What are the Best Places to Visit in Bucharest?

Bucharest is the capital and largest city of Romania, and it is also one of the most charming cities in Europe. Bucharest is filled with rich historical and architectural sites, exciting nightlife, mouthwatering cuisine, and plenty of green places to explore. With countless of attractions, it can be difficult to know where to begin, so here are some ideas for the best places to visit on your trip to Bucharest.

Most Popular Attractions in Bucharest

Bucharest is filled with beautiful attractions, ancient monuments, and modern centers. Here are some of the most popular attractions in Bucharest:

• The Palace of the Parliament: one of the world’s largest administrative buildings, the Palace of the Parliament covers 340,000 m² (3,700,000 sq ft). Inside you’ll find museums, a concert hall, and a crypt for former dictator Nicolae Ceauşescu.
• Old Town: Located in the heart of Bucharest, Old Town is an area filled with restaurants and bars. Here you’ll find cobblestone pathways winding through narrow alleyways as well as architectural wonders such as the Colţea Church and Stavropoleos Monastery.
• The Triumphal Arch – This grand arch is a symbol of Romanian unity and was built in 1936 to commemorate the unification of Romania. It was designed by engineer Petre Antonescu and stands at a height of over 31 meters.
• Romanian Athenaeum – Located in downtown Bucharest, the Romanian Athenaeum is where you can take in a concert or attend the “George Enescu” International Festival. Inside you’ll find an impressive ceiling with intricate frescoes painted by Victor Brauner.

Museums to Explore

In Bucharest you’ll have an extensive choice of museums that you can explore. The Museum of History offers both interactive exhibitions and audio-visual displays where you can learn about Romanian culture; while the National Museum of Art has different collections of European, Romanian, and modern art. The National Museum of Natural History and Grigore Antipa National Museum of Natural History offer a variety of interactive displays about Romania’s flora and fauna.

Parks and Nature Reserves

If you’re looking for some green spaces in Bucharest, head to Herăstrău Park. This park is located in the north of the city and is one of the largest in Romania at 86.5 hectares. Here you can take a walk along the lake or explore the surrounding sights such as the Village Museum and The Cotroceni Palace Museum. Another place worth visiting is Cismigiu Gardens. This is one of the oldest parks in Bucharest and it features pathways, fountains, ponds, statues, and colorful flower beds. Lastly, take a trip to Cernica lake which is a protected area and home to different species of birds and vegetation.

Conclusion

Bucharest offers a myriad of attractions such as churches, museums, monuments, and green spaces. From exploring Old Town to visiting the Palace of the Parliament, there’s something here that everyone will enjoy. If you’re looking for more information on what you can do in Bucharest or need tips on how to get around, check out this comprehensive guide.

The Insider’s Guide to Bucharest: Best Places to Visit, Eat, and Explore

Bucharest, the capital of Romania, is a vibrant and exciting city with a rich history and stunning architecture. It is a city that is often overlooked by tourists, but those who visit are pleasantly surprised by its beauty, charm, and cultural diversity. From its majestic cathedrals to its lively nightlife scene, Bucharest has something to offer every type of traveler. In this insider’s guide, we will highlight the top places to visit, dine, and explore in Bucharest.

Top Attractions and Landmarks

Bucharest is a city with a fascinating history and one of the best ways to get a sense of its heritage is by visiting some of its top attractions.

– Palace of the Parliament: This is the second-largest administrative building in the world, and it’s a sight to behold. You can take a guided tour to explore its opulent interiors, and learn about the history of the building.

– The Old Town: This historic district of Bucharest is a must-visit for anyone who wants to get a feel for the city’s cultural heritage. The Old Town is home to many historic buildings, cafes, restaurants, and bars.

– Romanian Athenaeum: This stunning concert hall is the home of the George Enescu Philharmonic Orchestra. The building itself is an architectural masterpiece, and it’s worth a visit just to see its stunning facade.

Cultural Experiences

Bucharest has a thriving arts and cultural scene, and there are plenty of experiences to be had on this front.

– Museum of the Romanian Peasant: This museum is a must-visit for anyone interested in the history and culture of Romania. It houses a vast collection of artifacts, costumes, and artworks, that tell the story of Romanian peasant life.

– National Museum of Art of Romania: This museum houses the largest collection of Romanian art in the world. The collection includes works from some of Romania’s most important artists, including Constantin Brancusi and Nicolae Grigorescu.

– Dimitrie Gusti National Village Museum: This open-air museum is a unique experience that gives visitors a glimpse into rural life in Romania. There are over 300 authentic buildings from all over Romania, including houses, barns, and churches.

Local Dining Spots

Romanian cuisine is a fusion of Eastern European, Turkish, and Mediterranean styles, and Bucharest has some fantastic dining spots that serve up delicious dishes.

– Caru’ cu Bere: This iconic restaurant has been around since 1879 and is known for serving some of the best traditional Romanian dishes in the city. It’s a great spot to try Sarmale (cabbage rolls stuffed with pork and rice) and Mamaliga (polenta with sour cream and cheese).

– Hanu’ lui Manuc: This historic inn dates back to the 1800s and has been beautifully restored. The menu features traditional Romanian dishes, but with a modern twist.

– La Mama: This cozy restaurant is one of the best spots in Bucharest to taste delicious homemade food. The menu features a mix of Romanian and international dishes, and the atmosphere is warm and welcoming.

Off-The-Beaten-Path Suggestions

For those who want to explore beyond Bucharest’s main attractions, there are plenty of lesser-known spots that are worth a visit.

– Tineretului Park: This park is a gem in the heart of the city. It’s a great spot to take a break from the hustle and bustle, and enjoy a picnic or a leisurely stroll.

– Cismigiu Gardens: This beautiful urban park is one of Bucharest’s oldest and most popular parks. It has a lake, a boathouse, and plenty of green spaces to relax and enjoy the scenery.

– Bellu Cemetery: While it may seem odd to suggest visiting a cemetery, this one is well worth a visit. It’s a museum-like graveyard that houses the graves of some of Romania’s most prominent figures and has impressive funerary art.

In conclusion, Bucharest is a city that has something for everyone. Whether you are interested in history, culture, food, or nightlife, this city will not disappoint. Use this insider’s guide as a starting point, and explore all that Bucharest has to offer.