You guys, Bucharest totally surprised me. I wasn’t expecting to love Romania’s capital this much, but between the absolutely massive Palace of Parliament (fun fact: it’s the heaviest building in the world!) and the gorgeous Old Town, this city just kept blowing my mind. The mix of architecture here tells such a fascinating story—from glammed-up 1900s buildings to stark Communist-era remnants.
I spent my days wandering through some of the coolest bookstores I’ve ever seen (Cărturești Carusel is straight out of a fairy tale) and discovering things to do in Bucharest that most visitors miss. The food scene here is incredible too. Let me show you my favorite spots in this city that deserve way more love than it gets.
Best Things to Do in Bucharest
Visiting Bucharest, Romania? Spend the day exploring the grand Palace of the Parliament, stroll through the scenic Herastrau Park, or experience the vibrant atmosphere of the Lipscani District. Discover the stunning Carturesti Carusel Bookstore for a unique literary escape. Whether you’re into history, nature, or culture, Bucharest has plenty to offer.
1. Palace of the Parliament
You can’t visit Bucharest without seeing the Palace of the Parliament. It’s not just big—it’s the heaviest building on Earth. Built during Ceaușescu’s communist rule, this place is a wild mix of grandeur and eerie excess. The marble staircases, velvet curtains, and endless chandeliers make it feel more like a royal palace than a government office.
I booked a guided tour, and even then, we barely scratched the surface of its 1,000+ rooms. The scale is overwhelming. Every hallway looks like it was built for giants. Yet there’s a strange contrast—behind all that luxury, you can feel the weight of Romania’s complicated past. You’ll learn about how entire neighborhoods were demolished to build it.
If you’re into bold architecture and offbeat history, this one checks both boxes. Definitely worth stepping inside to see what power looked like—Romanian-style.
2. Herastrau Park
When the city noise gets overwhelming, Herastrau Park is the best escape. It’s the biggest park in Bucharest, and it wraps around Lake Herastrau. Locals come here to jog, bike, or paddleboat on the lake. I rented a bike from a nearby stand and spent an afternoon riding shaded trails—totally forgot I was in a capital city.
Inside the park, you’ll also find the Village Museum, an open-air collection of homes, churches, and windmills from across Romania. You can stop for lunch at Berăria H, which often has live music and massive plates of Romanian food.
There are also quiet gardens, rowboats for rent, and tons of green space if you just want to nap in the sun. Whether you’ve got a full afternoon or just a quick hour, Herastrau Park is an easy way to reset.
3. Lipscani District
Lipscani District is the heart of Bucharest’s Old Town and one of the most electric places in the city. The cobbled streets are lined with buzzing bars, indie boutiques, art galleries, and historic buildings. I started my night at Nomad Skybar for rooftop views, and ended it sipping local wine in a tiny jazz bar I found by accident.
By day, this neighborhood feels completely different. You’ll pass by street artists, antique bookstores, and historic landmarks like Stavropoleos Monastery and Curtea Veche, the 15th-century palace of Vlad the Impaler. Stop for coffee at Origo or grab a plate of mici from Caru’ cu Bere.
It’s chaotic, creative, and constantly changing. If you only explore one neighborhood in Bucharest, make it Lipscani. Whether you’re here to party, shop, or just get lost, this place shows off the city’s past and future all at once.
4. Carturesti Carusel Bookstore
Set inside a 19th-century bank building on Strada Lipscani, Carturesti Carusel is one of the most stunning bookstores in Europe. This isn’t just a place to browse shelves—it’s six levels of books, design goods, art installations, and quiet reading corners. The spiral staircases, high ceilings, and soft white arches give it a dreamy, gallery-like feel.
I ended up here on a rainy afternoon, and it honestly saved my day. I spent an hour flipping through photography books, then grabbed a seat upstairs with a hot tea from their café. They even serve wine and pastries, which felt oddly luxurious for a bookstore.
The shop also hosts temporary exhibits, author talks, and events tied to Romanian arts and culture. Whether you’re into literature, architecture, or photography, Carturesti Carusel feels like a creative sanctuary in the middle of busy Bucharest. It’s worth a stop—even if you leave empty-handed.
5. Macca-Vilacrosse Passage
Macca-Vilacrosse Passage is one of those hidden gems that’s easy to miss if you’re not looking for it. Tucked between Calea Victoriei and Strada Lipscani, this Y-shaped arcade has stained-glass ceilings, old-world charm, and some of the coziest cafés in the city.
It reminded me of the covered passages in Paris, but with a distinctly Balkan vibe. I grabbed a Turkish coffee at T-Zero Coffee Shop, and watched as locals drifted in and out of hookah lounges. The passage also has vintage shops, travel agencies, and a few tucked-away bistros.
It’s not loud or flashy, but that’s the point. Whether you stop in for a drink or stroll through between sightseeing spots, the Passage offers a quiet escape in the middle of the city. If you want a photo-worthy moment that’s not overrun with tourists, start here.
6. La Mama
You can’t leave Bucharest without trying traditional Romanian food, and La Mama is one of the most reliable spots to do it. There are a few locations across the city, but the one near Romanian Athenaeum is my go-to for a cozy sit-down meal.
They serve all the classics: sarmale (cabbage rolls), ciorbă de burtă (tripe soup), and my favorite, papanasi—fried doughnuts with sour cream and jam. Portions are generous and the prices are surprisingly fair for how tourist-friendly it is. I once came here on a rainy night and ended up chatting with the server for an hour about Romanian food history.
It’s not overly fancy, and that’s the charm. If you’re wondering where to eat in Bucharest to feel like you’re getting a homemade meal without going to someone’s grandma’s house, La Mama’s your answer.
7. Stavropoleos Monastery
Right in the middle of Bucharest’s Old Town is Stavropoleos Monastery, and it’s unbelievably peaceful given the nightlife just outside its gates. Built in the early 1700s, the tiny monastery features Brâncovenesc architecture, hand-carved stone details, and wooden doors that creak like something from another century.
Inside, the air is thick with incense, and the walls are covered with faded Byzantine frescoes. You don’t have to be religious to appreciate it—this place is about quiet and beauty. The inner courtyard is one of my favorite spots in the city. I once ducked in just to take a break from sightseeing and ended up sitting there for an hour.
The monastery also houses a collection of rare books and music manuscripts. It’s small, but if you want a moment to breathe and reflect while in Bucharest, this is where to go.
8. Village Museum
Set inside Herastrau Park, the Village Museum (or Muzeul Satului) is a massive open-air collection of old Romanian homes, barns, and churches. Each one has been relocated from different parts of the country and pieced back together, log by log.
I spent nearly half a day here and still didn’t see it all. There are over 200 buildings, and you can step inside most of them. You’ll find Saxon-style houses from Transylvania, wooden churches from Maramureș, and traditional windmills by the lake. I randomly walked into a folk dancing event happening near one of the courtyards—it felt like a scene out of a movie.
The museum’s quiet, spread out, and surprisingly calming. If you want to understand Romania beyond Bucharest, this is the place. Come with good walking shoes and a bit of time—you’ll need both.
9. Control Club
If Bucharest had a heartbeat after dark, it would be Control Club. This spot near University Square is more than just a nightclub—it’s part concert venue, part underground hangout, part creative hub. Whether you’re into indie rock, techno, or experimental sets, there’s always something unexpected on the lineup.
When I went, I ended up staying way later than planned because the vibe kept shifting in the best way. Inside, it’s moody and industrial, while the courtyard feels almost too chill for a venue known for wild nights. They also screen films, host art shows, and have solid cocktails.
If you’re looking for where to go in Bucharest that mixes music, culture, and nightlife without the pretentious crowd, this is your place. It’s not flashy—it’s raw, real, and unfiltered. And that’s exactly why people keep coming back.
10. Therme Bucharest
You’d never expect a massive thermal spa just 30 minutes from the city center, but Therme Bucharest is one of the wildest surprises in Romania. This place feels like a cross between a tropical resort and a wellness center—with 9 pools, 6 saunas, and an indoor jungle of over 800,000 plants.
I went on a weekday afternoon, and it was blissfully quiet. I soaked in the mineral pools, hit the eucalyptus sauna, then sipped a smoothie while lounging in the Galaxy Zone. It’s part relaxation, part playground, depending on what you’re into.
They also offer massages and beauty treatments, but even if you just float around all day, it’s worth the entrance fee. If your legs need a break after sightseeing or your brain needs a reset, this is the move. Bring a swimsuit, leave your stress at the door.
11. Romanian Athenaeum
If you’re going to see one concert venue in Bucharest, let it be the Romanian Athenaeum. This neoclassical masterpiece is home to the George Enescu Philharmonic Orchestra, and the inside looks like something out of a Wes Anderson movie—gilded columns, a domed ceiling, and a mural that wraps around the entire hall.
Even if you’re not into classical music, catching a show here feels like stepping into another world. I lucked out with a last-minute ticket and ended up at a symphony I knew nothing about, but the acoustics and atmosphere made it unforgettable.
During the day, you can also tour the building for a small fee. The lobby alone is worth seeing. If you’re wondering what to do in Bucharest that feels luxurious but still approachable, this is it. Trust me—it’s one of the most beautiful interiors in the city.
12. Bellu Cemetery
Yes, a cemetery made the list—and for good reason. Bellu Cemetery is one of the most unexpected and strangely moving places in Bucharest. This isn’t just a graveyard; it’s a massive outdoor museum full of ornate tombstones, crypts, and sculptures created by Romania’s best artists.
Wandering through the tree-lined paths, I found graves of famous Romanian poets, politicians, and actors—some names I recognized, others I googled later. Each monument is completely different, with carved angels, stained glass, and even full mini-chapels.
It’s quiet and a little eerie, sure, but also fascinating. If you’re into architecture, history, or just want a slower-paced stop that’s way off the usual tourist track, add Bellu to your itinerary. It’s a peaceful break from the bustle and a powerful reminder of the stories that shaped the city.
