Wow. Romania. You have a seriously grand capital city. If you are wondering about things to do in Bucharest; there are plenty. And the best thing about Bucharest is that much of the city’s grandeur can be explored in one day on foot!
We learnt a lot about Romania and the confrontingly recent (relatively) Communist past in one day in Bucharest. And we also saw a beautiful city with green spaces, undeniably stunning architecture, well-preserved religious history and a hipster, funky inner-city vibe.
There are lots of blogs out there with things to do in Bucharest that revolve mostly around tours and trips in the city. And many more for specific history buffs(!). But there are many great free things to do in Bucharest to keep you well busy for a day! AND there are plenty of delicious Romanian street foods to try and a whole selection of funky and hip cafes and restaurants.
Here are the best things to do in Bucharest that we found in Romania’s bucket list capital city.
- History (a short one)
- About Bucharest today
- Getting to Bucharest
- Getting around in Bucharest
- Best time to visit
- How long do you need?
- Currency and money
- 22 Best things to do in Bucharest, Romania
– Cathedral of St Joseph
– Romanian Athenaeum
– Royal Palace of Bucharest
– Equestrian Statue of Carol I
– Revolution Square
– Kretzulescu Church
– Umbrella Street
– LUCA
– National Bank of Romania and Stock Exchange Palace
– Stavropoleos Monastery
– Caru’ Ce Bere
– Biserica Zlatari
– Macca-Vilacrosse Passage
– National Museum of Romanian History
– Adriatica Trieste Block
– Court of Appeal
– Manuc’s Inn
– St Anthony Church
– Union Park and Bucharest Fountains
– Union Boulevard
– Constitution Square
– Palace of Parliament - The verdict?
- Where to eat / Best cafes in Bucharest
- Accommodation
- Campsites
A quick (short) history of Bucharest and Romania
Romania’s capital city has been through a lot from its golden age in the 19th century with the construction of grandiose architecture and the arts to the tumultuous time during the rise and fall of communism.
Bucharest was heavily bombed during the later stages of World War II but in comparison with much of Europe the city escaped relatively unscathed.
The Soviet Union was installed at the end of the war and the city of Bucharest was expanded as the population doubled.
In 1977 the city experienced a large earthquake which damaged much of the 19th century architecture. But this was when Romania’s leader Nicolae Ceausescu took the opportunity to remodel the capital city to his own vision. And this was when goals for the construction of a Parisian-like capital began.
With the collapse of the Soviet Union and the end of communist regime in Romania in 1989 the city of Bucharest saw much unrest. But today Bucharest is thriving and is becoming one of the fast-growing high-tech cities in Europe.
About Bucharest today. What is it like as a city to visit?
The first word that springs to mind and considering all the things to do in Bucharest is, ‘Grand’. The style of Romania’s capital city is undeniably grand.
Bucharest is often called ‘Little Paris’ with reference to the style of the city architecture and promenade along the river. The Romanian leader Ceausescu had grand dreams to make Bucharest akin to the French capital commissioning Union Boulevard to be like the Champs Elysée. And the city’s Arcul de Triumf that was constructed in 1935 and modeled after the Arc de Triomphe in Paris. More about that later but today as a visitor the city has an atmosphere of grandiose comparable to much of Western Europe.
There are modern parts of the city alongside the history sights. And Bucharest has a café culture that is hip and young and fresh.
And with all the comparisons to other parts of Europe it’s only fair that Bucharest is recognized as the sixth largest city in the EU. (I told you it was grand!).
It’s a great city to explore and there is loads to see and do.
Getting TO Bucharest
Romania’s capital city is well connected with the rest of Europe by plane, train and road.
The main train station in Bucharest (and Romania) is Bucharest Nord (otherwise known as Gara de Nord). And if you arrive by train, it’s easy to get into the city by metro, bus, taxi or rideshare.
The closest other capital city by road is Sofia, Bulgaria.
Getting around IN Bucharest (how to see all the things to do in Bucharest?)
Nearly all the main things to do in Bucharest are located within the city centre. It’s easy to get around in Bucharest on foot. (There are beautiful promenades, parks and cobblestone pedestrian zones).
The city also has one of the largest public transportation networks in Europe consisting of buses, over-rail trains, trolleybuses and trams. Plus, there is Uber and other ride sharing apps available. It’s easy to get around all the main attractions of the city.
Best time to visit Bucharest?
Size-wise the country of Romania is huge and different climates zones across the regions. But in Bucharest the climate and crowds mean that the shoulder seasons of Spring (March – May) and early Autumn (September – November) are a great time to visit.
The summer is beautiful in Bucharest and like all the Central European cities the days are long in summer, and the temperature is pleasant.
How long do you need to see all the best things to do in Bucharest?
Obviously like anywhere you visit in Europe; the longer the better. But truthfully, we had three nights in Romania’s capital city this time and the most of what we saw was during one day in Bucharest.
It depends on where you stay as to how accessible and close to the city center you are. Most of the things to do in Bucharest are all within walking distance in the city centre region.
Currency in Romania plus money and ATMs in Bucharest
There are plenty of ATM’s that are accessible and visible in all the larger Romanian cities and towns.
In Bucharest we had no problem paying for snacks, coffees and food by card (at the cafes and restaurants).
Supermarkets and mini markets all accept payment by card. It is just at the markets and bazaars and smaller road front kiosks that you will need cash for payment in Romania.
22 Best Things to do in Bucharest with one day in the capital city
This has got to be one of the grandest cities in Eastern Europe. I probably should feel shyer to admit but I genuinely underestimated how much we would enjoy the capital city of Romania. The central city area is all reachable on foot and makes for a pretty sense-making loop as a pedestrian.
Here are 22 of the best things to do in Bucharest with one day in the city.
1. Cathedral of Saint Joseph
This was the first of the historical things to do in Bucharest that we came across heading towards the old town of the capital city. The Saint Jospeh Cathedral is a historical and architectural monument located on General Berthelot Street. It is the main place of worships as a cathedral for the Roman Catholic Archdiocese of Bucharest.
The cathedral building was completed in 1883 with a style of Romanesque architecture and some (visible!) elements of Gothic architecture too.
As soon as you start to walk along General Berthelot Street you will likely see the odd group of tourists heading for the cathedral. Although it is further from the old town and the centre it is one of the pivotal sites of the city. (And especially inside; it is a beautiful one at that!).
2. The Romanian Athenaeum
The (also grandly named) Romanian Athenaeum is a concert hall in the centre of Bucharest and a landmark of the capital city. The building was opened in 1888 as the most prestigious concert hall of the country and dedicated to science and the arts in Romania.
The beautiful building is famed as the city’s main classical music venue. But whether you are into classical music and opera or not it is a must-see on your Bucharest itinerary. (And of course another stop on the list that accentuates the renowned grandeur of this beautiful capital city!).
3. Royal Palace of Bucharest / Palatul Regal
The Royal Palace was also known as the Palace of the Republic between 1948 and 1990. It’s certainly exceptionally grand (seeing a theme here?) and is situated on Calea Victoriei just near the Romanian Athenaeum.
The Palace was historically the official residence for the kings of Romania until 1947 when the communist regime was installed (after Michael I of Romania’s forced abdication). Since 1950 the palace has hosted the National Museum of Art of Romania and still today is visitable as the Museum of Art.
4. Equestrian Statue of Carol I
Albeit this huge, happy and tail-swishing equestrian statue rather pales in comparison to the stories of Revolution Square and the famous balcony of Nicolae Ceausescu’s final speech. But it does have a story too.
It’s not the largest equestrian statue in the world. (That’s in Mongolia). But this one is a massive statue, cast in bronze to represent the first King, Carol I of Romania.
During the reign of King Carol I, Romania conquered independence from the Ottoman Empire in 1877 in what is known now in Romania as the War of Independence.
There was a first statue to King Coral I of Romania built in 1930 but it was destroyed in 1948 destroyed by the Communist Party who never paid damages to the sculptor. The current statue was recreated from a model of the original and was unveiled for a second time in 2010.
The statue is located on Calea Victoerei and stands in the middle of Piata Palatului (now known as the Revolution Square).
5. Revolution Square / Piata Revolutiei and the Ministry of Internal Affairs Building
Piata Revolutiei is a square in central Bucharest on Calea Victoriei. The history of this square is pivotal for the changes in Romania and the communist history of Europe. And certainly, it is one of the key things to do in Bucharest.
Until 1989 it was known as Palace Square. The former Royal Palace, the Athenaeum, the Athenee Palace Hotel and the University of Bucharest Library are located here.
But the most momentous story of what is now Revolution Square is that this was the site of two mass meetings which represented both the peak and end of Nicolae Ceausescu as the last communist leader of Romania.
Ceausescu gave a speech in the square in 1968 marking the highest point of his popularity when he openly condemned Soviet invasion and started pursuing a policy of independence.
In 1989 he spoke again in the square from a balcony of the Ministry of Internal Affairs with a speech meant to emulate the 1968 assembly. However, it was Ceausescu’s speech delivered here on 21 December 1989 that erupted into revolt which ultimately led to his death, as well as many civilians and the end of the regime.
The square was renamed as Revolution Square.
6. Kretzulescu Church
This (another) historic church in Bucharest was built in 1720. Originally the exterior was painted but after restoration in 1935 the façade has been left in brick. The frescoes inside are beautifully hand painted in the timeless style of Orthodox from that era.
On the front porch the frescoes are from the original structure.
- Tip: Nearby Artichoke Social house café is one of the most popular cafes in Bucharest and a bit away from the crowds.
7. Pasajul Victoria – The Umbrella Street of Bucharest
Have you even been to Bucharest if you haven’t taken a photo of Umbrella Street?! Romanian Neo-Classical architecture aside, this is undoubtedly one of the modern (Instagrammy) and most popular things to do in Bucharest.
Pasajul Victoria in the old town of Bucharest transforms the otherwise average alleyway into one of the city’s unmissable spots.
8. LUCA
Ok so there has been a rather unbalanced amount of Neo-Classical architecture and churches so far (and umbrellas). But next on the list of things to do in Bucharest is something to taste. And it’s cheap. And tasty.
See if you can spot the queue for a hot-dog at LUCA as you approach University Square. There are two of the LUCA stores within 100m of each other and we just chose the one that had a shorter queue (tip: round the corner). LUCA is a chain all over Romania that makes Miteiti (or mici). These are grilled round meat rolls made from a mixture of beef, lamb and pork and served in a bread roll with spices and a LOT of mustard and ketchup.
Albeit it’s not fine dining and the description may be sounding a little underwhelming. But the queue for a typical Romanian street food in Bucharest had us lining up without much further ado to try our first snack from LUCA.
9. National Bank of Romania and Stock Exchange Palace
This is the Bucharest Chamber of Commerce Palace. (The city has a LOT of palaces, right?). It isn’t a huge building or a museum but definitely one of interest and adds to the sights of grandeur and things to do in Bucharest as you walk around.
The Stock Exchange Palace building was opened in 1908 after the Chamber of Commerce was granted land on which to build a headquarters.
It has a bit of a mixed history since the early century when it was used as a stock market for goods before the building was nationalized and later hosted the Library of Romania. Today the building is once again in the possession of the Chamber of Commerce opposite the Bank of Romania. It is worth checking out for the grandiose façade and rounded front positioned on the corner.
And directly across from the Stock Exchange Palace is the magnificent National Bank of Romania that now operates both as a bank and a museum.
10. The Church of Stavropoleos Monastery
This is the most iconic of things to do in Bucharest. The Church of Stavropoleos Monastery was completed in 1724 and is still active today. It is an Eastern Orthodox monastery for nuns and right in the centre of Bucharest.
The church is built in Brancovenesc style (like a Romanian Renaissance) and is dedicated to the patron saints of the St. Archangels Michael and Gabriel.
It feels uncanny to walk inside such a historic monastery in the old town there. Especially contrasted by the odd modern-coffee shop and hipster cafes not all too far away.
- Tip: Go inside for a look at the incredible (historic) wall paintings and murals.
11. Caru’ Ce Bere
The Romanian name of this famous restaurant translates as ‘the beer cart’ and it is one of the capitals most popular beerhouses for locals and visitors alike.
The restaurant onsite serves traditional Romanian food, and it is located right in the heart of the old town. Built in a Neo-Gothic style, where even if you don’t eat here, it is worth a look inside. The interior of the building has a beautiful wooden spiral staircase which overlooks the restaurant below.
And the history on this one? This is the oldest beerhouse in Bucharest dating back to 1879 when the establishments founder also bought the recipe for the beer served here from Germany.
12. Biserica Zlatari Church
Zlatari Church is a Romanian Orthodox Church in the old town dedicated to the Nativity of Mary.
There is historic that confirms the original church built on this site in the mid-17th century (likely of wood) had founders that were gold or silversmiths.
13. Macca-Vilacrosse Passage
I must admit the name of Macca-Vilacrosse Passage has rather the allure of something more secretive than it actually is. In fact, it is a fork-shaped arcaded street covered with a striking yellow glass ceiling.
Once upon a time the passageway housed the historic Campineau Inn. But today the beautiful, arcaded street is filled with restaurants, cafes and bars.
14. National Museum of Romanian History
Even a walk past this magnificent building feels transported to a time past! The building for the National History Museum was constructed in 1892 and is was original the former Postal Services Palace. (Which I might add is pretty darn incredible for a post office!).
Today the building is home to the National History Museum of Romania and houses a philatelic (stamps) museum too.
15. Adriatica Trieste Block
These two buildings also known as Cladirea Romaneasca (Romanian House) date back to sometime around the mid-1920’s. The sister buildings make a grand sight at the end of Calea Victoriei overlooking the Dambovita River.
And spoiler alert. You won’t be the only one with these magnificent(ish) buildings on your list of things to do in Bucharest. There will likely be a line-up by the river of other visitors taking photos too(!).
16. Court of Appeal / Curtea de Apel Bucuresti
Walking along the Dambovita River towards Manuc’s Inn (the next stop), the Court of Appeal is the seriously impressive building across the water. To say it is unmissable is an understatement. The court building is huge. And instead of being referred to as the Court of Appeal it is in the (more aptly) name Palace of Justice building.
It was built on the riverbank in 1895 in a stunning example of Neo-Classical architecture.
17. Manuc’s Inn
Manuc’s Inn is the oldest operating hotel building in Bucharest built in 1808. Today it also houses popular restaurants and cafes, plus a coffee house and several bars. The building itself is a massive, multi-storied style with an internal courtyard often hosting performances.
A recommendation of things to do in Bucharest to take a break, get a coffee and watch pilgrims heading for the historic, neighbouring St Anton Church.
18. Saint Anthony Church
The Church of St Anton (Saint Anthony Church) is the oldest religious building maintained in its original aspect in Bucharest. The line-up to enter the church is almost as impressive as the history of this building. (On the day we visited there was a queue right out the gate).
But the church is a popular place of pilgrimage for people from around the world as the Patron of the church is St. Anthony who is a patron of the poor and of children protecting them from sickness.
The church was founded during the reign of Prince Mircea Ciobanul in the 16th Century. And the Prince is buried in the church.
19. Union Park and Bucharest Fountains / Parcul Unirii and Fantanile Bucharest
Before you get to the final and most famous of things to do in Bucharest (the Palace of Parliament) you can’t help but admire the Bucharest fountains. This collection of 44 fountains in Unirii Square were built during the Communist period. And they are the first fountains in Europe that were designed on a computer. (Another of Bucharest’s unique claims to fame).
At night the fountains offer a fantastic show of colour and music projecting 3D displays onto the water. The light shows take place every Friday, Saturday and Sunday night and last around 45 minutes. We didn’t see the night show but even during the day the fountains are a popular place to be and offer more of the capital city’s grandiose to wonder at.
20. Union Boulevard / Bulevardul Unirii
To me the story of Union Boulevard was one of the most fascinating (oddly so) things to do in Bucharest that we learnt about in the city.
Following the large Vrancea earthquake in 1977 many of the buildings in the city centre were significantly damaged. Some were demolished to make way for the new Centrul Civic (the Civic Centre) and the project of rebuilding this upmarket region of the city was begun in 1984.
As part of the project, Bulevardul Unirii was to be the Communist Romania answer to the Paris Avenue de Champs-Elysees. The dreams were grand however the boulevard was not finished in time before the end of Ceausescu’s leadership in Romania.
Today it is one of the truly beautiful things to do in Bucharest. (And plus, it comes with quite a story of European dream; albeit one that never quite was).
21. Constitution Square / Piata Constitutiei
This huge square – Piata Constitutei – in Romania’s capital stands right outside the incredible Palace of Parliament building and is one of the largest squares in the centre of Bucharest.
Today the huge square is one of the most popular venues in the country to host large concerts. (With a line-up of concerts in Constitution Square showing off some very famous acts including AC/DC, Elton John, Bon Jovi, Andrea Bocelli and many more!).
22. Palace of Parliament / Palatul Parlamentului
The first image that always comes up on a Google search of Bucharest is the seriously impressive Palace of Parliament. (Of all the things to do in Bucharest this is undoubtedly the most iconic!).
This impressive building – quite literally palatial in size – is home to the Romanian government.
The building was completed in 1947 and today the Bucharest Palace of Parliament has many claims to fame (and world records). The Palace building is the world
S heaviest building weighing in at around four billion kg(!). It has a total surface area of 340,000m making it the second largest building in the world after the United States Pentagon.
The verdict? How are the best things to do in Bucharest?
We honestly had an awesome day in Bucharest. The city certainly wowed with its grandeur and as reluctant as we usually are to compare, I’ve got to say it had vibes of Budapest or beyond.
It’s a stunning city and on a sunny day there isn’t anything to complain about wandering the capital of Romania. Well, aside from the rather fascinatingly corrupt history of one of Europe’s last Communist and Dictatorship states. But as well as much learning there is lots to see and plenty of things to do in Bucharest that are within wandering distance for a great city day out.
Enjoy!
Where to eat / best cafes in Bucharest
Whenever we go somewhere new I always want to know the best cafes to head for. And as above with the things to do in Bucharest there is similarly an endless list of cafes in the city that are worth a stop(s). Coffee seems to make this city go round!
Here are some of the best cafes in Bucharest for coffee and local food to try.
- LUCA Elisabeta
- La Mama Universitate
- Bread and Butter
- Artichoke Social House
- Grand Café van Gogh
- The Urbanist at Manuc’s Inn
- Caru’ cu Bere
- Scovergaria Micai Romanian Artisan Pastries
- MOM Bucharest
Accommodation in Belgrade
While slightly contradictory to imagine coming from New Zealand, a weekend escape to Bucharest is a popular Eastern European city-break.
There is a range of accommodation from hostel to luxury within walking distance of the centre.
- Backpacker
Hotel Trianon, Little Bucharest Old Town Hostel
Motorhome parking in Bucharest
We stayed in our motorhome at a campsite out of the city and took an Uber ride in to the centre to see all the things to do in Bucharest.
CAMPING BUCHARESTI BELVEDERE
- Location: Strada Carierei Numarul 58, Clinceni
- Type: Campsite
- Park4Night: #121785
- Price: 100 RON / 24hr
- Facilities: Parking, water, motorhome services, toilets, showers (hot).
About: This was a great, safe find to stay the night and explore the city during the day. There is a Lidl and Kaufland within 1.5km walk from the campsite.
Useful links for your travels in Eastern Europe and beyond…
These are the companies we use while traveling fulltime as a family and that we would recommend to anyone planning and booking travel.
- Booking.com – The best all-around accommodation booking site that constantly provides the cheapest and lowest rates. They have the widest selection of budget accommodation and it’s easy to filter and sort into price and availability with all the extras you are looking for personally.
- Skyscanner – This is by far our favourite flight search engine. They are able to search small websites and budget airlines that larger search sites often miss. We book all our flights through Skyscanner.
- GetYourGuide – Get Your Guide is a huge online marketplace for tours and excursions offered all around the world including everything from walking tours, to street-food tours, cooking classes, desert safari’s and more!
- SafetyWing – Safety Wing offers convenient and affordable insurance plans that can be tailored to digital nomads and long-term travellers. They have cheap weekly and monthly plans that are possible to book even when you have already left home.
- World Nomads – Travel insurance tailored for longterm travel and nomads (including those who have already left home).
Read more about travel in Europe by motorhome.
- 18 Tasty and Unmissable Things To Do In Belgrade, Serbia.
- 20 Things to do in Podgorica, Montenegro (and why it is worth visiting).
- Crossing the Serbia Bosnia border from Kotromon to Vardiste.
- Crossing the Bosnia Montenegro border at Hum.
- Taking your motorhome on the ferry from Spain to Morocco.
- Finding free campsites in Germany.
- How to do the Ceuta border crossing from F’nideq (Morocco) to Ceuta (Spain).
- Finding free camping in France by motorhome.
