Bucharest

București

Romania's sprawling capital blends Belle Époque boulevards, communist-era monumentalism and a lively Old Town. Highlights include the colossal Palace of the Parliament, the leafy Herăstrău Park and buzzing café-lined Lipscani district.

Things to do

• Palace of the Parliament — Tour the world's heaviest building, a colossal monument to Ceaușescu's megalomania with opulent marble halls.
• Explore Lipscani Old Town — Wander the cobbled lanes packed with cafés, bars and boutiques in the historic merchant quarter.
• Stavropoleos Monastery — Admire the exquisite Brâncovenesc-style church with its ornate stone carvings and peaceful courtyard.
• Herăstrău Park — Stroll or rent a boat around the lake in Bucharest's largest park, home to the open-air Village Museum.
• Village Museum — See over 200 authentic peasant houses and churches relocated from across rural Romania.
• Romanian Athenaeum — Marvel at this domed neoclassical concert hall, home of the George Enescu Philharmonic.
• Revolution Square — Stand where Ceaușescu gave his final speech in 1989, marked by the Memorial of Rebirth monument.
• Cișmigiu Gardens — Relax in the city's oldest public park with its lake, shaded alleys and rowing boats.

Food to try

• Sarmale — Cabbage rolls stuffed with minced pork and rice, traditionally served with polenta and sour cream.
• Mici (mititei) — Grilled skinless minced-meat sausages eaten with mustard and bread, a beloved street and beer-garden snack.
• Ciorbă de burtă — A sour, creamy tripe soup seasoned with garlic and vinegar, a Romanian comfort classic.
• Papanași — Fried doughnuts topped with sour cream and sour cherry jam, the quintessential Romanian dessert.
• Covrigi — Warm pretzels sold from street kiosks, often coated with poppy seeds, salt or sesame.
• Țuică — A strong plum brandy served as an aperitif; try it in traditional restaurants like Caru' cu Bere.

Local customs & good to know

• Carry small cash — The currency is the Romanian leu, and many kiosks, markets and small cafés prefer cash over cards.
• Watch the traffic — Bucharest drivers can be aggressive, so cross only at marked crossings and stay alert even on green.
• Learn a few words — A simple 'mulțumesc' (thank you) or 'bună ziua' (good day) is warmly appreciated by locals.
• Tip modestly — Leaving around 10 percent in restaurants is customary and appreciated for good service.

Nearby

• National Museum of Romanian History (Bucharest) — 0 km
• Old Town (Lipscani) (Bucharest) — 1 km
• Stavropoleos Monastery (Bucharest) — 1 km
• Palace of the Parliament (Bucharest) — 1 km