Top 5 Attractions in Bucharest

After 6 months of living in Bucharest we seemed to have a developed a routine when it comes to showing guests around our new home.

So far we’ve had three different sets of friends come to visit us in Bucharest and each time we’ve made sure there were certain parts of the city they didn’t miss before their return flight home.

So what makes it to the top of our must see sights in Bucharest?

Palace of the Parliament

Also known as the Peoples Palace, the Palace of the Parliament is probably the most well known building in Bucharest. Unsurprisingly really seeing as it’s the largest administrative building in the world.

Despite it being such a large tourist attraction, particularly at night when lit up, the building still divides the people of Romania. Many would rather see it demolished because of its communist background then left standing to continue attracting tourists.

Herastrau Park

Anyone who spends a bit of time in the city will come to the same conclusion. Bucharest has some incredible parks and green spaces.

During the summer months the parks are full of life, music concerts, open air cinemas, endless food trucks and other entertainment are all part of the norm. While there are a number of impressive parks in Bucharest the largest and most impressive is Herastrau Park which is just as popular with locals as it is with tourists. A gorgeous setting that shouldn’t be missed regardless of the time of year.

Creative Commons Flickr Credit: Ștefan Jurcă

The Old Town (and everything in it)

This is the centre of all tourism in the city. You’ll find most of the hotels in Bucharest around this area along with many of the most popular bars and restaurants.

The Old Town is home to many of the most famous monuments and museums in Bucharest but is also an attraction in itself, you can easily spend a couple of hours just wandering around and enjoying the old buildings and churches on display.

Bucharest Free Walking Tour

And what better way then to explore the old town than with an experienced guide, especially when it’s free. We’ve been on these free walking tours a couple of times in Bucharest and also in Brasov, not once have they disappointed.

Each time the guides have been very knowledgeable but also light-hearted and fun enough to make a 2.5hr walk absolutely fly by. If you want to learn a little history about the city you’re visiting then these tours are a must, a great option for your first morning in Bucharest.

Caru Cu Bere

After all this exploring you’ll be wanting to sit down somewhere for a cold beer and some hearty food. Ask most people where to take a guest in Bucharest and they’ll tell you the same thing, Caru Cu Bere.

The restaurant is an old beer house turned stunning restaurant in the old town of Bucharest. Walking in through the revolving doors you’ll mesmerised by the impressive interior and if visiting at the weekend, live music and traditional dancing. There are plenty of traditional Romanian dishes to choose from and the lively atmosphere will make for an exciting evening.

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While there is much more to Bucharest than these five attractions, they’ll certainly get you on the right track when it comes to getting a feel for this exciting city.

Have you been to Bucharest recently? What would be your ‘not to be missed’ tip for anyone heading here soon?