Introduction
Welcome to Bucharest, the vibrant capital of Romania! Known as the "Little Paris" for its elegant architecture and wide avenues, the city is a fascinating mosaic of history, from the days of the monarchy to the communist era, blended with a buzzing modernity. Get ready for a 3-day itinerary that will take you through the essentials, without rushing and with time to soak in the city's unique atmosphere.
Day 1: The Historic Heart and the Grandeur of the Palace
The first day is all about diving into the historic centre and feeling the city's pulse.
Morning: Start your day in the Centrul Vechi (Old Town). Walk along the cobbled streets, admire the restored buildings and discover small hidden Orthodox churches, like Stavropoleos Church, a masterpiece of the Brâncovenesc style. Take a moment for a coffee on one of the many terraces and feel the atmosphere.
Afternoon: Get ready for one of the most impressive structures in the world: the Palace of the Parliament. This colossal building, the second-largest administrative building in the world, is a testament to dictator Nicolae Ceaușescu's megalomania. The guided tour is essential to understand the scale and the history behind its construction.
Evening: Head back to Centrul Vechi for dinner. The area takes on a new life at night, with dozens of restaurants and bars. Try the local cuisine, like ciorbă (a traditional soup) or mici (grilled meat rolls).
Day 2: Royal Avenues and the Soul of Art
On the second day, we explore the elegance of the great avenues and Bucharest's cultural richness.
Morning: Walk down Calea Victoriei, the city's most charming avenue. Here you'll find iconic buildings like the Romanian Athenaeum, the city's concert hall, and the former Royal Palace, which today houses the National Museum of Art of Romania. If you love art, a visit to this museum is a must.
Afternoon: Continue your stroll to Piața Revoluției (Revolution Square), a place steeped in history where the communist regime came to an end in 1989. Nearby, you can visit the curious bookshop Cărturești Carusel, an incredible space with six floors of books inside a beautifully restored 19th-century building.
Evening: For something different, look for a bar with live music or catch a show at the Romanian Athenaeum, if its programming lines up with your visit.
Day 3: Nature, Tradition and Panoramic Views
The last day is dedicated to a more relaxed pace, exploring green spaces and the country's traditions.
Morning: Visit Herăstrău Park, the green lung of Bucharest. You can rent a boat for a ride on the lake or simply walk through its vast gardens. Inside the park, you'll find the "Dimitrie Gusti" National Village Museum, an open-air museum that recreates traditional rural life in Romania, with wooden houses and churches from various regions of the country.
Afternoon: Not far from the park stands the Arch of Triumph, a replica of the famous Parisian arch. Climb to the top for a panoramic view over the city. To wrap up the afternoon, explore the Primăverii neighbourhood, home to Ceaușescu's former residence, Casa Ceaușescu, now a museum.
Evening: Say goodbye to Bucharest with a special dinner at one of the city's most sophisticated restaurants, or head back to your favourite area for one last drink.
What you should know before you go
- Currency: The local currency is the Romanian Leu (RON). Although Romania is part of the EU, the Euro isn't the working currency. It's worth carrying some local cash for small expenses.
- Transport: Bucharest has a network of metro, buses and trams. Taxis and ride-hailing services are also a budget-friendly option.
- Language: Romanian is the official language. In tourist areas, it's common to find people who speak English.
Where Multipark fits in
If you decide to explore the surroundings of Bucharest by car, or if your trip through Romania is on wheels, finding a safe place to park in the centre can be a challenge. With Multipark, you can plan your parking in advance, making sure your car is well looked after while you discover the city on foot and worry-free.
Conclusion
Bucharest is a city of contrasts, where the opulence of the past lives alongside the scars of recent history and a contagious energy. This 3-day itinerary gives you a solid base to explore the essentials, but always leaves room for getting lost in its streets and discovering your own favourite corners. Safe travels!
