Plan your visit to Bucharest, Romania
Explore Romania’s capital, a charming city with palaces, gardens, historic buildings, leafy squares and exciting nightlife.
With wide French-style boulevards, neoclassical palaces and large parks, Bucharest was known as the “Paris of the East” before the Communist era. Since the overthrow of Communism, it has been reclaiming its former glory. Today, visit this modern city with restored palaces, fresco-filled churches, open-air cafés, a thriving nightlife and rich cultural experiences.
Start with a tour of Bucharest’s architectural landmarks. Admire the sculptures and bas-reliefs of the Arch of Triumph. The large granite monument commemorates Romanian soldiers who fought in World War I. Explore the Palace of Parliament, one of the world’s largest parliament buildings.
The dictator Nicolae Ceaușescu and his wife fled from Revolution Square in 1989. Here see the former royal palace, now the National Museum of Art, and Kretzulescu Church. This 18th-century place of worship is an example of Brâncovenesc architecture, a mixture of Renaissance, Baroque, Byzantine and Ottoman styles.
Bucharest offers many green spaces for relaxation. Wander through the 43 acres (17.5 hectares) of the Bucharest Botanical Gardens. Row a boat across the lake at Cișmigiu Park. During winter, skate on its ice rink. Glimpse part of Romania’s past at the Village Museum inside Herăstrău Park. The open-air center features traditional homes from all regions of the country. The oldest dates back to the 17th century.
For eating, drinking, dancing and socializing, head for the old town. Find restaurants serving Romanian dishes of sausages and cabbage. Some clubs and cafés stay open until sunrise. For classical music performances, go to the Romanian Athenaeum, the city’s domed circular concert hall.
International flights land at Henri Coanda International Airport, about 10 miles (16 kilometers) north of the city. You can also arrive by train from several European countries. Experience Bucharest’s art, history, culture and cafés by using the extensive public transportation network. Rental cars are available and taxis are relatively cheap.
Bucharest is about 140 miles (225 kilometers) from the archeological sites at Constanta and 105 miles (170 kilometers) from the mountains, medieval towns and castles of Transylvania.
Palace of the Parliament - Wander through the extravagant and pompous rooms of this monstrous palace, which stands as a stark reminder of Romania’s troublesome communist years.
Romanian Athenaeum - Watch a concert at this neoclassical theater, which owes its existence partly to financial donations from the citizens of Bucharest.
Piata Unirii - Explore the great outdoors at Piata Unirii, a lovely green space in Bucharest. You can seek out the local tours while in the area.
National History Museum of Romania - Marvel at the Bronze Age statues and Romanian jewelry on display at this museum set inside a majestic neoclassical palace.
Cismigiu Garden - Discover a boating lake, children’s playground, flower gardens and sculpture park at this picturesque green space in Bucharest’s city center.
Romanian Patriarchal Cathedral - Decorated with a series of beautiful frescoes and icons, this 17th-century cathedral dominates an architecturally impressive complex of chapels and palaces.
University Square - Find out about the history of Bucharest when you take a trip to University Square. While you're here, you can savor the top-notch restaurants.
Herastrau Park - Spend some time at this attractive urban park, which has an adventure playground, aquarium, boating lake, open-air museum, restaurants and walking trails.
Guided visit of Peles Castle, Dracula's Castle, and Brasov in Transylvania - Enjoy a comfortable ride in an air-conditioned vehicle from Bucharest to Bran Castle — the inspiration for Dracula's Castle. On the journey, your local guide will weave tales of Transylvania's history and mythology as you journey through its majestic countryside.
The Real tour of Communism - The Real Tour of Communism will take you through all of the major aspects regarding the life under communist rule in Romania which lasted officially from 1948 to 1989. The Communism era was marked by the dictator Nicolae Ceausescu who ruled Romania for most of this period (1965-1989).
Bucharest Sights and Bites Discovery with Traditional Romanian Meal - Marry walking, history, and food on this informative and fun walking tour of Bucharest. See the sites and taste the bites while strolling around the Romanian capital, learning about the city's oft-turbulent past while seeing the main sites and landmarks.
Day Trip to Peles Castle, Dracula's Castles & Brasov - Explore Transylvania on one of the best-reviewed Dracula’s Castle tours. On this day trip to Dracula’s Castle, the journey through Transylvania will take your breath away with its beautiful mountain landscapes, gothic architecture, and picturesque medieval villages.
Private 6-Day Dracula Tour in Transylvania from Bucharest - The tour includes historical and legendary places related to Dracula's life and death: Vlad Dracula's birthplace in the medieval Sighisoara, Hunyad's Castle, Dracula Castle in Borgo Pass, built according to Bram Stocker's imagination, Poienari Fortress, Vlad Dracula's refugee place, Bran Castle and Dracula tomb in Snagov Monastery.
Private 5-Day Tour in Transylvania from Bucharest Hotel Pick-up and Drop off - Pick a 5-day round-trip to Transylvania from Bucharest. Pick up and drop off at your hotel in Bucharest. Learn about Romania's rich history and culture from your knowledgeable guide. enjoy guided sightseeing tours in Brasov and Sighisoara.
Back to Medieval Times: Private Tour in Transylvania (3 days) from Bucharest - A magnificent 3-days tour from Bucharest to Transylvania area, getting to the most important medieval cities in the area: Brasov, Bran, Sighisoara, Sibiu. The countryside in the mountains is simply beautiful, the local guest houses are waiting to welcome us in a cozy atmosphere and the traditional cuisine is a very nice touch not to be missed.
Half-Day Tour to Mogosoaia Palace & Snagov Monastery - Just a short drive from Bucharest are 2 of Romania's most captivating cultural treasures—Mogosoaia Palace and Snagov Monastery. Head to the countryside to experience the grand gardens and Brancovenesc architecture of Mogosoaia, and then continue your journey to the mysterious Snagov Monastery.