Bucharest - Do & See
Bucharest has many different, beautiful landmarks and the most prominent one is Palace of Parliament. To get a sense of Romanian history, visit the museum of Romanian Peasant or if you feel like a stroll in the outdoors go to the gorgeous Parcul Carol 1.
Palatul Parlamentului (Palace of Parliament)
Built during Ceausescu’s regime, the Palace of Parliament is Romania’s most famous building. A public tour of the opulent staircases and chandelier-filled rooms offers a fascinating insight.
Arcul de Triumf (Arch of Triumph)
Similar to its Paris namesake, Bucharest’s Triumphal Arch remembers Romania’s Great War soldiers and its reunification in 1918. Initially, the arc was built of wood in 1922, and then finished in Deva granite in 1936.
Lipscani District
Lipscani, Bucharest’s historic centre, retains an old town charm which is almost irresistible! It is located between Calea Victoriei, Blvd. Bratianu, Blvd. Regina Elisabeta and the Dambovita River and its collection of winding streets boasts antique markets, bric-a-brac spilling out from tiny boutiques and some of the city’s most appealing restaurants and bars.
National Art Museum
Romania’s most impressive art collection is displayed in this sprawling royal palace (Muzeul National de Arta). Take in works by Rembrandt and El Greco, among a host of European works.
Piaţa Universitatii
In addition to being the centre for Bucharest’s intellectual and political events and the most popular meeting place in Bucharest, the Piata Universitatii has a dramatic history. During the 1989 Revolution, some of Romania’s fiercest fighting took place here. Close by are also the University of Bucharest’s School of Architecture, the National Theatre, the Coltea Hospital and the Sutu Palace (History Museum).
Romanian Athenaeum (Ateneul Român)
The superb Romanium Athenaeum is the hub of Bucharest’s musical activity. Exquisite mosaics and historical frescoes adorn the 19th-century circular building, which hosts impressive orchestral concerts.
Museum of the Romanian Peasant
This delightful museum (Muzeul Taranului Roman) opened in 1906 and is widely regarded as Romania’s best. A veritable treasure trove of pottery, icons and clothing, it also houses the fascinating Communism Exhibition and the ruins of an 18th-century Transylvanian wooden church.
Jewish History Museum
This museum, situated in a stunning synagogue built in 1850, tells the story of Romania’s Jewish population up until 1937.
Old Princely Court & Church
The Old Princely Court (Curtea Veche) was built in the 15th century by Vlad Tepes, also known as Vlad Dracula. According to the legend, he kept his prisoners beneath the court! What remains today are a few walls, arches, tombstones and a Corinthian column.
Here stands also Bucharest’s 16th-century Old Princely Church (Biserica Curtea Veche), the city’s oldest church. Original frescoes and Wallachian architecture are among the star features in this ancient Romanian veteran.
Piaţa Revoluţiei
Whilst Piaţa Universitatii saw some of the darkest days of Ceauşescu’s regime, events at Piaţa Revoluţiei heralded the beginning of a new age. This building now houses the Senate.
Close by is the former Royal Palace, now home to the National Art Museum, the Romanian Athenaeum and the Athenee Palace Hotel. Also the Kretzulescu Church.
Parcul Carol I
One of the most beautiful parks in Bucharest, designed by the French landscape architect, Eduard Redont. Plenty of open-air concerts in the summer at Arenele Romane.
