independence from Ottoman rule and is guarded by an impressive Triumphal Arch modeled after Paris’ iconic Arc de Triomphe de l’Étoile. It stands proudly at the center of Revolution Square surrounded by swirling pools and an ornamental garden, creating a peaceful atmosphere amidst the bustling square.

7. Nightwalkers Bucharest: The Hip Side

Lastly, if you’re looking for something unique to do while exploring Bucharest then it’s time to hit up some backstreets of this dazzling city by night. With Nightwalkers Bukarest’s Hip Side Tour you can explore places where locals try their hands at new trends such as street food hunting, craft beer tasting sipping cocktails at unusual places. Get local insights about Bucharest’s culture, music scene and artwork during this experience and discover places off the beaten path that would otherwise be hidden gems. Book your experience Bucharest Nightwalkers The Hip Side tour today to have a unique journey through Bucharest’s hidden gems!

Overall, when visiting Bucharest there is no shortage of things to do or places to explore. From the Old Town filled with restaurants and bars to iconic landmarks such as The Parliament Building or The Romanian Athenaeum, there are plenty sights to explore during your stay in Bucharest. Furthermore, if you’re looking for something more adventurous why not join Nightwalkers Bukarest’s Hip Side Tour? Whether you’re looking for something cultural or fun to do in Bucharest there is no shortage of amazing sites and attractions for you to enjoy!