Things to do and see in Bucharest

Bucharest, the capital of Romania, is a charming and lively city that combines history, culture and modernity. You’ll see majestic neoclassical buildings, the Athenaeum, the Stravopoleos Monastery and the impressive Parliament Palace, a reminder of the communist era. Among all the things to do and see in Bucharest we also highlight the historic centre and its green spaces, which provide a haven of peace in the middle of the city.

In this post we will tell you everything you need to know before you set off on a trip to Bucharest. As well as discovering the must-sees, you can read many other travel tips about accommodation, transport and gastronomy. So don’t hesitate any longer and join us in Bucharest.

What are the best places to visit in Bucharest?

1. Bucharest Old Town

Also known as Lipscani, Bucharest’s Old Town is a charming neighbourhood of cobbled streets where you’ll find historic buildings, restaurants and shops all around you. It’s the perfect place to walk around and enjoy.

Just next to the old town you can visit the Unirii Square, an iconic landmark in Bucharest. This is the largest square in the city and as well as being a nerve centre, it is a place of great beauty as it is surrounded by historic and modern buildings, and features a fountain where a sound and light show is performed.

Another must-see square in Bucharest is Revolution Square, home to several historic buildings, including the headquarters of the Ministry of the Interior, and numerous statues.

2. Stravopoleos Monastery

The Stavropoleos Monastery, located in the heart of the Old Town, is an architectural and religious treasure founded in the 18th century. This small Orthodox monastery is known for its exquisite brâncovenesc-style architecture, which combines Byzantine and Baroque elements.

Its church is adorned with impressive frescoes and a hand-carved iconostasis. Stavropoleos Monastery is a haven of tranquillity amid the bustle of the city. And it also houses a library and museum with valuable manuscripts and pieces of religious art. Admission is free.

3. The Palace of Parliament, the must-see in Bucharest

The Palace of Parliament is one of the most important tourist attractions in Bucharest as it is an impressive and monumental building of great historical value.

It was built under the regime of Nicolae Ceausescu in the 1980s and is one of the largest buildings in the world. Its impressive dimensions and opulent interior are a testament to the regime’s ambition. And today the building houses the Romanian parliament and several museums.

The Palace of Parliament is open daily from 10am to 4pm and admission costs €8.

4. Macca-Vilacrosse passage

Situated in the city centre, the Macca-Vilacrosse Passage is a unique example of 19th century architecture. This covered passageway, built in 1891, combines elements of French and Italian style and is characterised by its elegant wrought-iron entree and artistic details at every corner.

The passage, which initially served as the Bucharest Stock Exchange House, today houses a variety of shops, restaurants and cafes. We recommend you come here at night to enjoy its illumination and its romantic and charming atmosphere.

5. Bucharest Athenaeum

This early 20th-century neoclassical building is known for its elegant façade and impressive concert hall. Its interior is richly decorated with Romanesque marble elements, a magnificent dome and ornate sculptures. The Athenaeum is the home of the city’s Philharmonic Orchestra, and although it is possible to visit it, it is generally closed to the public, so it is advisable to check opening times beforehand.

Travel Tip: To organize your trip we recommend using Passporter totally free. You can be inspired by the experiences of other travelers, choose the places that interest you most, create the travel route with a geolocated map, upload all important documents such as reservations and invite your friends so that everyone can participate in the organization of the trip.

What to see around Bucharest

1. Palace of Mogosoaia

This impressive palace is located just 10km outside Bucharest and is a perfect day trip. Dating back to the 18th century, the palace is built in Romanian Renaissance style and is an example of local feudal architecture. In the surrounding area there is a pleasant garden with a lake, which makes the place a haven of peace that contrasts with the bustle of the city. There is also a restaurant.

The interior of the palace has been restored and displays period furniture and decorations. Visiting hours are from 11:00 to 23:00 on weekends.

2. Sinaia, a charming village in the mountains

The picturesque town of Sinaia, also known as the “Pearl of the Carpathians”, is a 1.5-hour train ride from Bucharest and is a must-see on your trip to Romania.

Its main attraction is the majestic Pelec Castle, an outstanding example of Neo-Renaissance architecture that served as the summer residence of the Romanian royal family. Moreover, due to its privileged location in the middle of nature, Sinaia also offers opportunities for hiking and skiing in winter, as it is close to the Bucegi Mountains and the Sinaia ski resort.

What to see in 1 day in Bucharest

If you’re interested in history and want to get the most out of Bucharest, we recommend spending at least two days, but if you don’t have that kind of time, here’s a route with the must-see sights for one day.

• Old Town
• Parliament House
• Macca-Vilacrosse Passage
• Romanian Athenaeum
• Stravopoleos Monastery
• Cismigiu Garden

If you have more time, we also recommend visiting the city’s museums and taking a trip to the surrounding area, such as the beautiful village of Sinai or the Mogosoaia Palace.

Where and what to eat in Bucharest?

In Bucharest you will find a wide range of restaurants with international and regional options. Our recommendation is to live the experience to the fullest and try typical dishes such as “mamaliga” (polenta), “sarmale” (stuffed cabbage leaves), and “mici” (grilled meat rolls). Desserts include “papanasi” (cheese fritters) and “clatite” (crepes).

These are some of the best restaurants to eat at in the city:

• Restaurant Bucatarasul: You can eat hearty dishes at a very good price, for less than 10€. It specialises in European and Romanian cuisine.
• Vatra: is the best place to try Romanian cuisine in a sophisticated atmosphere. The price of the dishes is between 5€ and 20€.
• Hanu’ Berarilor Casa Oprea Soare: is a restaurant specialising in barbecue. The price is very affordable and you will eat luxuriously and in abundance.

If you want to know more about the gastronomy of Romania visit this post: Romanian food: What and where to eat?

Where to stay in Bucharest

Bucharest is a really cheap European capital where you can stay in good hotels for a very affordable price. You can choose from a wide variety of options to suit all tastes. The best area is the Historical Centre, but the Piara Unirii, Dacia and North Bucharest neighbourhoods are also good options.

Here’s a list of some of our favourite places to stay in the city:

• Tomis Garden Aparthotel Bucuresti: This luxury aparthotel features a flat-screen TV and a private bathroom with bathrobes, slippers. Some units have a terrace and/or balcony with views of the city or inner courtyard. There is a bar and breakfast is available for €12. The price per night starts at €95.
• Vila 18 Hotel Boutique: is a cosy 3-star hotel ideal for couples or families. It has a garden, solarium and bar, and the breakfast buffet is included in the price that starts at 54€.
• The Marmorosch Bucharest: If you’re looking for a sophisticated experience, don’t miss this amazing 5-star hotel with all kinds of luxuries. It has a swimming pool, spa, sauna, gym, bar and many other services. Nightly rates start at 180€ and breakfast costs 25€.

How to get to Bucharest

As the capital of Europe, Bucharest is well connected to the countries of the continent. Here are all the options you can consider when planning your trip:

• Plane: Henri Coanda International Airport (OTP), known as Bucharest Airport, is the main entry point to the city. There are direct flights from many European cities, and you can also catch local flights to get around the country.
• Train: Bucharest’s main train station is Gara de Nord, which has rail connections to other cities in Romania and neighbouring countries such as Hungary, Bulgaria and Ukraine.
• Bus: Several bus companies offer long-distance services to Bucharest from different European cities, or from other municipalities in Romania.
• Boat: Although Bucharest is not on the coast, some travellers arrive via the Danube River by ferry to the city of Giurgiu. There are also many cruise ships arriving at the port of Constanta, from where you can travel to Bucharest by train, bus or plane.

What should I know before travelling to Bucharest?

• The official currency in Romania is the Romanian leu (RON), although in some shops and accommodation you can pay in euros.
• The official language of Romania is Romanian, but in tourist areas it’s common to find English speakers, especially in hotels and restaurants.
• If you are a citizen of the European Union, you will only need a valid identity card or passport to travel to Romania. For non-EU citizens, a passport with at least 3 months validity is required; a tourist visa is not required for stays of up to 90 days (depending on the country).
• It is advisable to travel with travel insurance that provides you with adequate medical cover, as free medical care in Romania is limited for foreign visitors.
• Romania is a safe country, but keep your belongings safe and be aware of possible pickpockets in tourist areas and on public transport.
• The best time to visit Romania is between May and September. And if you’re going to Bucharest it’s best to go in the summer months when temperatures are more pleasant.
• Tap water is safe to drink, but avoid tap water and drink bottled water.

How to prepare what to see on your trip to Bucharest

Register or download the Passporter App and discover all its possibilities.

• Get inspired by other travellers’ experiences, photos and itineraries.
• Organise your trip by the categories that suit you best: dates, number of days or type of trip (beach, mountain, restaurants…).
• Add your friends so they can see and modify all the plans and trip information.
• Create your own itinerary for your destination with everything you want to visit each day.
• Add the stops that interest you the most, including your accommodation, restaurants, museums…
• Book your flights, accommodation, transfers and activities through a single app.
• Save all your documents in the app to always have everything at hand: reservations, boarding passes, important documents…
• Make any modifications you need and you’ll be all set for your trip.
• Share your experience with other users. Upload photos of the places you’ve visited on your trip to the app and inspire other travellers with your experience. In addition, you can share your own travel tips and recommendations on places to see in Bucharest

If you have doubts about how to do it, you can check our post: How to create your travel itinerary with Passporter. 

Frequently asked questions about a trip to Bucharest