Wondering what to do in Romania’s “Paris of the East”? From the Arcul de Triumf to the Romanian Athenaeum, here’s my roundup of the top attractions in Bucharest!
Visiting Bucharest, Romania
Nestled along the banks of the Dâmbovița River, Bucharest is a city brimming with hidden gems and a rich history waiting to be explored. With grand palaces, ornate churches, and charming, umbrella-covered streets, the city’s skyline is a fascinating mix of architectural styles, including Byzantine and French influences.
From the iconic Palace of Parliament to the fairytale-like Cărturești Carusel bookstore, read on to discover some of the best things to do in Bucharest!
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Table of Contents
Best Things to Do in Bucharest, Romania
1. Bucharest Fountains (Fântânile București)
With 44 fountains spread over 1.4 kilometers in Union Square (Piața Unirii), the Bucharest Fountains hold the Guinness World Record for the longest choreographed fountain system in the world.
These fountains were truly stunning and definitely a must-visit while you’re in Bucharest!
If you’re visiting between May and October, don’t miss the water and light show, which usually takes place at night every Friday, Saturday, and Sunday. It’s free to attend and lasts approximately 45 minutes.
The show start times vary depending on the time of year, so be sure to check online for the latest and greatest info.
2. Palace of Parliament (Palatul Parlamentului)
Also referred to as the People’s House, Bucharest’s Palace of Parliament is the second largest administrative building in the world, surpassed only by the Pentagon. This colossal structure sprawls an impressive 3.9 million square feet, boasting over 1,100 rooms across its 12 stories.
Constructed from a blend of rich materials including steel, bronze, marble, crystal glass, and wood, the palace weighs a staggering 4 million tons (or 9 billion pounds), making it one of the heaviest buildings in the world. It’s also the most expensive administrative building in the world, valued at over €4 billion.
If you’re interested in exploring its extravagant interior, keep in mind that you’ll have to book a guided tour for access to the palace.
3. Victory Passage (Pasajul Victoria) | The Umbrella Street
Located steps away from the Odeon Theatre, Pasajul Victoria (also known as Pasajul Victoriei, Victory Passage, or more commonly the Umbrella Street), is a charming alleyway with dozens of colorful umbrellas suspended overhead.
It’s a cute spot to pass through and snap some Instagram-worthy photos that are sure to brighten up your feed!
4. Romanian Athenaeum (Ateneul Român)
Inspired by ancient Greek temples, the Romanian Athenaeum is a beautiful concert hall located in the heart of Bucharest and one of the most iconic spots in the city.
Featuring majestic columns, ornate woodwork, and intricate frescoes, the Athenaeum is home to the George Enescu Philharmonic Orchestra and hosts a variety of musical performances throughout the year.
With its circular design and domed ceiling, the concert hall boasts impeccable acoustics and excellent visibility of the stage from each of its 800 seats.
If you want to view the building’s impressive interior, tickets for guided tours are available for just 10 Romanian lei (RON), or approximately $2 USD.
Otherwise, you can simply admire its beauty from the surrounding Ateneului Park (Parcul Ateneului), a small area in front of the Athenaeum dotted with trees and benches.
For a list of upcoming concerts and events, check the calendar on the Athenaeum’s official website.
5. Old Town
While in Bucharest, you’ll definitely want to explore Old Town, a charming area in the city center lined with restaurants, shops, and historical landmarks.
Wander down Strada Lipscani, the city’s oldest street, and you’ll come across the National Bank of Romania, a stately building whose façade is adorned with Corinthian columns.
On one corner of the building is the Monument of Eugeniu Carada, the bank’s founder and a distinguished politician who played a pivotal role in the country’s unification and economic development during the mid-19th century.
Across from the bank is the Art Safari Museum (Muzeul Art Safari), an intimate gallery with a diverse collection of paintings, sculptures, and installations from both established and emerging artists.
And just a few steps away lies the Central Electoral Bureau (Biroul Electoral Central), a vital institution dedicated to upholding the integrity and transparency of Romania’s democratic elections.
History aside, one of the most memorable nights I had in Bucharest was sitting on the steps of the National Bank, listening to a skilled guitarist singing popular covers on the cobblestone streets. After a full day of exploring the city, it was a wonderful opportunity to slow down and simply enjoy the melodic atmosphere amidst a friendly crowd of locals and fellow travelers.
6. Cărturești Carusel
Further down Strada Lipscani is Cărturești Carusel, the most enchanting bookstore I’ve ever visited!
Located in a former 19th century bank building, Cărturești Carusel has six floors overflowing with endless rows of books, neatly arranged underneath an expansive glass ceiling framed by elegant neoclassical columns.
With sweeping staircases, twinkling lights, and whimsical décor, this place is a magical, literary wonderland and definitely very Instagrammable!
The bookstore also houses an art gallery on the first floor, along with a lovely café and bistro on the top floor.
7. Macca-Villacrosse Passage (Pasajul Macca-Villacrosse)
Formerly known as the Jewelry Passage, Pasajul Macca-Villacrosse is a fork-shaped covered passageway lined with all kinds of restaurants, cafés, and bars, making it a lively hub for locals and tourists alike.
Connecting Calea Victoriei to Strada Lipscani, the passageway boasts a beautiful rotunda with graceful archways and an elegant stained-glassed ceiling. It’s even more charming at night when illuminated by overhead orbs casting a warm, romantic glow over the space.
8. University Square (Piața Universității)
Located near the InterContinental’s Grand Hotel Bucharest, University Square represents kilometer zero for Romania’s national road network.
Here, you’ll find several historical landmarks, including the BCR Palace, Bucharest Municipality Museum (AKA Sutu Palace), and University of Bucharest, as well as the I.L. Caragiale National Theatre and Coltea Hospital – the very first hospital in the city.
Among the square’s highlights is the oldest statue in Bucharest honoring Prince Michael the Brave, a revered national hero credited with unifying the Romanian provinces of Wallachia, Transylvania, and Moldavia in the 16th century.
9. St. Nicholas Russian Church (Biserica Rusă)
Just behind University Square is the St. Nicholas Russian Church, an architectural gem built in the early 20th century.
Standing proudly on Strada Ion Ghiaca, it’s hard to miss this gorgeous church with its golden onion-shaped domes, which are a hallmark of Russian Orthodox architecture.
10. CEC Palace (Palatul CEC)
Located on Calea Victoriei across from the National History Museum of Romania, the CEC Palace (also known as the Palace of the Deposits and Consignments) serves as the headquarters of Romania’s oldest savings institution, the CEC Bank.
Topped with an ornate glass metal dome at its center surrounded by four smaller domes in each of its corners, it’s one of the most beautiful and enduring buildings in Bucharest, surviving two major earthquakes in 1940 and 1977 and two bombings during World War II.
Unfortunately, it was under renovation during our trip but still impressive nonetheless.
11. Arcul de Triumf
Situated at the entrance to the King Michael I Park (formerly known as Herăstrău Park) in northern Bucharest, the Arcul de Triumf is a proud symbol of Romania’s unification and victory in World War I.
Inspired by the Arc de Triomphe in Paris, the arch features an interior staircase that you can climb to reach a viewing platform at the top. However, it’s typically only open to visitors on Saturdays and Sundays from June to October.
If you happen to be in town on December 1st, you can catch the annual military parade that’s held here in celebration of Romania’s National Day.
12. Revolution Square (Piața Revoluției)
Formerly known as Palace Square (Piața Palatului), Revolution Square holds a pivotal place in Romania’s history as the site of Communist dictator Nicolae Ceauşescu’s downfall during the Romanian Revolution of 1989, also known as the Christmas Revolution.
This historic square boasts several notable landmarks, including the Royal Palace of Bucharest (Palatul Regal), which is now home to the National Museum of Art of Romania.
Across the street is the Carol I Central University Library, which was named the most beautiful university building in Europe according to a recent study based on the golden ratio.
The square is also home to the Statue of Iuliu Maniu, the former prime minister of Romania, as well as the Memorial of Rebirth, a marble obelisk with a metal “crown” that serves as a tribute to the victims of the Romanian Revolution.
During our visit, we were surprised to find a giant pink perfume bottle in front of the memorial, which was part of a marketing campaign for Prada’s Paradoxe fragrance.
13. People’s Salvation Cathedral (Catedrala Mantuirii Neamului)
A modern marvel in the making, the People’s Salvation Cathedral (also known as the National Cathedral) is currently being constructed behind Bucharest’s Palace of Parliament. Projected to be completed by 2025, it’s already the largest and tallest Eastern Orthodox church building in the world.
Designed in the Neo-Byzantine style, the cathedral features 28 striking bronze doors as well as magnificent domes polished with gold. Once completed, it will boast the world’s largest mosaic collection along with the largest free-swinging church bell in existence.
14. Saint John Chrysostom Church
Located across from the JW Marriott Bucharest Grand Hotel, the Saint John Chrysostom Church is a hidden gem that we just happened to stumble upon as we were leaving the hotel.
On one side of the church, there’s a lovely walkway lined with wrought iron archways, lush greenery, and vibrant blooms, making it the perfect spot to grab some quick photos for the ‘Gram.
15. Palace of the National Military Circle (Cercul Militar Național)
Situated in Flag’s Square (Piața Sfatului) next to the Sărindar Fountain, the Palace of the National Military Circle was constructed in the early 20th century and once served as a social and cultural hub for the Romanian military.
Today, you can step inside to explore its breathtaking interior, where you’ll find grand ballrooms, sweeping staircases, and vast marble halls adorned with crystal chandeliers, in addition to a theatre, library, concert hall, and restaurant.
Getting to Bucharest, Romania
By Air
The main gateway to Bucharest is the Henri Coanda International Airport (OTP), located approximately 10 miles north of the city center. From there, you can easily take an Uber into the city, which is often recommended over traditional taxis due to their reliability and fair pricing. If you do opt for a taxi, make sure to agree on a price beforehand to avoid potential overcharging.
Note: There’s another airport – the Aurel Vlaicu International Airport (BBU), also known as the Băneasa Airport or Bucharest City Airport – that’s actually situated closer to the city center. However, it primarily serves private jets and charter flights, as well as some budget airlines.
By Train
The North Railway Station (Gara de Nord) serves as Bucharest’s primary link to other major European cities. However, with plans for a high-speed rail network still in development, the train is definitely not the fastest way to get there, although you’ll certainly get some scenic views of the countryside during your journey. For reference, a train from Budapest to Bucharest typically takes around 14 to 17 hours, while the trip from Vienna to Bucharest can take anywhere from 18 to 20 hours.
Where to Stay in Bucharest, Romania
If you’re looking for a place to stay in Bucharest, two hotels to consider are the JW Marriott Bucharest Grand Hotel and the Sheraton Bucharest Hotel. Both were pleasant, but the JW Marriott would be my pick hands down for a comfortable and luxurious stay.
JW Marriott Bucharest Grand Hotel
Located near the People’s Salvation Cathedral and the Palace of Parliament, the JW Marriott Bucharest Grand Hotel offers a luxurious 5-star experience, with over 400 spacious rooms and suites and an incredibly attentive staff.
Not only does the hotel boast a state-of-the-art fitness center, indoor pool, and spa, but it also has its own casino as well as a dedicated shopping area known as the Grand Avenue, featuring luxury boutiques like Louis Vuitton and Valentino.
The hotel also offers several dining facilities directly on site, from a sophisticated steakhouse to a lively sports bar to an elegant cocktail lounge, giving you plenty of options to choose from.
Sheraton Bucharest Hotel
Offering a more budget-friendly alternative to the JW Marriott, the Sheraton Bucharest Hotel is a 5-star property located north of Old Town and within walking distance of the Romanian Athenaeum. With 18 floors housing 270 rooms and suites, the hotel provides comfortable yet more modestly-sized accommodations compared to its upscale counterpart.
One of the highlights of the Sheraton is its Skyview Pool & Spa, an indoor space bathed in natural light, where you can enjoy a refreshing swim under the sky. The hotel also features a 24-hour fitness center, a sauna, and two restaurants and a bar on site.
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