Chrissy Bucharest is Romania’s most populated capital and offers everything you need for a memorable visit to Romania. In this post, I’ll share my top recommendations for places to eat and the best things to do in Bucharest for a fun time.
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Things to Do In Bucharest
Here are some of my favorite things to do in Bucharest you should definitely add to your itinerary.
Tour Palatul Parlamentului
The Palace of Parliament is a symbol of Romania’s communist past, and the largest administrative building in Europe. It is the perfect place to visit if you’re an architecture fan.
If you would like to tour the inside, be sure to book your tickets in advance. You can reserve your tickets here.
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Take A Free Walking Tour With Locals
I love walking tours, and this free walking tour of Bucharest is great for exploring historical landmarks and enjoying some incredible stories from locals.
You will start your morning early meeting in Old Town and learn about the history of Romania and prominent landmarks. The guide will also give you recommendations for best places to eat authentic Romanian food as well.
Although the tour is free, a tip is appreciated. So be sure to leave one!
Stroll Old Town And Get Lost
Get lost walking on the cobblestone streets in Old Town which is one of the Bucharest gems to visit. There are plenty of cafes, restaurants, and shopping to keep you busy in this area.
Visit Macca Vilacrosse Passage
Take a stroll under the Macca Vilacrosse Passage which is a popular indoor spot where the locals hang, mostly to do hookah. If you’re not a fan of hookah it still is worth walking though and admiring the yellow glass ceiling while having a quick cocktail.
While there you can also grab a bite to eat or do some shopping as well.
Shop And Dine On Calea Victoriei
Calea Victoriei is one of Bucharest’s most important streets, where you can find luxury shops, museums, and historical buildings. It is a great place to grab a Romanian beer and people-watch.
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See Colors Pasajul Victoriei
Pasajul Victoriei is a colorful alleyway adorned with suspended colorful umbrellas you’ve probably seen all over Instagram. It is the perfect place for taking photos while exploring the city.
Buy Antiques At Bazarul cu Amintiri
The vibrant flea market of Bazarul cu Amintiri offers everything from antiques to vintage clothes and household items. It is open on Thursdays, Saturdays and Sundays.
Address: Bd. Timișoara 103S, București 061327, Romania
Buy Produce At Piata Obor
Piata Obor is a traditional market where you can find fresh produce, traditional Romanian foods, and local delicacies like gogosi (fried pastries) and mici (grilled sausages). Be sure to go up the escalator to visit more places to for fresh cheese and wine.
If you’re staying outside of Old Town you will need a car to reach this market. It’s about a 15-minute ride to reach.
Circle Around Arcul de Triumf
This iconic monument commemorates Romania’s participation in World War I and is located near Parcul Herăstrău. You can climb to the top and enjoy incredible panoramic views of the city.
Depending where you are staying, it’s a little to far to reach by foot. Be sure to avoid high traffic hours because it gets very congested here.
Address: Piața Arcul de Triumf, București 011453, Romania
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Relax At Parcul Herăstrău
Parcul Herăstrău is the city’s largest park where you can enjoy a peaceful Japanese Garden and the Village Museum, which showcases traditional Romanian wooden houses. It is the perfect place to spend some time alone away from the rush of the city.
See The Church of the “Stavropoleos” Monastery
This small but stunning church is one of the oldest in Bucharest, Romania and dates back to 1554. The Stavropoleos Monastery is a peaceful place to reflect on your day while admiring the stunning Romanian religious architecture.
Address: Strada Stavropoleos 4, București 030167, Romania
Gawk At Fontänen von Bukarest
In the central square, you can enjoy an incredible fountain show during the weekend. Music, lights, and 3D projections are paired with the dancing music. The show lasts around 45 minutes and access is free!
You can catch this fountain show from May to October.
Address: Piața Unirii, București, Romania
Relax At Piata Romana
Piata Romana is a busy square surrounded by cafés, restaurants, and shops, perfect for relaxing and exploring nearby attractions.
Buy A Book At Cărturești Carusel
At last, we have Cărturești Carusel, a breathtaking library located in the Old Town. The bright, open design and spiral staircases make it one of the most beautiful bookstores in Europe, and no matter if you’re shopping for books or just visiting for the architecture, this is truly something to add to your Bucharest bucket list!
Address: Strada Lipscani 55, București 030033, Romania
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Shop On Strada Hanul cu Tei
I love wandering through the city’s streets while traveling, and if you’re like me, you’ll love Strada Hanul cu Tei. This charming courtyard is lined with art galleries, boutique shops, and antique stores, perfect for finding unique souvenirs.
Be sure to check if it is open before going. This adorable alley is closed on Sundays.
Address: Strada Hanul cu Tei, București 030167, Romania
Take A Day Trip To Brasov
If you’re visiting Bucharest for a reasonable amount of time, consider taking a day trip or staying overnight to Brasov. It’s a beautiful city in Transylvania worth visiting. While there be sure to explore Brasov’s Old Town. The quaint colorful buildings are too adorable not to get lost in.
Also, take a short walk to Strada Sforii which is the narrowest street in Brasov and possibly all of Europe.
Not sure if you want to drive to Brasov? Consider taking a day trip with a tour and also visit Peles Castle and Dracula’s Castle as well.
Where to Eat In Bucharest
If you ask me, one of the best things to do in Bucharest is try as many new foods as possible. The city offers a wide range of dining options that go from traditional Romanian cuisine to exquisite fine dining and international flavors. Here are some restaurants I highly recommend you visit.
Taverna Covaci
Taverna Covaci is also located in the Old Town and offers hearty Romanian dishes in a rustic yet cozy atmosphere. You must try the ciorbă (sour soup) and grilled meats, although my favorite is the classic Romanian mămăligă with cheese.
Address: Strada Covaci 1, București 030167, Romania
Bodega La Mahala
Bodega La Mahala is your go-to place for a relaxed and traditional dining experience. It is one of Bucharest’s hidden gems and a great place to try new dishes like tochitură (pork stew) and mici (grilled sausages).
Address: Strada Covaci 8, București 030167, Romania
Lacrimi și Sfinți
Your Bucharest trip is not completed until you visit Lacrimi și Sfinți. I highly recommend you try out their signature turkey with dates and ginger as it is a fan favorite. This place is located in the Old Town so it’s very convenient to stop by.
Address: Strada Șepcari 16, București 030167, Romania
Caru’ cu Bere
Caru’ cu Bere is one of the most iconic restaurants in Bucharest and is located in the heart of the city’s Old Town. This place dates back to 1879 and serves traditional Romanian food in a neo-Gothic setting. To make things better, they have live music. You cannot leave without trying their famous papanași which are Romanian doughnuts with sweet cheese and delicious homemade jam.
To be honest, I wasn’t a fan of the traditional Romanian sausage and fries. However, the dessert was tasty!
Address: Strada Stavropoleos 5, București 030081, Romania
Beca’s Kitchen
Beca’s Kitchen is a cozy, fine-dining restaurant that focuses on fresh, locally sourced ingredients. It has an intimate setting and an incredible menu, perfect for special occasions. This is definitely a place to add to your Bucharest must see!
Address: Strada Mihai Eminescu 80, București 020081, Romania
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Haute Pepper
Located near the Palace of Parliament, Haute Pepper is a special restaurant that offers a wide range of international dishes, with a focus on seafood and grilled meats.
It’s the perfect spot if you have been walking around all day to grab a charcuterie board before exploring the parliament.
Address: Bulevardul Unirii nr. 2, București 040104, Romania
Nomad Sky Bar
Nomad Sky Bar is a popular spot among locals that offers stunning views of Bucharest and excellent cocktails. I highly recommend you stop by and try their food during your Bucharest trip!
Address: Etaj 2, Strada Smârdan 30, București 030167, Romania
Hanu’ lui Manuc
Hanu’ lui Manuc offers a unique dining experience in one of the oldest inns in Europe. It features a traditional Romanian menu, served in a lovely courtyard, and it’s perfect for both lunch and dinner.
Be sure if you visit during the summer months to wear mosquito repellant to avoid getting eaten like I did!
Address: Str. Franceză 62-64, București 030106, Romania
Le Bab
If you’re in the mood for something different, head over to Le Bab to enjoy unique Lebanese cuisine. This place is known for its fresh flavors and delicious Middle Eastern dishes like falafel and shawarma.
Address: Calea Victoriei 12A, București 030026, Romania
Costelaria
If you’re looking for where to eat in Bucharest as a fan of ribs, you’ll love Costelaria. This place is a casual spot where you can eat the best ribs in all of Bucharest, which I recommend you pair with a cold drink and enjoy with friends.
Address: Calea Rahovei 147, București 050896, Romania
How To Get To Bucharest
The easiest way to get to Bucharest is by plane. Bucharest Henri Coandă International Airport is the airport to fly into.
You can grab a ride share to reach the center by heading to the designated area at the airport. It will take you around a 15-20 minutes to reach the center. However, this is dependent on the traffic. It can get very congested there.
Where To Stay In Bucharest
The best neighborhood to stay in Bucharest is in Old Town. There is plenty to do in this area and within walking distance. Booking.com is a great site to find some of the best deals within your travel budget.
Best Time To Visit Bucharest
Romania is seasonal, so the best time to visit depends on you. Bucharest is a popular destination during the winter months, but it will be very cold! I visited during August and the temperature was perfect. The sun was out and you could walk around without sweating. May and September are known to be great months as well to visit Bucharest.
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How To Get Around Bucharest
If you’re staying in the center you can easily get around by foot exploring. However, some attractions are farther distances, such as the Arcul de Triumf, farmer’s markets, and flea market. You will need a car to get there. If you didn’t rent a car to get around, ride shares are very inexpensive in Romania. I took the ride shares there to get around and felt safe.
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