Romanian Learning Community and Resources

How to Spend the Perfect Day in Bucharest  

If you chose Romania as your home away from home, it’s most likely that you will also spend some time in the capital city, Bucharest. In this article, I will share my top things to do in Bucharest and some tips for your visit or for living here.  

As Bucharest is my home city, this post will reveal the hidden places and the activities you can do in Bucharest from the perspective of a local. So, let’s start describing your perfect day in the capital of Romania!  

The Old City Center 

 It’s coffee time!  

If you are like me, then your day starts with coffee and some delicious breakfast. I recommend heading to the North of Bucharest and trying one of these cafés/ brunch places: B4, Pancakes & More, STEAM Coffee Shop or Fior di Latte. They also have amazing food choices and I couldn’t decide on just one! 

After you’ve got some food, you should head to Ceausescu Maison (Palatul Primăverii). Nicolae Ceauşescu was the last Communist leader of Romania and this was the house in which he lived. Expect to see luxurious furniture and lots of art pieces. You can also reserve a guided tour, which you will need to do on this website approximately a week before your visit in order to make sure you get the confirmation in time.  

 Palatul Primăverii 

In the same area of the city, you will find the Village Museum (Muzeul Țăranului Român), an open-air ethnographic museum in Mihai I Park. The museum depicts the rural area of Romania, and it is a very quaint place for you to have a walk and discover more about the peasant lifestyle in the countryside.  

 Muzeul Țăranului Român 

 While you are there take a walk around the Mihai I Park (former Herastrau Park). My favourite area is the Japanese Garden, I love reading a book on the grass when it’s warm outside.  

If you have some time left, you should also pass by the Triumphal Arch (Arcul de Triumf), which will remind you of Paris! Fun fact, Bucharest used to be called “The Little Paris” back in the day because its architectural resemblance to the capital of France. 

Lunch 

By now it’s probably around 13:00 PM, the time when most Romanians have lunch. I recommend you head to the Old Town, where you will find many restaurants having lunch deals. You will also notice the people trying to persuade you into serving lunch in their restaurants, so I’d recommend you go to the most beautiful (and also affordable) restaurant around the Old City: Caru’ cu Bere. They do have lunch deals and student discounts! Try the polenta with cabbage rolls and papanași for dessert!  

While you are in the Old City, head to Stavropoleos Church, an 18th-century architectural masterpiece. You can enter there for free. After that, pay a visit to Cărturești Carusel, one of the most beautiful libraries in Europe.  

Cărturești Carusel 

Visit the Palace of the Parliament 

While you are in Bucharest you must take a look at the largest building in Europe and the second largest building in the world, the Palace of the Parliament (Palatul Parlamentului). If you remember Nicolae Ceaușescu from before, he is the one who built this during his rule.  

Keep in mind that you can only visit the Palace of the Parliament with a guided tour, and you have to bring an ID card or passport (a driver’s license is not accepted) for the security check.  

  Palatul Parlamentului 

Dinner  

For dinner, in case you had enough traditional Romanian food, I recommend trying Alt Shift, they have delicious dishes. If you are not too tired afterwards, you can go downstairs to Control Club, a place where you will find many internationals. 

Hope you enjoyed reading this article as much as you will enjoy your time in Bucharest. If you need more inspiration or if you have any questions about travelling and living in Romania, visit the “Living Abroad” forum!  

Wish you an amazing time in Romania!  

Roxana – OLS Community Manager