There are plenty of things to do in Bucharest, but here are a few places you shouldn’t miss. Among them are the Palace of Parliament, Cismigiu Gardens, Elie Wiesel Memorial House, and Densus Church. You might be interested in more than one of these, so make sure to read on! You can find them all by using the links below. If you have time to spare, you can also visit these attractions on your trip.
Palace of Parliament
If you are planning a trip to Romania, then one of the must-see places is the Palace of Parliament, Romania’s second largest administrative building. Currently, it houses more than three thousand rooms and ultra-luxurious facilities. Originally known as the People’s House, the Palace was begun in 1984. The palace is a symbol of democracy and the former Romanian dictator Nicolae Ceausescu had his heart set on it.
A visit to the Palace of Parliament takes about one and a half hours. You must be in good physical condition, as the tour takes you up and down many flights of stairs. Therefore, it is not suitable for those with limited mobility. You will notice many rich timbers and giant carved doors. You will also notice ceilings and crystal windows plated in gold. However, you should avoid visiting the building at night because the tour is only in English.
The Palace of Parliament is a must-see for any visitor to Bucharest. The building has twelve floors and eight underground levels, the last of which is a massive atomic bunker. Former dictator Nicolae Ceausescu feared nuclear war and built the palace to protect his nation. The building has direct telephone connections with all military units in Romania and is the world’s second largest building. It is also the heaviest building in the world, sinking by 6mm each year.
The Palace of Parliament is an administrative building in Bucharest, Romania. It is home to the Romanian Senate, the Chamber of Deputies, and the National Museum of Contemporary Art. This is one of the top Bucharest travel destinations. A full-day tour of Bucharest should include a visit to the Palace of Parliament, as well as the Village Museum “Dimitri Gusti” and the National Theater.
Cismigiu Gardens
The 16-hectare Cismigiu Gardens is a central garden in the heart of Bucharest. It welcomes visitors and locals all year round. There are walking paths and wooden benches to relax in during the warm summer days. The garden is home to a picturesque lake where ducks and swans swim. While you’re strolling through the gardens, you can also see historic buildings and the Parliament Palace nearby.
If you’d like to spend the afternoon in the sun, head to Therme, Europe’s largest recreation, wellness, and entertainment complex. Then, enjoy Romania’s largest botanical garden and take a bus or subway ride to one of the city’s many pubs. You can even buy tickets for full access or arrange for a transfer from your hotel. You can’t go wrong with any of these top attractions!
Located across the park from the Old Town, the Epoque Hotel is one of the best places to stay in Bucharest. Suites come with separate seating areas and eco-friendly toiletries. Some have kitchenettes as well. The hotel has two restaurants, including one on the roof. There’s even an indoor pool. Guests can relax in the hotel’s spa or use its fitness center.
During your trip to Bucharest, be sure to visit the Athenaeum. This historical landmark opened in 1888 and was home to the Romanian Philharmonic Orchestra and George Enescu Music Festival. It’s Romania’s largest international cultural event. The acoustic space can hold 800 people and is home to a grand circular wall decorated with frescoes of important moments in the Romanian history. Try to get tickets for a performance if you can.
Elie Wiesel Memorial House
The Elie Wiesel Memorial House is one of Bucharest’s most popular tourist attractions. This museum pays tribute to the Holocaust victims and the Jewish way of life in Sighet, Romania, before the war. Wiesel, who was born in Cluj, is a Nobel Peace Prize winner and the author of over 40 books, including Night, a memoir of his life during the Holocaust. He describes his experiences in a concentration camp and shares his story in this moving exhibit.
If you’re traveling with children, make sure you visit the Memorial to the Victims of Communism in Romania. It was opened in 2009, on National Holocaust Day, and contains exhibits about the horrors of communism in Romania. Although this museum is in Romanian, English translations of its exhibits are available, so that you can understand what you’re seeing.
If you’re traveling with children, don’t miss the museum to learn more about the writer Elie Wiesel. The museum tells the story of Wiesel, an activist in Sighet and an Auschwitz prisoner. The museum also features a monument honoring Holocaust victims. It’s also a good idea to visit the town’s other tourist attractions, including the 16th century Reformed Church and the Ethnographic Museum.
As soon as you arrive at the Bucharest airport, your English-speaking tour guide will pick you up and take you to your hotel. After an orientation tour, you’ll be transferred to the hotel and spend the rest of the day at your leisure. Next, you’ll enjoy a sightseeing tour of the historic center of Bucharest. The tour will include the Parliament Palace, the largest building in Europe and the second largest in the world (after the Pentagon). Afterwards, you’ll visit the Romanian Athenaeum and the Romanian Opera House.
Densus Church
Founded in the 13th century, the ancient Densus Church is the oldest church in Romania. It was built with stone brought from a Dacian temple, which was later turned into a church by the Romans. Its ruins still serve as a place for religious services. Its steep mountain location makes it difficult to access but it’s worth a visit. To see it in person, you’ll need to rent a car.
The interior of Densus Church is decorated with beautiful mural paintings. These paintings date from the 15th century, and the artist who created them is known as Stefan. There are paintings of baby Jesus, holding the Virgin Mary and dressed in a traditional Romanian costume. Many of the paintings were destroyed by the Reformists during the Middle Ages, but some have survived. The Densus Church and the nearby Saint Nicholas church both share Saint Nicholas day.
While visiting the Densus Church, don’t forget to visit its neighboring attractions. The Vaser Valley Forestry Railway is another famous attraction. It is a 60 km long tapering path that reflects the ethnic patrimony of Romania. Visitors can experience a wooden-flaming hazed locomotive that travels 60 km along the pathway. Another great destination near Bucharest is Bucovina, a region in northeastern Romania. It is approximately six hours away from Bucharest but is well worth the time. Bucovina is home to eight UNESCO-listed painted churches and monasteries.
Another must-see destination in Romania is the Colt fortress. This stronghold is built by Candea, the regional ruler, who later changed her name to Kendeffy after converting to Catholicism. The Densus Church, built on a 4th century temple, is another must-see destination. A visit to this ancient church will definitely be a highlight of your trip to Romania.
Pasajul Victoria
If you love the outdoors, you should visit Pasajul Victoria, a charming square that is full of colorful umbrellas. This former palace of the Romanian elite is located in the Old Town of Bucharest and is a great spot to catch the sun and people-watch. Nearby attractions include the National Museum of Romanian History and the Romanian Peasant Museum. The museum features exhibits about Romania’s history, including the occupation of the USSR.
The elegant architecture of Pasajul Victoria is also one of the city’s most photogenic attractions. Its three-level balconied store is decorated with colorful umbrellas and is located near a secret underground bar. The space has a very tranquil atmosphere despite its central location in the city. You can also enjoy coffee in one of the many small cafés or vintage book shops. In addition to the elegant interior, Pasajul Victoria is home to an array of shops and cafes, including some unique and interesting designs.
Getting around the city is easy, and visitors can hire a taxi or private car from the airport. A private airport transfer is one of the most convenient ways to travel from the airport to the city center. A magnetic card is required to ride the public transportation in Bucharest. It costs between two and 10 lei for a 10-ride card. Day trips from Bucharest include visiting the countryside in Transylvania, a region known for medieval castles, bloodthirsty vampires, and scenic landscapes. Alternatively, you can use the Romanian Railways website to plan your day trip from Bucharest.
Cismigiu Park is Bucharest’s oldest park and largest. It is a green oasis and home to numerous fountains. Its boating lake draws families during the summer and is an ideal spot for romantic dates. You can rent a boat on the lake during summer and picnic. Unlike other parks, Cismigiu Park is free to enter. When you visit the park, make sure to bring your camera.