Published on December 28, 2025 Last updated: January 12, 2026
While remnants of the past are still visible, the real Romania is louder, more eclectic, and far more exciting than you might expect. Bucharest is a city where Communist-era concrete blocks stand beside Rococo churches, and 19th-century palaces house bustling beer halls next to trendy specialty coffee shops.
If you are wondering, “Is Bucharest worth visiting?“, the answer is a resounding yes. The following top things to do in Bucharest offer a portrait of a capital that is battered but never broken. Whether you are marvelling at gargantuan structures or exploring hidden bohemian corners, these attractions will leave a lasting impression. Here are the best places to visit in Bucharest: the immense Palace of the Parliament, the charming Old Town (Lipscani), and Therme Bucharest, Europe’s largest wellness centre.
Explore the architectural marvel of the Palace of the Parliament
The Palace of the Parliament is more than just a building; it is a colossal testament to history. As the world’s second-largest administrative building, it looms over the city, and its true scale can only be understood by walking its perimeter.
The legacy of Nicolae Ceaușescu haunts these halls. To clear space for it, much of historic Bucharest was demolished. Today, it houses the Romanian Parliament and the National Museum of Contemporary Art (MNAC). It remains a monument of staggering ambition and architectural power..
Visitors must sign up in advance, and you’ll need to bring your passport. Security is tight, and the tours run like clockwork, so it’s key to be prepared. While the beautiful interior (marble halls, crystal chandeliers, endless corridors, and more) is something to see, the best part is on the outside.
Head to the rooftop terrace at the MNAC, housed in one of the palace’s wings, to see Bucharest from above, away from the other people. It’s a great way to take in and reflect on this controversial building.
Wander the cobblestone streets of the Old Town (Lipscani)
Bucharest’s Old Town, or Lipscani (as it was once called), shows that the city knows how to survive. Through wars, earthquakes, and the decades of Communist neglect that followed, this district lived. Today, it’s the capital’s heart, messy, loud, beautiful, and gloriously in existence.
You see the district best in the light of day. Narrow stone-paved streets fade into the shadows. Tall courtyards now open into lively bars. Look for ancient signs and historic architectural pieces. Visit the Stavropoleos Monastery for a stunning example. It features a beautiful stone-carved inner courtyard. This old Orthodox church is truly impressive.
Then, discover another kind of unexpected beauty. Cărturești Carusel is a bookshop in a tall white space. It features a unique rounded design on multiple levels. It is one of the most photographed locations in Bucharest. When the sun goes down, the city comes out to play. Nightlife maps show many expat and backpacker bars. Romania’s capital is incredibly fun after dusk.
Come in the daylight to explore and take pics. Later that night, this area becomes very lively. Be careful: any menu you get here in the big square is going to have jacked-up tourist prices. You usually have to walk a block or two away to get decent food and honest prices.
Relax at Therme Bucharest, Europe’s largest wellness hub
A highlight of any Bucharest city break is Therme Bucharest. Located near the airport, this indoor thermal spa is a rewarding tropical escape. There are three main areas:
The Palm: a relaxation area for adults only with mineral pools and palm trees.
Elysium: dedicated to wellness with themed saunas and aromatherapy.
Galaxy: the family-friendly zone featuring impressive water slides and indoor pools.
The whole complex is surprisingly stress-free, well-run and immaculate. It’s worth it to take a nice break from the city.
Uncover the history of the Village Museum (Muzeul Satului)
For a rural, outer-Romanian experience, The Village Museum allows a surprisingly intimate look at a challenging country to crack. The Muzeul Național al Satului “Dimitrie Gusti,” to give its full name, is an open-air gallery contained within what’s now King Mihai I Park, one of the biggest and greenest in Bucharest.
There are more than 300 buildings here, houses, churches, and farmsteads from all over Romania. They were shipped in and built up piece by piece, and are not replicas. The personalities of each part of the country are clearly displayed. Compare the wooden churches of Maramureș with the beehive-like structures from the Danube delta. Striding around the village museum has less in common with exploring a museum than time-travelling through the last couple of centuries in Romanian culture. There aren’t many more peaceful ways to learn, and it’s certainly a place that is free of anything digital.
This experience is one of the best outdoor activities for people looking for outdoor things to do in Bucharest that give you a combination of culture and fresh air. Because of the grass and earth paths, it’s best to visit in spring and early autumn.
Experience the vibrant coffee culture and Romanian gastronomy
Few who visit Bucharest realise that it is home to one of the best coffee experiences you can have in Europe, and that makes it all the more special. In the last decade, the city has seen the ascent of a true specialty coffee wave, as local roasters and baristas have come together to champion quality.
Neighbourhoods like Dorobanți, Cotroceni and the city centre are now dotted with beautiful cafés that are perfect for enjoying carefully made espresso and pour-overs, while looking your pretty cup in the face in a wonderful minimalistic space. And so this is the new Bucharest. But there is even more to it. So is the food, a true reflection of how little it is truly known. It is mainly a mix of hearty and very tasty dishes which have remained true to their roots for centuries.
Classic dishes include sarmale (cabbage rolls stuffed with minced meat and rice), ciorbă (sour soups), and papanasi, which is the incredibly healthy combination of fried doughnuts topped with sour cream and jam. For combined atmosphere and calories, Caru’ cu Bere has a splendidly gothic dining hall with stained glass windows and wood carvings, while Hanu’ lui Manuc is one of the city’s oldest inns, more intimate and less touristy.
To find the best mici (grilled minced meat rolls), visit Obor Market to chow down with the locals. It’s rowdy, a little rough, totally unrefined and serves up Romanian street food at its best.
Escape the city on a journey to Transylvania
It happens to every traveller eventually: the curiosity about Dracula’s Castle becomes impossible to ignore. Bran Castle, the fortress most famously associated with the vampire legend, is located about three hours from the capital—making it a popular day trip. However, while Bucharest is the energetic heart of the country, the true soul of Romania is found nestled in the Carpathian Mountains. Beyond the myths, you’ll discover the medieval charm of Brașov, with its Saxon fortifications and cobblestone streets, and the breathtaking Peleș Castle in Sinaia, widely considered one of the most beautiful royal residences in Europe.
Because the distances are significant and local transport can be slow, the best way to see it is to join an organized group tour to Transylvania. It’s the perfect way to transition from the urban grit of Bucharest to the fairy-tale landscapes of the Romanian countryside.
Bucharest is the perfect start to your Romanian adventure
What truly lingers in the memory after visiting Bucharest is the resilient spirit of its people, a unique blend of dry humor and an “it will take more than this to get me down” attitude. It is a city that has endured more than most European capitals, yet it remains incredibly affordable compared to Western Europe, allowing you to enjoy authentic, high-quality experiences without compromise.
From the towering brutalist monuments to the intimate specialty cafés, the variety here is staggering. However, Romania is a country that truly shines when shared; whether you are navigating the long, winding drives between Transylvanian castles or seeking out secret local haunts in the capital’s side streets, it is an experience best enjoyed with others.
