Cișmigiu Gardens

Grădina Cișmigiu

The oldest and most romantic public park in Bucharest, laid out in the 1840s with a lake, winding alleys, statues and mature trees. A tranquil central retreat popular for rowing boats in summer and quiet walks year-round.

Things to do

• Row on the lake — Rent a rowing boat in summer and paddle across the park's central lake beneath the willow trees.
• Stroll the Rondul Roman — Walk the circle of stone busts honoring twelve major Romanian writers, including Mihai Eminescu and Ion Luca Caragiale.
• Cross the Sighișoara-style bridges — Wander the winding alleys and small arched bridges that connect the park's islets and shaded corners.
• Visit the Monument to the French Heroes — See the memorial honoring French soldiers who died in Romania during World War I, near the park's edge.
• Ice skate in winter — When the lake or rink freezes over, the park becomes a popular spot for skating and cold-weather walks.
• Feed the swans and ducks — Watch waterfowl glide across the lake, a favorite pastime for families and children.
• Relax by the Izvorul Sissi Stefania fountain — Rest near one of the park's ornamental fountains surrounded by mature horse chestnut and plane trees.

Food to try

• Covrigi — Warm Romanian pretzels sold from kiosks near the park gates, often topped with sesame or poppy seeds.
• Papanași — Fried doughnut-like cheese dumplings topped with sour cream and sour cherry jam, found in nearby cafes.
• Gogoși — Fluffy Romanian doughnuts dusted with sugar or filled with jam, a classic street snack.
• Mici — Grilled skinless minced-meat sausages with mustard, a Bucharest staple sold at nearby terraces.
• Înghețată — Traditional Romanian ice cream from vendors around the park, ideal after a summer boat ride.
• Limonadă — Fresh Romanian-style lemonade with mint, sold at kiosks to refresh you on hot afternoons.

Local customs & good to know

• The park is free and open daily — Cișmigiu has no entrance fee and stays open from early morning until late, making spontaneous visits easy.
• Boats are cash-friendly and seasonal — Rowing boat rentals typically run from spring through early autumn, so bring small lei bills.
• Respect the writers' busts — The Rondul Roman is a cherished literary monument, so keep it clean and treat the statues respectfully.
• Watch for locals playing chess — Older Bucharesters gather on benches for chess and backgammon, a quiet local tradition worth observing.

Nearby

• Revolution Square — 1 km
• National Museum of Art of Romania — 1 km
• Stavropoleos Monastery — 1 km
• Romanian Athenaeum — 1 km