10 Great Things to do in Bucharest

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Bucharest: More Than Just "Little Paris"

Many people have referred to Bucharest as "Little Paris" since much of its architecture resembles that of Paris. Form beautiful buildings to cute, winding streets, there are a lot of similarities between Bucharest and Paris. But the Romanian culture and history is also present. This city, with a dark past, is a great place to explore a new, lively culture. Here one just ten of the many great things to do in the city.

CEC Palace

10. CEC Palace: while you cannot visit this palace as it is an administrative building today, it is worth the stop to admire its beauty. Once a bank, this building with a beautiful glass roof, shows the beauty of old Romania. You can just imagine what life was like in the early 20th Century, when people believe that Bucharest was at its greatest.

Palace of the Parliament

9. Romanian Athenaeum: this concert hall was built in the late 19th Century and has been the focal point of Romanian arts and culture for years. The interior of the concert hall is absolutely stunning while the outside of the building is equally as beautiful. Make sure to take a moment to step inside to admire the beautiful building, or book a ticket to enjoy some music.

Grand Staircase in the Palace of the Parliament

8. Unirii Square: this square, and the road leading up the the People's Palace, is meant to look like the Champs Elysées in Paris. With the same street signs and beautifully manicured flowers, it does give the impression that you are in Paris. However, the building of this large boulevard was very controversial as it destroyed many old buildings, most of them from the Jewish Old Town. Nevertheless, it is interesting to walk the controversial streets and reflect on the vision of a madman at the expensive of his own people.

Stavropoleos Monastery

7. Spring Palace: the Spring Palace was once the home of the Ceausescus. Today, you can visit the palace and get a sense of the lavish lifestyle the dictator lived while many people starved within the country. Of course the palace is absolutely beautiful, which makes you reflect on the contrast of the horrors committed by the regime.

Hall in the Palace of the Parliament

6. Romanian Peasant Museum: Romania for a long time was made up of mostly peasants working the land, making them a central focus of Romanian nationalism and national history. This museum showcases the dress and life of peasants in the different regions of Romanian and how they impact Romanian culture today. If you want an insight into Romanian culture and the Romanian past, this is the museum to visit.

Streets of Old Town

5. Old Town: many people expect Romania to be covered in socialist architecture and full of communist memorials. However, the Old Town is built in style similar to the French and is a charming neighborhood in the city center. With an abundance of old churches and buildings making you think that you may be in Paris, Old Town is worth the trip.

Conference Room in the Palace of the Parliament

4. Cismigiu Gardens: this park, just near the Ceausescu Palace, is a beautiful oasis in the very busy city center. With adorable bridges over the artificial lake, this park is a peaceful place for a walk or to sit down and enjoy the day. It is the city's oldest park and most famous thanks to the beautiful flowers and charming lake within the park.

One of the many chandeliers in the Palace of the Parliament

3. Herastrau Park: this park, just north of the city center, is loved by locals. With cafes, gardens, restaurants, and sports, there are plenty of things to do in this park. Whether you want to take a walk or enjoy an afternoon coffee, this park is the perfect place to enjoy nature and the beauty of the city.

Stavropoleos Monastery

2. Stavropoleos Monastery: this beautiful monetary was built in the 18th Century and is a cute little escape from the city center. With its beautifully painted ceilings to wonderful little square in the center, this monastery is worth the visit. Although it was damaged in the earthquake that struck Bucharest in the 1940s, it was rebuilt and restored, allowing us to admire this building in an old Romanian style.

A Hall in the Palace of the Parliament

1. Palace of the Parliament: also known as the Ceausescu Palace or the People's Palace, this imposing building is quite controversial. Meant to be the Palace for the Ceausescu regime in Romania, it was never completed under the dictator. Much of the interiors were built after the dictator was deposed, though some rooms remain in the original style. Nevertheless, the palace is worth the visit to catch a glimpse of some of the most beautiful halls and conference rooms and the second largest government building in the world.

The Streets of Bucharest