Bucharest
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At a glance
- Country
- Romania
- Region
- Bucharest
- Population
- 1.7 million
- Best time to go
- May to June, September to October
- Main airport
- Bucharest Henri Coandă (OTP)
- Coordinates
- 44.43°N, 26.10°E
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Overview
Bucharest was once called the Little Paris of the East, and its belle époque mansions and wide boulevards still hint at that past. Then came Ceaușescu, whose colossal palace and concrete avenues bulldozed much of the old city.
The result is a capital of striking contrasts. Orthodox churches hide among tower blocks, leafy parks offer respite, and the Old Town buzzes with bars late into the night. It rewards curiosity more than a checklist.
Things to see
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Photo: Jorge Franganillo, CC-BY-2.0 Palace of the Parliament
Ceaușescu's vast, marble-filled folly, one of the largest buildings in the world. Bring your passport for the tour.
Tickets and tours -
Photo: Chainwit., CC BY 4.0 Old Town
Cobbled streets around Lipscani, packed with restaurants and bars, and remnants of the medieval princely court.
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Photo: Diego Delso, CC BY-SA 4.0 Romanian Athenaeum
A domed concert hall with a frescoed rotunda, home to the George Enescu Philharmonic.
Tickets and tours -
Photo: Neoclassicism Enthusiast, Public domain Stavropoleos Monastery
A tiny 18th-century church with an intricately carved stone porch and a peaceful courtyard.
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Photo: Chainwit., CC BY-SA 4.0 Village Museum
Hundreds of traditional houses, churches and windmills moved here from across Romania, set beside a lake.
Tickets and tours
Things to do
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Photo: Mihai Petre, CC BY-SA 3.0 ro Walk Calea Victoriei
The city's grandest street, lined with palaces, museums and the beautiful Cărturești Carusel bookshop.
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Photo: Chainwit., CC BY-SA 4.0 Dinner at Caru' cu Bere
A neo-Gothic beer hall with stained glass and carved wood, serving hearty Romanian dishes.
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Photo: Crislia, CC BY-SA 4.0 Spend a day at the park
Rent a boat or cycle around the lake in King Michael I Park, the city's largest green space.
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Photo: Daniele Napolitano, CC BY-SA 4.0 Soak at Therme
A huge thermal spa just north of the city with pools, palms and saunas, good for a winter day.
Find tours
Where to stay
Old Town
Central and lively, but noisy at night. Best for short stays focused on nightlife.
Hotels in Old TownPiața Romană
Central, well connected by Metro and walkable to most sights.
Hotels in Piața RomanăDorobanți
Upmarket and leafy, with smart restaurants and a calmer feel.
Hotels in Dorobanți
Getting around
The Metro is quick and cheap, and buses and trams cover the rest. Ride-hailing apps are reliable and good value.
The express bus 783 and taxis link the airport to the centre in 30 to 45 minutes; a train also runs to Gara de Nord.
When to go
Late spring and early autumn are warm and pleasant. Summers can be very hot and winters are cold and sometimes snowy. Christmas brings a market in front of the Palace of the Parliament.
Plan your trip to Bucharest
Guide last checked October 2026. Opening times and prices change, so check before you go.