Bucharest in 1-3 days, what to see

Bucharest, the capital and largest city of Romania, really impresses with its multi-layered cultural heritage. We already wrote about the Romanian weekend trip to the city of Iasi, the full post is possible watch here. There we will tell you about the road route Kyiv – Chernivtsi – Siret border – Throne Fortress in Suceava – Neamts Fortress – Iasi.

This time we were in Bucharest on business, unfortunately we only had one day to explore the city. But since it is not our first time in Bucharest, we will tell you what you can see in one three days. We also advise you to look at the topic of how to get from the airport to the city center and where to stay as near the airport and in city center.

Well, we invite you on a trip to Bucharest!

 

Historical reference:

The history of Bucharest can be divided into the following periods – the Middle Ages: Initially, the territory where Bucharest is now located was inhabited by Dacians and Scythians. In the Middle Ages, the city became an important trade center at the crossroads from Europe to Asia.
Principality of Wallachia: In the 15th century, Bucharest became the capital of the Principality of Wallachia, and it was a time of economic and cultural prosperity.
Ottoman rule: In the 15th century, the city came under the rule of the Ottoman Empire, which led to the construction of numerous mosques and the influence of Turkish culture on the city’s architecture.

Independence: In the 19th century, after a long struggle for independence, Romania broke away from the Ottoman Empire, and Bucharest became the capital of an independent country.
Communist period: After World War II, Bucharest witnessed communist rule, and Nicolae Ceausescu’s regime led to intensive industrialization and modernization of the city.
After Communism: The fall of the communist regime in 1989 marked a new phase for Bucharest. The city began the process of restoration and change, becoming a modern center of culture, business and tourism.

What to see in Bucharest 

Union Square (Piața Unirii)
Unification Square got its name as a symbol of the unification of all Romanian lands in 1918. The square itself has a plan scheme of reflecting the sun, symbolizing a new beginning and the flourishing of the nation after unification. Fountain “Symphony of water” (Simfonia Apei). Located in Parliament Square, this fountain is a spectacular water show that combines water fountains with light and music. Evening shows attract a large number of spectators.

On the way to the Constitution Square, you can turn aside nearby and visit the Palace of the Patriarchate (Palatul Patriarhiei) and the Patriarchal Cathedral Church (Catedrala Patriarhală) are significant religious and cultural monuments. Both buildings – the Palace of the Patriarchate and the Patriarchal Cathedral Church – play an important role in the religious and cultural life of Romania. They are not only places of worship, but also important symbols of the country’s Orthodox Christian heritage. Visitors often appreciate the architectural beauty and historical significance of these places while traveling around Bucharest.

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Further, as we walk towards the Parliament, we get to the Constitution Square (Piața Constituției). This is one of the most prominent and symbolic squares of the city. Located next to the Palace of the Parliament, this square plays an important role in the cultural, political and historical context of Romania.

Palace of the Parliament (Palatul Parlamentului): One of the largest buildings in the world, built during the communist regime. The majestic palace became an architectural symbol of power and greatness of Romania. Excursions are held in the palace, if you have time, we recommend visiting.
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Constitution Memorial: Designed as part of the memorial during the democratic events of 1991, this monument marks the historic moment of the creation of the new constitution.
Gardens and Fountains: The square impresses not only with its architectural structures, but also with green spaces and fountains that create a pleasant atmosphere.

The old Town
Also known as Lipshani (Lipscani), located in the historical center of Bucharest. This is one of the oldest and most amazing districts of the city, many historical buildings and architectural monuments have been preserved here.

In the past, Lipsani was a trade and craft district where merchants and artisans opened their shops and workshops. The streets of this area are marked by colorful buildings, stone floors and a charming atmosphere that recalls the past centuries.

Today, Lipshani is a popular place for tourists and local residents. Here you can find restaurants, cafes, antique shops, art galleries and other interesting establishments.
Lipsani is considered one of the symbols of the ancient and cultural heritage of Bucharest. The following attractions are located in the area:

Stavropol Monastery Church (Biserica Mănăstirii “Stavropoleos”). This church is part of a monastery complex and is known for its architecture and historical significance. The main church was built in the Brakovano-Wallachian architectural style in the 18th century, around 1724-1730. The monastery complex was founded by the German monk Ioan Girsa, and the church is an example of traditional Romanian architecture of the time.
This historical building attracts both tourists and pilgrims, entrance to the church is free.

National Museum of the History of Romania (Muzeul Național de Istorie a României) is one of the key museums in Bucharest. Its collections cover a wide period of Romanian history, from prehistoric times to modern times. Unfortunately, it is not possible to cover it in a day’s stay, but we are interested in the fact that the museum is located in a huge imposing palace, which in itself has historical significance. The museum’s collections include archaeological finds, ethnographic objects, art objects, manuscripts, documents and other artifacts that illustrate the development and cultural heritage of Romania. If you are not there for one day, we recommend you to visit!
Hours of operation:
Closed Monday – Tuesday, other days 9:00-17:00
Cost: 22 lei, there are different categories of discounts, order a ticket online

Palace of Deposits and Consignments (Casa de Economii și Consemnațiuni), formerly served as the headquarters of the C.E.C. Bank. (Casa de Economii și Consemnațiuni), which is the state savings bank of Romania. Although it was originally used as the headquarters of the C.E.C. Bank, parts of the building are now used for cultural events, exhibitions and other community activities. The building is recognized for its architectural and historical importance and is often included in Bucharest tour itineraries.

Next to the palace is the Biserica Zlătari church, also known as the Church of Saint Michael the Archangel (Biserica Sfântul Arhanghel Mihail), is one of the historical Orthodox churches in Bucharest. The name “Zlătari” translates as “goldsmiths”, and this is due to the fact that in the past there was a rich guild of goldsmiths in this area. The church has a rich interior decoration, including icons, frescoes and other artistic elements. It is also an architecturally interesting building with large arches and an ornate facade.
Biserica Zlătari is not only a religious object, but also part of the cultural and historical heritage of the city of Bucharest. It attracts the attention of tourists and believers with its beauty and historical significance.

And if you walk a little further, you can get to the Macca-Villacrosse Passage (Pasajul Macca – Villacrosse) – is a covered pedestrian crossing in the center of Bucharest, Romania. This passage impresses with its architecture dating back to the 19th century and creates a unique atmosphere thanks to the shops, boutiques and cafes located along its border. It is also famous for the beautiful stained glass windows that decorate the roof of the arcade. Macca-Villacrosse Passage is an important cultural and historical landmark of Bucharest, which attracts the attention of tourists and local residents.

University Square (Piața Universității). It is located in the central part of the city and is a place for public events and protests. The main architectural landmark in this square is the University of Bucharest, which is one of the most prestigious educational institutions in the country. There are several cultural and shopping facilities nearby, making it popular with tourists and locals alike.
University of Bucharest (Universitatea din București). It is located on the University Square and is one of the leading educational and scientific institutions in Romania. The university has a rich historical background and defines the face of the square with its architecture.

The Municipal Museum of Bucharest (Muzeul Municipiului București). It is located near the University Square and is dedicated to the history and culture of the city of Bucharest. The museum exhibits collections and expositions that tell about the past and present of the city.
On the other side of the road from the University Square is one of Bucharest’s notable cultural buildings, the I.L. National Theatre Caragiale (Teatrul Național “I.L. Caragiale”). Named after the prominent Romanian playwright Ion Luca Caragiale, the theater is an important venue for performances and events that make a huge contribution to the country’s culture. Next to the theater, there are interesting bronze figures.

Next, our path lies to the Romanian Art Museum through the Odeon Theater (Teatrul Odeon) – it is an important cultural and artistic institution. The Odeon is defined by its rich history and reputation as an important theater center in the country.

On the way to the museum, in the very center of the square there will be a landmark, the Renaissance Memorial (Memorialul Renașterii). Officially known as “December 21, 1989 Memorial”. The monument is an important symbol of the struggle for freedom and democracy in Romania and the memory of those who lost their lives in the struggle for change.

National Art Museum of Romania (Muzeul Național de Artă al României). Also known as the Royal Palace (Palatul Regal), this museum is an important center for the storage and exhibition of collections of Romanian and world art.
Cost: 24 lei, you can buy tickets at site.

King’s palace (Palatul Regal). Initially, the palace served as the residence of the rulers of Wallachia, later becoming the royal residence of the Romanian monarchy. The palace served as the official residence of Romanian monarchs, including King Carol I and King Ferdinand. Important events, ceremonies and state events took place within its walls.
Visitors can explore part of the palace and its collections to deepen their understanding of Romania’s royal history and the wider world of art.

Romanian Athenaeum (Ateneul Român) – it is an outstanding concert hall and cultural center. Its architectural elegance and important role in musical life make it one of the key monuments of the city, it is included in the mandatory tourist program. The Romanian Athenaeum is considered a symbol of the cultural identity of Romania and one of the main architectural monuments of the city.

Yeshua Tova Synagogue (Sinagoga Eșua Tova), is one of the oldest synagogues in the city. Located near Podul Mogoşoaiei Street in the central part of Bucharest, it is important to the Jewish community and is noted for its history and architecture. And here is the Kosher restaurant Bereshit and Beit Chabad.

Triumphal Arch (Arcul de Triumf), is one of the most famous arches of its kind in the world and is one of the notable architectural monuments of the city. The arch is located on Bulevardul Kiseleff, which is one of the main boulevards in Bucharest. The triumphal arch is a symbol of important events in the history of Romania and reflects national heroism and independence. Visitors can climb to the top of the arch and enjoy the view of the city. You can climb the arch for free.

Not far from the arch, the Ceausescu House Museum (Casa Ceaușescu), was the private residence of Nicolae and Elena Ceausescu and their children Nika, Zoya and Valentina. The building had impressive dimensions and an architectural style characteristic of the period of the communist regime. The mansion hosted various events and high-level meetings during Ceausescu’s time in power. After the overthrow of the communist regime in 1989 and the execution of Nicolae and Elena Ceausescu, the mansion became an object attracting attention as a historical monument.
Opening hours: Tuesday – Saturday from 10:00 to 17:00
Cost: 55 lei.

Museums

What other museums are worth visiting in Bucharest that we did not mention above.

Museum of the village of Dimbovitsa (Muzeul Satului Dimitrie Gusti), also known as “Village Museum” or “Dmitrie Gusti Village Museum”, is an impressive open-air museum that showcases the traditional buildings and life of Romanian villages. The museum is located in Parcul Herăstrău, on the shore of the lake. The museum includes more than 200 buildings, representing various architectural styles and traditions of the Romanian regions. Visitors can take part in self-guided tours or use the services of guides to learn more about each exhibit.
Hours of operation:
Summer: Monday 9:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m.; Tuesday – Sunday 9.00 – 19.00, Winter: Monday – Sunday 9.00 – 17.00
Cost: 30 lei per adult.

Kotrocheny Museum (Muzeul Cotroceni) or “Cotroceni National Museum”. The museum is located in the Cotroceni Palace, which is the official residence of the President of Romania. The palace serves as a residence for Romanian heads of state. It was built in the 17th century and later restored. The museum contains exhibits that reveal the history and culture of Romania, including works of art, historical artifacts, and personal belongings of the presidents. Adjacent to the palace is a park known for its beauty and architecture. Visitors can stroll through the gardens and take part in organized tours.
This museum is unique because it is located in a historical palace of great importance to Romania. Visitors can not only learn about the history of the country, but also enjoy the beauty of the palace and its surroundings.
Hours of operation:
Tuesday – Sunday: 09:00… , last entry at 16:00
Cost: 10 lei.

Hotels in Bucharest

Popular areas for hotel accommodation include the central part of the city, where many historical and cultural attractions are located. Some hotels are located in historic buildings or have an architectural character that reflects the history of the city.
Hotel reservations can be made online through well-known networks for hotel reservations or directly through hotel websites.

Depending on your needs and budget, you can find hotels of different classes and types in Bucharest, making the city accessible to different categories of travelers. You can familiarize yourself with review about the hotel in the city center which we filmed, as well as the hotel which we filmed near the Otopeni airport, “Overview of Bucharest Airport Hotel“.

Eat in Bucharest

Traditional Romanian cuisine is tasty, filling and impressive in its variety. Here are some traditional dishes that are worth tasting, celebrating the unique taste of Romanian gastronomy:
Mamaligă (mămăligă) is a kind of Romanian version of corn porridge. It is served as a side dish to many dishes and can be served with cheese or sour cream.
Ciorba (Ciorbă) is a traditional Romanian soup dish that can be prepared from various ingredients, such as cabbage, beetroot, veal or fish.
Sarmale is the main dish of the Romanian holiday. These are cabbage rolls that can contain a variety of fillings, such as rice with meat, or mushrooms for vegetarians.

Mitska (Mici) – Also known as “mitzkari”, these are small patties that are prepared from a mixture of different meats (veal, pork and lamb), aromatic spices and garlic.
Papanash (Papanași) – This is a traditional dessert similar to cheesecakes, but with a thicker center. They are served with honey and sour cream.
Moussaka – The Romanian version of this dish can include layers of potatoes, eggplant, tomatoes and meat fried in fragrant spices.

Which institutions should be visited in Bucharest:

Ресторан Caru’ cu Bere is one of the most famous and historic restaurants in Bucharest, located on the street Strada Stavropoleos, 5. It has been in existence for over 140 years, and its history dates back to 1879. The restaurant is famous for its Neo-Gothic and Viennese Secession style architecture. The restaurant is famous for its traditional Romanian cuisine, as well as authentic Romanian drinks and wines. Among the popular dishes are sarma, mamalyga, meat and fish dishes.
Caru’ cu Bere is known for its unique atmosphere and interior reminiscent of old coffee houses. You can enjoy live music and folk dancing. It is a popular place both among tourists and among the local population. Reservations are usually recommended, especially in the evenings.

Gambrinus, beer restaurant in the center of Bucharest on Bulevardul Regina Elisabeta, 38. Famous for its beer culture, large selection of dishes, including traditional snacks, and variety of beers, including craft beer. The atmosphere is a cozy beer hall, sometimes with musical evenings and entertainment. There is a summer terrace for enjoying the fresh air.

La Mama, a restaurant chain in Bucharest, their establishments in the city center offer the opportunity to taste traditional Romanian dishes.
La Mama Universitate, located at Bulevardul Regina Elisabeta, 11, this restaurant is close to the central university and other key attractions. Here you can also taste Romanian dishes in a traditional environment. La Mama restaurants are famous for their authentic atmosphere and dishes such as sarma, mamaliga, papanache and other traditional Romanian dishes. This can be a great option for those who want to enjoy the taste of local cuisine in a cozy restaurant.

Origo (Strada Lipscani 9), recognized coffee shop, where coffee is not just a drink, but a real art. Coffee is roasted on site, which makes it especially aromatic and tasty. The place is famous for its innovative approach to coffee preparation and stylish interior.
The menu offers a variety of coffee variations, each of which is a true work of art. In addition, in “Origo” you can enjoy delicious breakfasts and desserts that are perfect for coffee drinks.

Nomad Skibar (Etaj 2, Strada Smârdan 30) , located on the roof of a tall building, Nomad Skybar offers a breathtaking view of the city, which is illuminated by lights at night. The menu includes exclusive signature cocktails and classic drinks. Known for its high-quality alcohol menu. The cozy and stylish interior creates an elegant atmosphere for relaxation under evening lighting. Conveniently located in the city center, the bar is becoming a popular destination for tourists and locals alike.

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