Best Travel Guide Bucharest | ArrivalGuides.com

BucharestGuide was updated: 2025-06-02

Bucharest is Europe’s best kept secret. While visually it can't quite compete with other grand Eastern European capitals, it leads the pack in dynamism, energy and forward momentum. The remnants of Communism are still palpable in the urban fabric, but the city has its sights set firmly on the future. Trendy outdoor cafes and high-street shops live side-by-side with gorgeous Orthodox churches and world-class art galleries in the old town, all overlooked by the imposing Palace of Parliament.

Do & See

Bucharest boasts many beautiful monuments and landmarks, the most prominent being the Palace of Parliament, an imposing structure that now houses, among other things, one of the city's best museums: The National Museum of Contemporary Art. Other museums worth visiting are the Museum of the Romanian Peasant and the National Art Museum, housed in the old royal palace. Alternatively, enjoy the vast green spaces the city has to offer, like the gorgeous Parcul Carol, or wander around the charming old town.

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Palace of Parliament

Originally built to house all offices of the Communist ruling officers during Ceausescu’s regime, the imposing Palace of Parliament is Romania’s most famous building. Tours are open to the public, showing off the opulent staircases and chandelier-filled rooms and offering great insight into the building's history. The palace also houses Romania's National Museum of Contemporary Art. There are tours available all year round; however, it's essential to reserve your tour slot beforehand, as advance booking ensures availability for this captivating experience.

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Triumphal Arch

Similar to its Paris namesake, Bucharest’s Triumphal Arch, standing tall at 26 metres, remembers Romania’s Great War soldiers and its reunification in 1918. Initially, the arch was built out of wood in 1922, and was then finished in Deva granite in 1936. The Triumphal Arch becomes the main stage for the military parade every December 1st, when Romanians celebrate their National Day.

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Lipscani District

Lipscani, Bucharest’s historical centre, retains an irresistible old town charm. It is located between Calea Victoriei, Boulevard Bratianu, Boulevard Regina Elisabeta and the Dambovita River. Its collection of winding streets boasts antique markets, bric-a-brac spilling out from tiny boutiques and some of the city’s most appealing restaurants and bars.

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National Museum of Art

Romania’s most impressive art collection is displayed in the old sprawling royal palace. Here you can see works by Rembrandt and El Greco among a great collection of European art assembled by the Romanian royal family, as well as works by celebrated Romanian artists.

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University of Bucharest

In addition to being the centre for Bucharest’s intellectual and political events and the most popular meeting place in the city, the University of Bucharest has a dramatic history. During the 1989 Revolution, some of Romania’s fiercest fighting took place here. Close by you can find the University of Bucharest’s School of Architecture, the National Theatre, the Coltea Hospital and the Sutu Palace History Museum. A Christmas market is held at the University Square every year, but you can find excellent restaurants and cafes in the area all year round.

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Romanian Athenaeum

The Romanian Athenaeum concert hall is home to the superb Filarmonica George Enescu and the hub of Bucharest’s musical activity. Exquisite mosaics and historical frescoes adorn the 19th-century circular building, which hosts impressive orchestral concerts and other performances. You can visit the ornate, domed, circular building without attending a concert, too.

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Population:	1.8 million (2024)
Currency:	1 leu (plural lei) = 100 bani
Emergency Numbers:	Police, Fire & Ambulance: 112
Newspapers:	Adevărul: www.adevarul.ro Nine O’Clock (in English): www.nineoclock.ro Bursa: www.bursa.ro
Website:	www.visitbucharest.today »
Opening Hours:	Most shops in Bucharest tend to open on weekdays from 10am till 6pm and on Saturday from 10am till 5pm. Restaurants usually stay open until about 11pm. Cafes start operating earlier, at about 8am, and many bars close at about 2am. Banks are open from 9am till 3pm with a lunch break between noon and 1pm. In summer, some businesses will reduce staff, opening hours or even close for the entire month of August.
Tourist Information:	Bucharest Tourist Information Office Pasajul Nicolae Bălcescu, Bucharest +40 21 305 5500 turism@bucuresti-primaria.ro Open daily 9am–5pm