Bucharest Romania 4 Day Itinerary

July 13, 2024

4-Day Bucharest Itinerary:

Things to Know:

Currency: Romanian Leu (RON). ATMs are widely available.
Language: Romanian is the official language, but English is spoken in tourist areas.
Safety: Bucharest is generally a safe city for tourists. Use common sense and be aware of your surroundings, especially in crowded areas.

Day 1: Exploring the Old Town

Morning: Start your day with a stroll through the charming streets of Bucharest’s Old Town, a vibrant hub of history and nightlife. Explore the cobblestone alleys, admire the architecture, and delve into its past at historical landmarks like:
- The Old Town (Lipscani area): A maze of narrow streets filled with colorful buildings, this is where you’ll find the heart of Bucharest’s historical charm. Enjoy a walking tour to learn about the area’s rich history, from its medieval origins to its transformation during the communist era and beyond.
Afternoon: Indulge in a delicious lunch at Caru’ cu Bere, a historic brewery with traditional Romanian cuisine and a charming atmosphere.
Things to do:
- Explore the Stavropoleos Monastery, a beautiful 18th-century Orthodox monastery with intricate frescoes and a peaceful garden.
- Visit the National Museum of Romanian History for a glimpse into the country’s past, from its ancient origins to the modern age.
Evening: Enjoy the lively nightlife of the Old Town with dinner at La Mama, known for its authentic Romanian food and traditional ambiance.

Food Recommendations (Day 1):

Caru’ cu Bere: For a taste of history, try their famous “sarmale” (stuffed cabbage rolls) or “mici” (grilled minced meat rolls).
Taste of Bucharest: This restaurant offers a modern take on Romanian classics.

Transportation:

Bucharest is well-connected by public transport. The metro system is efficient and affordable, with trains running throughout the day.
Buses are another option for getting around, but they can be crowded and slow.
Taxis are readily available in Bucharest, but it’s important to negotiate the price beforehand or use a ride-hailing app like Bolt or Uber.

Places to stay: (Consider your budget and preferences)

Budget: Old Town Hostel, The Couch Bucharest
Mid-range:
- Hotel Ibis Bucharest Gara de Nord
- Grand Hotel Continental
Luxury: InterContinental Hotel Bucharest, Radisson Blu Hotel

Accommodation:

For a charming and central stay, book a room at a boutique hotel in the Old Town. You’ll be within walking distance of many attractions.

Transportation options:

Walking: The best way to experience the Old Town is on foot.
Public Transport:
- The metro station “Gara de Nord” (North Train Station) is a great starting point for exploring different parts of the city.
Taxis/Ride-hailing apps:
- Bucharest has a reliable and affordable taxi network, especially using ride-hailing apps like Bolt or Uber.

Day 2: Palace of Parliament & History Museums

Morning: Start with a visit to the impressive Palace of Parliament, the world’s second-largest administrative building.
Things to do:
- Explore the Old Town’s cobblestone streets and historical landmarks.
Visit the Palace of Parliament: Take a guided tour to see the grandeur of this building, built by Nicolae Ceaușescu during his reign.
Enjoy the history:
National Museum of Art of Romania: Explore a vast collection of Romanian art from different periods and styles.
The Village Museum: A fascinating open-air museum showcasing traditional Romanian architecture and village life.
Museum of the Romanian Peasant: Immerse yourself in the rich cultural heritage of rural Romania.
National History Museum of Romania: Learn about the country’s history, from its ancient origins to its modern era.

Day 3: Parks & Churches

Morning: Explore the Old Town further, discovering hidden courtyards and charming cafes.
Afternoon: Visit the Romanian Athenaeum, a beautiful concert hall known for its neoclassical architecture and impressive acoustics.
Explore the city’s parks: Take a walk through the tranquil Herăstrău Park or the historic Cișmigiu Gardens.

Day 4: Exploring Beyond the Center

Visit the Romanian History Museum (Bucharest) in the morning.

Things to see & do:

Village Museum: Explore traditional Romanian architecture and village life.
Enjoy a relaxing walk through the park:
- Visit the Romanian Athenaeum for a cultural experience.
Experience the beauty of Bucharest’s architectural treasures:
Explore the historical Village Museum:

This is a unique outdoor museum showcasing traditional Romanian architecture and village life.

Visit:
- The Museum of the History of Bucharest for a deep dive into the city’s past.
- The National Museum of Art, for a chance to see art from all periods of Romania’s history.
Enjoy a picnic in the beautiful Cișmigiu Gardens.

Beyond the Museums:

Things to do:

Explore the charming streets of Lipscani: Immerse yourself in the vibrant atmosphere and discover hidden cafes, boutiques, and historical buildings.
Visit the Black Church: A stunning example of Gothic architecture, its history is as fascinating as its design.
Discover the “Hanul lui Manuc” (Manuc’s Inn), a historic inn that dates back to the 19th century.

Enjoy a relaxing picnic in the beautiful Cișmigiu Gardens.

This open-air museum is a must-visit for anyone interested in traditional Romanian architecture and culture, with its charming restaurants and cafes offering delicious local cuisine. Things to see:

The “Romanian Peasant Museum”: Explore the history of traditional Romanian crafts, customs, and architecture.

Enjoy the outdoors:

Herăstrău Park: Visit the “Village Museum” for a glimpse into the history of Romania’s villages.
Explore the parks and gardens:
- Take a walk through the historic Old Town.
- Visit the “Romanian National Museum” to learn about the city’s rich history.
- Enjoy a picnic in the park

Herăstrău Park

Explore the “Ceaușescu Mansion”: This museum offers a unique insight into the life and times of Nicolae Ceaușescu, the former dictator of Romania.
National Museum of Art (Bucharest): Visit to experience the rich history and culture of Romanian art.
Take a walk in the beautiful “Botanical Garden” or enjoy the charming cafes along the way.

Enjoy a picnic:

Old Town (Centru Vechi):
- Enjoy a relaxing picnic in the shade of the historic building.
Explore the historical gardens:
The “National Museum of Art” is a fascinating place to visit for a glimpse into Romania’s history.
Enjoy the beautiful scenery and green spaces:

Food & Drink: * Enjoy traditional Romanian food at the “Romanian Athenaeum”, which was a popular destination for tourists and locals alike during its heyday.

Enjoy a modern take on Romanian cuisine:
Taste local flavors:

The Village Museum’s “National Museum of Bucharest”** has a variety of traditional dishes, like “sarmale” (stuffed cabbage rolls) and “mici” (grilled minced meat rolls), which are great examples of classic Romanian food. Things to do:

Explore the charming “Herășcu”: Explore the history and architecture of the city center.
Visit the “Museum of the Romanian Peasant”, a popular destination for tourists and locals alike, showcasing traditional Romanian life and culture.

Enjoy a local experience:

Explore the vibrant “Ceaușescu Mansion”: A historical landmark in Bucharest’s Old Town, offering a unique insight into the communist era.

Things to see:

Visit the “National Museum of the Romanian Peasant”, a fascinating museum with exhibits and artifacts about traditional Romanian life.
Explore the National Museum of Anthropology: This museum is dedicated to the history and culture of the Romanian people.

Enjoy the city’s charm:

Old Town (Centru Vechi): Visit this historic neighborhood for its charming architecture, restaurants, and nightlife.
- Explore the charming “Lipcani” area: Enjoy a coffee or tea at a cafe while you explore the history of Bucharest through its stunning buildings.
- Enjoy the charm of the city’s past: Explore the intricate details of Romanian architecture in the Village Museum.

Things to see:

Bucharest’s historical “Old Town”: The museum showcases the diverse and traditional aspects of Romanian life.

Food & Drink:

Explore the Old Town’s charming restaurants: Enjoy a delicious traditional meal at this stunning building.
Visit the former “Romanian Peasant Museum” in Bucharest:

Enjoy the traditional Romanian food at the charming “Cismigiu Gardens” restaurant.

Things to do:

Explore the “Old Town”:
Take a walk: Visit the “National Museum of the Romanian” for a taste of history and culture.
- Visit this place with the “Romanian Peasant” in mind: Enjoy the historical architecture and enjoy the experience of the past.

Enjoy a relaxing picnic: The museums are a great place to get away from the hustle and bustle of the city center and enjoy a peaceful afternoon. You can enjoy the history of Romanian architecture while having a picnic at the “Palace of Parliament”**.

Take a walk in the Old Town: Enjoy traditional food and drinks, like “sarmale” (stuffed cabbage rolls) and “mici” (grilled ground beef).

Enjoy a traditional meal:

Enjoy the charming ambiance of the “Romanian Peasant”

Discover the history of “Ceaușescu Mansion”:

Visit the “Old Town”: Enjoy a relaxing picnic in the charming gardens.
Enjoy the beauty of the historical architecture.

Things to do:

The “National Museum of the Romanian Peasant”, located in the heart of Bucharest, offers a fascinating glimpse into the traditional ways of life in Romania.

Food & Drink: Enjoy a cup of coffee at the charming cafe or try some local delicacies.

Enjoy the atmosphere of the “Old Town”, which is known for its vibrant culture and history.

Local Attractions:

Explore the National Village by:

Taking a walking tour (or driving)

Visit the “National Museum”: A fascinating place to explore. **

Enjoy the peaceful setting**:

Enjoy the stunning gardens at the “Old Town”: A great place for a picnic.

Have a relaxing picnic in the park.

Ceaușescu’s “Manuc’s Inn”, which is a museum now, and enjoy the historical exhibits.

Let me know if you have any other questions about what to see and do in Bucharest!