What to See in Bucharest?

Bucharest, the capital of Romania and its most populous city, certainly offers many sights and attractions from its vibrant history, culture and stunning architecture. This article serves as a guide to some of the most noteworthy places to see during your stay in Bucharest. From its many parks and palaces to its traditional cuisine and cultural attractions, Bucharest has something for every traveler.

1. Palace of Parliament

The Palace of Parliament is undoubtedly the most spectacular landmark in Bucharest and the second-largest administrative building in the world after the Pentagon. Built between 1984 and 1997 to house the national Parliament of Romania, the grandiose palace was erected by former Communist leader Nicolae Ceausescu, and it is the largest civilian building in Europe. The palace is an impressive mix of Renaissance Revival, Baroque and Neoclassical architectural styles, and it is home to more than 3,000 rooms and court halls, some of which are open to the public.

2. Old Town

The Old Town of Bucharest also known as “Lipscani” is a maze of diverse cultural influences, cobbled streets and antique architecture. The area is celebrated for its countless terraced cafés, restaurants and bars, serving traditional Romanian food accompanied by traditional music. There are also several art galleries and boutiques that contain unique artifacts and items for sale, many of which are handmade by local artisans. A great activity for visitors to the area would be taking a guided walking tour.

3. Romanian Athenaeum

The Romanian Athenaeum is Bucharest’s only concert hall with a dome and it is arguably one of the city’s must sees. Constructed between 1886 and 1889 by the Romanian architect George Constantinescu, its dome stands over 12 meters tall. The interior is awash with marble and mahogany walls and the stages are complete with grandiose arches and balustrades. What really makes this building stand out, though, is its impressive pipe organ dating back to 1901 — a must see for music enthusiasts! The Athenaeum offers frequent classical music concerts as well as occasional film projections.

4. Calea Victoriei Avenue

Calea Victoriei is a bustling boulevard stretching almost 3 kilometers from the University Square to the National Museum of Art in downtown Bucharest and is among the oldest surviving roads in the city. Calea is home to many cafés, restaurants, art galleries, museums and shops. The street features a mix of neoclassical architecture from the late 19th century mixed with more contemporary buildings from subsequent periods. Walking along this avenue gives visitors a glimpse into some of the city’s past and vibrant contemporary culture.

5. National Museum of Art

The National Museum of Art houses Romania’s largest collection of 19th-century artworks and sculptures. It was founded in 1948 and is now home to over 500,000 works, including those creations by painters such as Painter George-Călinescu-Bordei, sculptor Constantin Brâncuși, sculptor Ion Jalea, Marcu Danila, Gheorghe Tattarescu, Theodor Aman and Mucsioni Ioan Alexandru among others. Visitors can take part in guided tours to learn more about Romania’s rich cultural heritage, or simply explore its collections on their own at their leisure.

6. Herăstrău Park

Herăstrău Park is an oasis of nature within Bucharest’s urban sprawl, with around 180 hectares of lush grassland, meadows and waterways to explore. It offers something for everybody: hikers and runners have ample pathways to choose from; anglers have a huge artificial lake; while families have around 20 children’s playgrounds with toys and attractions such as a mini train. For a cultural experience, the Pasărea Gardens houses a collection of interesting sculptures representing various Romanian legends and myths. As an educational initiative, there is an observatory equipped with several telescopes and a 3D theatre offering fascinating astrophysical shows every weekend.

7. National Village Museum

If you’re looking for a more authentic experience during your stay in Bucharest, then visiting the National Village Museum is highly recommended. Established in 1936 by sociologist Dimitrie Gusti at Herastrau Park, the museum allows visitors to discover Romania’s traditional culture through its many rural houses from different parts of the country. During museum’s opening hours there are local artisans demonstrating traditional crafts such as pottery-making or woodwork while wearing traditional costumes – definitely a show worth experiencing!

8. Bucharest Zoo

For those looking for an unforgettable experience visiting any zoo should top the list. The Bucharest Zoo is home to over 3200 animals representing over 360 species from around the world and it’s considered one of the best zoos in Europe. The zoo offers great food options beside interactive activities: visitors can go swimming with sea lions or take part in active games such as hide-and-seek or paintball target practice in their natural habitats. The zoo also offers experiences such as breakfasting with giraffes in their African Pavilion which is definitely a must-see!

9. Nadia Comaneci Aquatic Complex

The Nadia Comaneci Aquatic Complex is another great spot for travelers looking for relaxation in Bucharest. The complex offers visitors five swimming pools of varying sizes and depths as well as a large fitness center complete with treadmills, free weights and collective fitness training programs. There are also courts for sports such as tennis and squash, saunas and even a spa facility with massage treatments available. At night time the complex turns into a nightclub offering relaxing music background while enjoying cocktails at their bar lounge – definitely a great way to spend your time in Bucharest! In conclusion, Bucharest is a vibrant city with an abundance of sightseeing opportunities waiting to be explored. With an impressive range of parks, art galleries, museums, shops and restaurants to choose from there’s something on offer for all tastes – be it culture vultures looking for art or families seeking entertainment! Whatever your interest or budget may be there’s plenty to see while enjoying your stay in this amazing city!