Despite it being nicknamed ‘Little Paris’ once upon a time, you probably won’t find Bucharest on a list of Europe’s most charming cities. However, its historical landmarks, diverse architecture, dramatic history and thriving culinary scene make it one of the most interesting.
At the beginning of last October, I spent a few days exploring Romania’s capital city. I had a lovely time, but the city is rather spread out so it’s necassary to do a bit of planning beforehand.
With this in mind, I have put together an itinerary of my highlights in an order that makes geographical sense. With this, I’m sure you’ll make the most out of your time in Bucharest.
Day 1: Exploring Historical Landmarks and the Old Town
Morning
Begin your day with a visit to the formidable Palace of the Parliament, an imposing structure that dominates the urban landscape.
The opulent halls and corridors made of marble unfold the magnitude of its presence and will push you to contemplate its symbolic power and ambition, reflecting Romania’s complex history and political aspirations. It stands as a tangible reminder of the country’s turbulent communist era under the dictatorship of Nicolae Ceausescu.
Did you know? The building has 20 floors (8 of them are underground), 1,100 rooms and a total size of 330.000 m², making it the second largest administrative building in the world after the Pentagon. The Palace of the Parliament is the heaviest building in the world, weighing about 4,098,500,000 kilograms (9.04 billion pounds; 4.10 million tonnes).
Address: Strada Izvor 2-4, București
Tickets: You can buy guided tickets to the Palace of the Parliament below:
Afterwards, immerse yourself in the contemporary art scene of Bucharest. Visit the MNAC – National Museum of Contemporary Art, located behind the Palace of the Parliament. Explore its thought-provoking exhibitions featuring diverse contemporary artworks and innovative installations.
Afternoon
Enjoy a delicious Romanian lunch at a traditional restaurant in the Old Town. Indulge in local specialties such as sarmale (cabbage rolls), mamaliga (polenta), or mititei (grilled sausages).
Wandering through the labyrinthine streets of Bucharest’s Old Town is like stepping into a forgotten novel. Each cobblestone pathway and weathered façade unearths tales of the past if you let your curiosity wander…
What not to miss in Bucharest’s Old Town
For the History Lover
Discover the hidden gem of Stavropoleos Monastery, an oasis of tranquility in the heart of the city. Admire the delicate Brâncovenesc architectural style, characterized by intricate stone carvings and vibrant frescoes.
For the Literary Lover
Housed within a beautifully restored 19th-century building, Cărturești Carusel enchants those who enter with its stunning modern architecture and a curated collection of books that spans genres, languages, and eras. Cărturești Carusel is certainly no ordinary bookstore.
For the Architect Lover
Muzeul Micul Paris (The Little Paris Museum) journeys to a bygone era, immersing you in the nostalgic charm of early 20th-century Bucharest. Housed in a meticulously restored building, the museum offers a glimpse into the city’s architectural and cultural heritage during the interwar period. The exhibits showcase the elegant Art Nouveau and Art Deco styles that characterised the ‘Little Paris’ nickname given to Bucharest in the past.
Evening
Treat yourself to a scrumptious dinner at Caru’ cu Bere, a historic restaurant renowned for its delicious Romanian cuisine, rich in flavours and textures, all complemented by a vibrant ambiance and gorgeous decor complete with wooden paneling and stained-glass windows. For dessert, do not miss the opportunity to try the famous Romanian dessert “papanasi” (donuts with sour cream and jam). One word: Divine.
Address: Strada Stavropoleos 5, București. Opens: Daily 9 am – 12 am
Website: https://www.carucubere.ro/
After dinner, go on to sample Bucharest’s lively nightlife scene. Whether you enjoy hopping from one bar to another, listening to live music, or sipping fancy cocktails, you’ll find something for your tastes.
Day 2: Cultural Exploration and Artistic Delights
Morning
Begin your day with a visit to the iconic Romanian Athenaeum, an architectural masterpiece in neoclassical style. Marvel at its impressive dome and Corinthian columns, and stunning stairways.
Address: 1, Strada Benjamin Franklin 1-3, București
Continue your cultural journey at the nearby National Museum of Art of Romania, housed in the former Royal Palace. Discover the extensive collection of Romanian and European art, featuring works by famous artists such as Brâncuși, Grigorescu, El Greco and my favourite – Breughel.
Address: Calea Victoriei 49-53
Website: For full opening times and latest exhibitions, visit: https://www.mnar.arts.ro/en/
Afternoon
Venture to the enchanting Village Museum, an open-air museum dedicated to traditional Romanian architecture and rural life. Explore the charming village settings with over 300 authentic wooden houses, and folkloric exhibits that showcase the country’s cultural heritage. In this up-close setting you’ll see the ingenuity and craftsmanship of rural Romania, while experiencing the the contrast to modern day Bucharest.
Address: Şoseaua Pavel D. Kiseleff 30, București 011347
Take a leisurely stroll through the expansive Herastrau Park to your next destination – Ceaușescu Mansion. If you have time, you could rent a paddleboat, relax in a lakeside cafe, or simply enjoy the serene surroundings. The park even has a rather random memorial dedicated to Michael Jackson!
Don't miss
Perhaps I’m cramming in too much into one day, but visiting the Ceaușescu Mansion, the former home of Romania’s former communist leader, Nicolae Ceaușescu, and his wife, Elena, is a must! If you’re short on time, I recommend booting one of the other places off the list, as this place is nothing short of fascinating, and helps to put the recent history of Bucharest into context.
Once an exclusive residence for the ruling couple, this sprawling estate showcases their lavish lifestyle and the grandeur they surrounded themselves with. As you explore the mansion, you’ll be awestruck by its lavish interiors, adorned with extravagant furnishings, intricate decorations, and priceless works of art. While the craftsmanship of their home is inspiring, the unfathomable greed and corruption of this couple will leave you equally speechless.
From the opulent hallway to the private quarters and even an underground swimming pool and cinema, each room reveals a different facet of the Ceaușescus’ extravagant existence. Walking through the corridors that once echoed with the whispers of power, visitors gain insights into the political landscape of the time and the excesses of the regime. The Ceaușescu Mansion offers a unique opportunity to delve into a significant chapter of Romania’s history.
To learn more, see my other post: Ceausescu Mansion In Bucharest: Inside The Dictator’s House Of Bling
Note that you can only enter the house with a guided-tour. You can book in advance below:
Evening
If you’re craving something light or fancy switching things up a bit, head over to Ginger Sushi & Lounge for Japanese cuisine. I was a bit dubious about going, mainly because it’s located inside Radisson Blu Hotel, and while I have nothing against chain hotels, I thought it might be a bit dull and impersonal. However, I need not have worried. Outside of Japan, it was some of the best sushi and sashimi I’ve had, combined with a really cosy and personable setting. To top it off, we were seated at the bar and were able to admire the artistry of the sushi chefs while we waited with our mouth watering.
Address: Calea Victoriei 63-81, București
Alternatively, for something really special, book a table at Noua. I didn’t know of its existence until I arrived in Bucharest, and it was too late to book already. However you can experience Michelin quality food at a fraction of the price. My friend went to Bucharest recently and came back waxing lyrical about this place. She paid £55 for 17 courses. I was envious to say the least! Take a look at their reviews on TripAdvisor and make sure to book to avoid disappointment.
Day 3: Day trip to Peles Castle, Bran Castle and Brasov
Morning
Now that you have seen the best of Bucharest, I would recommend starting early and going further afield to marvel at the likes of Peles Castle, Bran Castle, Brasov or perhaps all three if you join a tour. See below for dates and times.
If you’re embarking on a day-trip with car-hire, I’d suggest going to Brasov and making a stop at Sinaia to visit Peles Castle, the former summer retreat for the Romanian royal family, since it’s located en route to Brasov.
For more inspiration on what to do in Bucharest and beyond, check out my previous post: Romania: 12 amazing places to visit & things to do
Evening
On your last night, why not see if you are able to immerse yourself into the world of theatre, dance or music at a performance at the Romanian Athenaeum or another cultural venue?
If that’s not possible, conclude the day by taking an evening stroll along Calea Victoriei. It has been dubbed as the ‘Champs-Élysées of Bucharest’ and while that might be a stretch, it is lined with beautiful buildings, and a variety of restaurants and bars if you wish to have to local dishes followed by a little nightcap to ring out your final night in Bucharest.
Where to stay in Bucharest
There are lots of options for accommodation in Bucharest and a wide variety to suit tastes, needs and budgets. I chose to stay in the Old Town where many of the museums are locations as well as a vast array of restaurants and cafes.
However, if you’d rather be somewhere more leafy and more quiet, then Herastrau would be a great choice.
My boyfriend and I stayed at Matisse Bucharest Old Town and it had everything we needed and more. We chose an apartment with the intention of cooking occasionally, but because the food was so good we didn’t actually end up cooking at all hah! It was super spacious and the interior is really thoughtfully designed and there’s also a lovely courtyard. However, I would say this is on the upper end of accommodation (price-wise) for Bucharest, so if you’re looking to spend less, there are many more options for under £50 a night to choose from to keep the price of your trip down.
