Top Things Do in Bucharest [2025 Update]

Bucharest is the place I’ve grown to love over the years, and today I am here to share the best things to see and do in Romania’s capital.

After all, it is the country’s most visited city by tourists and, in my opinion, offers the most impressive attractions. And now you’ll learn about the best of the best.

So book your stay in a hotel close to the city center (or choose one close to the train station if you want extra silence) and prepare to explore these top attractions in Bucharest!

1. Visit the Palace of the Parliament (Casa Poporului)

Palace of the Parliament featured image

The second largest building in the world after the Pentagon and the largest parliamentary building on the planet, this giant structure has 1,100 rooms (out of which 500 are empty) and is jaw-dropping in size.

You can photograph it from the outside, but you can also visit it – a small part of it, of course – which is what I recommend doing, because the interior is equally impressive.

If you want to learn more about this iconic place, read about my experience visiting the Palace of Parliament here.

2. Take a Stroll in Cismigiu Park

Cismigiu park in Bucharest

After Casa Poporului, you can walk about 10-15 minutes to reach Cismigiu Park. It’s one of the most iconic green areas in Bucharest.

I have a love/hate relationship with it because sometimes is dirty and in need of some TLC, but it’s constantly being worked on and getting better.

dirty the last time I went, but recent repair work seems to have improved things.

I recommend visiting between May to September for lush greenery, nice weather, and to fully enjoy the restaurant on the lake. There are some playgrounds for kids in the area, as well as a mini-zoo with peacocks.

3. Explore the Old Town

Bucharest Old Town Area

Called “Centrul vechi” in Romanian, this is a relatively large area in the heart of the city, filled with charming small shops for souvenirs and various products, as well as amazing restaurants and some additional attractions.

Strolling down the streets, you will understand why Bucharest was called “The Little Paris”.

Make sure to check Caru Cu Bere and Hanu’ lui Manuc for some tasty traditional Romanian food (and amazing settings) – or check out my list here for the best restaurants in Bucharest.

If you prefer a more organized way of exploring the plethora of amazing pubs, make sure to book a Pub Crawl tour in the Old Town. A perfect night-time experience for all!

Don’t know what to order? Check out these delicious Romanian foods for some inspiration!

And make sure to read my in-depth guide to the Bucharest Old Town not to miss anything while you explore the charming streets.

4. Don’t miss the Villacrosse passage

Villacrosse

This small passage has a yellow glass covering and might be easy to miss while you explore the Old Town.

It’s home to cozy cafés and interesting little shops. I love having a meal here, followed by some people-watching, all in the beautiful light cast through the yellow glass.

I’ve marked the Villacrosse passage here on the map to make sure you don’t miss it when exploring the area.

5. Visit Stavropoleos Church

Stravopoleos church in Bucharest

Another attraction that awaits for you in the Old Town, this church can’t be missed if you’re traveling toward Caru’ cu Bere. Or just wander around – it’s impossible not to stumble upon it.

While the church itself might not seem too impressive from the outside, you have to get inside!

The backyard is absolutely amazing (see the photo above) and the trip to the past will do you good. Plus, you’ll get a few moments of pure silence in the heart of Bucharest – that’s something you’re not usually getting.

The Stavropoles church has been around since 1724, having been a nuns monastery until recently. I absolutely love it – and so does my family – and we always visit when we’re in the area.

6. Explore Romania at Muzeul Satului (Village Museum)

Bucharest Village Museum

Also known as the “Dimitrie Gusti” Village Museum, this open-air exhibit shows you what rural life used to look like in Romania.

Trust me, walking among centuries-old houses, windmills, and barns is a lot more fun than it might sound. It also helps paint a clearer picture of how much things have improved over the years in terms of living conditions and activities we have.

I recommend visiting between mid-spring to late fall to take advantage of the good weather and green areas. You can also get inside the houses or spend some time outside enjoying traditional foods and really feeling that you’ve traveled a few centuries back in time.

7. Spend an Evening at Herastrau Park

herastrau park Bucharest

One of the largest, most popular and most beautiful parks in Bucharest is Herastrau Park (where you will find the Village Museum recommended above).

It has a bit of everything, from beautiful alleys to explore, to green areas and beautiful views you can take in while resting at one of the many bars and restaurants, but also a lake where you can practice your rowing.

It’s a large area, so wear comfortable shoes if you plan to walk around. On sunny weekends, it’s full of life as locals flock in to enjoy it.

8. Check out the Romanian Athenaeum

Photo of the Romanian Athenaeum in Bucharest

Completed in the late 1800s and rebuilt in 1992, this concert hall is considered a crown jewel of Bucharest. If you can, try to catch a live performance here. The acoustics are excellent, and the building itself is a sight to see.

Right around the corner, you’ll find the National Museum of Art. If you’re hungry, there’s a La Mama restaurant (my favorite!) in the area that serves huge traditional Romanian meals at decent prices.

9. See How Dictators Lived in the House of Ceausescu

House of Ceausescu
Having an indoor private pool… not bad at all!

Nicolae Ceausescu was Romania’s dictator who was overthrown back in December 1989.

He is the one who built the massive Palace of the Parliament, but also a guy who loved luxury. Like all dictators, of course.

You can now get a glimpse into the luxurious life he was living by visiting the House of Ceausescu in the Primaverii neighborhood – an area that even today is for the high class of the city. Find the exact address, prices and more details on its official website.

Located pretty close to the Herastrau Park, this is an impressive, must see place that shows how the leader of people that were poor and hungry lived: he had a private pool, a private cinema, and all the luxury you can wish for.

This was unheard of for the common folk in communist Romania back in the day (and even now).

And if you want to learn more about Romania’s dictator, read some interesting facts about Nicolae Ceausescu here.

10. Feel Like You’re in Paris Visiting the Arch of Triumph

Photo of the Arch of Triumph in Bucharest

I told you before that Bucharest was called “The Little Paris.” and part of that moniker comes from having its own Arch of Triumph.

Built in 1922 and refurbished twice, this 27-meter-tall structure is decorated with intricate carvings and sculptures that celebrate Romania’s history.

Located in one of Bucharest’s iconic streets (the Victory Avenue), it offers spectacular views over the city – if you climb on top, that is – and is especially stunning at sunset.

It definitely is worth ~2 Euros entry fee, especially if you want to take some spectacular photos.

11. Take in the Art at the National Museum of Art

Housed in The Royal Palace of Bucharest, the National Museum of Art is the perfect place to visit by art lovers. Here, you can enjoy a vast collection of paintings, sculptures, and decorative arts.

This is the largest Art museum in the country, with a huge collection that spans a wide range of artistic styles and periods, from ancient Greek to medieval Romanian art, to works by some of the best known painters and sculptors of modern times.

Apart from works by some of the best known Romanian artists, you can also see works of Rembrandt, Rubens, Monet or Cezanne to name just a few.

12. Learn about the past at the National Museum of History

If art is not your thing – or if you have some more time for an awesome museum, this one should be next on your list.

Located in the heart of the city, this museum is home of a vast collection of exhibits that tell the story of the Romania’s past – from ancient times to recent history. There’s plenty to learn about the country here.

13. Feel Young again at Grigore Antipa National Museum of Natural History

Photo of a mammoth skeleton at Grigore Antipa Museum in Bucharest
This mammoth’s skeleton impressed me as a child – and still does today

I loved visiting this when visiting Bucharest as a kid, and it still is one of the main attractions for the younger visitor as my son now loves visiting it when we’re in the city.

And, if it’s your first time there, you will also love it as an adult.

The museum’s collection includes everything from rare fossils and minerals to exotic animal specimens and taxidermy displays, as well as interactive exhibits and multimedia presentations that both young ones and adults will love.

You can buy your ticket online from the official website of the museum (with various options available, depending on the exhibits on show when you visit).

14. Stroll Around Revolution Square (Piata revolutiei)

Revolutiei Square

This spot was front and center during the 1989 Revolution that ended the Communist regime.

Today, the Revolution Square is home to some important landmarks, such as the striking Memorial of Rebirth, which commemorates the events of the revolution, as well as various other imposing buildings – including the Royal Palace with the Museum of Art I’ve already recommended above.

Spend some time exploring the area and take a break at one of the many nearby cafes, taking photos of everything in sight.

Or if you want to lean more about communism in Romania, you can take this in-depth tour that’s both exciting and eye-opening.

15. Let Your Jaw Drop Looking at the People’s Salvation Cathedral

catedrala neamului

I wasn’t sure whether or not I should include this on the list, as this Cathedral is not finished at the moment of writing. But it is impressive and even as it is today, it’s worth visiting.

The People’s Salvation Cathedral (aka Catedrala Neamului) can be found next to the Palace of the Parliament and is the second of Bucharest’s mammoth buildings.

The building is going to be 123 meters wide and 125 meters high and able to house 125,000 people, being one of the largest churches in the world. Wow!

I wrote more in-depth about the People’s Salvation Cathedral in a previous article – make sure to check it out if you want to learn more.

16. Enjoy Nature at the Botanical Garden

Photo of a flower in the botanical garden in Bucharest

I have to be honest here – Bucharest’s Botanical Garden is not one of the most impressive in the world, but it’s still a nice place to visit, especially if you happen to be here when the flowers are in full bloom (May – June).

And if you want to right across the Botanical Garden, I can’t recommend Vila Cotroceni Boutique Apartments enough.

I stayed here a couple of years ago with my mother and we both loved the place and its friendly owners. And you can see the botanical garden from your balcony. Perfect!

While you’re here, just a quick stroll away is Cotroceni Palace, where Romania’s President resides, but which also houses a museum that showcases Romania’s royal history and architecture.

17. Therme Bucharest

Personal photo of Therme Bucharest
It really feels like you are in a much more exotic place.

My wife took me to Therme Bucharest for my birthday, and it was one of the best gifts I have ever received. This place is absolutely amazing!

Therme Bucharest the largest indoor wellness center in Europe, with 10 thermally heated pools, 11 saunas, 16 water slides and various restaurants, bars and places to relax.

It is divided into three sections: Galaxy, The Palm and Elysium, with the final two not offering access to children under 14. So expect relaxation and pampering all day long.

Therme is located outside of Bucharest, a few kms away from Otopeni, so you will definitely need a car to take you there.

The best option is to get this deal which gives you Pickup & drop-off by van, as well as a “skip the line” ticket to Therme Bucharest.

And if you want to get more in-depth with my experience from my second visit here, read my guide to Therme Bucharest.

18. Day Trip to Peles Castle & Dracula’s Castle

Peles Castle Sinaia Romania
Part of your day trip from Bucharest will be at Peles castle, pictured above

If you spend a bit more time in Bucharest, this day trip that takes you to three iconic places in Romania is a must.

You’ll leave Bucharest in the morning and visit Peles Castle, which is a fairy-tale like palace near Brasov. You will then visit Bran Castle, known to the world as Dracula’s Castle and also enjoy some free time exploring the old town in Brasov. A perfect day trip!

Click here to check prices for this day trip.

I wrote about my visit to Peles Castle here, in case you want to read more. You can also learn more about visiting Dracula’s castle, Dracula himself and even about vampires in Romania if you don’t want to book the tour.

19. Enjoy Culture in Style at Carturesti Carusel Bookstore

Located in the heart of Bucharest’s Old Town, Carturesti Carusel is a stunning bookstore housed in a beautifully restored 19th-century building.

And you’ve probably seen it on Instagram or various articles already, as it’s often on lists of the most impressive bookstores in the world.

With its spiral staircases and elegant design, it’s a haven for book lovers and photographers alike. Beyond books, it offers a bistro on the top floor and hosts various cultural events. Make sure your phone is fully charged, as you’ll take tons of photos here!

20. Musical Fountain Shows at Unirii Square

If you find yourself near Unirii Square (close to the Old Town) after sunset, I recommending sticking around for an impressive musical fountain show there. These are huge and truly impressive.

Here’s the regular schedule:

  • May & August: Show starts at 9 PM
  • June & July: Show starts at 9:30 PM
  • September & October: Show starts at 8 PM

The musical fountains themselves will start operating 30 minutes before the show starts, so you can get in early to ensure you have a top spot.

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Things to do in Bucharest Pinterest Pin

Wrapping up

Bucharest is huge and has plenty of things to offer visitors, but if you focus on my recommendations above, you’ll tick the most important ones off the list and better understand Bucharest and Romania in general.

Do you have other recommendations for things to do or see when in Bucharest? Let us all know by sharing your thoughts down below.

Or if you want to keep exploring the country, check out my list of the top things to do in Cluj Napoca, or Timisoara’s top attractions.

Calin
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4 thoughts on “Top Things Do in Bucharest [2025 Update]”

  1. I wish we had seen that tyrant’s home! We missed that. I’m happy to say we got to see most of the places on this list. Bucharest is just a great place to visit. I still dream about that soup thing in the round bread at Caru Cu Bere :-).

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  2. Thank you for posting this! I had heard that there wasn’t much to see in Bucharest. Now I am very excited about my upcoming visit.

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