Guide to Bucharest

Bucharest is the vibrant capital of Romania, a city where history and modern life intertwine. Known as the “Little Paris of the East” in the early 20th century, it still boasts wide boulevards, Belle Époque architecture, and an energetic café culture. With its rich culture, hearty cuisine, and easy access to Transylvania and the Carpathian Mountains, Bucharest is both a gateway to Romania and a destination worth exploring.

Top Attractions in Bucharest

Palace of the Parliament (“Palatul Parlamentului”)
One of Bucharest’s signature landmarks. Designed in the Communist era during the rule of Nicolae Ceaușescu, it is huge with over 300,000 m², with more than 1,100 rooms. Tours are available, allowing you to explore opulent interiors, grand staircases, glittering chandeliers, and intricate marble details.

Village Museum (Muzeul Național al Satului “Dimitrie Gusti”)
This open-air ethnographic museum, located in King Michael I Park, showcases traditional Romanian village life through original houses, churches from various regions, and authentic artefacts.

National Museum of Art of Romania
Located in the Royal Palace (Revolution Square), it has a collection of medieval and modern Romanian art, plus international works collected by the royal family.

Grigore Antipa Natural History Museum
A well-organised and prestigious museum, with millions of specimens, refurbished and redesigned, a good stop especially if you're interested in natural history.

Museum of Recent Art (“MARe”)
If you prefer contemporary art, this museum (in the Primăverii district) shows Romanian art from post-Stalinist times to the present, plus international special exhibits.

Lipscani (Old Town)

The Old Town (Lipscani) has been revitalised into the city’s beating heart of nightlife, dining, and tourism. Cobblestone streets are lined with historic buildings, trendy bars, clubs, artisan shops, and eateries. Also home to historic landmarks like Stavropoleos Monastery and Manuc’s Inn (Hanul lui Manuc).

Other highlights include Cișmigiu Gardens, ideal for a leisurely walk.

Specialty Museums

  • Ceausescu’s Mansion - the private residence of Nicolae and Elena Ceauşescu and of their children for a quarter of a century (1965-1989)
  • The Museum of Communism in Bucharest - explore the Communist apartment and interact with objects from the Communist era
  • MINA Museum of Immersive New Art - immersive museum, offering a fusion of art and technology
  • Bucharest Municipal Fire Museum (Fire Lookout Tower or Foișorul de Foc) - housed in a renovated 19th-century tower, it displays vintage fire engines, tools, and gear, with a 360° city view from the top

Cultural Highlights

  • Bucharest’s architecture is a fascinating mix of Belle Époque elegance, neoclassical grandeur, stark communist-era structures, and sleek modern buildings. Exploring its streets reveals layers of history at every turn.
  • The city’s Old Town is full of lively cafés, bars, churches, and narrow streets. Good to soak in the local life.
  • There is a strong tradition of music, theater, and arts. The Romanian Athenaeum is a beautiful concert hall.
  • Carturesti Carusel – a beautiful bookshop in a restored 19th-century building in Old Town.
  • Attending a performance at the National Theatre or Opera House.
  • National Museum of Romanian History - showcases Romania’s past with ancient Dacian jewelry, Pietroasele gold treasure, medieval manuscripts, and more, housed in a neoclassical building.
  • National Military Museum - displays of Romanian military artifacts, from royal uniforms to Cold War-era weapons and vehicles.
  • Technical Museum (Dimitrie Leonida) - displays vintage machinery, early automobiles, old engines and inventions.
  • “Cotroceni” National Museum - housed in the historical wing of the Cotroceni Palace (official residence and headquarters of the President of Romania), showcases Romania’s royal heritage with period furniture and artifacts from the 19th-20th centuries

Ethnographic culture is alive in traditions, folklore, crafts, and rural customs you can glimpse via museums or day trips.

Local Cuisine and Food to Try

  • Sarmale - Cabbage rolls, usually with minced meat and rice, wrapped in cabbage leaves. A Romanian staple.
  • Ciorbă - A traditional Romanian sour soup, often served with meat or vegetables.
  • Mămăligă - A traditional Romanian cornmeal porridge, typically served with cheese and sour cream, and sometimes accompanied by meat
  • Mititei / Mici - Small skinless grilled sausages, popular street-food.
  • Desserts & Pastries - Sweet treats like Papanași (fried doughnuts served with sour cream and jam), Merdenea (flaky filled pastries), and Scovergi (light fried dough). If you're staying at the RIPE Meeting venue, you might be served fresh Papaneși with breakfast.
  • Street Food - Shawarma is hugely popular in Bucharest, often adapted with local twists like sauces and fries tucked inside the wrap.

Some dining venues:

  • Caru’ cu Bere – traditional, iconic restaurant in Old Town.
  • Hanul Berarilor – similar vibe; traditional food and atmosphere.
  • Nor Sky Restaurant - Dine on the top floor of a skyscraper with a fantastic panoramic view of Bucharest.
  • Manuc’s Inn (Hanul lui Manuc) - Iconic architecture, historic vibe, authentic flavours, live music.
  • Kaiamo - modern Romanian fusion cuisine, intimate and innovative.

Other places like La Copac for cozy local food. We found this blog with useful tips on where to eat and a blog by the National Geographic to help you find interesting dining options in Bucharest.

Day Trips from Bucharest

If you have extra time, these trips give you a sense of Romania beyond the capital:

  • Sinaia - Peles Castle is a major highlight (royal castle in the mountains, picturesque setting).
  • Brașov - charming medieval city in Transylvania, old town, Black Church, great for hiking or just relaxing.
  • Bran -  famous “Dracula’s Castle” is often included in itineraries around Brașov. It is a blend of history, legend, and natural beauty, offering visitors a look into medieval fortifications, royal life, and the enduring global fascination with Dracula.
  • Therme București (Thermal Spas & Wellness Relaxation)- one of Europe’s largest thermal spa complex with indoor/outdoor pools, saunas and tropical gardens.