Bucharest is also not one of those cities that you will just kick items off of a bucketlist.
There are so many things to do and see off-the beaten path.
From the gorgeous bookstores to the many green gardens in different parts of the city and even just the old gigantic Gothic architectural masterpieces that are administration buildings, it’s sometimes hard to believe that such a beautiful piece of Balkan history could so easily be by-passed on a European itinerary.
Then there’s the fact that Bucharest is such a walkable city and thus is best seen walking.
When you do decide to visit (I highly recommend that you do) here are some of the best things to do in Bucharest, Romania.
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My best things to do in Bucharest
Hear are top 10 things you must do must see in Bucharest, Romania:
Pop inside one of its gorgeous bookstores
My favorite was Carturesti Carusel right in the heart of the Old Town on Strada Lipscani 55.
This is one of the most instagrammable places in Bucharest, so make sure not to skip it.
Plus there’s some really amazing books and stationary that you can buy; and there’s a cafe at the top most floor. Check it out.
Get a drink at Pura Vida Skybar & Hostel
Pura Vida Sky bar & Hostel is the perfect spot to watch the sun set in Bucharest.
I’ll warn you though.
To get to the Pura Vida Sky bar & Hostel on Strada Smârdan 7, you will have to go through a fleet of stairs.
But it will be worth it for the sumptuous drinks and for the views.
On the staircases, there also motivational quotes to keep you going.
Take pics of the insta- famous Pasajul Victoriei
Right on Calea Victoriei, this is one of the best places to visit in Bucharest especially if you’re an Instagram diehard.
Otherwise there will be no evidence you were in Bucharest.
There is a restaurant at the Pasajul Victoriei and also a bar/cum rehearsal hall at the basement.
When I visited, there was a bunch of guys practicing on their dance choreography at the underground bar.
If there’s one thing you will see a lot of in Bucharest, is its many churches.
Relax at the Cismigiu Gardens
If there’s once thing this Balkan capital beats other European cities with, its the amount and sparse of green space.
As I was staying at the Upstairs Boutique Hotel, Bucharest in the Regina Elisabeta area, I made it a point to unwind at Cismigiu Gardens every evening after a day of site seeing.
With water points, flower beds, and wooden bridges, this park has a charm that will relax your nerves after a long day.
Visit the Antiquities market at Bazar
Located at Strada Doamnei 11, this antiques market is worth a visit if not just for its gorgeous interiors.
I stumbled on in on my way from Pura Vida Sky bar & Hostel.
Have a lunch or dinner at Caru’ cu bere
Caru’ cu bere is one the must visit place restaurants when in Bucharest especially If you’re looking to taste local Romanian cuisine while drooling at an architectural masterpiece composed of webs of alcoves and balconies.
In my opinion, the food wasn’t the best I had in Bucharest, but the ambiance definitely made up for it.
You will however have to book a table in advance to avoid disappointment, especially in the evenings.
If I had to do it again, I’d pass.
Its one of those places you visit just for the record. Been there done that!
Check out the Memorial of Rebirth in Memorial Square
A must visit must do in Bucharest, Memorial Square is the place where the historic Romanian Revolution took place in 1989.
It is also the site where Nicolae Ceaușescu gave his final address amidst mass protests throughout Romania , before being executed several days later.
The redish stuff you see dripping down from the black section is from a paintball that some random dude shot at the statue and no one cared to remove it.
Visit Palace of the Parliament
The second largest administrative building in the world, after The Pentagon, Bucharest Parliament located at Calea 13 Septembrie 1 is a must see when in Bucharest.
Loaded with lots of quirky history (it took a total of 700 architects and 20,000 building workers to put up this building), Palace of Parliament truly is an amazing one of the top things to do in Bucharest.
To tour the parliament, please book in advance and carry your ID to gain entrance.
Stroll around the Old Town
Looking for more things to do in Bucharest?
Make sure to visit Bucharest’s new Old Town for a fleeting visit.
Bucharest Old Town is barely 3 years old.
Now, it’s likely you’ll spend much of your time in Bucharest here (Old Town is the home to most of Bucharest’s happening restaurants, bars, and clubs)!
Bucharest Old Town is bordered by the Dambovita river to the south, Calea Victoriei to the west, Bulevardul Brătianu to the east and Regina Elisabeta to the north.
Find the best deals for Bucharest accommodation here.
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