Bucharest is often called the Little Paris of the East and it’s a city you have to visit at least once. By all means, it can impress each and every person. The city has a lot of wide boulevards and beautiful constructions. Not only that, but it has a lot of history, too. The capital lets you experience a unique blend of cultures and eras. Here, the old and the new come together perfectly.
Are you planning your trip and want to know what to do in Bucharest? We’ve got you covered! In this article, you’ll discover a lot of good recommendations. No matter if you love history, architecture, or culture, you can find here everything you wish for. The heart of Bucharest has plenty to offer, so let’s get started!
Things to do in Bucharest: visit the Palace of the Parliament
You can’t come here and not visit the Palace of Parliament. This is a symbol of grandeur and history. It was built between 1984 and 1997 and it’s the second largest building in the world by surface area. Also known as the People’s House, this is the heaviest administrative building in the world, with over 1000 rooms.
The interior has marble, crystal, rare wood, and many handwoven carpets. It is no doubt why it’s a super popular attraction. The only way you can visit this building, is on a guided tour. The tour lasts about an hour and a half. Along the way, you can see grand halls, elegant salons, and finish on the terrace with a great view over the Union Boulevard.
Useful information to know about the Palace of the Parliament:
- It is open for visits daily from around 10:00 AM to 4:00 PM
- It is recommended to book a visit in advance
- The prices are around 60 RON (12 euros) for adults, 30 RON (6 euros) for students and seniors, and children under the age of 7 have free entrance
- The fees for photography and filming may apply separately
If you want to visit this location, it’s best to know that you should bring your passport or ID card. Also, there are guided tours that are available in English language. They offer valuable insights into both the architecture and the political history behind its colossal building.
The National Cathedral: a place where spirituality meets modernity
Next to the Palace of the Parliament, rises the National Cathedral (People’s Salvation Cathedral). This should also be on top of your list of things to do in Bucharest. It is the tallest Orthodox curch in the world, standing 135 meters high.
This massive dome can be seen across the city. Inside the curch, you can find a big iconostasis and many beautifully painted frescoes. The visiting hours are usually from 10:00 AM to 5:00 PM on weekdays, 10:00 AM to 6:00 PM on Saturdays, and 12:00 PM to 6:00 PM on Sundays.
Discover the remarkable story of the Antim Monastery
Antim Monastery has one of Bucharest’s most remarkable architectural survival stories. It was built between 1713 and 1715 by Saint Antim Ivireanu. During the 1980s urban redesign under Nicolae Ceaușescu, the monastery escaped demolition. However, the engineers achieved a daring feat: to move the entire church 20,35 meters west on rails.
In our days, visitors can stroll through its peaceful courtyard and admire the Brâncovenesc architectural details. If you add this place to the list with Bucharest things to do, you’ll be able to reflect on how this sacred site was literally carried into the modern city. You can visit this monastery daily because it is open from 7:00 AM until 7:00 PM.
Things to do in Bucharest: discover the capital’s Union Square
Union Square (Piața Unirii) is one of the most iconic landmarks in this city. It was redesigned during the communist era, as part of the Civic Center. The main attraction is a set of 44 synchronized fountains that put on spectacular music and light shows on summer evenings. Around the square, you’ll also find a lot of shopping centers to explore.
Explore the riverside path on Splaiul Unirii
This is an important road in Bucharest that stretches from Union Square along the Dâmbovița River. It serves as both a boundary between sectors and a link to many neighborhoods. In the 1980s, many of the old buildings here were replaced with modern blocks with apartments.
As you travel along Splaiul Unirii, you can discover how the architecture shifts from high-rise blocks near the center, to more open zones toward the edge of the city. In many spots, you can see the Dâmbovița riverbanks and pedestrian paths.
Find out the history of The Old Town
Heading back towards the Union Square, you’ll enter the Old Town (Lipscani area). This is an area full of energy and charm. Some key landmarks include:
- Curtea Veche (Old Princely Court) –it has the ruins of Vlad the Impaler’s residence, and it can be visited from Tuesday to Sunday, between 10:00 AM and 6:00 PM
- Stavropoleos Church (1724) – a treasure of the Brâncovenesc architecture, with intricate frescoes and a serene courtyard; you can visit it daily, from 8:00 AM until 8:00 PM
- Macca-Vilacrosse Passage – a covered arcade with a unique Y-shape, glass roof, and stained glass with multiple colors
The National Museum of Romanian History
Visiting this museum is another great option if you want to know what to do in Bucharest. The National Museum of Romanian History is one of the country’s most important cultural institutions. Its highlight is the life-size replica of Trajan’s Column and the Historical Treasury.
You can visit the museum from Wednesday until Sunday between 10:00 AM and 6:00 PM. The price of tickets is around 20 RON (4 euros).
The Royal Palace
This was once the home of Romania’s kings. Today, it houses the National Museum of Art. Inside of it, you can find a huge collection of medieval and modern Romanian works. Among them, there’re some European masterpieces, too. Some of them are made by artists like El Greco, Rembrandt and Rubens.
The palace is a reminder of the Romania’s royal past, and it stays proudly on Calea Victoriei. It’s open for visitors from Wednesday until Sunday between 11:00 AM and 7:00 PM.
The Romanian Atheneum
This is not only an architectural jewel – it’s the symbol of Romania’s culture and classic music. It was built in 1888 in a neoclassical style. It is home of the George Enescu Philharmonic, where the music lovers can enjoy amazing concerts. You can join tours to admire the staircases, frescoes and also the auditorium.
Guided tours are usually available daily from 10:00 AM until 4:00 PM when no concerts are scheduled. The tickets are around 10-15 RON (2-3 euros)
Discover the beautiful Carol Park (Parcul Carol I)
This park is a spacious green gateway. It has a Mausoleum, many fountains, and lakes. In the park, you’ll find one of its highlights: the Water Tower (Castelul de Apă). This is a Neo-Gothic building that people think it’s Dracula’s Castle. The reality is different – it was built in the early 1900s, as part of the water system of the city. The park if open daily, from 6:00 AM to 10:00 PM.
The Patriarchal Cathedral
For travelers looking for religious Bucharest things to do, this is the perfect choice. The Patriarchal Cathedral is the spiritual heart of Romanian Orthodoxy and one of the most important religious sites in the country. It has been built between 1654 and 1658 under the reign of Constantin Șerban Basarab and it stands proudly atop Metropolitan Hill.
It is open for visits daily from 7:00 AM until 8:00 PM and the entrance is free.
Other attractions and things to do in Bucharest
- Cișmigiu Gardens (Parcul Cișmigiu) – the oldest public park in Bucharest known for romantic alleys, statues and boating lake
- Xenofon Street – the only stepped street in Bucharest, famous for its painted staircases depicting artistic themes
- Gioconda Building – a striking interwar apartment building and an architectural gem of the city
- The Arch of Triumph (Arcul de Triumf) – built to celebrate Romania’s unity and independence; visitors can climb to the terrace for panoramic views of the city
- BNR Palace (National Bank of Romania) – a grand late 19 th-century building representing Romania’s financial history
End your day with a culinary experience at Haute Pepper
After exploring the beauty and the mysteries of Bucharest, you’re definitely super tired. The good news? There’s no better way to end your day than with some good food! Just a short walk from Union Square, you’ll find our restaurant. Our place offers a stylish setting and super delicious dishes.
You’ll find a menu that features reinterpreted dishes crafted with quality ingredients. Also, our modern décor and friendly service make it the perfect spot for lunch or dinner.
Enjoy our list of things to do in Bucharest
There are so many beautiful things you can do here, in the beautiful capital of Romania! A visit to the heart of Bucharest lets you discover stories, traditions, and much more. You can have a memorable day if you combine culture, history and architecture with great gastronomy.