Bucharest is one of Europe’s great value city breaks. Once nicknamed “Little Paris” for its elegant boulevards and Belle Époque buildings, Romania’s capital is a fascinating mix of grand architecture, communist-era monuments, leafy parks and a buzzing Old Town full of bars and restaurants. Here are the best things to do in Bucharest, the streets worth exploring, where to shop and where to stay.
Main streets and areas to explore
- Calea Victoriei: the city’s grandest avenue, lined with palaces, museums, upscale boutiques, historic hotels and Parisian-style cafés.
- Lipscani (the Old Town): the historic quarter, with narrow cobbled streets, lively cafés, restaurants, bars and independent shops. Look for the beautiful Cărturești Carusel bookshop.
- Bulevardul Unirii: a monumental boulevard built to rival the Champs-Élysées, leading to the Palace of the Parliament.
Top things to do in Bucharest
The Palace of the Parliament
Built under the dictator Nicolae Ceaușescu, this is one of the largest administrative buildings in the world. Guided tours take you through marble halls, vast staircases and enormous chandeliers – an unforgettable look at the scale of communist ambition. Bring your passport, as ID is required.
The Village Museum
This open-air museum in Herăstrău Park brings together traditional houses, churches and windmills from all over Romania, offering a wonderful introduction to the country’s rural heritage.
The Choral Temple and Jewish Bucharest
The Choral Temple, built in the 19th century in a striking Moorish style, is the main synagogue of Bucharest’s Jewish community and a moving place to learn about the history of Romanian Jewry.
Parks and gardens
Bucharest has plenty of green space. Cișmigiu Gardens in the centre is the oldest park in the city, Herăstrău (King Michael I) Park has a large lake, and the Botanical Garden is a peaceful place to unwind.
Museums and galleries
The National Museum of Art of Romania, housed in the former Royal Palace, has an excellent collection of Romanian and European art. The Romanian Athenaeum, a beautiful domed concert hall, is also worth seeing – ideally at a concert.
Shopping and markets
- AFI Cotroceni: one of the largest malls in the city, with international brands, a cinema and family entertainment.
- Băneasa Shopping City: a modern centre with premium brands and restaurants.
- Piața Obor: the city’s biggest and most colourful market, packed with fresh local produce.
For more ideas, read our guide to shopping in Bucharest.
Recommended hotels in Bucharest
- InterContinental Athénée Palace: a historic luxury hotel on Calea Victoriei, close to many of the main sights.
- Hilton Garden Inn Bucharest: a modern hotel in the Old Town with very good facilities and service.
- Radisson Blu Hotel Bucharest: a stylish, high-standard hotel with a pool and easy access to the city’s attractions.
- Hotel Cismigiu: a boutique hotel in a historic building near Cișmigiu Gardens.
- Mercure Bucharest City Center: a modern hotel with comfortable rooms and friendly service.
Kosher-keeping travellers can also stay at the Moishe hotel, which has a kosher restaurant serving meat and dairy meals, as well as a kosher grocery.
Tips for visiting Bucharest
- Getting around: the metro, buses and trams are cheap and efficient, and ride-hailing apps are widely used.
- Try the local food: sarmale (stuffed cabbage rolls), mămăligă (polenta) and mititei (grilled sausages) are Romanian classics.
- Enjoy the nightlife: the Old Town’s bars and terraces stay lively late into the night.
- Look out for festivals: summer brings open-air concerts and cultural events across the city.
- Budget: Romania uses the leu, and prices are generally lower than in Western Europe.
For the full picture, read our complete guide to Bucharest. Exploring more of Eastern Europe? See our guide to things to do in Sofia.
