Bucharest

Bucharest, the capital city of Romania, is a vibrant metropolis blending historical charm with modern urban life. It is renowned for its wide, tree-lined boulevards, magnificent Belle Époque buildings, and the enormous, imposing Palace of the Parliament, one of the world's largest administrative buildings.

The city is also a cultural hub, hosting an array of museums, parks, trendy cafes, and artistic venues, making it a dynamic heart of Romanian culture, economy, and society.

Places to visit

Key Phrases

Speak like a local

  • "Buna ziua (Hello)" - Hello
  • "Multumesc (Thank you)" - Thank you
  • "Scuzați-mă (Excuse me)" - Excuse me
  • "Te rog (Please)" - Please
  • "La revedere (Goodbye)" - Goodbye

Day plans

Spend a day exploring around

day 1

Exploring Old Town

morning:Start your day with a visit to the stunning Palace of the Parliament, the second largest building in the world. Take a morning stroll through the historic streets of Old Town, and grab a traditional Romanian breakfast at Hanul lui Manuc.

afternoon:Head to the National Museum of Art of Romania to admire the collection of European art. Afterward, grab a light lunch at Caru' cu Bere, a famous 19th-century beerhouse with an impressive interior.

evening:Experience the lively atmosphere of the Old Town by exploring its vibrant bars, and end the night with a fun night-out at Expirat Club.

day 2

Parks and Palaces

morning:Spend the morning at Herastrau Park, enjoying a relaxing walk around the lake and visiting the Village Museum to explore Romanian rural architecture. Have a tasty brunch at Pescarus Restaurant.

afternoon:Visit the impressive Cotroceni Palace and its beautiful gardens. Stroll through the nearby Botanical Garden to enjoy the diverse plant collections and serene atmosphere.

evening:For a tranquil evening, head to Terasa Doamnei for a pleasant dinner surrounded by greenery and great views.

day 3

Cultural Heritage

morning:Start your day with a visit to the Romanian Athenaeum, an architectural masterpiece and home to the George Enescu Philharmonic. Enjoy a coffee and pastry at the nearby Hanul cu Tei.

afternoon:Explore the fascinating Museum of the Romanian Peasant, showcasing the country's rural heritage. Stop for a delicious lunch at the Museum's charming courtyard restaurant.

evening:Attend a performance at the National Opera, a renowned venue with a rich history, and afterward, head to the charming Lacrimi si Sfinti for a memorable dining experience.

day 4

Hidden Gems and Street Art

morning:Start your day with a visit to the quirky Carturesti Carusel, a stunning and unique bookstore in the city center. Take a guided street art tour to discover the vibrant murals and hidden gems of Bucharest.

afternoon:Enjoy a casual lunch at Fabrica de Bere Bună, a trendy brewery with a laid-back vibe. Explore the lesser-known Nottara Theatre for an off-the-beaten-path cultural experience.

evening:Soak up the eclectic atmosphere of the Control Club for an alternative night-out with great music and an artistic crowd.

Bucharest Famous Food

Must-Try local dishes

Sarmale

A traditional dish of cabbage rolls stuffed with spiced minced meat, rice, and herbs, served with sour cream.

Must-Try!

Mămăligă cu brânză și smântână

Polenta topped with fresh cheese and sour cream, a classic Romanian comfort food.

Mici

Grilled ground meat rolls, seasoned with garlic, paprika, and other spices, often served with mustard and fresh bread.

Food Markets & Street Food

A food market and street food guide

Obor Market

One of the oldest and largest markets in Bucharest, offering a vibrant array of fresh produce, local cheeses, meats, baked goods, and street food stalls serving traditional Romanian dishes.

Strada Lipscani

This historic street is lined with food stalls and small eateries offering a variety of street food options, including covrigi (pretzels), kürtőskalács (chimney cake), and grilled meats.

Things to do in Bucharest

Unique local experiences...

Pet sitters in Bucharest

Relax and unwind while your furry friend enjoys making a new companion!

Popular cities in Romania

Explore local food, attractions and more!

Cluj-NapocaIaşiConstanţaTimişoaraBraşovCraiovaGalaţiOradeaPloieştiBrăilaAradPiteştiBacăuSibiuTârgu-MureşBaia MareBuzăuRâmnicu VâlceaSatu MareBotoşaniSuceavaReşiţaDrobeta-Turnu SeverinPiatra NeamţBistriţaTârgu JiuTârgovişteFocşaniTulceaAlba IuliaSlatinaVasluiCălăraşiGiurgiuPopeşti-LeordeniDevaBârladZalăuHunedoaraFloreştiSfântu-GheorgheRomanVoluntariTurdaMiercurea-CiucSloboziaAlexandriaBragadiruMediaLugojMedgidiaNăvodariOneştiPantelimonTecuciSighetu MarmaţieiMangaliaDejOdorheiu SecuiescPetroşaniSăcelePaşcaniRâmnicu SăratReghinMioveniCâmpinaBorşaCâmpulungFeteştiCaracalSebeşFăgăraşCurtea de ArgeşHuşiRădăuţiSighişoaraFălticeniDorohoiOlteniţaRoşiori de VedeCisnădieOtopeniCaransebeşZărneştiAiudTârnăveniCâmpia TurziiBufteaCodleaDumbrăviţaComăneştiGherlaVulcanMoineştiPetrilaTurnu MăgureleCugirDuduCareiLupeniTârgu NeamţBlajOrăştieBăicoiValu lui TraianTârgu SecuiescRoşuBalşMotruBăileştiRâşnovGheorgheniSalontaCâmpulung MoldovenescDrăgăşaniMoreniVişeu de SusAdjudVicovu de SusTopoloveniOraviţaMoiseiTituPoienile de sub MunteMoldova NouăBabadagCovasnaMurfatlarSângeorgiu de MureşCajvanaTunari