25 Things to Do in Bucharest, Romania – Perfect for a City Break

If you’re looking for an affordable and exciting European getaway, a city break in Bucharest, Romania is a fantastic choice. Often called “Little Paris of the East” thanks to its elegant boulevards and French-inspired architecture, Bucharest is a city of contrasts. Here you’ll find grand Orthodox churches next to communist-era blocks, trendy rooftop bars around the corner from abandoned mansions, and a café culture that rivals many Western European capitals.

Many travelers treat Bucharest only as a quick stop on the way to Transylvania or the Black Sea, but the city truly deserves more time. With a rich mix of history, vibrant nightlife, leafy parks, affordable restaurants, and hidden corners full of stories, Bucharest has plenty to keep you busy for several days.

In this travel guide to Bucharest, I’ll share my list of 25 things to do in Bucharest, Romania — from historical landmarks and cultural highlights to quirky Instagram spots and local favorites. Whether you’re here for a weekend or a longer stay, these ideas will help you make the most of your trip.

25 Things to Do in Bucharest

1. Old Town

The Old Town of Bucharest (Centru Vechi) is the city’s heart, filled with pre-World War II buildings, lively restaurants, bars, cafés, and historic churches. Today it’s one of the liveliest districts in the city and the perfect place to start your exploration.

2. Abandoned Houses

As an aftermath of communism in Romania, there are still many abandoned buildings in Bucharest — especially in the Old Town. I’ve always found abandoned places fascinating, so seeing them right in the most touristy part of the city, mixed in between already renovated buildings, was especially interesting.

3. Walking Tours

There’s no better way to explore a new city than taking a walking tour, and Bucharest offers many different tours like a Guided Tour of Communist Bucharest, Alternative Tour, Jewish History Tour and Bucharest Old Town Tour. I did a walking tour on my first day in Bucharest, and it was a great way to get an overview of the city and learn more about the history.

4. Pasajul Victoria – The Umbrella Alley

Pasajul Victoria is a colorful street covered with hanging umbrellas, accessible from Calea Victoriei. It’s one of the most popular Instagram spots in Bucharest and definitely worth a visit if you’d like to take some cool photos.

5. Cărturești Carusel

This is another trendy Instagram spot in Bucharest and easily the most beautiful bookstore I’ve ever visited. The city has many great bookstores, but Cărturești Carusel stands out with its stunning architecture, multiple levels, spiral staircases, and elegant design. It’s even often referred to as one of the most beautiful bookstores in the world.

6. Visit the Cafés

Bucharest has a vibrant café culture, with plenty of trendy and hipster coffee shops to choose from. In summer, you can enjoy your coffee outdoors in one of the many garden cafés scattered around the city. The picture above is from VanFruct Specialty Coffee Shop, which also serves great vegan options.

7. Stavropoleos Monastery

Stavropoleos Monastery is a beautiful church known for its intricate stone and wood carvings. Located in the heart of the Old Town, it’s easy to visit while exploring the area. What makes it even more interesting is its collection of rare old books, some of which are impressively large and well preserved. Check out the photo above of one those massive books!

8. Romanian Patriarchal Cathedral

The Romanian Patriarchal Cathedral is an active Orthodox cathedral located next to the Palace of the Patriarchate. For over three centuries, this site has been at the heart of Romania’s political and religious life, making it a fascinating place to visit.

9. Curtea Veche

Curtea Veche, also known as the Old Princely Court, takes you back to the time of medieval Wallachia. Built in the 15th century by Vlad the Impaler (the inspiration for Dracula), it once served as the residence of Wallachian princes. Today, you can explore the ruins of the old palace and its surrounding structures. Within the complex, you’ll also find Biserica Sfântul Anton (St. Anthony’s Church), the oldest church in Bucharest still standing in its original form. It has been continuously used for worship for centuries and remains an important landmark in the city.

10. Admire the Architecture

Bucharest is often referred to as Little Paris because of its wide boulevards and elegant architecture, but the city is actually a fascinating mix of styles. Brâncovenesc (Brancovian), Neo-Romanian, Art Nouveau, and Art Deco buildings stand alongside massive communist-era structures, creating a unique and sometimes surprising urban landscape.

11. Bucharest City Hall

Speaking of architecture, even Bucharest’s government buildings are impressive. The City Hall is a great example, and it’s open to visitors on Saturdays, Sundays, and official holidays.

12. Romanian Athenaeum

The Romanian Athenaeum is a concert hall located in the heart of Bucharest, right next to the Hilton Hotel. Open to visitors, it’s a must-see for its breathtaking architecture. While the neoclassical façade is impressive, the interior is even more spectacular, with frescoes, ornate details, and a grand auditorium that hosts the George Enescu Philharmonic Orchestra.

13. Visit the Rooftop Bars

I love rooftop bars and try to visit at least one in every city I travel to. In Bucharest, I went to Pura Vida Sky Bar, which offers some of the best views over the Old Town. The bar is part of a hostel, making it not only a great spot for a drink but also a good budget accommodation option.

14. Luxury Hotels

 

Bucharest offers accommodation for every budget, from hostels to luxury hotels. I had the chance to stay at two of the city’s 5-star options: Athenee Palace Hilton Bucharest (now InterContinental Athenee Palace Bucharest) and Radisson Blu.

Both were stunning with excellent facilities. At the Radisson, I especially loved the outdoor pool, while at the Hilton you get the best view of the Romanian Athenaeum — plus free drinks if you have lounge access.

For more pictures and the latest availability, you can check both hotels on Booking.com:
InterContinental Athenee Palace Bucharest
Radisson Blu Bucharest

15. Eat at Vegan Restaurants

Bucharest is a fantastic city for foodies, and vegans are well catered for too. The city has plenty of vegan and vegan-friendly restaurants serving creative, delicious meals. I even tried an avocado ice cream similar to the ones sold in London — but here it cost only a third of the price!

16. Astronomical Observatory

The Astronomical Observatory of Bucharest is a beautiful, old building and open for public during visiting hours (check them out here). For the best experience, try to go on a clear night when you can use the telescope to observe the stars and planets.

17. The Arch of Triumph

Paris isn’t the only city with an Arch of Triumph — Bucharest has its own as well. The first version was built in 1878 to celebrate Romania’s independence. It was rebuilt several times, and the current arch, which you can see today, dates back to 1936.

18. Herăstrău Lake

This beautiful lake is located in the northern part of Bucharest. If you need a break from the busy city life without actually leaving town, spend a few hours exploring the lake by boat.

19. Explore the Parks

Bucharest also has plenty of green spaces, from parks to landscaped gardens. Herăstrău Lake is surrounded by a large park, King Michael I Park, and other places worth visiting include the historic Cișmigiu Gardens and the expansive Parcul Alexandru Ioan Cuza.

20. Pasajul Macca-Vilacrosse

Pasajul Macca-Vilacrosse is one of Bucharest’s most unique passages. Covered with yellow-tinted glass that gives the space a warm glow, it’s home to several restaurants and bars. It’s also a popular spot for sheesha, making it a great place to stop for a drink or two.

21. Muzeul Nicolae Minovici

Muzeul Nicolae Minovici was the first museum in Bucharest dedicated to folk art and remains one of the city’s hidden gems. Founded by Dr. Nicolae Minovici, a philanthropist and passionate collector, the museum houses an impressive collection of traditional Romanian textiles, ceramics, and religious icons. The building itself is just as fascinating — a beautiful villa from the early 20th century, and one of the very first examples of Neo-Romanian architecture in the city. Its distinctive design, with wooden balconies and decorative motifs, makes it worth a visit even if you’re not usually into museums.

22. Memorial of Rebirth

The Memorial of Rebirth honors the victims of the 1989 Revolution, which marked the end of Communist rule in Romania. The revolution itself unfolded in what is now Revolution Square, and the memorial was erected there in 2005. Locals, however, have mixed feelings about the monument and often jokingly refer to it as the ‘potato on a stick.’ The statue stands in front of the former Central Committee of the Communist Party building, from which Nicolae Ceaușescu famously fled by helicopter during the uprising.

To learn more about Romanian communist history, I highly recommend doing a communism-themed history tour.

23. Bellu Cemetery

Bellu Cemetery is the largest and most historic cemetery in Bucharest. You can wander through it on your own, but I highly recommend joining a guided tour to truly appreciate its history and hear the fascinating stories behind the elaborate tombs, monuments, and the famous Romanians buried here.

24. Shopping in Bucharest

Shopping in Bucharest is a fun experience — and much more affordable than in many other European capitals. You’ll find everything from large malls like AFI Cotroceni and Băneasa Shopping City to quirky vintage shops in the Old Town, where you can browse for fashion, books, souvenirs, and traditional Romanian crafts.

Bucharest is generally cheap compared to Western Europe. Although Romania is part of the EU, the local currency is the Romanian leu (RON) instead of the euro, which helps keep costs low for visitors. Even services like taxis and ride-sharing are budget-friendly — for example, I paid just 40 lei (around €8) for a half-hour ride to the airport. Food and drinks are also very affordable, making Bucharest a great destination if you’re traveling on a budget.

25. Experience Bucharest Nightlife

Bucharest is well known for its vibrant nightlife. The Old Town comes alive after dark with pubs, cocktail bars, and nightclubs that stay open until morning. Whether you prefer live music, cozy jazz bars, or all-night parties, there’s something to suit every taste — and the drinks are much cheaper than in most other European capitals.

The city is also very safe to visit. As a solo female traveler, I never experienced any street harassment, even when walking back to my hotel late at night. Unlike in many tourist-heavy destinations, you won’t have to deal with pushy touts, scams, or people trying to sell you things — which makes exploring Bucharest especially enjoyable.

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