Bucharest, Romania’s capital, captivates us with its blend of history, culture, and modern life. Known as the “Paris of the East,” it charms with stunning architecture and a lively vibe.
Between the Carpathians and the Danube, the city offers must-see sights, hidden gems, and a cheerful atmosphere, perfect for a two- or three-day city trip. Bucharest is a true insider tip for European travelers.
get lost in bucharest
Bucharest is one of those cities that surprises you when you least expect it. It’s bold, lively, and full of contrasts, where grand historic buildings sit next to creative cafés and green parks.
We loved wandering through its streets, discovering hidden courtyards, and feeling the city’s unique energy, especially in the evenings. If you’re looking for a destination that blends history, culture, and a vibrant local scene, Bucharest will definitely leave an impression.
The Palace of Parliament in Bucharest completely impressed us. Its massive size is hard to grasp until you stand right in front of it. More than just a landmark, it tells an important story about Romania’s past, making a visit here both fascinating and unforgettable.
The palace has around 12 floors (including some underground floors) and more than 1,000 rooms.
The Stavropoleos Monastery (Mănăstirea Stavropoleos) is one of the most famous and historically significant monasteries in Bucharest, Romania. Located in the heart of the Old Town, it is an outstanding example of Brâncovean architecture, named after the Romanian prince Constantin Brâncoveanu (1688–1714). The monastery is not only a spiritual place, but also a fascinating cultural heritage and an oasis of calm in the middle of the bustling city.
One of the most famous buildings in the city is definitely the Arc de Triumf. It is based on the model in Paris and is around 11 m high and 9.50 m wide. Same as the Arc de Triomphe de l’Étoile in Paris, traffic in Bucharest also runs in the form of a series of large streets in a star shape towards the triumphal arch. It is located on the edge of a beautiful, green and large park.
Cărturești Carusel is a beautiful bookstore at Lipscani 55 in the old town of Bucharest. On three floors you can browse through a variety of literature or just take a look. The bookstore was built at the beginning of the 20th century on behalf of the Chrissoveloni banking family.
Pasajul Macca-Vilacrosse, often simply referred to as Macca-Vilacrosse Passage, is a fork-shaped, yellow glass-covered arcaded street in central Bucharest. It is a fascinating historical and architectural landmark in the Old Town. The passage is known for its unique architecture, especially the glass roof that gives it a special flair.
Umbrella Street is located in a picturesque district of Bucharest. It is a popular and Instagrammable attraction, especially known for its picturesque canopy made of colorful umbrellas. The street is home to several bars, café’s and restaurants.
Revolution Square (Piața Revoluției) is a historic and symbolic place. It is located on Calea Victoriei and is probably one of the most historic squares in the center of Bucharest. It is closely linked to the events of the Romanian Revolution of 1989. Here you can find, among others, the National Museum of Art, the Revolution Monument and The New “Saint George” Church.
Distinguished by its traditional Romanian architecture, Hanul cu Tei is a historic building in the city. It is also known for its importance in the history of Bucharest and Romania. Built in the 18th century, the inn is one of the oldest and most traditional buildings in the capital and has a long and fascinating history dating back to the Ottoman Empire.
Piața Unirii (Unirii Square) is one of the most famous and largest squares in Bucharest. The square is a major transport hub and an symbolic place that plays an important role for both locals and tourists. If you visit Bucharest, you should definitely take a walk through Piața Unirii.
One of the most striking and historically significant buildings in the city is the CEC Palace. With its magnificent architecture and its central location on Calea Victoriei, one of Bucharest’s main streets, this architectural masterpiece is the oldest bank still in existence in Romania and its history dates back to 1864.
The 41-meter-high building is one of Bucharest’s landmarks. It is one of the most famous and prestigious buildings in Romania, built between 1885 and 1888. Today, many performances and concerts take place here. You can buy tickets on the official website.
One of the green lungs of the city is the King Mihai I Park, which is located in the north of the city, around Lake Herăstrău. It is one of the largest and most beautiful parks in Bucharest. The popular tourist attraction, the Arcul de Triumf, is also located here. Here you can take a relaxing walk in nature and escape the hustle and bustle of the city.
The Old Town is the historic heart of the Romanian capital and a fascinating district that combines both historical and modern elements. Medieval architecture, neoclassical buildings, fancy café’s, bars and restaurants all come together here, making the district a lively cultural center of the city. A walk through this historic center of Bucharest gives a deep insight into Romanian history and the dynamic culture of the capital.
There are many different types of accommodation in Bucharest that are suitable for your different budgets and needs. From luxurious hotels to inexpensive hostels or cozy Airbnb apartments, you can find everything here.
We stayed two nights at *VISIONAPARTMENTS Bucharest and were very satisfied. Great location, clean, quiet, friendly and with a large roof terrace.
In Bucharest you can enjoy a variety of culinary experiences ranging from traditional Romanian dishes to international delicacies from all over the world. In Romanian cuisine the main ingredients are corn flour, water or milk, lots of meat and fresh vegetables. The city offers numerous good restaurants, café’s and street stalls serving great food. It is a paradise for foodies and you will find many international eateries, especially in central areas such as Calea Victoriei and the Old Town.
We had breakfast at the Grand Café Van Gogh. International cuisine in a great atmosphere and lovely rooms.
It is a very popular and touristy place, but you should eat at Caru’ cu bere at least once. Here you can enjoy delicious and traditional dishes in a unique setting and atmosphere.
We can also recommend the restaurant Ave Forchetta – Italian Neo-Bistro. It is located close to the center and offers good international cuisine in a relaxed environment.
For good drinks, great views and unique sunsets with good music we can recommend Linea | Closer To The Moon. You should definitely reserve a table in advance as it can get very crowded here.
The most efficient and fastest way to get around Bucharest is by bus, tram or metro. The metro has four lines (M1, M2, M3, M4) and connects many important points in the city, including Henri Coandă Airport (M2 line).
When you arrive at the airport, you can also take bus 100 (Piața Unirii) for relatively little money. It takes around 20-30 minutes to get to the center.
Bucharest offers a variety of transport options, from the convenient metro, tram and bus lines to taxis, e-scooters and bicycles. Tickets are the same as for the metro and can be purchased from vending machines, kiosks or by contactless payment at the stops. But the city is also very easy to explore on foot.
