Bucharest
Save35 hand-picked places in 9 lists. Tick the categories you want to see on the map.
Only have a day? See 2 ready-made day plans ↓Show on the map
Tips
9 places on the map
Rainy day
- 1
Romania's main art museum in the former Royal Palace
- Must know: Closed Mondays
2 tips
- Includes medieval and modern galleries
- Allow two hours
📷 Photos
- 2
Award-winning ethnographic museum
- Must know: Closed Mondays
2 tips
- Gift shop is good
- Allow an hour
📷 Photos
- 3
Natural history museum with a focus on Romanian wildlife
3 tips
- Good for families
- Allow 90 minutes
- Near Victory Square
📷 Photos
- 4
Museum of Romanian history in the former Postal Palace
3 tips
- Houses the Romanian Crown Jewels
- Replica of Trajan's Column
- Allow 90 minutes
📷 Photos
- 5
One of the world's largest administrative buildings
- Tip: Book ahead
2 tips
- Guided tours only; bring your passport
- Allow 90 minutes
📷 Photos
- 6
Stunning bookshop in a restored 19th-century building
3 tips
- Cafe on the top floor
- Busy on weekends
- Great for photos
📷 Photos
- 7
Neoclassical concert hall, symbol of Romanian culture
3 tips
- Catch a George Enescu Philharmonic concert
- Interior is stunning
- Tour available by appointment
📷 Photos
- 8
Former royal and presidential palace now a museum
- Tip: Book ahead
2 tips
- Photography restricted
- Gardens are nice
📷 Photos
- 9
Tiny 18th-century church with a peaceful courtyard
3 tips
- Free entry
- Quiet escape
- Beautiful carved details
📷 Photos
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Before you go: Bucharest tips
Transportation
- Use the Metro: Bucharest's metro is fast and cheap; tap a contactless bank card at the gates or buy a card at the station.
- Take the train from the airport: A rail link connects Otopeni Airport with Gara de Nord, avoiding traffic on the main road.
- Use ride-hailing apps: Uber and Bolt are common and avoid the overcharging some street taxis are known for.
Security
- Avoid unofficial taxis: At the airport and Gara de Nord, ignore drivers who approach you and use apps or official taxi stands.
- Watch out in Old Town: Some bars and clubs in Lipscani target tourists with inflated bills, so check prices before ordering.
- Mind stray dogs: Stray dogs are less common than before but still present in some outer areas; keep your distance.
Saving
- Eat daily menus: Many restaurants offer a meniul zilei at lunch with soup and a main course at a good price.
- Explore parks for free: Herăstrău (King Michael I) Park and Cișmigiu Gardens are great free spots for walking.
- Pay in lei: Use local currency and decline card conversion offers to avoid extra charges.
Weather/Clothing
- Prepare for hot summers: Summers can be very hot, so bring light clothes, a hat and plan museum visits at midday.
- Pack heavy for winter: Winters are cold with snow and icy winds, so bring a warm coat, gloves and sturdy boots.
- Layer in spring and autumn: These seasons are pleasant but changeable, so pack layers and a light rain jacket.
Cultural
- Try Romanian classics: Taste mici grilled sausages, sarmale and ciorbă de burtă sour tripe soup in traditional restaurants.
- Respect church customs: Dress modestly in Orthodox churches, keep your voice down and avoid photos during services.
- Give flowers in odd numbers: When visiting a home, bring an odd number of flowers; even numbers are for funerals.
Local Hacks
- Book the Palace of Parliament tour: Visits to this huge building require a guided tour and ID, so reserve ahead.
- Find hidden passages: Explore Macca-Vilacrosse Passage and Carturesti Carusel bookstore for charming Old Town spots.
- Visit the Village Museum: This open-air museum in Herăstrău Park shows traditional houses from across Romania.
1-day itineraries in Bucharest
Only have a day? Each one keeps you in one area, from morning to late afternoon, with lunch nearby.
Day 1 of 2
Romanian Athenaeum and around
🕘 9:30–17:00📍 6 stops
- 1Romanian Athenaeum
- 2Revolution Square
- 3Manuc's Inn
- 4Stavropoleos Monastery
- 5CEC Palace
- and 1 more
Day 2 of 2
Herăstrău Park and around
🕘 9:30–16:30📍 4 stops
- 1Herăstrău Park
- 2Village Museum
- 3Arcul de Triumf
- 4Grigore Antipa National Museum of Natural History