How to Spend 3 Days in Bucharest, Romania
Ask any local and they’ll stress there’s more to Romania than Dracula. With its rich history, opposing architecture, finger-licking food and leafy parks, Bucharest is an eastern-european city which has it all. Here’s how to spend three days in this alternative and exciting city.
Day 1: Get your bearings with a walking tour
Step into the history of Bucharest with a free walking tour in the centre of the city. Nowadays there are several companies offering a range of tour-themes from life in communist Romania and old town walks, to street food jaunts and pub crawls. The tours generally meet in the Sector 1 district, so you are well placed to explore Centru Vechi, the Old Town, afterwards. It’s a bustling area with a lot of late-night bars and restaurants, neon signs and souvenir shops, but there are also some hidden gems to discover. Escape the weather and lose yourself in Carturesti Carusel - arguably one of the prettiest and most elevating bookshops in the world. Just over the busy boulevard is the Church of Saint George (Biserica 'Sfântul Gherorghe Nou’) which dates back to the early 1700s. This Orthodox church is like a spiritual piece of art with impressive murals and gold elements covering every inch of plaster.
After a day spent exploring, grab some dinner and drinks at HYGEE Social Kitchen. Or head over the road and you’ll find Pasajul Macca - Villacrosse, a cozy and atmospheric passage with lots of bars and restaurants inside. End your night watching the dancing water displays and colourful 3D projections at the Bucharest Fountains while enjoying a spectacular view of the Palace of Parliament at night.
Day 2: Explore the history, culture and coffee trail
Grab a pastry from one of the many bakeries in Bucharest to fuel a day of cultural sightseeing. Located on Calea Victoriei, Revolution Square is considered the most important landmark in Romania. It’s surrounded by the Royal Palace which houses the National Museum of Art, the Senate Palace and the former headquarters of the Central Committee of the Romanian Communist Party. Marvel at the architecture and embellishment of one of the best-preserved places of worship in Bucharest, the Kretzulescu Church, and see if you can notice the bust statue of Corneliu Coposu (the founding leader of the Christian Democratic National Peasants’ Party) nearby. One of the most striking monuments in the square is the Memorial of Rebirth - or as the locals like to call it, somewhat unaffectionately, ‘the potato’. The monument honours the victims of the Romanian Revolution which took place in 1989 when communism was overthrown. North of the square, the Romanian Athenaeum can be found. This impressive concert hall has been home to the musical arts since 1888 and if you’re lucky, you can pay to watch a performance by the George Enescu Philharmonic Orchestra - or take a quick peek inside for 10 lei.
Make a stop at the tranquil Cismigiu Gardens which just so happens to be home to more than 30,000 trees and plants bought in from the Romanian mountains.The garden boasts a range of cafes, summer terraces and refreshment kiosks. But if you’re looking for a caffeine boost, there are plenty of trendy coffee shops located near the park. Start your coffee trail at Beans&Dots, grab an organic Transylvanian tea at Artichoke Social House, before making a final stop at Origo when you may wish to swap a coffee for a cocktail.
Day 3: Float your way around the city
Herastrau Park is one of the largest green spaces in Bucharest - and surprisingly, it’s not short of them. Rent a rowing boat, a hydro bicycle, a canoe or join other budding sailors on a guided boat tour of Lake Herastrau and enjoy a different perspective of the park and city. Take a leisurely stroll through the Japanese Garden and grab a drink or bag of popcorn from one of the many kiosks, before heading to the National Village Museum. This open air museum located within the park offers you the chance to explore Romanian folk culture and village life by exploring traditional homes from across the country and centuries.
From here, jump in the car (or an Uber) and make a final stop at Therme - Romania’s biggest botanical garden and Europe’s largest relaxation centre. Take your pick from a range of packages which cover different zones and attractions to suit your needs. The thermal spa is the perfect place to relax and unwind in the warm, mineral-enriched pools, sauna with Himalayan salt walls and relaxation zones with massage chairs and spa treatments. If you’re feeling hungry, there are a variety of restaurants, snack corners and bars on site - including swim-up pools which serve tasty pina coladas. And for a bit of fun, there are 16 water slides, an urban beach with exotic vibes, live music and games - if you still have the energy!
July 2023
