10 Best Things to Do in Bucharest, Romania 🇷🇴

Note: Links included in this post may be affiliate links, meaning I earn a commission at no extra cost to you. :)

If you’re planning a trip to Bucharest, Romania and want to make sure you experience all the best activities, this guide is for you!

Not to be dramatic, but I actually fell in love with Bucharest 😍 and I want you to have just as much fun as I did. Seriously, I loved it so much that I extended my stay three times!

From fascinating history to beautiful architecture and an electric nightlife, this underrated Eastern European city has so much to offer. Here are the top 10 things to do in Bucharest that you absolutely can’t miss.

As always, if you’d prefer this information in a video, watch the video below.

🏛️ 1. Tour the Parliament Building

When you Google photos of Bucharest, the Parliament Building is bound to show up… and for good reason! This massive structure is one of the most remarkable buildings in the world, both inside and out.

It has 1,100 rooms and weighs over 4 million tons, earning it the title of the world’s heaviest building, all thanks to the tons of marble used in its construction. It’s also the most expensive administrative building in the world, filled with marble, crystal, steel, and gold.

But this stunning building also has a dark side. It was built during a period of dictatorship under Nicolae Ceaușescu, whose vanity drove him to pour billions into the structure while ordinary Romanians faced poverty, hunger, and displacement. Tens of thousands of families were forced from their homes to make room for this palace.

You’ll learn all about this fascinating and sobering history on a guided tour. Tickets cost around $10 USD, and it’s absolutely worth it.

🏠 2. Visit the Ceaușescu Mansion

To learn more about the dictator himself, visit the Ceaușescu Mansion, the lavish home where he and his family lived from 1965 to 1989. His life story is so interesting and being in his house is a worthwhile experience.

The tour gives you a glimpse into shocking opulence; think an all-gold bathroom, descendants of Ceaușescu’s pet peacocks, and a gorgeous indoor pool made of colorful tiles.

The mansion has 80 rooms in total, and you’ll get to see many of them during the tour. Tickets cost around $17 USD, and you can buy them online or right at the entrance.

🍸 3. Experience Bucharest’s Nightlife

The nightlife in Bucharest is electric, especially in the Old Town, where you’ll find endless bars, hookah lounges, and clubs.

One of the best ways to dive in is by joining an organized bar crawl, which is also a great way to meet people and discover hidden gems. I joined the crawl hosted by my hostel, but you can also find pub crawl options on GetYourGuide.

Whether or not you do a crawl, definitely stop by The Drunken Cherry Bar, which serves just one drink: their signature cherry liqueur made with brandy, cherries, and cinnamon. It’s pretty strong and absolutely delicious. 🍒

And if you can, peek inside The Vault Bar in the basement of the Marmorosch Hotel. It’s built inside a real bank vault, and the setting looks so cool. I didn’t get to go, so if you do, let me know how it is!

📚 4. Visit Cărturești Carusel

If you love books, cafes, or just beautiful Instagram spots, you have to stop by Cărturești Carusel.

Translated from Romanian as “Carousel of Light,” this dreamy bookstore lives up to its name with winding bookshelves, bright interiors, and whimsical banisters. Fun fact: the building was also actually a bank in the 19th century.

While most books are in Romanian, there’s also a small English section, plus shelves of records, gifts, wine, and other treasures. It’s a perfect spot to relax, snap a few photos 📸, or grab a coffee in the cafe on the top floor.

🌳 5. Stroll Through King Michael I Park

Spend a half day exploring the northern side of the city at King Michael I Park, one of the most beautiful green spaces in Bucharest.

This park feels like a mini Central Park, with peaceful walking paths, statues, a huge lake where you can rent a boat, and even a Michael Jackson tribute alongside the path. 🎶

It’s a great spot to unwind, people-watch, or enjoy a picnic between sightseeing stops.

🏛️ 6. See the Arcul de Triumf

Located right at the corner of King Michael I Park, the Arcul de Triumf (Triumphal Arch) is one of Bucharest’s most iconic landmarks.

It was built to celebrate Romania’s victory in World War I and the coronation of King Ferdinand I. Though smaller than the one in Paris, it certainly commands your attention standing proudly at the center of a busy roundabout.

Walk beneath it to feel the energy of the city, or pay to climb to the top for panoramic views of Bucharest.

🏡 7. Explore the Village Museum

Step back in time at the Village Museum, an open-air museum that showcases traditional Romanian homes, structures, and artifacts from the 17th to 20th centuries.

It’s a fascinating glimpse into how people across different regions of Romania once lived and it’s all surrounded by nature since it’s in the King Michael I Park.

It’s the perfect place to combine history and fresh air in one stop and tickets cost around $10.

🏰 8. Take a Transylvania Castle Day Tour

If it’s your first time in Romania, a castle day trip is a must! You can rent a car or take the train, or book a guided tour like the the one I did through GetYourGuide, which made it super easy.

The day started early at 7 a.m. with a 2-hour drive to Peleș Castle, the former summer home of Romania’s first king, and it’s straight out of a fairytale. ✨ Just note: entrance tickets are not included in the tour price, and the castle is closed on Mondays and Tuesdays (I learned that the hard way!).

Next, you’ll stop for lunch and free time in the charming city of Brașov, followed by a visit to Bran Castle, also known as Dracula’s Castle.

To be honest, the Dracula connection is mostly a marketing gimmick 🧛‍♂️, but it’s still a beautiful, historic site worth visiting.

🍽️ 9. Dine at Caru’ cu Bere

For a truly Romanian dining experience, grab a meal at Caru’ cu Bere, one of Bucharest’s most famous and beloved restaurants.

Serving traditional dishes since 1879, this neogothic restaurant located right in the Old Town welcomes about 2,500 diners every day, most of them locals, which tells you everything you need to know.

While my trout fillet wasn’t my favorite, I still recommend visiting for the vibrant atmosphere and stunning neogothic interior design. Even if you just stop in for dessert or a cocktail, it’s an essential Bucharest experience. 🍷

💦 10. Relax at Therme Bucharest

Did you know Europe’s largest thermal spa is just outside Bucharest?

Therme Bucharest is a massive wellness complex with 10 pools, 10 saunas, water slides, and tropical plants everywhere. You could easily spend a half day here unwinding after days of sightseeing.

While it’s the biggest in Europe, it’s actually not the most famous. That honor goes to the Széchenyi Thermal Baths in Budapest. If you’d like to discover what makes this such a renowned bath, watch the video below!

💬 Final Thoughts

Bucharest completely surprised me in the best way possible. From history and architecture to nightlife and nature, this city has it all.

If you’re planning a trip, add these 10 activities to your list and thank me later! 😉