How to plan your Bucharest Palace of Parliament Tour
If you’re planning a trip to Bucharest and want to visit one of the most impressive and iconic locations in the city, the Palace of Parliament is an absolute must-see. Built under the dictatorship of Nicolae Ceaușescu, the Palace of Parliament is one of the largest administrative buildings in the world. To make the most out of your visit, you should plan ahead and book a tour. In this guide, we will take you through all the things you need to know to plan your visit to the Palace of Parliament in Bucharest.Experience
Known as Ceausescu’s Palace, the Palace of Parliament is a massive building that was built between 1984 and 1991. It has more than 1,100 rooms that were designed to serve as a political hub for the Romanian Government. The Palace of Parliament is currently the second largest administrative building in the world, after the Pentagon. The site is open to the public, and you can join a tour to explore it. The tour will take you through the Honor Hallway, Music Hall, Europe’s largest ballroom, Pink room, and the Balcony with overview of UNIRSI Boulevard, among other areas.Highlights
There are several incredible highlights to see during your tour of the Palace of Parliament:Honor Hallway
The Honor Hallway is the first stop on your tour, where you will encounter plenty of torsos representing some of the most significant Romanian kings from the Middle Ages to modern-day rulers such as Vlad Dracula.Music Hall
The Music Hall is one of the most impressive rooms in the Palace of Parliament, and it is where some of the most prominent figures in the music world have performed.Europe’s largest ballroom
Comparable to the size of four football fields attached together, Europe’s largest ballroom is awe-inspiring.Pink Room
The Pink Room is believed to be the location where some of the world’s most important diplomatic meetings take place.Balcony with an overview of UNIRSI Boulevard
The balcony presents an excellent view of the UNIRSI Boulevard for visitors.Full Description
Once you have arrived at the Palace of Parliament, your host will accommodate you and introduce you to your guide. After passing the metal detectors, your first stop will be in the Honor Hallway, where you can admire statues of the most significant Romanian kings. From there, the guide will take you through enormous hallways and rooms named after some of the country’s most important artists, poets, and writers, like N. Balcescu, M. Kogălniceanu, and others. One of the most impressive rooms you’ll see is the Music Hall, where some of the world’s most popular artists have played. You’ll enjoy the Pink Room dedicated to ONU meetings, and then you’ll get to head up to the impressive Ceausescu’s balcony with a great view of UNIRSI Boulevard. Your tour will end in Europe’s biggest ballroom, which is just as impressive as it sounds. Comparable to the size of four football fields attached together, it’s hard to imagine anything of this grandeur.Booking the Tour
To book the tour, you can visit GetYourGuide and make your reservation securely. The tour lasts approximately 1 hour and 30 minutes, and you can book it for various times throughout the day.Book Your Tour Now
The Palace of Parliament is an incredible location to visit while in Bucharest, and the guided tour is an excellent opportunity to learn about Romania’s history and culture. By planning ahead and booking a guided tour, you can make the most out of your visit and ensure that you get to experience all the highlights of the Palace of Parliament. We hope you have found this guide helpful, and we wish you a fantastic time on your tour of the Palace of Parliament.
Frequently Asked Questions About Bucharest
Bucharest is the capital city of Romania, with a rich history, culture and architecture. It attracts millions of visitors every year who come to explore the beautiful parks, museums, and historical landmarks of the city. Here are some frequently asked questions and answers about Bucharest to help you plan your visit.1. What is the best time to visit Bucharest?
Bucharest has a mild climate with hot summers and cold winters. The best time to visit the city is during the months of May, June, September, and October, when the weather is pleasant, and the crowds are fewer. If you are interested in winter sports, you may want to visit during the winter months, when you can go skiing and snowboarding in the nearby mountains.2. How do I get to Bucharest?
Bucharest has an international airport, Henri Coanda International Airport, which is the largest airport in Romania. It is located about 18 km north of the city center and is well connected with major cities in Europe and other regions. You can also get to Bucharest by train, bus or car.3. What are the top tourist attractions in Bucharest?
Some of the top tourist attractions in Bucharest include:- Palace of the Parliament – the second-largest administrative building in the world.
- Old Town – a lively district full of restaurants, cafes, and bars.
- Museum of the Romanian Peasant – a museum dedicated to the art and culture of the Romanian people.
- National Museum of Art of Romania – an art museum with a vast collection of Romanian and European art.
- Herastrau Park – the largest park in Bucharest, offering beautiful lakes, gardens, and walking paths.
4. What is the currency used in Bucharest?
The currency used in Bucharest is the Romanian leu (RON). You can exchange your currency at banks or exchange offices located throughout the city. Major credit cards are also accepted in most stores and restaurants.5. What is the language spoken in Bucharest?
The official language of Romania is Romanian, and it is the most commonly spoken language in Bucharest. However, English is widely spoken by younger generations, and many people working in the tourism industry can speak multiple languages.6. What is the food like in Bucharest?
Romanian cuisine is a mix of Balkan, Hungarian, and Turkish influences. Some of the must-try dishes include:- Mici – grilled minced meat rolls, typically made with a mixture of beef, lamb, and pork.
- Sarmale – cabbage rolls filled with minced meat and rice, usually served with sour cream or polenta.
- Mamaliga – a type of cornmeal porridge, often served with sour cream and cheese.
- Papanasi – a type of fried doughnut topped with sour cream and fruit preserves.
7. Can I drink tap water in Bucharest?
Although the tap water in Bucharest is generally considered safe to drink, it is recommended to drink bottled water to avoid any potential health risks.8. Is Bucharest a safe city to visit?
Bucharest is a relatively safe city, and violent crime is rare. However, as with any major city, tourists should take precautions to avoid pickpockets and other petty crimes. It is also advisable to use licensed taxis and avoid using unlicensed taxis or hitchhiking.9. What is the nightlife like in Bucharest?
Bucharest has a vibrant nightlife scene, with many bars, clubs, and live music venues. The Old Town is particularly popular for nightlife, with many bars and clubs located in its narrow streets.10. How can I get around Bucharest?
Bucharest has an extensive public transport system, including buses, trams, and a metro system with four lines. You can buy tickets at kiosks, vending machines, or directly from the driver. Taxis are also widely available, but it is recommended to use licensed taxis or ride-hailing apps such as Uber or Bolt.Book Your Tour Now
Bucharest is a city full of history, culture, and attractions that offer a unique experience for visitors. With its mild climate, vibrant nightlife, and delicious cuisine, Bucharest is a must-visit destination for anyone planning a trip to Europe. By following these frequently asked questions and answers about Bucharest, you can be well-prepared and enjoy your visit to this beautiful city.
How to spend your time as a tourist in Bucharest
Bucharest is the capital city of Romania, and it is a great tourist destination to explore. It is filled with beautiful landmarks, vibrant nightlife, delicious traditional cuisine and fascinating museums. If you are someone who loves to travel and explore different cultures, Bucharest should definitely be on your list of places to visit. In this blog post, we will guide you through all the things that you can do while you are visiting Bucharest.1. Explore the architecture of Old Town
Old Town, also known as Lipscani, is one of the most beautiful and historic parts of Bucharest. It is characterised by its cobblestone streets and an array of beautiful buildings, including churches and old mansions. Exploring the architecture of Old Town is a great way to get a sense of the city’s past. Here are some places that you should visit while you are in Old Town:- Stavropoleos Monastery: This is a beautiful Orthodox Monastery that dates back to the 18th century. It has a rich interior filled with frescoes and painted ceramics
- Cărturești Carusel: This is a stunning bookstore that has quickly become one of the most iconic landmarks in Bucharest. It has five floors, an array of books from different genres, and a beautiful staircase
- Palace of the Parliament: This is the second largest administrative building in the world after Pentagon, and it was constructed under the communist reign of Nicolae Ceaușescu. It is a symbol of Romania’s past, and it is a great opportunity to understand its history
2. Visit museums and galleries
Bucharest is home to some of the most fascinating museums and galleries, where visitors can learn about Romania’s history and culture. Here are some of the best museums in Bucharest that you should visit:- National Museum of Art of Romania: This museum houses a vast collection of Romanian art since the Middle Ages to modern day exhibitions
- Museum of National History: This museum is dedicated to Romanian history and culture, from prehistoric times to the present day
- Museum of the Romanian Peasant: This museum is a unique opportunity to learn about Romanian culture and daily life from the 18th to the 20th centuries
3. Enjoy the city’s nightlife
Bucharest has a vibrant nightlife scene that can cater to everyone’s tastes. From trendy bars to nightclubs, here are some of the best places to visit in Bucharest:- Control Club: This club is widely regarded as the leading techno club in Bucharest. It’s great for dancing and hosting international DJs
- Club A: This underground club is famous for its live music scene and rock concerts
- Linea/Closer to the Moon: Located on the top floor of a historic building, this is the perfect spot for cocktails, with a panoramic view of the city
4. Try traditional Romanian cuisine
Romanian cuisine is known for its mixture of flavours and influences from other cultures. It is a fusion of German, Turkish, Russian and Hungarian cuisines. Here are some dishes that you should try while you are in Bucharest:| Dish | Description |
|---|---|
| Mămăligă cu brânză și smântână: | A traditional Romanian dish made from polenta, served with cheese and sour cream |
| Sarmale: | Cabbage rolls stuffed with minced meat, rice and herbs |
| Ciorbă de burtă: | A sour soup made with tripe, vegetables and herbs |
| Piftie: | A gelatinous pork meat dish, served cold with garlic |
5. Relax in local parks
Bucharest has some of the most beautiful parks, where visitors can relax and soak up the atmosphere. Here are some parks that you should definitely visit:- Herastrau Park: Located in the north of Bucharest, this park is the largest and offers lots of outdoor activities such as cycling, boating or picnicking.
- Cismigiu Gardens: This is a beautiful park located in the centre of Bucharest. Here visitors can take a boat ride, relax and unwind or explore the monuments scattered around the lake.
Book Your Tour Now
Bucharest is a great tourist destination with a plethora of activities, from exploring the city’s old town and museums to experiencing Bucharest’s vibrant nightlife, enjoying traditional food and relaxing in local parks. Visiting Bucharest can be an excellent opportunity to discover Romania’s history, culture and everyday life. Plan a trip, and you won’t be disappointed.Table of Contents
