The Ultimate Top 10 Must Do’s When Visiting Bucharest, Romania

Bucharest is unlike any European city you’ve been to: It may appear rugged and worn down on the outside, but the inside is full of class and sophistication. Why don’t more people travel to Bucharest?!?! Let us take you there as we dive into the ultimate top 10 must do’s in Bucharest, Romania!

#10

Cărturești Carusel

This bookstore will make you feel like you’ve entered Beast’s Library from Beauty and the Beast. It is perceived by many, and for good reason, to be the most beautiful bookstore in the world. There are 4 floors, all containing books, games, and décor. It’s ok if you don’t speak or read Romanian – there is an English language section as well as other languages, so you will be sure to find something you want to buy. Cosy up to a book with some coffee at the lounge upstairs as you take in the beauty of Cărturești Carusel.

Hours: 10:00 a.m. - 10:00 p.m.

Average Cost: FREE

#9

Old Town

This is where you will find shops, restaurants, and nightlife. It might seem dead in the mornings, but this area looks completely different when the sun goes down. No matter what day of the week or weather, there are always local Romanians out partying the night away. With most restaurants not closing until 2 a.m., there is always a chance to eat and mingle with the locals. And don’t worry about safety too much. Bucharest is actually considered quite safe and the people are very friendly.

#8

Cișmigiu Gardens

This stunning landscape stands in the heart of Bucharest. Taking inspiration from English gardens, the Cișmigiu Gardens is 36 acres full of colour, from azaleas, to camellias, orchids, and so much more. Although best to see between the months of February – August, you will feel as though you’ve entered a dream no matter what time of year. The gardens are also home to busts of 12 historically important Romanian writers, respecting their past and embracing their future. Romanians are very proud of the Cișmigiu Gardens, and it’s easy to see why.

Pro Tip: There are lots of other gardens to see, such as the King Mihai I Park, The Bucharest Botanical Gardens, and Union park - so don’t forget to see those as well… we just preferred the Cișmigiu Gardens.

Hours: 24

Average Cost: FREE

#7

Stavropoleos Monastery

This traditional Eastern Orthodox monastery is just beautiful. The church was constructed in 1724 by archimandrite Ioannikios Stratonikeas, who was a Greek monk. The church suffered much, after enduring earthquakes and other natural disasters, the dome collapsed and the original Inn is no longer there; however, the dome’s artwork was later restored in the early 20th century.  What also makes this monastery interesting is the over 8,000 books in theology, Byzantine music (largest collection in Romania), arts, and history. It is a small monastery, but it is definitely worth a visit while on your trip through Bucharest.

Hours: Anytime the door is open (it does not appear to have consistent hours)

Average Cost: FREE

#6

The National Museum of Romanian History

The National Museum of Romanian History is truly something to marvel at. Although there aren’t too many permanent pieces, there are always exhibitions to fill the gigantic building of the museum, and let me tell you, we were stunned by the organisation by each exhibition. If you like gold, you will be in heaven as you walk through what locals call, “The Gold Room.” There, you will find jewelry, crowns, book covers, and other items all made out of pure gold! Along with the entirety of the Trajan’s Column and the Romanian Crown Jewels, this museum will take you at least an hour to walk through.

Hours: 10:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m. (Closed Mondays & Tuesdays)

Average Cost: 20 Lei

#5

The Romanian National Museum of Art

Located in the former Royal Palace in Revolution Square stands the Romanian National Museum of Art. This massive building houses collections of medieval and modern Romanian art in addition to pieces collected by the Romanian royal family. Also, the museum has a section of internationally acclaimed artists, such as Rembrandt, van Eyck, Monet, and many more. What makes this art museum so unique compared to other art museums is its purity. The overwhelming majority of artwork presented in this museum is from Romanian artists. Only a small fraction is reserved for artists outside of Romania.

Hours: 10:00 a.m. – 6:00 p.m. (closed Mondays and Tuesdays)

Average Cost: 24 Lei

#4

Primaverii Palace

Initially, I thought this was the old palace of the royal family. To my surprise, it was actually the palace of the former Communist dictator Ceauşescu and his family… and it is pretty new, unless you consider 1964 old. This palace is in neoclassical and neo-late renaissance style because they wanted to show their “class” and wealth. In this palace, you will find several dining rooms, offices, bedrooms, bathrooms (including one made with “gold”), a sauna, spa room, hair and nail salon, swimming pool, indoor garden, courtyard, and more to gloat about. You will truly begin to understand how terrible this dictator was as you walk through their elaborate rooms and furniture, knowing their people at the time were starving. Nonetheless, it is not something to miss.

Hours: 10 a.m. – 5:00 p.m. (closed on Mondays)

Average cost: 45 Lei

#3

Dimitrie Gusti National Village Museum

WOW! We kept saying that word as we walked through this outdoor museum! This museum is HUGE. Its namesake, Dimitrie Gusti, started the museum in 1936 to showcase the spirit of the urban and rural Romania. It is spread across more than 70 acres of land and contains over 70 original Romanian homes from all around the country, which were reassembled piece by piece for transportation to the museum. These homes range anywhere between the 17th and 20th centuries. In addition to these interesting homes, there are churches, farms, a spooky 1930’s ferris wheel, windmills, and other features to demonstrate their humble beginnings and progression throughout history. It will easily take you a couple hours to walk through the entirety of the museum.

Pro Tip: If you can, travel to the museum over the weekend. There is a pop-up market from local Romanians selling traditional goods and clothing.

Hours: 9:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m. (closed on Mondays)

Average Cost: 15 Lei

#2

Romanian Athenaeum

This is the perfect example of Romanian elegance and sophistication. Built in 1888, this concert hall was designed by French architect Albert Galleron. It is neoclassic in style, but it contains lots of romantic artistic styles and touches. You will find elaborate pieces of art, such as the main fresco inside the theatre that stretches from one side of the theatre to the other, depicting the history and triumphs of Romania. You will surely not want to miss this gorgeous work of art!

Pro tip – Try and see a concert or production during your stay. Seats are typically reasonable and you get the chance to see the theatre in its splendor the way it’s meant to be seen.

Hours: 9:00 a.m. – 10:00 a.m.; 2:00 p.m. – 4:00 p.m. (Monday – Thursday)

9:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m. (Friday – Sunday)

Average Cost: 10 Lei

#1

The Palace of the Parliament

The Palace of the Parliament has a unique past. Its construction was enforced by Nicolae Ceaușescu, who took power in 1965 and became the last Communist dictator of Romania, which spanned over 24 years. He was inspired by North Korea’s methods in systematization to build his elaborate Center, tearing down traditional Romanian buildings as a result. From 1983 – 1989, thousands of Romanians were forced to work on this project 24/7, often in the harshest of conditions. And many of the local Romanians were left starving so he could pay for his dream. Although there isn’t an exact number, it is believed that many died while constructing the Palace.

When the Palace officially opened in 1994, Ceaușescu had already been dead 5 years prior through public execution by a firing squad (Yikes!). Due to its notorious construction, Romanians feel ambivalent about it. It feels a little eerie as you walk through empty hallways and rooms, wondering what it would have looked like had Ceaușescu lived to see it and decorate it elaborately. It is now used as the governmental offices of the Ministers of Parliament, public broadcasts, and as a venue for large corporate events.

Hours: 9:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m.

Average Cost: 60 Lei