Bucharest is a fascinating destination for a city break, combining grand architecture, historic streets, cultural attractions and plenty of opportunities for entertainment. Romania's capital has something to offer whether you are interested in history, art, food, or simply exploring somewhere new.
If you are planning a trip to the city, here are five things to add to your itinerary.
1. Visit The Palace Of Parliament
No trip to Bucharest would be complete without seeing the Palace of Parliament. One of the most recognizable buildings in Romania, it is an enormous structure that dominates the city skyline and is one of the world's largest administrative buildings.
Visitors can take guided tours inside the palace, where you can see some of its impressive halls, grand staircases, and lavishly decorated rooms. The scale of the building is particularly striking, with its vast corridors and huge interior spaces.
It is worth checking tour arrangements before visiting, as access to the building is controlled and identification may be required.
2. Explore The Old Town
Bucharest's Old Town is the perfect place to experience some of the city's historic character. The area is known for its cobbled streets, colorful buildings, historic churches, restaurants, cafes and lively bars.
Take some time to wander through the narrow streets rather than simply heading from one attraction to another. You will find plenty of interesting architecture and smaller landmarks along the way, including Stavropoleos Monastery.
The Old Town also comes alive in the evening, making it a popular place to enjoy dinner or a few drinks after a day of sightseeing.
3. Try To Win Some Money At One Of Its Many Casinos
For those who enjoy casino entertainment, Bucharest has a number of casinos where visitors can spend an evening trying their luck. The city's casino scene offers a different form of nightlife to its bars and clubs, with venues featuring games such as roulette, blackjack and poker.
A casino visit can be an entertaining addition to a city break, particularly if you set yourself a sensible spending limit before you play. Remember that casino games are based on chance, so there is no guarantee of winning money.
Then again, if you haven’t got time during your short stay in Bucharest to visit one of its many casinos, you can always go online to play slots and card games.
4. Browse The Collections At The National Museum Of Art
Art enthusiasts should make time for the National Museum of Art of Romania. Located in the former Royal Palace, the museum houses an extensive collection covering Romanian and European art.
The Romanian art collection provides an opportunity to discover works by some of the country's most important artists, while the European collection features paintings from a range of periods and artistic movements.
The building itself is also worth seeing, providing an impressive setting for a few hours of exploring the collections.
5. Hire A Boat At Herastrau Park
When you want to escape the busy streets of central Bucharest, head to Herastrau Park, officially known as King Michael I Park. Covering a large area around Lake Herastrau, it provides plenty of space to relax and enjoy some fresh air.
One of the most enjoyable ways to experience the park is by getting out onto the lake. Depending on availability, visitors can hire a boat and spend some time exploring the water at their own pace.
The park is also a great place for a leisurely walk, making it an ideal stop if you want to take a break from sightseeing.
Enjoy A Bucharest City Break
From exploring historic streets and impressive landmarks to discovering Romanian art and relaxing beside the lake, Bucharest offers plenty to keep visitors entertained.
With its mixture of culture, history, nightlife, and green spaces, Romania's capital is a city break destination that can offer something different around almost every corner.
