Bucharest Things To Do: A City Guide for Tourists Visiting for the First Time

Bucharest is the largest city in Romania, located in southeast Romania, and is the country’s cultural and financial center. The city has a population of over 1.8 million and a metropolitan area of nearly 3 million people. It is one of the most important cities in Eastern Europe, renowned for its rich cultural heritage, vibrant nightlife, and stunning architecture. It is a city of many contrasts; from its ancient churches and statues to its modern shopping malls and high-rise buildings, Bucharest has something for everyone.

Bucharest has a long and rich history, dating back to 1459. It was once known as “Little Paris” due to its French influence and European flair, but it is now known as the “City of Joy” due to its vibrant nightlife and energy. Over the years, Bucharest has been shaped by different cultures and rulers, making it a unique and fascinating destination.

When visiting Bucharest, there is no shortage of things to do. From exploring the city’s historic landmarks, to experiencing its vibrant nightlife, to discovering its unique cuisine, Bucharest is a city that has something to offer everyone. In this guide, we will explore some of Bucharest’s best attractions and activities for tourists visiting for the first time.

Explore Old Town Bucharest

For many visitors to Bucharest, exploring Old Town is the perfect way to start their visit to the city. Located in the heart of Bucharest, Old Town is one of the oldest parts of the city and is home to some of its most iconic buildings and monuments. Old Town is a great place to explore on foot, with quaint cobblestone streets lined with traditional Romanian cafes and restaurants.

Old Town is also home to some of Bucharest’s most famous attractions, such as the iconic Stavropoleos Church and the imposing Palace of Parliament. The Palace of Parliament is the world’s second-largest administrative building after the Pentagon and is one of the most impressive sights in Bucharest. Other notable attractions include Cismigiu Gardens, the National History Museum of Romania, and the Old Princely Court.

Experience Bucharest Nightlife

Bucharest is renowned for its vibrant nightlife, with something for everyone from lively bars and clubs to intimate jazz clubs and live music venues. The city has no shortage of bars, pubs, and clubs offering everything from traditional Romanian music to international DJs playing all night long.

For those looking for a more refined night out, there are plenty of elegant bars and lounges in Bucharest. Some of the most popular venues are located in Old Town, such as Caru’cu Bere – one of the oldest pubs in Bucharest – or Manuc’s Inn – an old inn with a lively atmosphere.

If you’re looking for a more laid-back night out, you can visit one of many jazz clubs located around the city. Some of the most popular venues include Jazz Café Verde and Arcub Jazz Cafe, which offer great live music in an intimate setting.

Discover the City’s Unique Cuisine

Bucharest is known for its unique cuisine, which blends traditional Romanian dishes with international influences from Europe and beyond. The city’s restaurants offer a wide range of dishes from all over the world, as well as traditional Romanian favorites such as sarmale (stuffed cabbage rolls) and mamaliga (cornmeal porridge).

The city also has a thriving street food scene, with vendors selling delicious snacks such as kebabs, pretzels, and pancakes. For those looking for something a little more unique, there are plenty of restaurants offering traditional Romanian dishes such as mici (grilled minced meat rolls) or ciorba (soup).

Visit Popular Attractions

Bucharest is home to many iconic attractions that are sure to delight visitors to the city. One of the most popular attractions is Calea Victoriei, a cobblestone street lined with beautiful buildings dating back to the 19th century. The street is also home to many art galleries, shops, and restaurants, making it a great place to explore on foot.

Other popular attractions include Mount Tibocica Park – an expansive park located near the center of Bucharest – and Herastrau Park – one of the largest parks in Europe. The park is home to many attractions such as a lake, an amusement park, an outdoor theater, and more.

Take a Guided Tour

One way to explore Bucharest is on a guided tour. There are many tour operators offering guided tours of Bucharest’s most iconic landmarks, such as the Palace of Parliament or Cismigiu Gardens. The tours are typically conducted by knowledgeable guides who can provide interesting insights into the city’s history and culture.

For those looking for something a bit more unique, there are also many walking tours available that explore lesser-known parts of Bucharest. These tours often focus on exploring areas that have not been heavily impacted by tourism, such as traditional Romanian neighborhoods or markets.

Book an Old Town Walking Tour

One way to explore Old Town Bucharest is on an Old Town Walking Tour. This tour provides visitors with an in-depth look at some of the oldest parts of Bucharest and offers interesting insights into its history and culture. The tour starts at Cismigiu Gardens and makes its way through Old Town’s cobblestone streets and winding alleys. Along the way, visitors will learn about Old Town’s architecture and visit some of its most important landmarks such as Stavropoleos Church and Manuc’s Inn. The tour ends at Princely Court Square where visitors can explore its many cafes and restaurants. Book an Old Town Walking Tour here.

Book a Danube Delta Boat Tour

Another popular tour in Bucharest is a Danube Delta Boat Tour. This tour takes visitors on a journey through the Danube Delta, one of Europe’s most ecologically diverse areas. Along the way, visitors will see some of the region’s most spectacular wildlife such as birds and fish, as well as picturesque villages and farmlands. The tour also stops at some of the area’s most important landmarks such as Danube Delta National Park and Constanta Port. Book a Danube Delta Boat Tour here.

Book a Romanian Folklore Show

For those looking for something a bit different, there are also many Romanian Folklore Shows available in Bucharest. These shows feature traditional Romanian music, dance, and costumes that provide visitors with an entertaining look at Romania’s culture and heritage. The shows typically feature a variety of different performances from traditional folk songs to lively dances that will transport you back in time. Book a Romanian Folklore Show here.

At the end of the day, no matter how you choose to spend your time in Bucharest there is no shortage of things to do and see in this vibrant city. From exploring historic landmarks to discovering its unique cuisine to experiencing its vibrant nightlife, there is something for everyone in Bucharest.