Famous Tourist Places to Visit and Things to Do in Bucharest

September 26, 2020 Mustafa Natalwala 4040 Views

Bucharest is the capital of Romania and also its cultural and financial center. It is situated near the southern end of the country about 60 km away from the Romania-Bulgaria border. Many of the historical places to visit in Bucharest were heavily damaged during war & earthquakes, but have been beautifully restored. The Art Nouveau architecture of several Bucharest tourist attractions earned it the nickname Paris of the East. The majority of things to see in Bucharest pertaining to this style of architecture reside in the old town area. You will also find the majority of top things to do in Bucharest, Romania in the old town area itself. If you only have a day to visit Bucharest, explore the old town and your trip will be worthwhile. Besides Bucharest attractions such as historical buildings and museums, the old town also has some of the best places to eat or hang out in the city. It is definitely one of the best places to be Bucharest sightseeing.

Though one of the best places in Bucharest is the Palace of Parliament built by Nicolae Ceausescu. It is one of the largest buildings in the world. There are literally more than a thousand rooms in this Bucharest attraction. Even an hour-long tour cannot cover the entire expanse of this impressive feat of engineering. Though there are several reasons behind it being Bucharest’s top attraction besides the size of course. If you are looking for the fabled castle of Vlad the Impaler among places to visit in Bucharest, you will have to travel a little. There are no grand castles among Bucharest’s tourist attractions, but there are grand palaces. If you visit during festivals, you can enjoy some cultural events and other activities in Bucharest held at some of these palaces.

The churches in Bucharest are as architecturally renowned as the palaces. You will find a mix of several architectural styles derived from many cultures at these things to see in Bucharest. They may not be as grand as the palace but are still delightful to visit and among the best things to do in Bucharest. Some of the most beautiful churches among Bucharest attractions are Stavropoleos Church, St. Apostles Church, Doamnei Church and Antim Church.

The art galleries and art exhibits are also among Bucharest’s top attractions. Though the majority of old art is exhibited at museums, you can experience incredible works of 21st-century art at the best places in Bucharest such as Zorzini Gallery, Anaid Gallery, Galateca Gallery, H’art Gallery and National Museum of Art. You can also manage some unique souvenirs to take back after Bucharest travel from gift shops near these art galleries.

The city also has one of the best Thermal Spa & Water Park in the region. If you have spent the day walking in Bucharest sightseeing, Therme Bucuresti is a great place to relax. It is one of the most fun things to do in Bucharest, Romania. Other interesting places to visit in Bucharest are the Metropolitan Circus and ARCUB Cultural Center. It won’t take too many days to explore all the top things to do in Bucharest, but make sure you enjoy them while you explore.

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Table of Contents

The Best Places to Visit in Bucharest in 3 Days (Trip Itinerary)

Day 1

1. Dimitrie Gusti National Village Museum

This open-air cultural museum takes you to the villages of Romania from the bygone era. The museum is quite large, so you would need at least 2 hours to explore it.

I suggest you should book a Guided Tour of Dimitrie Gusti National Village Museum and Wine Tasting in Bucharest.

2. The Arch Of Triumph (Arcul de Triumf)

The large arched gate is a popular monument among places to visit in Bucharest. There is not much to do or see except the gate itself, so you don’t need any more than a few minutes here.

3. Former Ceauşescu Residence (House of Ceauşescu)

Also known as the Spring Palace, this beautiful house belonged to Nicolae Ceausescu. You will need about an hour and a half to explore this palace.

I suggest you should book a Guided Tour of Ceausescu House with Skip-the-Line Entrance Ticket.

4. Romanian Peasant Museum (Muzeul Național al Țăranului Român)

This museum offers an insight into the life of the Romanian people. It is an important cultural museum to visit among Bucharest tourist attractions. You will need an hour to see the several thousand artifacts at this museum.

5. Grigore Antipa Museum of Natural History (Muzeul Național de Istorie Naturală “Grigore Antipa”)

This natural history museum was named after Grigore Antipa, a well-known Romanian biologist and naturalist. You will need about 2 hours to explore this museum.

6. Cotroceni Palace (Palatul Cotroceni)

This is where the president of Romania resides. You will need about an hour and a half to explore the palace and the museum within.

I suggest you should book a Guided Tour of Cotroceni Palace with a Fast-Track Entrance.

Day 2

1. Palace of the Parliament (Casa poporului)

Also known as the People’s Palace, this is the largest administrative building in the entire world in terms of size and weight. You will need about an hour or so to explore this Palace.

I suggest you should get a Skip-the-Line Entrance Ticket of the Palace of the Parliament in advance.

2. Cismigiu Gardens

This is the oldest and the largest park in the city. You can spend an hour exploring the garden.

3. Crețulescu Palace (Kretzulescu)

This 20th-century palace is known for its gothic and French renaissance architecture. It is one of the most ornate Bucharest attractions to visit. You will need about an hour for this Palace.

4. National Museum of Art (Muzeul Național de Artă al României)

The museum exhibits incredible works of art by Romanian artists as well as a few others from across the world. The museum has some of the most beautiful things to see in Bucharest. You will need at least 2 hours to explore this museum.

5. Revolution Square

The square is one of the most important places to visit in Bucharest from a historic point of view. You won’t need more than 30 minutes as this square as there are not many things to do in Bucharest at this square.

6. Theodor Aman Museum

The museum used to be the residence of renowned Romanian artist Theodor Aman. You will need an hour to explore the life and work of this artist.

7. The Art Collections Museum (Muzeului Colecțiilor de Artă)

The museum is within Casa Romanit Palace. The museum exhibits work by artists from Asia, Africa and Europe. You will need at least 2 hours to explore this museum.

Day 3

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

The museum takes you on the journey to Romania. You will need at least 2 hours to explore the 60 exhibition halls of this museum.

2. Stavropoleos Monastery (Biserica Mănăstirii Stavropoleos)

This eastern orthodox monastery is designed in an ornate Brancovenesc style of architecture. You will need about 30 minutes in the Monastery.

3. Romanian Kitsch Museum

Kitsch is a style of artwork explored in Romania. It is an important Bucharest attraction to visit from a cultural point of view. You will need an hour to explore this museum.

4. Curtea Veche (Old Princely Court)

These are the ruins of medieval palaces and courts from the 15th century. This used to be the palace of Prince Vlad Dracula the third. You will need about an hour to explore the ruins.

5. Manuc’s Inn

This historic hotel is among the popular places to visit in Bucharest. The hotel is also associated with Prince Vlad Dracula III. You would need about 45 minutes to explore this hotel.

6. Great Synagogue

This Polish Synagogue is associated with the Ashkenazi Jewish community in Romania. You will need about 45 minutes at this Synagogue.

I suggest you should book a Guided Tour of Jewish Heritage in Bucharest.

7. Jewish Museum

The museum explores the history of the Jewish community in Romania. You will need an hour to explore this museum.

8. Bellu Cemetery (Șerban Vodă Cemetery)

The cemetery is the resting place for some of the most well-known Romanians. You will need an hour at this cemetery.

If you are thinking about staying in Bucharest for more than 3 days then you can check our below-mentioned list of various activities and attractions of Bucharest.

Things to do in Bucharest

Monuments, Museums & Historical Places to Visit in Bucharest

Palace of Parliament
Romanian Athenaeum
National Village Museum
Arch of Triumph
Stavropoleos Monastery Church
National Museum of Romanian History
National Museum of Art of Romania
Cotroceni Palace
Mogosoaia Palace
Antipa Museum
Old Princely Court
National Museum of Contemporary Art
Royal Palace of Bucharest
Palace of Deposits & Consignments
George Enescu National Museum
House of Ceausescu
Serban Voda Cemetery
House of Free Press
Patriarchal Cathedral of Saints Constantine & Helena
Kretzulescu Palace
Kretzulescu Church
Museum of Senses
Museum of Art Collections
The Coral Temple
National Military Museum
Sutu Palace
Romanian Kitsch Museum
All Saint Atim Monastery
Radu Voda Monastery
National Geology Museum
Bucharest Municipality Museum
Curtea Veche Museum
Cernica Monastery
Art Museum Zambaccian
New St. George Church
Stirbey Domain
The Fire Tower
Court of Appeal
St. Joseph’s Cathedral
Yeshua Tova Synagogue
Great Synagogue of Bucharest
Armenian Church
St. Nicholas Russian Church
Astronomical Observatory Admiral Vasile Urseanu
Mihai Voda Monastery
Stierbei Palace
Dealul Mitropolieli Museum
Chiajna Monastery
Schitul Darvari Church
Ghica Tei Palace
Biserica Sfantul Anton Church
National Museum of Romanian Literature
National Romanian Aviation Museum
Romanian Railway Museum
Coltei Church

Nature & Wildlife Tourist Spots in Bucharest

Herastrau Lake
Vacaresti Park Nature Reserve
Lake Cismigiu
Lake Dambovita
Baneasa Forest
Lake Tei
Lake Floreasca
Lake Grivita
Lake Fundeni

Entertainment & Leisure Tourist Spots in Bucharest

Manuc’s Inn
Bucharest Botanical Gardens
Therme Bucharest Water Park
Children’s Town Amusement Park
Bucharest Zoo
Divertland Water Park
Bucharest Metropolitan Circus
ARCUB Cultural Center
Ferma Animalelor Interactive Farm
Zorzini Gallery
Anaid Gallery
Galateca Gallery
H’art Gallery

Shopping in Bucharest

Obor Market
Carturesti Carusel
Floraria Florens
Complex Commercial Rahova
Unirea Shopping Center
Sunday Flea Market
AFI Palace Cotroceni

Sightseeing in Bucharest

King Mihai Park
Cismigiu Gardens
Revolution Square
University’s Square
Piata Uniti Square
Pasajul Maca Vilacrosse Street
Carol Park
Youth Park
Alexandru Ioan Cuza Park
Drumul Taberei Park
Izvor Park
State Circus Park
Pasajul Victoria Passage
Gradina Icoanei Park
Piata Constitutiei Square
The National Park
Roman Square
Kiseleff Park
Bazilescu Park
Parcel Carol Park
Sebastian Park

Food, Dining, Restaurants, & Street Food in Bucharest

Lacrimi si Sfinti
Bistro Guxt
Kane
Blue Margherita
Vatra Restaurant
Yuki
The Artist
La Pescaria Dorobantilor
Gradina Eden
Beca’s Kitchen
Maize
Sharkia
Cafe Verona
Mica Elvetie
Mahala
Sara
Sky bar
Nor Sky
Simbio
Lente & Cafea
Bazaar Bar
Hanul Lui Manuc
Energiea
Vacamuuu
Hard Rock Cafe
Arcade Cafe
Ciobarie
Torna Fratre
Salon Golescu
Hanul cu Tei
Zexe Zahana
Paine si Vin
Caru’ cu Bere
Closer to the Moon
Trofic
Stadio
Modelier
Aubergine
Za Lokal

Where to Stay in Bucharest?

Here we have listed Top Rated Luxurious, Mid-Range and Budget Hotels in Bucharest. You can check below listed hotels for your perfect stay in Bucharest.

Luxurious Hotels

Mid-Range Hotels

Budget Hotels

Custom Tours Package in Bucharest

How to Reach Bucharest?

By Air

There is only one option for Bucharest travel by air. The Henri Coanda International Airport is located 18 kms north of the city center. You can get direct flights to visit Bucharest from several European countries including Israel, Turkey, Italy, Ireland, Spain, Belgium, Germany, Hungary France, Austria and many more.

You have the option of train, bus and cab for Bucharest travel from the airport. Primarily there are two buses running between the airport and the city, namely 783 & 780. Bus 783 will take you to downtown area from where you can take other bus or cab for places to visit in Bucharest. Bus 780 however takes you to central train station of the city. There are also things to see in Bucharest close to the station which you can cover via this bus route. It depends on where you wish to reach when you visit Bucharest.

If you wish to travel by train, you can book tickets at the airport. You will be taken in a shuttle bus to the station where you will board Henri Coanda Express for Bucharest travel. You will be dropped at Gara de Nord station in the city from where you can take bus, taxi, or metro to Bucharest tourist attractions.

Though taxi is the most convenient option to reach Bucharest attractions or your hotel from the airport there are several red flags you should look out for. Many cab drivers and con artists pretending to be cab drivers try to cheat the tourists at the airport. Hence, be very careful if you are using this means of transport for Bucharest sightseeing. You have to purchase a ticket and there is generally a long queue at the counter and at the taxi stand. You should not allow the taxi driver to take your receipt, that is your only proof in case of anything going wrong. Taxi scams are most common among petty crimes which tourist face during Bucharest travel. Another problem area to watch out for is if the driver insists on keeping small luggage in the boot. Especially watch out for drivers who pester you to take their cab as you exit the airport. Always say no to them regardless of low cost offers. The safest cab option here would be cab hailing apps such as Uber. It may seem a little expensive, but its the safest way to reach best places in Bucharest.

By Road

International train and bus connectivity to visit Bucharest is limited as compared to other European capitals. You can get direct buses for Bucharest travel from Chisinau, Istanbul, Sofia, Varna and Athens. As for the rail network, you can get direct trains from Vienna, Sofia, Istanbul, Budapest, Kiev, Venice, Moscow and Thessaloniki.

If you are traveling by car, you should take E60 if you are traveling from north of Bucharest and take E20 if you are approaching from south. If you are to visit Bucharest from west then route A1 is suitable for you and if you are coming form east A2 is the best option.

By Water

As there are no major water bodies around the city, all Bucharest travel must be conducted by land or air.

Image Reference

Dimitrie Gusti National Village Museum – Klearchos Kapoutsis / Flickr
The Arch Of Triumph (Arcul de Triumf) – Emilian Robert Vicol / PixaBay
Former Ceauşescu Residence (House of Ceauşescu) – Dimitris Kamaras / Flickr
Romanian Peasant Museum (Muzeul Național al Țăranului Român) – Britchi Mirela / Wikimedia Commons
Grigore Antipa Museum of Natural History (Muzeul Național de Istorie Naturală “Grigore Antipa”) – Britchi Mirela / Wikimedia Commons
Cotroceni Palace (Palatul Cotroceni) – Bogdan Tapu / Flickr
Palace of the Parliament (Casa poporului) – Garrett Ziegler / Flickr
Cișmigiu Gardens – Gabriel / Flickr
Crețulescu Palace (Kretzulescu) – xnukx / Flickr
National Museum of Art (Muzeul Național de Artă al României) – Dennis Jarvis / Flickr
Revolution Square – Dan Lundberg / Flickr
Theodor Aman Museum – Britchi Mirela / Wikimedia Commons
The Art Collections Museum (Muzeului Colecțiilor de Artă) – Britchi Mirela / Wikimedia Commons
National Museum of Romanian History (Muzeul Național de Istorie a României) – Diego Delso / Wikimedia Commons
Stavropoleos Monastery (Biserica Mănăstirii Stavropoleos) – Garrett Ziegler / Flickr
Romanian Kitsch Museum –
Curtea Veche (Old Princely Court) – Nicubunu / Wikimedia Commons
Manuc’s Inn – Andrei Stroe / Wikimedia Commons
Great Synagogue – Luca Sironi / Wikimedia Commons
Jewish Museum – Benjamin / Flickr
Bellu Cemetery (Șerban Vodă cemetery) – Andrei Stroe / Wikimedia Commons