When we first set foot in Bucharest, we knew very little about the best things to do in Bucharest in one day, let alone on a longer trip!
While we had long wanted to visit Romania, specifics about the charms of its capital city got crowded out of our daydreams about the country, which were typically filled with beautiful mountains, quaint villages, and majestic castles.
When we got the opportunity to explore some of the best things to do in Bucharest for a few days in partnership with the Experience Bucharest team, we knew it would be the perfect opportunity to get a taste of Romania in preparation for the longer trip we’re still planning for the future.
Three very busy days later, we were happy to announce that we had a fabulous time visiting Bucharest.
We arrived not knowing what to expect, but left thrilled to have had a chance to get to know Bucharest’s quirky personality, kind people, tasty food, and fascinating cultural sites.
Considering a trip to Romania’s capital city soon and wondering what to put on your itinerary?
Here’s what to do in Bucharest!
Table of Contents
The Best Things to Do in Bucharest
Take a walking tour of Bucharest.
Like most European cities, Bucharest is best introduced via a walking tour. There’s nothing like the feeling of getting integrated with a city by walking the streets yourself!
While “basic” walking tours with an overview of Bucharest and its history are available, there are enough themed walking tours available that just about anyone will find one that piques their interest.
From Hidden Bucharest to Alternative Bucharest, all the way to niche topics such as a Roma Heritage Tour, just about any option will leave you with a great walk through Bucharest’s quirky streets and with new knowledge about the city.
Personally, we opted for a Communist Tour that explored Bucharest’s very recent Communist past.
Among other sites, we viewed the “House of the People” from the outside, as well as its corresponding avenue. The street may look a bit familiar: it was built by dictator Nicolae Ceaușescu with the goal of outshining the Champs-Élysées.
We also stopped at some of the few remaining Communist-era apartments that have not been updated since the fall of communism, and visited a church that was literally picked up and relocated to clear space for the House of the People during construction.
Most interestingly of all, our guide was old enough to remember parts of his own childhood under communist rule and brought artifacts such as an example of the propaganda-style textbook that children studied until the fall of the dictatorship in 1989.
Shop Communist walking tours of Bucharest like the one we enjoyed today!
Visit the People’s House of Romania.
Romania’s communist dictator Nicolae Ceaușescu had a vision: redesign the city of Bucharest, and create an entire series of buildings and streets that would show the world how successful the Socialist Republic of Romania was.
He failed in most respects, but left a somewhat strange legacy all the same: the People’s House of Romania (often called the “People’s House” for short, and now officially named the Palace of the Parliament) is the second-largest administrative building in the world. Only the US Pentagon is larger.
Standing outside the building, the enormity of it presses in on you.
It is simply a gigantic place, and the scale is even more impressive when you learn that the huge building in front of you is just a portion of it! A significant amount of the palace is underground, though the exact figure seems a little fuzzy.
The building is, for obvious reasons, quite controversial. Ceaușescu more or less starved the people of Romania to pay for it, and actually got the idea to make it from Kim Il-sung himself, one of the most infamous of all tyrannical dictators.
However, it remains one of Romania’s most popular tourist attractions and is currently home to both Romania’s parliament and an art museum.
We didn’t get a chance to go inside on this visit, but the photos of the elaborate interior make us want to find room for it on our itinerary next time.
Even with only one day in Bucharest, this unforgettable structure would be a must-see.
Official tickets to tour the interior of the People’s House are not sold directly through the palace online. According to the palace’s website, you can purchase same-day tickets in person or make reservations via phone one day in advance.
Alternatively, you can book guided tours through third-party providers further in advance (though they are more expensive).
Check out Bucharest’s Arcul de Triumf.
Once upon a time, we associated the phrase “Arc de Triomphe” solely with Paris… but that arch is far from the only one!
Triumphal Arches are actually quite common (though the French phrase is more popular to describe them).
So far, we’ve visited the ones in Paris, Vientiane, a few Roman ones scattered around Italy, and now, Bucharest!
Like in Paris, Bucharest’s Arcul de Triumf is set in the middle of a traffic circle and is very grand. However, Bucharest’s version is a bit outside the city center, so if you only have one day in Bucharest, whether it’s worth visiting is a matter of preference.
The interior now boasts a small museum, and we can confirm that the staircase itself is gorgeous!
I will say that we personally found the arch itself more impressive than the view from the top, but given the modest entry fee and included museum, we certainly wouldn’t discourage anyone from heading up.
You can check updated opening hours (they’ve changed a few times in recent years) and entry fees here.
Indulge your inner bookworm at Carturesti Carusel.
There’s nothing like finding a beautiful, quirky, and/or interesting bookstore to make our day, and Carturesti Carusel (in English, “Carousel of Light”) definitely qualifies!
Located in the heart of Bucharest’s Old Town, Carturesti Carusel is housed in a restored 19th-century building. The shop is complete with bright spaces, spiral staircases, and more than 10,000 books.
It boasts a bright, airy, and modern feel, and it is a delight to spend time in!
It’s regularly busy, of course, but it’s definitely worth dropping in for a book, to check out the decor, or to enjoy a coffee at the cafe on the top floor of the bookstore.
For bibliophiles and architecture lovers alike, a visit here definitely belongs on any list of the best things to do in Romania.
Pay a visit to the Romanian Kitsch Museum.
2026 Update: Sadly, this museum is now closed. Their website is still up and running for now, in case anyone wants to check and see if they open another version of the museum in the future! We remember the owner, Cristian, as deeply passionate about the subject and wish him all the best in new ventures.
We love checking out strange, small, quirky, and offbeat museums on our travels… and the Romanian Kitsch Museum definitely fit the bill.
Home to a hodgepodge of eclectic paraphernalia, the Romanian Kitsch Museum includes sections dedicated to Dracula, the Orthodox Church, the communist way of life in 20th-century Romania, Roma culture, and more.
In the paraphrased words of the owner Cristian, who gave us a tour of the museum himself, “When something sacred is turned hollow due to greed, corruption, or lack of respect, it becomes kitsch.”
Our visit to the Romanian Kitsch Museum felt in many ways like a fairly lighthearted take on serious aspects of Romanian history and culture, which Cristian said was his goal in creating the museum.
Some sad topics were covered, but they were presented in a way meant to make the visitor laugh and then stop to think, rather than moving directly into a serious social conversation.
It was bizarre, hilarious, endlessly entertaining, and to be honest, we left still not 100% sure if we “got it”.
We did know this, though: we were glad that we added it to our list of things to do in Bucharest, and would definitely go back.
Stroll around Bucharest’s Old Town.
“This is such a cute Old Town!” I exclaimed when walking to lunch with a group of other bloggers during our trip to Bucharest.
“It’s not very old, though,” replied one of the Romanian bloggers we were walking with. “They just finished it in 2011!”
Needless to say, I did a double-take.
But it’s true! While many of the buildings date back hundreds of years, the neighborhood that is now known as Bucharest’s Old Town received its beautiful cobblestone pathways in 2011, and its buildings are still in the process of being updated, one by one.
The area surrounding Lipscani Street has been given new life in the form of an entertainment district that reminds me of what I always imagined Berlin would feel like: charming, pretty, somewhat regal, but also a bit gritty and quirky.
Today, the area is flourishing, and you can feel it with every step.
Bars, restaurants, cafes, and shops full of Romanian souvenirs burst out in all directions, making Bucharest’s Old Town a fantastic place to wander.
Discover Romanian food and wine.
Sausage. Barbecue. Pork anything. Cheese. Wine. Vegetables. More wine. More meat.
Romanians and Texans would get along quite well when it comes to cuisine!
Though the spices aren’t exactly the same, and Texans are inclined to prefer beer to wine, we definitely noticed many similarities… which was good, because Jeremy was desperately craving Texas barbecue by the time we touched down in Romania!
We didn’t have a bad meal in Romania, but some spots that stuck out included La Mama, Pescăruș (still can’t forget their cheese-stuffed sausage), and Tasting Room Gastro Wine Bar.
Have limited time in Bucharest and want to try as many traditional Romanian foods as possible?
If so, signing up for a food tour like this popular one is a fantastic option!
Check out Bucharest’s art scene.
Romania’s capital city is home to a large art scene, and diving into it is definitely one of the best things to do in Bucharest!
From galleries to artists’ workshops to unusual outdoor spaces, there’s something for every taste.
Most memorably during our time visiting Bucharest, we visited Combinatul, a repurposed industrial area that has been turned into an artist’s hub.
We can’t say that all of the art there was exactly our style, though some of it certainly was… but even the pieces that weren’t our personal preference were absolutely memorable!
Statues, films, paintings, carvings, large pieces, small ones: it was all there, and we loved having the opportunity to walk around and explore.
If you’re looking for something art-related that’s a bit more offbeat than a traditional gallery, definitely add Combinatul to your list when deciding what to do in Bucharest!
How to Visit Bucharest in One Day (Itinerary Idea)
If you move fast and use all the travel tips you can get your hands on, you just may be able to see most or all of these Bucharest attractions during a short 24-hour trip!
Many of these spots are located close together.
Carturesti Carusel is located within the heart of Bucharest’s Old Town, for example. The shop is only a 25-minute walk or so through the center of the city from the People’s House.
Trips to Romania commonly start with one day in Bucharest, and I do think all of these interesting and fun things to do in Bucharest can be accomplished in a single (very busy and fast-moving) day… but don’t be surprised if you find yourself wanting to extend your trip.
Bucharest has tons to offer and for foreign travelers, is very inexpensive as compared to most European capital cities.
Bumping your trip up to include 2 or even 3 days in the capital would still leave you with enough exciting and fun things to do in Bucharest that you could easily keep a packed-full sightseeing schedule if you wish.
Whether you’re coming to Romania to road trip the famous countryside, or you’re simply passing through the region and wondering what to do in Bucharest and whether it’s worth a stop, definitely make one!
Bucharest is eclectic, interesting, and full of unexpected attractions ranging from the historic Ceausescu House to seemingly endless numbers of charming cafes.
Explore Romania Beyond Visiting Bucharest
If we have one regret from our time in Bucharest, it’s that we didn’t have a chance to get outside of it!
Dracula’s Castle (AKA Bran Castle) may be full of history instead of vampires, but we’d still love to see it, along with the absolutely stunning Peles Castle, the city of Brasov, and so much more.
If you’re short on time like us but still want to squeeze in one day of exploring the best places to visit in Romania beyond the capital, this exciting day trip is one of the most popular in all of Romania for good reason!
Personally, the next time we visit Romania, the castles will be our first stop.
Book your day trip to Bran Castle, Peles Castle, and Brasov today!
Where We Stayed in Bucharest
Orhideea Residence and Spa — Our apartment at Orhideea Residence & Spa was clean, comfortable, had a great view, a kitchen, and it was giant!
Seriously, the living room felt like a football field.
Breakfast was tasty and served on the 11th floor, with views that stretched over Bucharest.
We would not hesitate to stay again if we head back to explore all of the fun things to do in Bucharest again!
The hotel isn’t within walking distance of Old Town, but it is a cheap and easy Uber (or Star Taxi) ride away.
We definitely recommend sticking with booking rides online, either through Star Taxi (we haven’t personally used it, but it has become popular in Bucharest since our trip), Uber, Bolt, or similar. The one day that we had to take a taxi because our app went down, we were (predictably) overcharged by the driver.
Check rates and book your stay at Orhideea Residence and Spa!
Read More About Visiting Europe
Planning a trip to Bucharest soon… and maybe some additional European cities?
If you found this overview of what to see in Bucharest in one day helpful, you might also enjoy these blog posts:
- The Perfect 2 Days in Athens Itinerary (First-Time Visitors’ Guide!)
- 44 Fun Things to Do in Istanbul (Top Places + Activities!)
- A Detailed + Practical 2 Days in Krakow Itinerary
- 50+ Best Things to Do in Budapest (+ Tips for Visiting!)
Many thanks to the Experience Bucharest team for hosting us in full during our trip to Romania! All opinions are, as always, our own.
I’m going next week 0ct 1 – 10th, hope it’s a good time to be outside
There has been an unfortunate misspelling under your “walking tour” category. And as a Romanian, I don’t care much about that, but many might take it personally based on history haha
Oh my! Thanks so much for letting me know, Ingrid–sad to say that has probably been up for quite a while! Fixed now. 🙂
Lovely! Bucharest sounds like a cool city. Walking tour would be the best thing to do.
It definitely is a very cool place to explore!
Such a pretty country dont know why I never tought about visiting Romania. I probably must put it on my bucket list. Thanks a lot for sharing it with hs
It’s definitely been a bit under the radar, but Romania is worthy of some attention! It has tons to offer. 🙂
I think the museum would be my number 1. It’ll be the fastest way to learn about their cultures. Satisfying my inner book worm would be for just a little time as exploring the attractive surroundings would be paramount to me.
The Kitsch Museum definitely was a very fun way to learn about the culture! The bookstore is a must, I agree. 🙂
Love your pictures! Never heard of Bucharest before it looks like a photographers dream and very romantic. Love the book store… could spend a few hours in there.
Haha, you and me both on the bookstore! Bucharest was definitely a fun city to photograph.
I have lived in Bucharest for about 7 years and got to experience it before and after it became tourist friendly. I am glad to see how it grew and it is not a great weekend destination. I have to admit, I haven’t heard of the Kitch Museum before. It must be new. 🙂
I think it is, Joanna! I can’t remember the exact date, but we spoke with the owner and I believe he opened it a few years ago. Definitely worth a stop if you get a chance to go back!
Some of the best trips I’ve had were unplanned and without many expectations – seems like your experience in Bucharest was one of those! I had no idea the city was such a hub for art! I’d absolutely love to check out Combinatul and the Kitsch museum. Plus, that bookstore is totally dreamy.
I agree–lack of expectations can really make a city come to life! We had a great time, and I definitely recommend all of those. The Kitsch Museum was so much fun!
I love the bookstore! This paired with Bucharest’s art scene would make for a perfect, relaxing day in the town! I’m also jotting down Old Town as a must-see when I’m in town. Great advice!
That does sound like an excellent relaxing day, right? 🙂 Maybe end with a tasty dinner and some Romanian wine!
How cool! I don’t really know Bucharest, but I would definitely enjoy a day in the city seeing the sights. Looks like you had a great time photographing the city.
We definitely did–there’s tons to photograph in Bucharest!
Bucharest is such a beautiful city and what more, it doesn’t take all of one’s time to explore the city. From the Arc dear Triomphe to the Carturesti Carusel, including the street arts, the city of Bucharest is worth every visit. And a winter tasting tour in Bucharest wouldn’t be a bad idea. Glad you mentioned the restaurants with the ‘off mark,’ I’d better watch out.
We definitely enjoyed the wine tasting we did! We did ours at the aptly named Tasting Room.
I’m a complete bookworm so I’d head straight to the place with 10,000 books! I’ve yet to visit Bucharest but I’d like to try next year. I never knew the Arc di Triomphe was also there. The parliament building is impressive, I’d like to take photos too.
Haha, you sound just like me! Always after the books. 🙂