Discovering Bucharest: What to see and do in the capital of Romania

Bucharest is a fascinating city with a rich history, vibrant culture and a blend of modern and historical architecture. During our recent visit to Transylvania in Romania, we set aside a day to explore the capital city. We were staying at the Vienna House Easy by Wyndham Bucharest Airport which was very close to the airport and had direct connectivity to the city centre via public transport.

 

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While fully exploring the capital city’s rich history, architecture and culture would ideally require more time, you can still experience the highlights of Bucharest if you start your day early and plan your itinerary strategically. 

Based on our visit, here's what we recommend that you include in your visit.

Old Town (Centrul Vechi)

Centrul Vechi, or Old Town, is one of Bucharest’s most vibrant and historic neighbourhoods, dating back to the 15th century. It was the site of the city's original medieval center, where merchants, craftsmen and traders once gathered. It houses remnants of historic structures like the Old Princely Court (Curtea Veche), associated with Vlad the Impaler (Dracula), who ruled from this palace in the 15th century.

The Old Town is an eclectic mix of medieval, neoclassical and Art Deco architecture, often sitting side-by-side with modern establishments. There are a number of museums, churches, theaters and art galleries in this area. Iconic landmarks like the Stavropoleos Church, National Bank of Romania, and Manuc's Inn (Hanul lui Manuc) are all located here.

The Old Town is largely pedestrianised, with narrow cobblestone streets lined with restored buildings that house shops, cafes and bars. It's perfect for a leisurely walk. The streets are less crowded in the morning, making it ideal for exploring the historical landmarks. In the evenings, the Old Town transforms into one of the liveliest nightlife scenes in Bucharest. There are numerous bars, clubs and live music venues that stay open until late, attracting both locals and tourists.

Where in the City: The Old Town is positioned just south of Revolution Square and the University of Bucharest, making it easily accessible from other major tourist spots. The area is well connected by public transport, with Universitate and Piața Unirii metro stations nearby, and many bus routes passing through.

Palace of the Parliament (Palatul Parlamentului)

The Palace of the Parliament is the second-largest administrative building in the world, after the Pentagon. It covers 365,000 square meters (3.93 million square feet) and is also the heaviest building in the world. Fascinating, isn't it?

The building's massive scale, opulent interiors are a reminder of Romania’s communist past under Nicolae Ceaușescu, who was the country's head of state from 1967 to 1989. The construction of the Palace of the Parliament began in 1984 during Ceaușescu's regime. It was originally named the People's House (Casa Poporului) and was designed as a symbol of Ceaușescu’s power and Romania's supposed prosperity. The building was still unfinished when the Romanian Revolution of 1989 occurred, leading to Ceaușescu's downfall. Work on the palace continued afterward, with some parts still being completed into the 1990s and early 2000s.

The palace is a mixture of neoclassical and socialist realism styles with lavish interiors featuring marble, crystal chandeliers etc.

After the fall of communism, the palace became a symbol of Romania's transition to democracy. Today, it houses the Romanian Parliament and several museums. It's also used for conferences and events. And is also a tourist attraction, drawing visitors curious about its history, scale and the role it played in Romania’s political past.

Guided tours are offered and based on our experience, it is best to book these tours in advance, especially if you are in the city for just a day. This way you are assured of a place on the tour and can plan your time in Bucharest accordingly.

Address: Strada Izvor 2-4, Bucharest.
Where in the City: In central Bucharest, in the Sector 5 district, near Izvor Park and Constitution Square (Piața Constituției). The palace is well connected by public transportation, with Izvor metro station being the closest stop.

Romanian Athenaeum (Ateneul Român)

The Romanian Athenaeum is one of the city's most iconic and stunning buildings, known for its elegant neoclassical architecture and rich cultural significance. It was designed by the French architect Albert Galleron, with input from several Romanian architects and engineers and built between 1886 and 1888. The construction of the Athenaeum was famously funded through a public campaign known as 'Donate one leu for the Athenaeum', reflecting the national effort to build a center for Romanian culture and arts.

The Athenaeum is considered a symbol of Romanian culture and intellectualism. It is home to the George Enescu Philharmonic Orchestra, one of Romania's most prestigious orchestras and also plays host to the George Enescu Festival, one of the most important classical music festivals in Eastern Europe.

The Athenaeum's neoclassical design with its grand circular structure, columns and dome makes it an architectural gem. The interior is equally breathtaking, featuring rich frescoes and grand staircases.

Obviously, the best time to visit the Athenaeum would be during a concert or performance. This allows you to not only admire the architecture but also experience its exceptional acoustics. If you have the time and interest, then attend a concert. You will need to allocate around 2 to 3 hours, including time before and after the performance to explore the building.

If you are short on time, you can visit the Athenaeum outside of concert hours on guided tours that explore the architecture and history of the building. Guided tours can take 30 to 45 minutes, giving you ample time to appreciate the architecture, frescoes and historical significance. However, these tours are not offered as regularly as performances, so it's always a good idea to check the schedule or book ahead to avoid disappointment.

Address: Strada Benjamin Franklin 1-3, Bucharest.
Where in the City: In the central part of Bucharest, just a few minutes' walk from Revolution Square (Piața Revoluției). The area is well connected by public transport, with Piata Romană being the closest metro station.

Stavropoleos Church (Biserica Stavropoleos)

The Stavropoleos Church, located in Bucharest’s Old Town, is a small but beautifully intricate Eastern Orthodox church, known for its rich history, architectural beauty and serene atmosphere. It's one of the city’s most famous religious and historical sites.

The church was built in 1724 during the reign of Phanariot Prince Nicolae Mavrocordat and was commissioned by the Greek monk Ioanichie Stratonikeas. The church is built in the Brâncovenesc style, a form of Romanian Renaissance architecture that combines Byzantine, Ottoman and Western Baroque elements.

Despite its small size, Stavropoleos Church is renowned for its intricate beauty. It creates an atmosphere of tranquility and reflection amidst the bustling Old Town. There was so much sereneity on the premises.

You cannot but admire the intricate carvings on the façade and the richly detailed frescoes and iconography inside. There is a also a beautiful courtyard and wooden decorations that add to its historic charm. I also loved the scent of incense on the premises which added to the spiritual atmosphere.

We learnt on visiting that the church continues to be inhabited by a small group of nuns who live and work within the church grounds. Regular religious services are also held, including daily prayers. Visitors can attend services or simply visit to admire the architecture and peaceful environment.

Morning or early afternoon is an ideal to visit so that you can avoid the crowds and experience the church in a more peaceful setting.
      
Address: Strada Stavropoleos 4, Bucharest.
Where in the City: Located in Bucharest’s Old Town (Centrul Vechi), just a short walk from the bustling Lipscani district. It is centrally located, near major attractions like the Old Court (Curtea Veche) and Cărturești Carusel bookstore.

National Museum of Romanian History (Muzeul Național de Istorie a României)

The National Museum of Romanian History is one of the most important cultural institutions in Romania. It offers a glimpse into the country's history, from ancient times to the modern era, with a rich collection of artifacts, exhibits and treasures.

Some of the exhibits that you should not miss are Romania’s national treasures (the Romanian Crown Jewels), the full-scale replica of the Trajan’s Column in the museum’s grand hall and the collection of Dacian and Roman artifacts.

The museum also regularly hosts temporary exhibitions, which focus on various aspects of Romanian history, art and culture.

Its a must-visit for history enthusiasts and even for architecture fans as the building that houses the museum, itself is an architectural marvel, featuring grand staircases, elegant columns and vast halls.

Address: Calea Victoriei 12, Bucharest.
Where in the City: The museum is centrally located on Calea Victoriei, one of Bucharest’s most famous boulevards, just a short walk from Revolution Square and Old Town (Centrul Vechi). It’s easily accessible via public transportation, with the Universitate and Piața Unirii metro stations nearby.

Tip: If you have an interest in museums & galleries and would like to center your visit to Bucharest around these, then you could opt for a 'Museums and Galleries Walking Tour' that will take you on a walk through the Old City's Art Deco villa-lined streets and to the National History Museum, National Art Museum, National Art Galleries with a local guide. Please check what is included in each tour before booking.

Cărturești Carusel

If you are on Instagram, then I am sure you must have seen countless photos of Cărturești Carusel on the platform. Thanks to its stunning design featuring bright, airy interiors, spiral staircases and elegant white columns, Cărturești Carusel is one of the most Instagrammed places in Bucharest.

Visitors flock to the bookshop just to capture its iconic images, especially the grand staircase and skylight-filled ceilings.

Cărturești Carusel is one of Bucharest’s most iconic bookstores. It is known not only for its impressive selection of books but also for its breathtaking architectural design. Located in a beautifully restored 19th-century building and spread over six-levels, this place is a literary haven.

I felt that it was not just a bookstore but more like a cultural space where visitors can relax, explore and immerse themselves in both literature and art.

The bookstore hosts various art exhibitions, book signings, workshops and other cultural events throughout the year. On the top floor, there is a bistro café, which offers hot drinks and light snacks. And they even have a shop selling stationery items, souvenirs and gifts.

Address: Strada Lipscani 55, Bucharest.
Where in the City: The bookstore is located in the Old Town. It’s just a short walk from other popular attractions such as Stavropoleos Church, Manuc's Inn, and the lively pedestrian streets of the Old Town.

Revolution Square (Piața Revoluției)

Revolution Square is one of the most significant historical landmarks in Bucharest because of its deep connection to Romania's political history, particularly the 1989 Romanian Revolution. The 1989 movement led to the overthrowing of the Communist regime and the end of Nicolae Ceaușescu’s dictatorship.

This central square, located on Calea Victoriei, has witnessed key moments of Romania’s modern history and today stands as a powerful symbol of freedom and change. Visitors come here to walk through the square, observe the Memorial of Rebirth and visit the buildings that played crucial roles during the 1989 Revolution. Guided tours are available for those interested in a more detailed historical overview.

The key buildings and monuments in the square are the Memorial of Rebirth (Memorialul Renașterii), the Former Central Committee Building (Palatul Comitetului Central), the Kretzulescu Church and the Romanian Athenaeum (Ateneul Român) and the Royal Palace (Palatul Regal)

A visit to the square itself can take around 30 to 45 minutes, depending on your interest in the monuments and historical sites. You can spend additional time if you choose to visit the nearby Royal Palace or Romanian Athenaeum.

Where in the City: The square is centrally located in the city, along the historic Calea Victoriei boulevard. It is within walking distance of key landmarks such as the Romanian Athenaeum, National Museum of Art of Romania and University Square.
   

Dimitrie Gusti National Village Museum (Muzeul Național al Satului Dimitrie Gusti)

The Dimitrie Gusti National Village Museum was my favourite spot in Bucharest. I really enjoyed the couple of hours we spent exploring the traditional Romanian houses, barns and windmills spread across the beautiful open-air setting. It felt like stepping back in time and getting a glimpse into Romania’s rural history and culture, which made the experience both relaxing and fascinating.

This was the last stop on our day sightseeing in Bucharest and it was the best part.

The Dimitrie Gusti National Village Museum is one of Bucharest's most unique attractions. It offers visitors a chance to explore Romania's rich rural heritage in an open-air setting. Founded in 1936 by sociologist Dimitrie Gusti, the museum is dedicated to showcasing traditional Romanian village life through authentic structures brought from different regions of the country.

With more than 300 traditional buildings, including houses, barns, churches and mills, all relocated from different rural areas of Romania, this place was an excellent immersive experience. We highly recommend it.

We spent around 2.5 hours at the museum and it was the right amount of time to explore the various buildings and enjoy the outdoor setting at a relaxed pace. You can set aside more or less time depending on your interest in the exhibits.

Like I mentioned ealrier, if you are in Bucharest just for a day, you can pick attractions that match your interest and then plan your day's itinerary accordingly. We set aside more time for the village museum as this was on the top of our must-see list.

Address: Șoseaua Pavel Dimitrievici Kiseleff 28-30, Sector 1, Bucharest.
Where in the City:  The museum is located in Herastrau Park (King Michael I Park), in the northern part of Bucharest.

Patriarchal Cathedral (Catedrala Patriarhală)

The Patriarchal Cathedral, also known as the Cathedral of Saints Constantine and Helena, is the spiritual center of the Romanian Orthodox Church. It serves as the seat of the Patriarch of the Romanian Orthodox Church and is one of the most important religious landmarks in the country.

The cathedral was completed in 1658 under the reign of Prince Constantin Șerban and reflects traditional Romanian Brâncovenesc style, known for its ornate and intricate details.

Adjacent to the cathedral is the Patriarchal Palace, where the Patriarch of the Romanian Orthodox Church resides. While the palace is not open to the public, it adds historical significance to the site.

Address: Aleea Dealul Mitropoliei 25, Sector 4, Bucharest.
Where in the city: The Patriarchal Cathedral is situated on Dealul Mitropoliei (Metropolitan Hill). It is centrally located near the Piata Unirii (Union Square), making it easily accessible from other major attractions.

Curtea Veche Church (Biserica Sfântul Anton – Curtea Veche)

Biserica Sfântul Anton, also known as Curtea Veche Church, is the oldest church in Bucharest. Located within Curtea Veche (Old Princely Court), the former residence of Wallachian princes, this church has a rich history dating back to the 16th century. 

The church has survived numerous fires and earthquakes over the centuries and has been restored multiple times, maintaining its historical and architectural integrity. It is dedicated to Saint Anthony the Great, a revered figure in the Romanian Orthodox Church. It remains an active place of worship. We visited on a Sunday and there were many locals on that day - some quietly praying, some lighting candles and others standing before the icon of Saint Anthony. Even with so many people, the atmosphere inside was serene and peaceful.

We took in the atmosphere, admired the beautiful frescoes and religious iconography and made our way out.

Address: Strada Franceză 33, Sector 3, Bucharest, Romania.
Where in the City: Located in Bucharest's Old Town (Centrul Vechi), near Strada Franceză and Piața Sfântul Anton, making it easily accessible for those exploring the historical center.

Herăstrău Park (Parcul Herăstrău)

We loving visting green spaces in the cities we travel to. It is a great choice to relax after a day of sightseeing and to meet locals.

Herăstrău Park (officially known as King Michael I Park) is the largest and one of the most popular parks in Bucharest. Covering over 180 hectares, Herăstrău Park provides vast open areas for relaxation, picnics and leisurely strolls. It has extensive walking paths, flower gardens and shaded areas make it an ideal spot for people to unwind and enjoy nature. Boating, rowing and fishing activities are possible on the Herastrau Lake.

The Dimitrie Gusti National Village Museum is located on the park premises, so after visiting the museum we spent time in the park walking, enjoying the fresh air and listening to the buskers.

Statues of European Union Founders in the Herastrau Park (above).

If you visit in the summer months, you can enjoy seasonal events/activities that are held in the park.

Address: Șoseaua Pavel D. Kiseleff, Sector 1, Bucharest.
Where in the City: In the northern part of Bucharest, the park surrounds Herastrau Lake, with the main entrances along Șoseaua Kiseleff and Piața Charles de Gaulle.

For those interested in green spaces, the Cişmigiu Gardens (Grădina Cişmigiu) which is the oldest public garden in Bucharest (created in 1847) is also a good option. It is a beautiful place to unwind - with lakes, bridges and walking paths.

These attractions/sights that we have listed above give a well-rounded picture of Bucharest's historical and cultural significance, offering insight into the city's rich heritage, religious traditions and evolving urban landscape.

Based on our experience, you can cover most of Bucharest’s highlights in a day with a well-planned itinerary that maximises your time. Yes, you may miss out on the hidden gems or the chance to explore neighbourhoods at a leisurely pace but if you're in Bucharest only for one day, you can still get a taste of the city’s atmosphere and see the key landmarks.

If you have visited Bucharest, let us know via comments what places did you like the most?