Five things you must do in a short trip to Bucharest, Romania.
Near Piața Unirii
Romania is an amazing place to visit. Bucharest, the capital, is a bustling city with deep roots. First Time Visitors to Bucharest will be impressed by the array of options. From farmers markets to wild night life, to modern sized malls and Business centers, to world heritage landmarks. There sure is something for everybody to find in this unique city...Here are five great ways to explore Bucharest for the first time.
In this article:
2. Visit the Palace of the Parliament
4. Visit the National History Museum
5. See a show at the National or Odeon Theatres
6. Eat mici in piata obor and walk through the farmers market
Take in all of Bucharest in a one-day walking tour with a local expert!
Meet Alina who: is very “passionate about sharing and "translating" Romanian culture.”
This comprehensive seven-hour walking tour features Victory Avenue (main historic boulevard), The Palace of the Parliamnet, Old Town Bucharest (stop for lunch) and much more.
Getting Around
With plenty of trains and metro stops you should have no problem exploring the city. One ride cost around one dollar, or 5 lei in local currency. Taxis are also fairly priced as well. It may cost you 10-20 dollars to take a cab from the airport to the city center. You can also take a 30-minute train from Henri Coandă International Airport (OTP) to the North Railway Station in the City Center.
Visit the Palace of the Parliament
Take Metro line 1 or 3 to Izvor station, from there it is a short walk to the north side of the palace where you will find the guest entrance. The Palace of the Parliament is the second-largest administrative building in the world (after the Pentagon in the United States) and is a must-see for anyone visiting Bucharest. The palace is home to the Romanian Parliament and features a number of impressive galleries, museums, and exhibits on the history and culture of the country.
Make sure you join a tour to receive the full history of the palace. Guide will have unique stories that they bring to light in a flawless modern context. The palace is the second largest building in the world by weight, due mostly to the deluge of granite quarried by the Ceaușescu regime. Wondering the palace, you will notice the use of Romanian rosey pink marble, which became highly sought after, and is hallmark of the country’s architecture.
There is no air conditioning in the Parliament building, which is rather strange for a public building, especially in Bucharest where summers can be extremely humid. Guides may tell you that the Palace does not have air conditioning because of the vast implementation of natural air ducting in the building. Along with other theories, some postulate that this was due to Ceausescu’s paranoia.
2. Explore the Old Town
Take Metro line 1 or 3 and get off at Piata Unirii. Centru Vecchi, Bucharest's (Old Town) is a vibrant neighborhood filled with a mix of historic buildings, trendy bars, and lively restaurants. Stroll through the winding streets and take in the sights and sounds of the city or stop in one of the many local shops and cafes to sample some of the delicious Romanian cuisine.
Smoke hookha at Vilacrosse Passage
You don’t have to love hookha to know this place is unique. A repurposed hotel, this was one a private residence. The ceiling, clad with brilliant glass and crown molding, makes this place is a marvel to lay your eyes on. Later, the former owner transformed part of the hotel into luxury shops, eventually this indoor-outdoor passage would turn into a public street. Striking similarities to The Galleria Vittorio Emanuele II in Milan or other decorated passages in Western Europe.
Pick up a new book or souviners at Cărturești Carusel
Cărturești Carusel is a unique bookstore in the old part of town. Locals love this spot and its whimsical vibe will surely cast a spell on you to adventure. With four stories there are all types of items, books, collectibles, and treasures. The spiral staircases and open floorplan give this place the image of a library of magic.
3. Visit the National History Museum
Also in the old town you will find the Romanian National History Museum. The museum is home to a wide variety of artifacts and exhibits that span the entire history of Romania, from ancient times to the present day. You can learn about the ancient Dacian civilization, which flourished in what is now Romania over 2,000 years ago and discover the many ways in which the country has evolved over the centuries.
From an anthropological perspective, this museum is a great place to start for new visitors to Romania that may not yet know much about the local culture or customs. The museum catalogs artifacts from Romanian National hero, Michael the Brave, who famously held the many Romanian provinces together in the face of the Ottoman invasion.
4. See a show at the National or Odeon Theatres
The National Theatre is a historic venue located in the heart of Bucharest and is home to a variety of performances, including plays, concerts, and ballet. It's a great place to experience some of the city's rich cultural heritage.
The National Theater of Bucharest is said to be located at “Kilometer 0” of the city and in the early 90’s it has witnessed the darkest moments of post-communist România, the “Mineriade”. During the Mineriade, miners were called from all over România to protect an illegitimate government. Upon arrival, supports of the communist regime started beating people they associated as part of the ‘intellectual’ class, often meaning targeting those wearing glasses or having long hair. After the Mineriade, the National Theater remained a symbol in the fight for freedom of expression for the people of Bucharest.
5. eat mici in piata obor and walk through the farmers market
One of the best things to do in Bucharest is to visit all the vendors at Piata Obor. Here you will find fresh produce, various other crafts and household objects for sale. There is a plethora of vendors, and each has their own specialty. Piata Obor can be found on the M1 metro line at ‘Obor’. Upon arrival, you will have to work your way through a maze of vendors to find the central market. Inside you will find vendors that sell candies, household items, meats and more.
Next, top it off with a beer and Mici, a Romanian traditional BBQ sausage, and a plate full of mustard at one of the best know lunch spots in Bucharest. Across from the nursery you will find Mici Obor - Cei mai buni mici mari. There is no website, nor phone number. Open until ten pm you can’t miss it upon arrival. Although this is our recommendation there are also several other bars and restaurants you can visit in Piata Obor, so be sure to check those out also.
Bonus: Take a relaxing swim at Therme Bucharest
Located just outside the city, visiting these thermal baths will make for a relaxing day on your trip to Bucharest. Not only can you find thrilling slides on water park type of amusement, but there are also restaurants, wellness centers and a bit of mindful learning.
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