Bucharest

How many days: 3

Spend your first day exploring the Old Town, Calea Victoriei and the Romanian Athenaeum. On your second, visit the Palace of the Parliament and one of the city's major museums, then relax in a park. These sights give you a useful introduction to Bucharest's history and scale.

Use the third day for the Village Museum, Herăstrău Park and a neighbourhood café or market. If you are interested in architecture, leave time for a longer walk through residential streets around the centre. Bucharest rewards a little flexibility rather than an itinerary built entirely around monuments.

What to do in Bucharest

Explore the Old Town

Wander through Lipscani and the surrounding historic streets, where restored buildings stand beside busy cafés and nightlife venues. It is lively, though not always the quietest part of Bucharest.

Visit the Palace of the Parliament

See the enormous government building associated with Romania's communist period. Check official arrangements for guided visits, identification requirements and access restrictions.

Walk along Calea Victoriei

Follow one of Bucharest's main historic avenues past impressive façades, cultural buildings and elegant older architecture. It is a good route for understanding the city's different eras.

Admire the Romanian Athenaeum

See the striking concert hall with its domed roof and classical columns. Check the official site if you would like to attend a performance or visit the interior.

Explore the Village Museum

Visit the open-air museum displaying traditional buildings from different parts of Romania. It offers a welcome change from the city's monumental architecture.

Relax in King Michael I Park

Spend time in the large green space also known as Herăstrău Park, beside its lake. Walking paths and shaded areas make it a pleasant place to slow down.

Visit the National Museum of Art

Explore Romanian and European art collections in the former Royal Palace. It is a strong choice if you want to spend a few hours indoors.

See Revolution Square

Visit this historically significant square connected with the end of communist rule in Romania. The surrounding buildings and memorials help explain the country's recent history.

Explore Cișmigiu Gardens

Walk through one of Bucharest's central parks, with tree-lined paths and a lake. It is a convenient place to rest between city sights.

Visit Stavropoleos Monastery Church

Step into this small historic Orthodox church in the Old Town. Its carved details and courtyard provide a quieter moment amid the surrounding busy streets.

What to eat and drink

Try sarmale

Order cabbage rolls filled with seasoned meat and rice, commonly served with polenta or sour cream. They are a classic Romanian comfort dish.

Eat mici

Try the small grilled minced-meat rolls often served with mustard and bread. They are a popular choice for casual meals.

Sample ciorbă

Choose a Romanian sour soup, with versions featuring vegetables, meat or tripe. The tangy flavour is distinctive and worth trying.

Enjoy mămăligă

Try Romanian polenta alongside cheese, sour cream or a meat dish. It is a staple accompaniment in traditional cooking.

Taste papanași

Finish with these rich Romanian doughnut-style desserts, often served with sour cream and fruit preserve. They are best shared if you have already had a substantial meal.

Explore Romanian wines

Try a locally produced red or white wine with dinner if you drink alcohol. Romania has a long winemaking tradition that visitors sometimes overlook.

Getting around

Central Bucharest is walkable in sections, but distances between attractions can be considerable. The metro is usually the most straightforward way to cover longer urban journeys, while buses and trams reach areas beyond the underground network. Allow extra time when moving across the city at busy periods.

App-based ride-hailing and licensed taxis are useful, particularly for journeys that would require several public transport changes. Confirm your destination and fare arrangements before travelling. A hire car is unnecessary for most city visits and can be frustrating because of congestion and parking.

Good to know

• Romania uses the Romanian leu, not the euro. Cards are widely useful, but some cash can help with smaller purchases.
• Summer can be hot, while winter brings cold weather and occasional snow or ice.
• Bucharest's pavements can be uneven or obstructed, so comfortable shoes are useful.
• The Old Town is a nightlife area as well as a historic district. Choose accommodation carefully if you want quiet evenings.
• Use normal precautions with belongings around transport hubs and crowded entertainment streets.
• Some major government buildings require advance arrangements and identification for visits. Check the official site before planning around them.