Discover Bucharest
Once considered “Le petit Paris”, the capital of Romania still evoke a little of the bohemian atmosphere of another time. You will discover the charm of it after you explore the most representative places to visit in Bucharest.
He owns royal palaces, national museums, memorial houses of great personalities, great buildings, historical monuments, theaters, universities, public squares, churches, monasteries, large parks and many more.
The Palace of Parliament is among the most emblematic places to visit in Bucharest. It has an area of over 330,000 square meters and ranks second among the largest administrative buildings in the world, after the Pentagon building.
Construction began in 1983 and until 1989 it was called the People’s House, the name being later changed to the Parliament Palace.
The grandiose building is built of white marble, in neoclassical architectural style and has over 1000 rooms.
Currently, the Palace of Parliament hosts the headquarters of the Chamber of Deputies and the Senate of Romania. Here is also the National Museum of Contemporary Art.
The Palace of Parliament can be visited on tours scheduled for a phone reservation the day before.
In front of the Palace of Parliament is the Constitution Square, a famous area where concerts are organized, the Christmas Fair, the New Year's Eve party and other important events.
2. The fountains in Unirii Square
From the Palace of Parliament you can take a walk on Unirii Boulevard to admire “the longest string of synchronized choreographic fountains in the world”, according to the World Record Academy.
Rehabilitated in 2018, Urban Fountains in Unirii Square have become tourist attractions in Bucharest that should not be missed.
As beautiful as they are during the day, the more spectacular they become with the dark. The fountains are beautifully bright, offering a delightful experience for any tourist passing through here.
In fact, from May to October, a superb show of water, lights and music games are organized every weekend.
The multicolour artesian fountains and synchronized on the music offer for 45 minutes a unique show to passers-by.
3. The Old Town
From Unirii Square, cross the Splaiul Independentei, to get lost on the pedestrian and cobblestone streets in the Old Center of Bucharest. Somewhere, this area was an important shopping and cultural center.
Today, after it was renovated, the Old Center became famous as a meeting and relaxation place. The area is famous among party-goings for the atmosphere very animated both during the day and at night.
Most of the historic buildings in the area have been rehabilitated and house numerous restaurants, cafes, terraces, confectioneries, gelaterias, pubs and clubs.
In fact, in the Old Town you will find many tourist attractions in Bucharest. Among the most important are: Curtea Veche (former residence of Vlad Tepes), Stavropoleos Church, National Museum of Romanian History, Macca Passage – Villacrosse (a yellow stained glass floor), the National Bank of Romania and the Museum of the National Bank.
Also here is the famous Romanian restaurant Caru' cu Bere (where the farewell dinner of EUROCRIM2024 will also take place) and the beautiful library Carturesti Carusel.
4. The Church of Stavropoleos Monastery
Situated in the tumultuous Old Center, a visit to the Church of the Stavropoleos Monastery is a good opportunity to find your inner peace. It is an Orthodox worship, which is dedicated to Saints Michael and Gabriel.
Although it has been restored in the meantime, the Stavropoleos Church dates from 1724 and is built in Brancovenesc style.
It is a small but very beautiful church that has become a landmark among the places to visit in Bucharest. So, stop visiting her if you're in the area.
A visit to the National Museum of Romanian History will give you the opportunity to discover interesting things from Romania’s past.
Helmed in an impressive and beautiful building in neoclassical style, the museum has many important exhibits in the history of Romania.
In the museum you will be able to admire a permanent exhibition of objects of gold and precious stones that belonged to civilizations that have inhabited, over time, on the territory of the country.
The main attractions in the historic Treasure Hall are the crowns, jewellery and personal objects of the Royal Family of Romania.
In fact, the National Museum of Romanian History permanently houses a replica in the natural size of Trajan’s Column in Rome, as well as numerous other exhibits of great historical value for our country.
6. CEC Palace (Casa de Economii și Consemnațiuni)
Vising the National Museum of Romanian History, you can see the impressive CEC Palace. It was built between 1897-1900, in eclectic architectural style.
At the beginning of the construction works was attended by Carol I of Romania together with his wife Queen Elizabeth.
The CEC Palace is among the most emblematic places to visit in Bucharest. It is an imposing and very beautiful building, which it would be a sin not to stop to admire it.
7. Victoriei Avenue (Calea Victoriei)
From the National Museum of Romanian History, you can continue walking on Calea Victoriei, one of the oldest and most important streets of the capital.
It was opened at the end of the twentieth century, becoming the main artery of the city.
Once, Calea Victoriei was the frequent of the nobles and great personalities of society. Today, it continues to be one of the most popular places to visit in Bucharest.
It is surrounded by historic buildings, museums, theatres, churches, restaurants, cafes, hotels, shops and bars.
Besides the National Museum of Romanian History and the CEC Palace, in your walk on Calea Victoriei you will discover many other places to visit in Bucharest.
Among the most important are: the National Military Circle, the Lady’s Church, Casa Capsa, the Constantin Tanase Musical Theatre, the Odeon Theatre, the Kretzulescu Church, the National Museum of Art of Romania, the Museum of Art Collections, the Romanian Academy, the Cantacuzino Palace and many others.
The National Museum of Art is located in Revolution Square, in the building of the former Royal Palace. Take advantage of the fact that you are here to admire an impressive collection of works of Romanian art both from the medieval and modern period.
You will have the opportunity to see the works of famous Romanian painters, such as Nicolae Grigorescu, Theodor Pallady, Ion Andreescu and many others.
Also, the museum has numerous works of the famous sculptor Constantin Brancusi.
In addition, in the halls of the European Art Gallery, the museum houses the works of famous painters such as Monet, Rubens, Rembrandt and El Greco.
The Romanian Athenaeum is a symbol of the Romanian culture that you must include on the list of places to visit in Bucharest. You can find it even 300 meters away from the National Museum of Art, crossing George Enescu Square.
Since its inauguration in 1889, the Romanian Athenaeum has become the headquarters of the “George Enescu” Philharmonic. Over time, she has hosted numerous concerts of national and international renowned artists.
He owns a grandiose auditorium with a very good acoustics, in which over 700 spectators can fit.
Besides its cultural importance, the Romanian Athenaeum is considered a historical monument. On the outside, the building is distinguished by a huge dome that dominates centrally and through the ancient Greek-style columns located at the main entrance.
The interior is perhaps more spectacular. Beautifully painted and decorated ceilings, spiralled marble stairs and the famous fresco that surrounds the circular concert hall, rendering representative scenes from the national history of Romania.
10. Cismigiu Garden
If you want to rest after visiting many tourist attractions in Bucharest, then the Cismigiu Garden is the right place. It dates from the mid-1800s and is the oldest park in the center of the capital.
Cismigiu Park, as it is also called, stretches on a vast area and is a cozy garden arranged in English style.
Besides a relaxing walk on the park or rest on a bank, the main activity during the summer is a boat ride on Cismigiu Lake. In winter, the park is home to the most popular outdoor ice rink in the capital.
An interesting thing to know about Cismigiu Park would be that here was located the first newsstand in Bucharest. It is still in the same place and can be seen at the main entrance to the park.