What to do in Bucharest in 3 days

Day 1: Exploring the Historic Heart of Bucharest

Morning: A Walk Through the Old Town

We begin our journey in the beating heart of Bucharest: the old town. This area, known locally as Lipscani, is a maze of cobblestone streets housing an eclectic mix of architecture, from medieval buildings to art nouveau constructions.

1. Stavropoleos Church: Our first stop is this architectural jewel from the 18th century. With its intricate details and well-preserved frescoes, Stavropoleos Church is a perfect example of the Brâncovenesc style, a unique fusion of Byzantine, Ottoman, Baroque, and Renaissance elements.

   

2. Lipscani Street: Stroll down this lively pedestrian street, the heart of the old town. Here you'll find a wide variety of shops, cafes, and restaurants. It's the perfect place to take the pulse of daily life in Bucharest.

   

3. Hanul lui Manuc: This former 19th-century caravanserai (merchant inn) is now a complex housing restaurants, shops, and a hotel. Its inner courtyard will transport you to another era.

   

4. Curtea Veche (The Old Court): Visit the ruins of the palace that was the residence of Vlad the Impaler, the prince who inspired the legend of Dracula. Although little remains of the original structure, the adjacent museum offers an interesting perspective on Bucharest's history.

   

Afternoon: Architectural and Cultural Gems

After lunch in one of the charming restaurants in the old town, we continue our tour through some of Bucharest's most emblematic buildings.

1. Romanian Athenaeum: This majestic neoclassical building is considered Romania's cultural heart. If you have the chance, don't miss attending a concert by the George Enescu Philharmonic.

   

   Tip: Even if there's no concert, it's worth paying the entrance fee to admire the impressive circular fresco inside that narrates Romania's history.

2. CEC Palace: Although not open to the public (it still functions as a bank), this French eclectic-style palace is one of Bucharest's most photographed buildings. Its glass and metal dome is particularly impressive.

   

3. Palace of Parliament: No visit to Bucharest would be complete without seeing the largest administrative building in the world (after the Pentagon). This colossal building, constructed during the Ceaușescu era, is a testament to the megalomaniacal communist regime.

   

Night: Dinner and Nightlife in the Old Town

To end the day, return to the old town to enjoy Bucharest's vibrant nightlife. The Lipscani area transforms at night, with bars and clubs for all tastes.

Recommendation: Try traditional Romanian cuisine at Caru' cu Bere restaurant, a historic venue with impressive art nouveau interiors. Don't miss the sarmale (stuffed cabbage leaves) and mici (grilled meat rolls).

Day 2: Culture, Nature, and Urban Contrasts

Morning: Cultural Immersion

1. National Museum of Art of Romania: Located in the former Royal Palace, this museum houses an impressive collection of Romanian and European art. Pay special attention to the National Gallery, which offers a journey through Romanian art history.

   

   Tip: Admission is free on the first Wednesday of each month. Check opening hours and prices on the official website.

2. Romanian Peasant Museum: This fascinating museum immerses you in Romania's rich folk culture. From traditional costumes to agricultural tools and crafts, it's a window into Romanian rural life.

   

   Recommendation: Don't miss the museum shop, where you can buy authentic Romanian crafts as souvenirs.

Afternoon: A Green Break in the Heart of the City

3. Cișmigiu Park: Bucharest's oldest and most charming park is the perfect place to relax after a morning of museums. Enjoy a boat ride on the lake in summer or ice skating in winter.

   

Herăstrău Park and National Village Museum: This huge park around Lake Herăstrău is Bucharest's green lung. Don't miss the National Village Museum, an open-air museum that recreates traditional Romanian architecture from different regions.

Tip: Rent a bicycle to explore the park. It's a fun and eco-friendly way to tour this vast green area.

Night: Urban Contrasts and Local Gastronomy

5. Calea Victoriei: This historic avenue is perfect for a night walk. Admire the illumination of emblematic buildings such as the Cantacuzino Palace (now the George Enescu Museum) or the Romanian Athenaeum.

6. Dinner at Hanu' lui Manuc: End the day with dinner at this historic restaurant, enjoying traditional Romanian dishes in a unique atmosphere.

Interesting Facts About Bucharest

Fact	Information
Foundation	1459 by Vlad Țepeș
Population	Approximately 2 million inhabitants
Nickname	"Little Paris" due to its interwar architecture
Tallest Building	SkyTower (137 meters)

 

Day 3: Beyond the Historic Center

Morning: Exploring Residential Districts

1. Cotroceni District: Start the day exploring this elegant residential neighborhood, home to Bucharest's intellectual elite. Admire the beautiful early 20th-century villas and visit the Cotroceni Palace, official residence of the President of Romania.

   Book your visit to Cotroceni Palace in advance.

   

Sfântul Elefterie Nou Church: This impressive Orthodox church, built in the 1930s, is an outstanding example of neo-Byzantine architecture.

Afternoon: Contemporary Art and Shopping

3. National Museum of Contemporary Art (MNAC): Located in a wing of the gigantic Palace of Parliament, this museum offers a fascinating perspective on Romanian and international contemporary art.

   

AFI Cotroceni: For those looking for a shopping experience, this modern shopping center offers a wide range of stores and entertainment options.

Night: Stylish Farewell

5. Dinner in Floreasca District: End your trip with dinner at one of the trendy restaurants in this fashionable neighborhood.

6. Concert at the Romanian Athenaeum: If time permits, there's no better way to say goodbye to Bucharest than with a concert in this magnificent building.

   

How to Get Around Bucharest

Bucharest has an efficient public transport network that includes metro, buses, trams, and trolleybuses. The metro is the fastest option for moving around the city center.

Tip: Get an Activa card, which you can reload and use on all public transport.

To explore the old town, it's best to do it on foot or by bicycle. Many of the main attractions are concentrated in this area, and it's a pleasure to get lost in its cobblestone streets.

Recommendation: For a unique and personalized experience, consider taking a free walking tour with GuruWalk. Their local guides will offer you a unique perspective of the city, sharing stories and secrets you won't find in conventional tourist guides.

 

Transport Options in Bucharest

Transport Mode	Advantages	Disadvantages
Metro	Fast, frequent, covers main areas	Doesn't reach all tourist areas
Bus	Wide coverage	Can be slow due to traffic
Tram	Picturesque, good for medium distances	Limited network
Walking	Ideal for historic center	Limited to short distances

Additional Tips for Visiting Bucharest in Three Days

• Best Time to Visit: Spring (April-May) and autumn (September-October) offer pleasant weather and fewer tourists.

• Language: Although Romanian is the official language, many young people speak English, especially in tourist areas.

• Currency: The local currency is the Romanian leu (RON). It's recommended to carry some cash for small purchases and tips.

• Safety: Bucharest is generally a safe city, but as in any large city, keep your belongings watched, especially in tourist areas and public transport.

Remember, the best way to discover the hidden secrets of the city is with a passionate local guide. Don't hesitate to take advantage of GuruWalk's guided tours to make your visit a truly memorable experience!