Best Places To Visit In Bucharest

Bucharest, the capital of Romania, is an incredible city full of historical and cultural delights. Situated on the banks of the Dâmbovița River, this vibrant city has a long and rich history, and is full of beautiful buildings, fantastic food, and lively nightlife. It’s a great destination for those looking for a unique and exciting vacation, and there are plenty of amazing places to visit in Bucharest.

History Of Bucharest

The area now known as Bucharest has been inhabited since the 6th century BC. It was initially known as Dâmbovița, named after the river that flows through it, and was part of the Roman Empire until 1247. During the Middle Ages, it became an important trading hub and the capital of Wallachia. It was briefly occupied by the Ottomans in the 16th century before becoming an independent principality in 1862. In 1881, it was declared the capital of Romania and its population rapidly grew. During the 20th century, it underwent major changes and was heavily damaged in World War II. After the war, it was rebuilt in a socialist style with wide boulevards and grand public buildings. Today, it continues to be a thriving metropolis with a population of just over 2 million.

What To Do In Bucharest?

Bucharest has something for everyone. Whether you’re looking for architectural marvels, historical sites, vibrant nightlife, or just some delicious food, there’s something for everyone.

Explore The Grand Buildings

One of the best things to do in Bucharest is to explore its grand buildings and architecture. The center of Bucharest is full of impressive buildings and monuments. Arcul de Triumf is a beautiful arch modeled after the Arc de Triomphe in Paris. The Romanian Athenaeum is a stunning concert hall with a colonnade of Ionic columns. The Palace of the Parliament is one of the largest civic buildings in the world, and the Romanian National Bank is a stunning neoclassical building with a grandiose dome. These are just a few examples of the grand architecture in Bucharest.

Visit The Museums

Bucharest also has plenty of interesting museums to explore. The National Museum Of Romanian History has an extensive collection of Romanian artifacts from prehistoric times to modern day. The National Museum Of Art Of Romania has a vast collection of Romanian and European art from ancient times to the present day. The Antipa Museum is a natural history museum with displays on marine life, paleontology, geology, zoology, and more. And for those interested in communism, there’s the Museum Of The Romanian Peasant which showcases traditional peasant life, as well as artifacts from the communist era.

Relax In The Parks

Bucharest is also home to many beautiful parks where people can relax and enjoy the outdoors. Herăstrău Park is one of the largest parks in Bucharest and is home to many lakes, gardens, and outdoor attractions. Cișmigiu Garden is a romantic oasis with a boating lake and plenty of shady spots for picnics. And the Botanical Garden is a beautiful spot to admire exotic plants from around the world.

Hit The Markets

The markets of Bucharest are some of the city’s most vibrant spots. Obor Market is one of the oldest markets in Bucharest, selling everything from fruits and vegetables to clothes and electronics. The Amzei Market is another popular spot for locals to buy fresh produce. And for those looking for some souvenirs, there’s Obor Artisans’ Market which has stalls selling handmade crafts, jewelry, clothes, books, and more.

Experience The Nightlife

When the sun goes down, Bucharest comes alive with its vibrant nightlife. Old Town is full of pubs and clubs playing everything from rock to hip-hop to techno. Calea Victoriei is a popular street lined with bars and clubs where people can dance till dawn. And for those looking for something more laid-back, there are plenty of cozy cafes and bars where people can chat over drinks or enjoy some live music.

Popular Tours In Bucharest

Bucharest has plenty of great tours available to explore its unique attractions up close. Here are two popular tours that you can book to experience the best that Bucharest has to offer:

Old Town Walking Tour

This tour takes you on an exploration of Old Town, one of Bucharest’s most popular neighborhoods. You’ll get to wander through narrow cobbled streets lined with historic buildings and explore some of its most famous churches, such as Stavropoleos Church and Manuc’s Inn. You’ll also get to visit some of its hidden gems like Caru’ cu Bere restaurant and Vasile Lupu Square. The tour ends at Stravropoleos Monastery where you can admire its breathtaking architecture up close. You can book this tour here.

Communism Tour

This tour takes you back in time to explore Bucharest during the communist era. You’ll get to visit some of its most iconic buildings from this period such as Casa Poporului (the House of People) as well as some lesser-known sites like Cenușarii Monastery and Bucharest’s former KGB headquarters. You’ll also get to hear some firsthand accounts from locals about what life was like during this time. You can book this tour here.

Conclusion

Bucharest is an exciting city full of fascinating historical sights and vibrant nightlife. From grand buildings to bustling markets to peaceful parks, there’s something for everyone here. Whether you’re looking for a cultural experience or just some fun, there are plenty of amazing places to visit in Bucharest.

Best Places To Visit In Bucharest: Frequently Asked Questions

Bucharest, the capital of Romania, is a city that’s often overlooked by travelers. However, this city has so much to offer, from stunning architecture to delicious food and a vibrant nightlife. If you’re planning a trip to Bucharest, you might have some questions about the best places to visit. In this blog post, we’re going to answer the most frequently asked questions about the best places to visit in Bucharest.

1. What are some must-see attractions in Bucharest?

Bucharest has numerous must-see attractions that you can’t afford to miss. Whether you’re interested in history, culture, or nightlife, this city has something for everyone.

The Palace of the Parliament

The Palace of the Parliament is the second largest administrative building in the world, after the Pentagon. It is a grandiose building that’s definitely worth a visit. It was built in the 1980s under the communist regime of Nicolae Ceausescu, and it’s an impressive example of the communist era architecture. You can take a guided tour of the palace, which will give you an insight into the history and politics of Romania.

The Old Town

The Old Town, also known as Lipscani, is the historic center of Bucharest. It’s a vibrant area full of bars, restaurants, and shops. In this area, you’ll find many historic buildings, such as the Stavropoleos Monastery, with its Byzantine-style architecture, or the early 18th-century Manuc’s Inn, one of the oldest and largest inns in the city.

The Village Museum

The Village Museum is an open-air museum that showcases the traditional architecture and lifestyle of Romania’s rural regions. It has over 300 structures, including houses, barns, windmills, and watermills, that have been brought from all over the country. The museum is a great place to learn about the country’s history and culture.

2. What are some hidden gems in Bucharest?

While the must-see attractions in Bucharest are definitely worth visiting, there are also some hidden gems that are not as well known, but that are equally impressive.

The Cotroceni Palace and National Museum of Cotroceni

The Cotroceni Palace is the former royal palace of Romania. It’s a beautiful building surrounded by a large park. Today, it houses the National Museum of Cotroceni, which has a vast collection of art, furniture, and decorative objects that belonged to the royal family. Visiting this museum will give you an in-depth look at the history of Romania’s monarchy.

The Bellu Cemetery

The Bellu Cemetery is an impressive outdoor art museum, with a collection of sculptures and tombstones that date back to the 19th century. Many of Romania’s famous artists, writers, and politicians are buried here, and wandering through the cemetery is a unique way to learn about Romania’s cultural history.

The Bucharest Botanical Garden

The Bucharest Botanical Garden is a tranquil oasis in the middle of the city. It’s a vast green space filled with exotic plants and trees from all over the world. It’s a great place to relax and enjoy nature, away from the busy city streets.

3. What is the best time of year to visit Bucharest?

Bucharest has a continental climate with hot summers and cold winters. The best time to visit depends on your preferences.

If you enjoy warm weather and outdoor activities, the best time to visit is between May and September. During this time, the temperatures are warm, and there are many outdoor events and festivals to attend.

If you prefer cooler weather and smaller crowds, the best time to visit is between October and April. This is the off-season, and you’ll have the city to yourself. The temperatures can get quite cold, so make sure to bring warm clothing.

4. What is the food like in Bucharest?

Romanian cuisine is a combination of influences from neighboring countries, such as Hungary, Bulgaria, and Turkey. Some of the most famous Romanian dishes include sarmale, which are cabbage rolls stuffed with meat and rice, mici, which are small grilled sausages, and mamaliga, which is a type of polenta.

In Bucharest, you’ll find many traditional restaurants that serve these dishes, as well as international cuisine. The Old Town is a great place to find restaurants and bars to suit all tastes.

5. How do I get around Bucharest?

The easiest way to get around Bucharest is by public transport. The city has an extensive network of buses, trams, and metro lines. The metro system is particularly convenient, as it’s fast and efficient, and covers most areas of the city.

Taxis are also a popular mode of transport, but make sure to use only licensed taxis, and ask for the fare in advance.

Conclusion

Bucharest is a fascinating city with a rich history and culture. Whether you’re interested in architecture, history, or food, there’s something for everyone in this city. Make sure to visit the must-see attractions, but don’t forget to explore some of the hidden gems as well. And most importantly, have fun and enjoy your trip to Bucharest!