Best Things To Do in Bucharest, the Capital of Romania

Although not as impressive as Paris, Rome or other capital cities in Europe, Bucharest deserves at least a city break, if not a full week of exploration. As this is my home city, I’ll share with you some of my favorite activities and things to see here.

You’ll discover some of the best restaurants in Bucharest, the most popular tourist objectives in the city, and the best way to move around.

We’ll also take a glimpse into the Bucharest nightlife. I’ll share my favorite bars, pubs and dance clubs. This Bucharest city tour is everything you need to plan your trip.

How To Choose the Best Things To Do in Bucharest

Bucharest has four seasons with significant temperature differences between them. Many things you can do in Bucharest in summer are out of the question during winter.

Spring in Bucharest also has its special charm, as all gardens and parks are full of colorful flowers, ducks return on the lakes, and days become longer.

During summer months, particularly in August, Bucharest looks like a deserted city. Most locals are away for their summer vacations. Those who don’t leave spend a big part of their time inside, enjoying air conditioning.

Fall in Bucharest brings mild temperatures, perfect for long outdoor walks. Besides, autumn foliage is magnificent wherever you go inside the city.

While all these three seasons are perfect for Bucharest walking tours, winters can be harsh, with day temperatures dropping way below the freezing point. This is a good time to spend time at the Christmas market, sipping mulled wine and eating traditional sweets. You can also skate.

If cold is not your cup of tea, you can always visit some museums. There are dozens of museums in Bucharest, some of them unique in the whole world.

Let’s see what you can do in Bucharest to make the most out of your time here.

1. Take a Self-Guided Communist Heritage Tour of Bucharest

Step back in time and explore the complex legacy of Romania’s Communist era with our meticulously crafted 3-day self-guided itinerary through Bucharest.

From the massive Palace of Parliament to the hidden stories of everyday life under socialism, this tour offers a wealth of insights into a defining moment in the Romanian history.

You’ll walk the same streets where the Romanian Revolution of December 1989 took place, witness the striking contrasts between leadership luxury and life austerity at the Spring Palace, and discover how the city has changed since 1989.

Perfect for history enthusiasts and curious travelers alike, this thoughtfully crafted journey provides a deeper understanding of how the past continues to shape modern Bucharest.

Discover the monuments, neighborhoods, and hidden corners that tell the story of Communism’s rise and fall in one of Eastern Europe’s most fascinating capitals.

Click here to buy this itinerary in pdf format, with maps and local dining recommendations.

2. Visit the Village Museum Dimitrie Gusti (Muzeul Satului)

Experience traditional Romanian rural architecture and lifestyle at this open-air ethnographic museum.

Featuring over 300 authentic peasant farms, houses, and churches from all regions of Romania, it offers a glimpse into the country’s folk traditions.

While here, remember to check out the water mills. People used to do their laundry inside those water pits long before washing machines were invented.

3. Shop at Obor Market

Immerse yourself in local culture at Bucharest’s largest traditional market.

Sample Romanian specialties like mici (grilled minced meat rolls), covrigi (pretzel-like bread), and fresh produce.

The market offers an authentic glimpse into everyday Romanian life.

Also, the Bucur Obor department store is the perfect mirror of the good old communist stores. It has changed very little over the past three decades.

4. Enjoy the Nightlife on Calea Victoriei

Experience Bucharest’s evening scene along this historic avenue.

From rooftop bars to underground clubs, the city earned its reputation as a nightlife destination.

Try local craft beers or traditional Romanian wines at the many establishments alongside Calea Victoriei.

From April to October Calea Victoriei becomes pedestrian during weekends. Lost of concerts, shows, and events take place in various spots along the street.

5. Visit the Romanian Athenaeum

Admire this beautiful concert hall, an iconic landmark of Romanian culture.The Romanian Athenaeum is one of the most beautiful buildings in Bucharest.

The neoclassical building features a beautiful dome and ornate interior with impressive frescoes.

Depending on the time of year, you may be able to attend classical music performances here. I highly recommend this. Click here to see the schedule of George Enescu Philharmonic Bucharest.

6. Roam Around the Old Town (Lipscani)

Stroll the cobblestone streets of Bucharest’s historic center, filled with 19th-century buildings, outdoor cafés, bars, and boutique shops.

Visit landmarks such as the Stavropoleos Monastery, the Carturesti bookstore, the Saint Dumitru church, and the St. Anton church.

Dine at one of Bucharest’s oldest inns, Hanul lui Manuc, dating back to 1808, and enjoy traditional dishes like sarmale (cabbage rolls), mămăligă (polenta), and papanași (cheese doughnuts with cream and jam).

7. Visit the Bellu Cemetery

Discover this atmospheric cemetery where many of Romania’s notable cultural figures are buried.

The ornate tombstones and mausoleums make it an open-air art gallery of sorts, similar to Paris’s Père Lachaise.

8. Explore the Văcărești Natural Park

Discover this urban delta, nicknamed the “Bucharest Delta,” an unexpected natural oasis in the heart of the city.

Once intended as a Communist-era water management project that was abandoned after the 1989 revolution, this failed concrete reservoir gradually transformed into a thriving wetland ecosystem.

Today, this 183-hectare “urban delta” hosts a diversity of wildlife, including over 100 bird species, foxes, otters, and countless plants that have reclaimed this accidental sanctuary.

Walking the park’s trails, visitors experience a surreal juxtaposition of wild nature flourishing against the backdrop of communist-era concrete and the modern city skyline.

Văcărești stands as a powerful symbol of nature’s resilience and offers a peaceful retreat where Bucharest residents and tourists alike can observe wildlife, hike, or simply escape the urban bustle.

9. Relax at Therme Bucharest

Unwind at this modern wellness center just outside the city, featuring multiple thermal pools, saunas, and the largest botanical garden in Romania under a glass dome.

It’s perfect for relaxation after days of sightseeing.

Click here to book your Therme ticket with transfer from Bucharest.

10. Take a Day Trip to Mogosoaia

Built in the distinctive Brâncovenesc style (Romanian Renaissance) by Prince Constantin Brâncoveanu in 1702, this mansion combines Venetian, Ottoman, and Romanian architectural elements.

The palace complex includes the stately residence, a church, and a generous garden that stretches to the shores of Lake Mogoșoaia.

Visitors can explore the palace’s museum housing period furniture and art collections, stroll through the peaceful gardens with their centuries-old trees, and enjoy refreshments at the lakeside terrace.

Easily accessible by car (30 minutes) or public transport from Bucharest, Mogoșoaia offers a glimpse into Romania’s aristocratic past and makes for a refreshing day trip from Bucharest.

Whatever you choose to do, rest assured that Bucharest is going to exceed your expectations.

By all means, I highly recommend the self-guided communist heritage itinerary I’ve developed to enable smart travelers see the most interesting landmarks in Bucharest.

Click here to get the itinerary now. You won’t regret it!