Things To Do In Bucharest Romania

Bucharest, the capital city of Romania, is an exciting destination that has something for every traveler or tourist who visits. From its rich history and vibrant culture to its stunning architecture, Bucharest has plenty to offer visitors looking for a unique and unforgettable experience. Whether you’re a first-time visitor or a seasoned traveler, there’s plenty to do in this vibrant city.

History of Bucharest

Bucharest is the largest city in Romania and one of the oldest in Europe. It was first mentioned in documents dating back to 1459 and by the early 19th century had become the capital of the United Principalities of Wallachia and Moldavia. During this period, Bucharest flourished as a major cultural and political hub and was known as the “Little Paris” of Romania.

The city experienced a turbulent period in the late 19th century with the Romanian War of Independence and the World Wars, but it soon recovered and continued to be an important economic, cultural and political center of Romania throughout the 20th century.

Today, Bucharest is a bustling metropolis with a population of more than 2 million people. The city is full of vibrant culture, beautiful architecture, delicious cuisine, and plenty of attractions for tourists from all around the world.

Famous Sights in Bucharest

Bucharest is home to many famous sights, from historic churches and monuments to modern skyscrapers and parks. Here are some of the most popular attractions to explore during your visit:

The Palace of Parliament

The Palace of Parliament is one of Bucharest’s most iconic sights and is the largest administrative building in the world. The building was commissioned by former Romanian dictator Nicolae Ceausescu in 1984 and is an impressive example of neoclassical Soviet architecture. It features 1100 rooms, 12 stories, and covers an area of over 330,000 square meters. Today, the building houses Romania’s Parliament and is open to visitors who want to explore its lavish interiors.

The Romanian Athenaeum

The Romanian Athenaeum is a spectacular concert hall located in the heart of Bucharest. Built in 1888, it was designed by French architect Albert Galleron in the Neo-classical style. Inside, visitors can admire its stunning stained-glass dome, marble columns, and ornate frescoes. The hall is used for classical music concerts and is open to visitors for guided tours.

The Old Town

Bucharest’s Old Town is a vibrant area full of narrow cobblestone streets, quaint cafes, and traditional Romanian restaurants. It is one of the best places to explore the city’s history and culture, as it boasts many historic buildings such as Stavropoleos Church and Manuc’s Inn. Here, visitors can also find plenty of boutique shops and souvenir stands selling handmade goods.

Popular Activities

In addition to exploring Bucharest’s famous sights, there are many other activities to enjoy during your stay in the city. Here are some of the most popular activities that you should consider:

See a Show at the State Jewish Theater

The State Jewish Theater of Bucharest is one of the oldest theaters in Romania and has been producing quality performances since 1945. Located in an old synagogue, the theater puts on a variety of plays ranging from classic dramas to modern interpretations of classic stories. It is a great place to visit for those looking for an entertaining evening out in the city.

Visit the Grădina Cișmigiu Park

Grădina Cișmigiu Park is a picturesque park located in central Bucharest. It was established in 1847 and is home to a variety of flora and fauna. Visitors can enjoy walks along its tree-lined paths or take advantage of its many facilities such as tennis courts, playgrounds, and picnic areas. It’s also a great place to take part in various events such as yoga classes or theatre performances.

Explore the Village Museum

The Village Museum is an open-air museum located on the banks of Lake Herastrau near Bucharest’s old town. It features a collection of traditional Romanian houses, churches, and workshops that have been carefully preserved and restored. Visitors can explore these buildings while learning about traditional Romanian life and culture. The museum also hosts various events throughout the year such as folk music concerts and traditional food festivals.

Popular Tours

In addition to these popular activities, there are also several popular tours that visitors can take advantage of during their stay in Bucharest. Here are two of the most popular tours that you should consider:

Bucharest Old Town Tour

The Bucharest Old Town Tour is a great way to explore the city’s rich history and culture. The tour starts at Stavropoleos Church where you will learn about its fascinating history and explore its beautiful interior. You will then move on to Manuc’s Inn where you can sample traditional Romanian cuisine before continuing on to explore the city’s vibrant old town streets with their quaint cafes and souvenir shops. The tour also includes visits to other important landmarks such as the Romanian Athenaeum concert hall, the Palace of Parliament, the National Museum of Art, and more. Book a Bucharest Old Town Tour here.

Bucharest Food Tour

The Bucharest Food Tour is an excellent way to experience the city’s vibrant culinary scene. You will start by visiting some of Bucareste’s oldest markets where you can sample traditional dishes such as sarmale (stuffed cabbage rolls) or ciorba (Romanian soup). You will then move on to visit some of the city’s best restaurants where you can sample dishes such as mititei (grilled sausages) or mămăligă (polenta). The tour also includes visits to traditional Romanian pubs where you can sample traditional drinks such as palincă (plum brandy) or tuică (fruit brandy). Book a Bucharest Food Tour here.

Whether you’re looking for a relaxing holiday or an exciting adventure, Bucharest has something for everyone. With its rich history and vibrant culture, there are plenty of activities and attractions for visitors to enjoy – from exploring famous sights such as The Palace of Parliament to taking part in popular tours like the Bucharest Old Town Tour or Bucharest Food Tour. So why not take some time out of your busy schedule and come explore this exciting city?