Urban Decay Bucharest Romania, things to do two day itinerary

60 Things to Do in Bucharest Romania, Bucket List Experiences

As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases. This post may have Amazon and/or other affiliate links, which means I may receive commissions if you choose to purchase through the links I provide (at no extra cost to you). Please read my Disclosure Policy for more information. Thank you for supporting the work I put into this site!

Top Things to Do in Bucharest Romania

If you are planning a trip to Bucharest Romania and looking for the best things to do, see and eat while visiting, you are in the right place.  Bucharest’s medieval history, French architecture, and years of Communism have created what is called a city of contrasts. The city has a mixture of urban decay, restored art nouveau, communist-era apartment blocks, modern construction, backyard cafes, city parks, and garden bars.  Browse the list of must-see attractions, off-the-beaten-path experiences, outdoor activities, and museums to create your personal Bucharest Romania bucket list. Then, plan the itinerary for your Bucharest Romania trip with these top things to do, see, and eat. Enjoy your time out of the office!

READ Complete Travel Guide to Romania, What You Need to Know

Revolution Square King Carol I statue Bucharest Romania things to do
Revolution Square

Things to Do in and Around Bucharest Romania

Tour the incredible Palace of Parliament

Have a cocktail on the rooftop of Linea and enjoy the view of the Palace of Parliament

See the remaining bullet holes in the buildings around Revolution Square

See the balcony of Nicolae Ceaușescu last address to the Nation

Tour the Ceausescu Mansion

Photograph the Arcul de Triumf at night

Explore Romania’s cultural heritage at the open-air Village Museum

Check out the Monument to the Heroes of the Struggle for Freedom and Socialism in Carol Park

Have a picnic next to the lake in Herăstrău Park or in Cismigiu Gardens

Visit the Sighet Memorial to learn about Communism in Bucharest

Eat sarmale (minced meat and rice wrapped in pickled cabbage leaves)

See a performance at the Romanian Athenaeum

Purchase authentic Romanian souvenirs at the Museum of the Romanian Peasant

Shop the Strada Mihai Bravu flea market

Have (a touristy) dinner at Caru’ cu Bere and watch the dancers

Check out the view from the terrace of the National Museum of Contemporary Art

Take selfies at the insta-famous Cărturești Carusel bookstore

Browse the National Museum of Romanian History

A cocktail on a patio in the pedestrian-only Centru Vechi

Pasajul Victoria Bucharest Romania
Pasajul Victoria

Take selfies under an umbrella canopy on Pasajul Victoria

Eat papanasi (fried donut served with sour cream and jam)

Explore Kretzulescu Church and Stauropoleos Church

Photograph the Caragealiana Sculpture at the National Theater

Check out the controversial Memorial of Rebirth

Munch on a couvigi (pretzel) as you stroll Victoriei Avenue

Photograph CEC Palace

Grab lunch from a food truck at Food Hood

Watch the sunset with a cocktail on the rooftop of Pura Vida Sky Bar

Check out the entrance of Cantacuzino Palace

Have a cocktail on the rooftop of Upstairs with views of Calea Victoriei

Wander among the sculptures and mausoleums at Bellu Cemetery

Take a guided tour of Bucharest’s Communist past

Grab a coffee at M60

Check out the street art on Strada Arthur Verona and the mural on the Xenofon Stairs

Discover Little Paris at the Pasajul Macca-Villacrosse arcade

Head to Old Town on a Friday or Saturday night and dance in the streets

Stop by Vlad Tepes Castle in Carol Park

Check out the Museum of the Senses

Eat plăcintă cu brânză dulce (fried bread with cheese)

Palace of Parliament Bucharest Romania
Palace of Parliament

Lift a curse by touching the hand of St Cyprian at Zlătari Church

Stop at a garden bar for a cocktail, try Gradina Eden, Acuarela, or Garden Verona

Spend a day relaxing in the pools at Therme

Take a foodie tour

Stop by the Old Princely Court archeological site and see the bust of Vlad the Impaler

Wander the wealthy Piata Romana neighborhood and check out the architecture

Check out the hidden Mihai Vodă Monastery

See the monuments and Revolution Memorial in University Square

See the fountains in Unirii Square and walk down the Boulevard Unirii

Tour Cutroceni Palace, the President’s Home

Eat traditional Romanian food at La Mama Restaurant

Take the Beautiful Decay Tour and explore the abandoned Truth Newspaper

Check out the English Passage, it was once a brothel

Browse the Flea Market at Bazar

See the largest corkscrew and pressing iron collections in the World at the Museum of Romanian Records

Tour the Jilava Penitentiary, the Communist political prison

See the art of Theodor Pallady at the Melik House

Have a cocktail at the rooftop of Z Executive Hotel and enjoy the view of University Square

Have lunch at NOR Restaurant on the 34th floor of Sky Tower for panoramic city views

Tour an old aristocratic residence at Sutu Palace

Go wine tasting

Be sure to check the Bucharest Romania Tourism Board website for upcoming festivals, special events, and what’s happening during your stay.

Instagrammable Bucharest Romania, Endless Photo Opportunities

Bucharest Romania is full of photo opportunities. Historically, Bucharest Romania was called the Paris of the East. The city fell into urban decay during the Communist Era. Today there is an architectural restoration occurring in Bucharest. The restored properties mixed with urban decay and communist blocks offer endless Instagram opportunities. Add the insanely gorgeous Palace of the Parliament, beautiful Byzantine Churches, sculpture-adorned Cebu Cemetery, an arcade with an umbrella canopy, monuments, the whimsical Caruta cu Paiate sculpture, the gorgeous Carturesti Carusel bookstore, and Arc de Triomphe and there is no question Bucharest is photogenic. Visit my Instagram Feed to see Bucharest Romania in photos and see why you should add Bucharest Romania to your Eastern Europe itinerary.

Bookmark and Pin Things to Do in Bucharest Romania

Plan Your Trip to Bucharest Romania

Romania Travel Guide

Download an ebook, phrasebook, map, or bundle directly from Lonely Planet, or pick up a Romania Travel Guide from Amazon.com to browse on the plane.

Book Your Accommodation in Bucharest Romania Now

Spending the night? Search Booking.com and VRBO in one place to find to perfect property!

Bucharest Romania Attractions and Day Tours

The best attractions sell out! Don’t chance it, get your tickets now and relax when you arrive.

Travel Essentials

Need a universal travel adaptor, power bank charger, or packing cubes? Save time at my Amazon shop and have travel essentials delivered to your home.

Have a great vacation!

We use cookies in order to give you the best possible experience on our website. By continuing to use this site, you agree to our use of cookies.
Accept
Reject
Privacy Policy