Forget what you think you know about Bucharest. Romania’s capital isn’t just grey Soviet leftovers and Dracula clichés—this city surprised us in the best way. We spent a few days in March wandering through its history and grand architecture. And yes, it’s way cooler than we expected.
If you’re considering a city trip that’s a little off the beaten path but still totally worth your time, let Bucharest win you over. Here’s how we spent our days: 10 amazing activities in ”Little Paris”.
1. Explore Revolution Square
Our journey began at Revolution Square, a site steeped in history. This square was the epicenter of Romania’s 1989 revolution, leading to the fall of communism. Surrounded by significant landmarks like the former Royal Palace and the Romanian Athenaeum, the square stands as a testament to the country’s resilience and transformation.
We didn’t spend much time here, but standing here and thinking about how only a few years back, such a life-changing event took place here, is pretty cool.
2. Admire The Romanian Athenaeum
Just steps away from Revolution Square, you can admire the Romanian Athenaeum. Due to events it was closed for visitors, but even the outside is worth going for. It has a beautiful garden where you can take a break and enjoy the peaceful surroundings.
This concert hall, home to the George Enescu Philharmonic Orchestra, offers a rich cultural experience.
Tickets for the Romanian Athenaeum are only €3.
3. Step In To The Amazing Palace Of The Parliament
No trip to Bucharest is complete without visiting the Palace of the Parliament. As the world’s heaviest building and the second-largest administrative building globally, we couldn’t have imagined how big this building was until we stood in front of it.
It is possible to visit the Parliament from the inside, but only as a guided tour. We joined a tour that took us through opulent halls and grand chambers, offering insights into Romania’s political history. Remember to bring your passport for entry!
Tickets are available at the desk for €12,05 or book in advance at Get Your Guide.
4. Wandering Through The Lipscani District (Old Town)
Wandering through the Lipscani district is a must. It’s a historic area, with cobblestone streets and architecture, brimming with cafes, boutiques, and art galleries. Whether you’re shopping for souvenirs or enjoying the restaurant scene, Lipscani offers a dynamic experience.
5. Step In To The Serene Stavropoleos Monastery
Tucked away in the Old Town, the Stavropoleos Monastery offers a tranquil escape. This small Eastern Orthodox monastery, dating back to the 18th century, boasts intricate stone carvings and a serene courtyard. Despite its small size, we did think it’s worth a stop when you are exploring Old Town.
Entrance to the Monastery is free!
6. Visit The Famous Bookstore Cărturești Carusel
Located in the heart of the Old Town, Cărturești Carusel is more than just a bookstore—it’s an architectural delight. With its spiral staircases, white balconies, and warm lighting, this six-floor space invites you to browse, read, and relax. Even if books aren’t your thing, go for the vibe (and the photos).
Although it’s a great spot for photos, be respectful for people who are reading and relaxing at the bookstore.
7. Grab a Coffee at Pasajul Macca-Vilacrosse
For a quick break, we headed to Pasajul Macca-Vilacrosse—a glass-covered passageway that feels like a secret tucked into the city. The golden light, curved architecture, and vintage atmosphere make it a perfect spot for coffee or people-watching. We grabbed a cup at one of the restaurants and soaked up the ambiance.
8. Bucharest Thermal Baths
Although we didn’t make it ourselves, the Bucharest Thermal Baths (Therme) are one of the city’s top attractions—and for good reason. With pools, saunas, palm trees, and wellness treatments, it’s a favorite for both locals and tourists. If you’re looking for a relaxing escape, this Therme has it all.
9. Enjoy The Food Scene in Bucharest: Our Food & Drink Recommendations
Bucharest’s culinary scene didn’t disappoint with a blend of traditional and modern flavors. Here are some spots we loved:
- Caru’ cu Bere: A historic beer hall serving classic Romanian dishes in a lively atmosphere. This restaurant is a true hotspot on Tiktok, and we decided to see if it’s worth the hype.
The restaurant is beautiful, the food taste great and the staff was very welcoming. However, it is a bit more pricey than other places. - Scovergăria Micăi: A lovely local bakery, which had some amazing pastries! We had breakfast here, with it’s broad choice and fair prices we can really recommend this one!
- Bread and Butter: A cozy spot perfect for breakfast and lunch. We just had coffee-stop here, but we totally loved the atmosphere.
- Ruby Coffee Nuts & Chocolate: Located across the Romanian Athenaeum, we headed here for a lunch break. The food tasted great, and prices were fair. The only downside on this one, was that we’ve waited over an hour on our food. The staff came up with a solution, so we would definitely give it another try!
10. Visit The National Village Museum & Arcul de Triumf
Seeking a contrast to the city’s urban landscape, we visited the National Village Museum. This open-air museum showcases traditional Romanian village life, featuring authentic houses, churches, and windmills from various regions. A great activity for history enthusiats and children.
Entrance tickets to the museum are €6.
Visiting the Museum, directly brings you to the impressive Arcul de Triumf. Inspired by the Arc de Triomphe in Paris, Bucharest’s Arcul de Triumf stands proudly in the northern part of the city. Originally built from wood in 1878 to celebrate Romania’s independence, it was later rebuilt in stone after World War I to honor the country’s military victories.
If you visit in the summer months, keep an eye out—on certain weekends, the arch is open to the public and you can climb to the top for panoramic views over Bucharest.
Practical Tips for Visiting Bucharest
- Currency: Romania uses the Romanian Leu (RON). Card payments are widely accepted, but it’s handy to have some cash for smaller places.
- Getting Around: Uber and Bolt work well and are affordable. We only used public transport as it was really cheap and easy, and the 783 airport bus takes you straight to the city center for just a few euros. You can check in with your debit or credit card.
- Where to Stay: The Old Town (Lipscani) is perfect if you want to be in the heart of the action. We stayed in this region in an apartment, and it was the perfect location for exploring the city!
We quickly discovered how lively Bucharest’s streets can be at night. If you’re a light sleeper, don’t forget to pack a pair of earplugs! These Loop earplugs are amazing and comfortable.
We had 3 great days in Bucharest in March, and we hope to inspire you with planning a visit to this underrated city!
Check out our video on YouTube about Bucharest. To stay updated with our travel adventures feel free to subscribe to our channel.
* This post may contain affiliate links, which means we may earn a small commission if you click through our link and make a purchase at no extra cost to you.
