Bucharest is growing in popularity among travelers, thanks to its affordable prices and an exciting mix of old and new. Here are 8 suggestions for memorable experiences in Bucharest.
In recent years, the Romanian capital has become a sought-after destination, but not long ago, the city was mysterious and unfamiliar to many.
Bucharest has even been mistaken for Budapest several times, including by Michael Jackson during his performance in Bucharest in 1992. Metallica, Iron Maiden, and Ozzy Osbourne are among the artists who have made the same slip-up.
While both cities are European capitals starting with B, and both feature a massive parliament building, there aren’t many other similarities. Bucharest, however, has been called the “Paris of the East” or “Little Paris” at times, due to its French-inspired wide boulevards, sidewalk cafes, and patisseries. It even has its own Arc de Triomphe!
Bucharest remains a relatively affordable destination in Europe, offering a captivating patchwork of traditional restaurants, ultra-trendy bars, grand buildings, weathered facades, beautiful Orthodox churches, designer shops, visible poverty, and chilling remnants of the communist era.
Here are 8 suggestions for things to do in Bucharest:
1. The Old Town of Bucharest (Centrul Vechi)
Stroll through the cobblestone streets of the historic Old Town. Here you’ll find some of the city’s oldest and finest churches, as well as a variety of shops, charming cafes, and restaurants offering both international and local cuisine.
2. Villacrosse
Villacrosse is an Oriental-style passage covered by a large glass roof. The passage is also known as the “Valley of Kings,” named after the first café in Bucharest where people smoked shisha.
In the late 1800s, Bucharest’s economy was thriving, and many financial institutions had headquarters in the old part of the city. The passage was created as a shortcut between the Old Town and the main street, Calea Victoriei.
Today, Villacrosse hosts shops, bars, and restaurants where you can grab a quick bite, smoke shisha, or enjoy a drink while watching people pass by.
3. Stavropoleos Church (Biserica Stavropoleos)
Stavropoleos Church is an old Orthodox church tucked between other buildings in the Old Town. Built in 1724, it is known for its unique Brâncovenesc-style architecture. The facade features intricate carvings, and the interior is adorned with beautiful icons and artworks.
4. Sfântul Anton Church (Biserica Sfântul Anton)
Located near the bustling Unirii Square, this church was built between 1554 and 1558. Sfântul Anton Church has simple yet beautiful architecture and is one of the oldest Orthodox churches in Bucharest.
5. Parliament Palace (Palatul Parlamentului)
The Parliament Palace is one of the most impressive landmarks in Bucharest. Standing 84 meters tall and covering 365,000 square meters, it’s the world’s second-largest administrative building after the Pentagon. It’s also the heaviest building in the world, weighing 4.1 million tons. Not bad!
Guided tours are offered daily, but you must present a passport for entry. We hadn’t realized that, so we ended up with a quick look at the art exhibition near the entrance instead.
6. Romanian Food and Drinks
Savor the hearty and flavorful Romanian cuisine. Try “sarmale” (cabbage rolls), “mămăligă” (cornmeal porridge), or artisanal sausages, and don’t miss the local cheeses and wines.
The cafes and bars in the Old Town come alive in the evenings.
Want to know more about Romanian cucine? Then you should check out our guide here which includes tips for restaurants in Bucharest.
7. Therme
Therme Bucharest, located about 10 minutes north of the city, is one of Europe’s largest indoor thermal spa complexes.
The area is divided into three zones: The Palm, Elysium, and Galaxy. You can purchase access to one or multiple zones. Plan to spend at least 5–6 hours to enjoy a bit of everything.
Therme offers areas for families and adults-only zones, with water slides, infrared sun loungers, an artificial beach, indoor and outdoor pools, mineral baths, various saunas, and options for massages and wellness treatments (advanced booking recommended).
There are also a couple of dining spots and several bars in and around the pools.
Good to know: We visited on a Saturday, and it was quite crowded. There were no available sun loungers, and we had to wait in line for a while to get a spot in the various massage pools, as well as in the restaurant and bar.
8. Shopping in Bucharest
Bucharest offers excellent shopping opportunities, with prices slightly lower than most Norwegian stores.
Visit Bucharest Mall or AFI Cotroceni for a modern shopping experience with well-known brands like Sephora, Mango, Victoria’s Secret, and Urban Armor. Head to Victory Square (Piața Victoriei) to explore local markets and shops.
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