Table of Contents
A Weekend in Bucharest
Bucharest was just another whistle stop on our grand Eastern Europe Train journey, or so I thought. All I really knew of the city was from recent history, Ceausescu’s center of power from which he systematically controlled everything going on in Romania. In fact, the regime was so notorious that some tourists are afraid that Bucharest might not be safe. However, we discovered a much richer history and cultural tradition that was surprisingly exotic, warmly open, and full of charm. Gone are the old, cold bleak days of communism. Though to be sure, the Palace of the Parliamentary still stands as a massively colossal reminder of those times. Still, we found Bucharest center full of life and energy, a beautiful mixture of architecture and public spaces.
Thanks to the advances of cheap airlines throughout Eastern Europe, Bucharest has become a popular destination for weekend city breaks as well as the more traditional slow travelers like backpackers and Eurail passers. If your time is limited, it is always a good idea to have a plan, so here are our top ten things to do in Bucharest.
Go on a Palace Hunt
Bucharest went through it’s own architectural renaissance in the eighteenth and nineteenth century with an eclectic mix of baroque, neoclassic, and neo-renaissance palaces popping up around the city. Unfortunately, the oldest palace, the Old Princely Court has been closed for visitors since 2015. This palace is a remnant from medieval times and once the refurbishment and renovations are complete visitors will again be able to see what life was like in the 15th century during the times of Vlad the Impaler.
Dinner and a Show
Bucharest is crowded with excellent places to eat and drink so you really don’t have to look too hard to find a popular spot. However, we completely fell in love with the brewery and restaurant Caru’ cu Bere. I’m certainly no expert on Romanian food, but the menu claims to keep the immortal spirit of old Bucharest alive in its food and beer, and everything was certainly exceptional. The beer is still being made using a recipe from 1879 and it is crisp and delicious. The food portions are large and certainly tend to authentic Romanian fare. The smoky eggplant dip and bean casserole were out of this world. As an added benefit, diners are treated to fantastic traditional music and dancing throughout most evenings.
Caru’ cu Bere, Strada Stavropoleos 5, carucubere.ro
A Walk in the Park

Parcul Cișmigiu is a favorite spot to find some shade in summer to help beat the heat.
Everyone loves a park. Or at least I do. Parcul Cismigiu is a green retreat in the center of the city that provides a breath of fresh air, a quiet place to relax, or get in a little exercise. This English style garden has a wide variety of trees, plants, and flowers all designed to help you forget about the bustle and hustle of the city around you. You can go row a boat around the lake in the summer or strap on a pair of skates and glide across the pond in the winter. If your really outgoing, you can pack a picnic to enjoy on the lawn or choose from one of the cafes for lunch or a coffee. You might also be lucky enough to find a theatrical production or orchestra playing in the garden.
Find a Food Truck
What? Food trucks in Romania? Yes indeed. The foodie revolution is sweeping the globe. There are a few places around the city where you will find these rolling kitchens serving out their tasty offerings. We saw bagels, sandwiches, pizza, burgers, hot dogs, and pancakes and they all were doing a good business. It seems no matter where you go in the world, there is always a strong need for cheap, simple food made with love. Go to the food truck scene at Food Land, Strada Șelari 4, and take off your shoes and wiggle your toes in the sand as you enjoy a cold drink, a burger, and some fries.
Step Back in Time
Manuc Mârzaian – Dragoman and Bey of the Sublime Porte, aka “Prince of the Armenians” somehow managed to purchase and build his inn, Hanu’ lui Manuc, upon land that was formerly part of the Royal Court. How he, a foreigner in Bucharest, finagled this deal is somewhat of mystery. However, it is no mystery that his beautiful inn, reminiscent of the old Ottoman Caravansaries on the silk road, still attracts visitors to this day. Stepping into the cool courtyard reveals a soothing space complete with bubbling fountain, dark, rich wood finishing of the interior stair cases and balconies, and, of course, the tasteful and classy cafes, restaurants, and shops. It’s certainly going to transport the visitor back to a different era.
Visit a Museum
Aside from this flattering statue of Roman Emperor Trajan, you’ll find exhibits detailing the history of Romania from prehistory to the modern age in the National History Museum of Romania. The museum is housed in fairly new palace built in the late nineteenth century as the headquarters for the national post and telegraph organization. Because of this past, visitors should also seek out and visit the philatelic museum, also located in the palace. Another museum of interest in Bucharest include the National Museum of Art in Romania, located in the former royal palace on Revolution Square. Here you’ll find Romanian and international art, as well as art rescued from destruction during the Ceausescu era.
Go Shopping!
While it’s true we’re not big on souvenir shopping, we do like to try and bring home some samples of the local culinary delights. So one thing we are always on the lookout is a good local delicatessen type store where we can sample and purchase these treats. At the popular Barza, viezure, Minz on Strada Șepcari 21 we found a dizzying array of Romanian wines, meats, cheeses, bottled sauces, jams, soups, and too much more to mention. We tasted a few of the wines and cheeses and then loaded up on a few bottles of wine and some jams and sauces. Unfortunately we were traveling onward on the train so we had to limit ourselves.
Get Spiritual
You don’t need to hold to any particular religious faith to appreciate the incredible detail and artwork that went into the Biserica Stavropoleos, at Strada Stavropoleos 4. This early eighteenth century orthodox church holds some amazing mosaics both inside and out. Step in to the mysterious, scented darkness and let your eyes adjust to reveal the finely detailed ceiling paintings. This is a small church tucked into a busy neighborhood on the edge of the old town, definitely worth a peek.
Explore the Old Town
Just grab your camera and go for a walk. Keep your eyes open for street art, interesting architecture, overflowing cafes and pubs, and perhaps spark up a conversation with a new friend. Bucharest Old Town is pedestrian friendly and so photogenic. Our recommended route: start in Parcul Cismigiu and wind your way south and east through the old town to Revolution Square, then wander back up along the Dambovita river towards the Palace of the Parliament.

Wander around and down side streets in Old Town Bucharest to find hidden architectural gems.

One of the stately palaces you’ll see as you stroll along the Dambovita River.

The Church of Saint Anthony is at the heart of the Old Town and is the oldest standing religious building in Bucharest

Reflection of the National Museum of History of Romania
Take a Day Trip
If you are in Bucharest on a long weekend break, you should consider a day trip. Car rentals are very affordable and can be arranged by most hotels. Therefore, you should try and get out of the city and into the Transylvania countryside. Drive up to Bran Castle, about two hours out of the city and visit the castle that inspired Bram Stoker’s vision of Count Dracula’s castle.
Practical Information
Getting to Bucharest:
Wizz Air has cheap flight between Nuremberg and Bucharest departs Friday afternoon and returns Monday afternoon. Ryanair will connect you from Berlin, Brussels, Dublin, London and other airlines from most European capitals.
If you are connecting a trip to Bucharest with longer traveling you might consider the overnight train from Vienna or Budapest.
Transportation in and around Bucharest:
The 780 Express bus connects Bucharest Henri Coandă International Airport with the Gara de Nord (main railway station) and the 783 Express line connects the airport with the city center. This line runs day and night. At night, the bus leaves every 40 minutes. Purchase your tickets at the kiosk in front of the departures terminal (3.5 lei). You can also buy a blue and white Multiplu card and load it with a Day Pass for 8 lei. Ask for assistance at the kiosk where you buy tickets.
Where to stay:
Tram 44 from the Gara de Nord to Cismigiu tram stop takes you right to the front door of the Hotel Trianon. It is a comfortable, clean, and quiet three star hotel right on the edge of Parcul Cismigiu. Well appointed rooms, nice hot showers, solid wifi, and a tasty breakfast all included in the room price.
Hotel Trianon
Strada Grigore Cobălcescu 9
+40 21 311 4927
Have you been to Bucharest? What do you think of our Top ten Things to do in Bucharest?
Pin Top Things to do in Bucharest for later!
Bucharest looks so interesting through your eyes. I love the light hearted fun seen in so many of your photos.
Thanks Rhonda, We definitely love finding fun wherever we go.
Bucharest has a lot to offer to any type of visitor. From amazing museums to impressive parks and a rich nightlife, we have it all 😉 I’m so happy to see your recommendations – and to understand that you liked to visit my city 😉
Lori, We loved it and can’t wait to return!
I have heard mixed reactions about Bucharest but form your photos I can see the city has lots of faces. There are historical and regal areas but there is a hip and fun side too. I have experienced the same in other Eastern European capitals (and I love that mix).
Ruth, I do think you could consider Bucharest a little rough around the edges, but in a a good way. I like cities like that!
Great post & an excellent guide to some of Bucharest’s highlights! Thank you very much!
Simion, We loved Bucharest and hope to go back sometime and do further exploration.
Really beautiful pictures and very detailed guide! I’ve never been to Bucharest, or Romania for that matter, but I’ve always heard good things about it and how it’s the “Paris of Eastern Europe” in many ways. Great post 🙂
Thanks! It’s a fun city to explore and I loved the food. I hope you make it there one day.
Love your writing style, it’s so engaging, and now I want to visit Bucharest too!
Nicky, I hope you get there. It’s an amazing city.
It looks like there is plenty to do for a visit! Beautiful pictures, I can see myself enjoyed food from the food trucks in one of those barrel chairs!
Exactly. The city is so much fun.
Bucharest looks interesting especially the buildings. One day I hope to visit this place. 🙂 Your photography skills are great.
Thanks Priya. I think you’d love Bucharest.
You are welcome:)
Loved Bucharest, didn’t have the chance to find food trucks back in the day, wish I did! Romania is amazing and strolling the bar streets is just so fun!
Mitch, We agree; it’s a really fun city. We can’t wait to go back again.
What gorgeous photos! I’ve never been to Bucharest but this definitely makes me want to pay a visit!
Anna, I’m glad. I hope you get there!
I visited Bucharest once, only briefly, on the way through Eastern Europe, back in the late 1980s, and wish we’d spent longer now I’ve seen your list of all the things to see and do. Great summary of the attractions!
Thanks Kavey! We really enjoyed discovering the city.
Interesting post, Bucharest is a place we haven’t really thought of visiting but it looks ideal for a long weekend and is easy to get to from the UK. We must try and visit this year and take a trip outside the city too.
I agree, it would be great for a long weekend. I hope you enjoy it.
Bucharest really wasn’t my cup of tea. In all honestly, it’s one of my least favorite places I’ve ever been. I did like the Carturesti Carusel book store. It’s such a beautiful space. I also did the day trip out to Bran Castle and was kind of disappointed. They could do a much better job of making the interior visit interesting, but the countryside is lovely.
Ah, that’s too bad you didn’t really like it. I find that getting out into the countryside always makes me like a place better as well.
wow, I knew I missed out on not visiting this region when I decided to fly directly to Greece from Hungary. It does look wonderful in the capital, I will definitely have to do a real trip to visit the country
Noel, You definitely would enjoy Bucharest. Hope you get there soon.
It is always interesting to see my home town through the eyes of a tourist, I myself try to get out there every now and then and experience the city like that. Another park that should be visited is Herastrau, together with the Village Museum.
Ingrid
https://ingridzenmoments.wordpress.com/
Ingrid, Yes, I agree. There’s plenty more to see. We’ll have to go back.
It sounds like a really wonderful place! Between the parks, and the shops and the heritage of the old town, palaces and spiritual centers – Bucharest sounds like it’s got a lot going on. Sad to hear that the Old Princely Court has been closed for visitors, but I love architecture so I love the idea of a Palace hunt!
Megan, Bucharest surprised us with its beauty and friendliness. We can’t wait to go back.
Bucharest looks like a complete package! I love history and architecture, and also love trying cuisines. Thanks for the detailed guide. Adding it to my list.
Reshma, I’m sure you will love Bucharest.
Very interesting Corinne. When we were in Hungary last we thought about Bucharest but we just didn’t have the time…..heard so much about it and this article seems to support it. I love it too because of the European features I love but it’s still not somewhere that is over run with tourists as the latest popular destination.
Kerri, I agree. It’s still a bit off the beaten path.
Looks like you had a great visit! Bucharest looks like a great city to explore. I always love old towns and palaces, and I love that they are in on the food truck trend too!
Jenna, Bucharest surprised us. It was a great little city.
Bucharest is a bit eclectic, as a city, but it has plenty of hidden gems and a lot of things to do. Theese days you will find alot of food truck in the Constitutiei Square, as there is a Easter Market setup there with plenty of traditional foods beeing served to visitors.
Claudiu, Yes, I agree. Bucharest has plenty of great things to do. I wish I could go to the Easter Market.
Hi, Corinne! I’m glad you recommended a place to eat with traditional Romanian dishes and folk dances from what I can tell from the pictures. I think it’s important to know that Bucharest had such an important part in Romanian culture throughout the years and it’s not just a city where communist buildings blend with old architectural monuments.