A City Guide to Bucharest: Must-See Attractions & Tours

Bucharest, the capital of Romania, is an exciting and dynamic destination in Eastern Europe. It is a city with a long, varied and complicated history, from its rise as a vibrant and culturally important city during the Middle Ages, to its turbulent and often tragic 20th century history, to its modern-day incarnation as a vibrant and thriving city. Here you can explore some of the amazing sights and attractions that make Bucharest a must-see destination for first-time visitors.

A Brief Introduction to Bucharest

Bucharest is the largest city in Romania and the sixth most populous city in the European Union. It is located in the south-eastern part of Romania, on the banks of the river Dâmbovița. It is the cultural, industrial, financial, and political centre of Romania, as well as its most important tourist destination. With over 1.9 million inhabitants, Bucharest is a bustling metropolis full of life and energy.

Over the course of its history, Bucharest has been known by many different names – including Dâmbovița, Orașul Vechi (Old City), Orașul Curtea Domnească (King’s Court City), and finally Bucharest, which was adopted in the late 19th century. During the Middle Ages, Bucharest was a thriving and important city – it was home to the Wallachian princes and was the seat of the Wallachian court. It was also an important trading centre and economic centre.

In the 19th century, Bucharest underwent an economic boom that saw it become one of the most important cities in Europe. In the 20th century, Bucharest suffered from political turmoil, as it was subject to repeated occupation by foreign forces during World War I and World War II. In spite of this, it managed to retain its cultural and historical heritage, which can still be seen in many of its monuments today.

What Makes Bucharest Unique?

Bucharest is a vibrant city with a rich cultural heritage and a unique atmosphere. It is home to some of the oldest and most beautiful buildings in Europe – from its iconic churches to its grand palaces – as well as some of the most modern architecture. It is also home to some of the best museums in Eastern Europe.

Bucharest is often referred to as “the Paris of Eastern Europe” because of its beautiful architecture, lively culture, and rich historical heritage. It is an incredibly diverse city – with a mix of old and new – that offers something for everyone. There are many parks and green spaces throughout the city, as well as a vibrant nightlife scene with plenty of clubs and bars.

Bucharest is also known for its delicious cuisine – from traditional Romanian dishes like sarmale (stuffed cabbage rolls) and mămăligă (polenta) to more international fare like pizza and burgers. It is also home to some of the best beer in Europe – with plenty of microbreweries throughout the city.

Popular Attractions in Bucharest

Bucharest is home to a plethora of attractions, from historical sites to modern-day attractions. Here are some of the must-see attractions in Bucharest:

Palace of Parliament

The Palace of Parliament is one of the most iconic buildings in Bucharest. Built between 1984 and 1997 under the rule of Nicolae Ceaușescu, it is the second largest administrative building in the world after the Pentagon in Washington D.C. The building houses both government offices and several museums, including a museum dedicated to the history of Romania.

The building itself is remarkable – it has 1,100 rooms spread over 12 stories and covers 330,000 square metres (3,531,977 square feet). It is also one of the most opulent buildings in the world – it is lavishly decorated with marble, gold leaf, fine artworks and grand chandeliers.

Old Town

The Old Town is the historical centre of Bucharest and one of its most popular attractions. It is full of narrow cobblestone streets with traditional houses and churches dating back hundreds of years. The area is also full of restaurants, cafes and bars – making it a great place to spend an evening wandering around and exploring.

Some of the must-see attractions in the Old Town include Stavropoleos Church – a small 18th century church built in a traditional Romanian style – as well as Manuc’s Inn – an 18th century inn that now houses a restaurant and a few shops selling traditional Romanian souvenirs. The area also hosts many events such as music festivals and art exhibitions throughout the year.

Museum of Natural History

The Museum of Natural History is one of Bucharest’s top attractions. It houses an impressive collection of fossils, minerals, plants and animals from across Romania, as well as interactive exhibits and activities for visitors to enjoy. The museum also hosts regular events such as lectures, workshops and guided tours.

Cișmigiu Gardens

Cișmigiu Gardens are one of Bucharest’s largest parks and one of its most popular attractions. The gardens were designed in 1847 by German landscape architect Carl Meyer and are full of lush greenery, peaceful ponds and romantic bridges perfect for taking a stroll or having a picnic on a sunny day. The gardens are also home to several cafes where you can sit back and relax with a cup of coffee while taking in the views.

Popular Tours in Bucharest

Bucharest offers visitors plenty of tours to choose from that will help visitors get to know this vibrant city better. Here are two popular tours in Bucharest:

Walking Tour

A walking tour is one of the best ways to explore Bucharest’s charming streets and get to know its history better. A walking tour will take you through both the old town and new town districts, giving you an insight into both its past and present. You’ll get to explore some of Bucharest’s iconic landmarks such as Palace Square and Stavropoleos Church as well as some lesser known gems like Manuc’s Inn or Cișmigiu Gardens. A walking tour is a great way to get a feel for Bucharest’s vibrancy and charm as you wander through its streets. Book a Walking Tour in Bucharest here.

Night Bike Tour

A night bike tour is one of the best ways to explore Bucharest after dark. The tour will take you through some of Bucharest’s most iconic landmarks such as Palace Square or Stavropoleos Church as well as some more hidden gems such as Manuc’s Inn or Cișmigiu Gardens – all while getting to know Bucharest’s vibrant nightlife scene along the way. This tour is perfect for those looking for something different than your average night out – it’s an exciting way to explore this amazing city after dark! Book a Night Bike Tour in Bucharest here.

Conclusion

Bucharest is an exciting destination full of history, culture and fun activities that make it a must-see destination for first-time visitors. From its impressive architecture to its vibrant nightlife scene to its delicious cuisine, there is something for everyone here. Whether you’re looking for historical sites or modern attractions, outdoor activities or nightlife spots – there’s something for everyone in this beautiful city!