What are the best things to do in Bucharest?
Top picks in Bucharest include Palace of the Parliament, Old Town Lipscani, Village Museum (Muzeul Satului), Romanian Athenaeum. See the full list and itinerary on this Bucharest travel guide.
🇷🇴 Romania travel guide
Europe · Southeast Europe
Bucharest Travel Guide
Things to do in Bucharest — Explore Bucharest
Photo: Madalin Pentelie · CC0
Why visit Bucharest
thumb|right|Calea Victoriei thumb|right|Lipscani Street, the heart of historic Bucharest Bucharest is the primary entry point into Romania, and the most important industrial and commercial centre of the country. With more than 2.1 million inhabitants in its urban area, Bucharest is one of the largest cities in Southeastern (Source: Wikivoyage, CC BY-SA.)
Bucharest is a stop in Romania, not a country-in-a-weekend. Plan about 4 days. If time is short, prioritise Palace of the Parliament, Old Town Lipscani, Village Museum (Muzeul Satului) instead of racing the whole list. Mid-range ground costs are about 45–110 USD per person per day, excluding international flights. Best time: May–June & September–October for mild weather and thinner crowds. Rankings, stay length and cost bands on this page come from Global Itinerary’s trip-planning models.
Best time
May–June & September–October for mild weather and thinner crowds
Weather
Temperate, with warm summers and cool winters
Experiences
Things to do in Bucharest
1
Palace of the Parliament
2
Old Town Lipscani
3
Village Museum (Muzeul Satului)
4
Romanian Athenaeum
5
Calea Victoriei
6
Stavropoleos Monastery
7
Therme Bucharest
8
Revolution Square
Budget travel
Free things to do in Bucharest
Old Town Lipscani
Revolution Square
Mostly free or pay-what-you-like — always double-check opening times and any seasonal fees before you go.
Plan your trip
Bucharest itinerary (4 days)
- 1
Day 1
Icons & landmarks
- Visit Palace of the Parliament
- Visit Revolution Square
- Visit Victory Square
- Eat at Kanteen 162
- 2
Day 2
Culture & neighborhoods
- Visit National Art Museum
- Visit Aviation Museum
- Visit Cişmigiu Garden
- Eat at LUCA
- 3
Day 3
Markets, parks & hidden corners
- Visit Herăstrău Park
- Visit Botanical Gardens
- Visit Carol Park
- Eat at SC Argentin Impex LLC
Prefer a full 11-day trip with costs and FAQs? Read the Bucharest itinerary guide.
Budget
Bucharest trip cost
Budget
USD 20–40
per person / day
Mid-range
USD 45–110
per person / day
Luxury
USD 125–210+
per person / day
Typical on-the-ground spend in Bucharest, Romania. Hostel/guesthouse + local meals ≈ budget; comfortable hotels + mix of dining ≈ mid-range; luxury hotels and fine dining ≈ luxury. Figures exclude international flights.
Trip budget estimator
Typical mid-range for Bucharest
Estimated total (USD)
$2,040
≈ $1,020 per person · $291 per day group total
Ground costs ≈ $80/person/day (lodging + food + transport + activities)
Defaults match Bucharest mid-range ground costs (budget 20–40 · mid 45–110 · luxury 125–210+ USD/day). Edit freely — flights vary by origin.
Where to eat
Local favourites
Kanteen 162
Very good food, consistent menus, impeccable service and kind staff. Best place to find the traditional taste of organic food.
LUCA
Cheap Romanian traditional pastry chain with locations all over the city (and much of Romania, and even Poland). There are both sweet and sa
SC Argentin Impex LLC
Very good Romanian meals, a treat for the senses. Nice quiet outdoor area.
Bodega "La Mahala"
A secluded and quiet place hidden a bit among the noisy and losing western-style pubs of the Old Town. It has an intimate and a bit old-fash
Cuptorul cu lemne
A nice pizza place with a nice outdoor summer garden and a relaxed atmosphere (the restaurant also houses a caricature club). Tends to be ve
Locanta Jaristea
Beautiful historically themed restaurant, live traditional music, old Romanian specialties; but always check the bill thoroughly. Reservatio
Where to stay
Tourist favourites & top-rated
Apartamente Regim Hotelier Bucuresti
Hotel Andy
Short Term Apartments Rental
Vila Gabriela
Carpaţi
Shopping
- Bucharest Mall
- Jolie Ville Galleria
- Plaza Romania
- Unirea Shopping Center
- Băneasa Shopping City
- Liberty Center
Nightlife
- 1974 Niște Domni și Fiii
- Absintherie Sixtină
- Beer O'Clock
- Camera din Față
- Curtea berarilor
- Energiea
Museums & culture
- Palace of the Parliament
- National Art Museum
- Aviation Museum
In pictures
Bucharest gallery
Photos: Madalin Pentelie, Diego Delso, Jorge Franganillo — via Wikimedia Commons
Good to know
Bucharest travel FAQs
When is the best time to visit Bucharest?
May–June & September–October for mild weather and thinner crowds.
How many days do I need in Bucharest?
Plan at least 4 days in Bucharest for the highlights on our suggested itinerary; add more time for day trips.
Where should I stay in Bucharest?
Popular stays in Bucharest include Apartamente Regim Hotelier Bucuresti, Hotel Andy, Short Term Apartments Rental. Book central areas if you want to walk to major sights.
How much does a trip to Bucharest cost?
On the ground in Bucharest (excluding international flights), budget travellers often spend about 20–40 per person per day, mid-range about 45–110, and luxury about 125–210+ (USD). Typical on-the-ground spend in Bucharest, Romania. Hostel/guesthouse + local meals ≈ budget; comfortable hotels + mix of dining ≈ mid-range; luxury hotels and fine dining ≈ luxury.
Keep exploring
