Best attractions in Bucharest: Top 25
Content
The controversial city evokes mixed feelings. All the sights of Bucharest show either the traces of the socialist past or the majestic history embodied in architecture and art. Those who say that there is not much to see in Bucharest are wrong. If you are going here for a short time or passing through, it is worth to see Bucharest sights with names and descriptions beforehand in order to have time to see the most interesting things.
What to see in Bucharest first
While walking around the city you will come across beautiful historical buildings, interspersed with socialist buildings, sometimes, however, very original. Let us briefly list the main attractions of Bucharest in order to understand how rich the Romanian capital is.
1. Palace of the Parliament
No trip here is complete without a visit to the Parliament building. Its oppressively gigantic size has become a reason to enter the Guinness Book of World Records. The building’s history is tied to the demolition of the old part of the city, which some of the natives still can’t forgive. Huge sums of money were spent to erect it, which affected the social conditions of the people. The interior is simple, but worthy of a tour.
Official website: http://cic.cdep.ro/en
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2. Palace of Justice
A very beautiful building in the classical style. Situated on the bank of the river, it delights with the elegance of the construction. The size of the area is indicated by the number of rooms inside - there are about 690. If you do not know that here sit the servants of Themis, the palace can be mistaken for a fashionable hotel, built in the French manner.
3. Cretulescu Palace
A very beautiful building, the appearance of which is also reminiscent of the designs of French architects. It is elegant and ornate at the same time. The premises themselves are closed to the public, but the building is definitely worth a closer look. During the tour guides in Bucharest will tell the legend associated with the palace.
4. Cantacusino Palace
In terms of its grandeur and importance, the palace is among the best attractions in Bucharest. Built in the early 20th century it is impressive in its appearance, with its arched windows, its wrought iron balconies and its splendid portal. On both sides of the entrance are two lions welcoming guests. Inside is the National Museum, exhibition, ball and concert halls, and there is an interesting collection of paintings. There are concerts in the back garden.
5. Kotroceni Building
This place is recommended to visit not only by travel agencies and sightseeing agencies, but also by tourists themselves. The palace is the residence of the president of the country. The palace buildings are surrounded by greenery and there are watchtowers at the gate. Both the exterior and interior decoration is astonishingly luxurious. Here is the National Museum with a worthy display of objects of medieval art.
Official website: http://www.muzeulcotroceni
6. Arc de Triomphe
The emergence of the Romanian copy of the French arch is related to national traditions: the Romanian ancestors had a custom to meet the victors under the fir arch. The arch symbolizes the unity of the people. The structure has an imposing appearance, the engraving on the facade is dedicated to the defenders of independence.
Official website: https://ampt.ro/en
7. Lipskan Street
Every city has interesting places where you can have fun. The neighborhood is known for hangouts, nightlife, it’s always crowded and bustling. The symbiosis of dilapidated buildings with modernly decorated restaurants and stores is surprising. Mass events are often held here.
8. Unification Boulevard
The pedestrian boulevard is rightly called a landmark of Bucharest. Because of its French-style buildings, it is often called the “Romanian Champs-Elysées”. The widest and longest street in Bucharest leads directly to the presidential palace, from the roadway it is separated by a dense line of trees.
9. The Romanian Ateneum
Outwardly beautiful building and inside looks luxurious. Visitors are greeted by an austere pediment, reminiscent of Greek structures, above the columns rises a dome, richly decorated with decorative elements. It is worth seeing the interior of the concert hall with a historical fresco 75 m high. The Romanian Philharmonic Orchestra is located here.
10. The building of the CEC bank
Still, there is something to visit in Bucharest, despite the skeptics’ claims. This splendid and historic building is the home of the City Bank. The black glass and metal dome alone which crowns the building is worth a visit! The other 4 domes scattered around the corners are similarly designed but smaller. There is no entrance inside, so everyone is content to contemplate the bank building.
11. National Art Museum of Romania
What to see in Bucharest in 1 day for those who appreciate art? Once home to Romanian kings, the building today houses a vast collection of art objects: paintings, icons, sculptures. The exhibitions are located in two parts of the gallery: one presents works by national masters, the other - works of foreign authors.
Official site: http://www.mnar.arts
12. Dmitri Gusti Ethnographic Museum
Here you have to forget that you are surrounded by the wilds of the modern metropolis. The museum is more like a nature reserve and does not look like a museum in the traditional sense, and this was the main condition of the founder. Entering the territory, you find yourself in a Romanian village with wooden houses, some structures have historical value. A tour of the museum will give an idea of the life and traditions of the Romanian people.
Official website: http://muzeul-satului
13. Romanian Museum of Peasant Art
We advise what to see in Bucharest for those who are interested in the history of the Romanian people. Romanians honor their past, and this museum is another proof of that. In a building with a beautiful facade, towers and columns is an exhibition that tells about the hard life of the Romanian peasants. There are displays of folk costumes, ceramics and an authentic nineteenth-century farmhouse.
Official website: http://www.muzeultaranuluiroman
14. National Museum of Romanian History
The historic building houses exhibitions that tell the story of the development of the Romanian people. The fact that Romanians consider the ancient Romans their ancestors is confirmed in the monument placed on the stairs. The best tourist recommendations are about viewing exhibitions with folk costumes, arts and crafts, sculptures and paintings.
15. Stavropol Church
It is also a convent. The Orthodox church keeps parts of the relics of the saints, so it serves as a place for pilgrimages, and has a choir and a library. The elegant exterior makes the church look like a toy church. The interior is decorated with sculptures of wood and stone, paintings and frescoes. The hand-carved altars, iconostasis, tombstones in the temple courtyard look luxurious.
Official website: http://www.stavropoleos.
16. Church of Cretulescu
The Orthodox church was built on the initiative of the State Chancellor, and it was named after him. The reviews mention the frescoes of extraordinary beauty, which have historical value. Since Chancellor Cretulescu made a great effort to make Bucharest a capital city, the locals honor this church sacredly in his memory.
17. Patriarchal Cathedral
Even though this temple is somewhat remote from the center, excursions in Bucharest still bring groups here, to this large-scale building with luxurious architecture and interior decoration. Originally, the style of the building was traditionally national, Bryncovian. Today, there are distinct traces of Byzantine architecture, the result of numerous reconstructions.
18. Antim Monastery
The monastery church was built in the early 18th century. At that time it was part of a fortress with towers that have not survived to this day. On the portal there is a carved inscription testifying of its consecration in 1715. The walls of the monastery are generously decorated with carved elements, the arches give it a sense of airiness. The entrance to the temple is limited by a beautifully carved gateway.
19. The building of the Coltea Hospital
It is the oldest hospital in the city, built at the beginning of the 18th century. Destroyed by an earthquake, the building was soon rebuilt and today houses the Ministry of Health. It is only possible to enter if you are there on business, but the church, by the way, very beautiful, is free.
20. Central University Library
Let us tell you where to go in Bucharest if you are an avid fan of literature. The library building was built in the late 19th century and originally housed the Royal Fund. In the middle of the last century it was home to the library of the City University, and a monument to Charles I can be seen in front of the building.
Bucharest sights: what else to visit in Bucharest?
Romania is not a country of coveted tourism. Here you rarely come across dense groups of tourists looking at the local beauty. But hotels in Bucharest are always ready to accommodate guests and offer good service.
21. The former residence of Curtia Veche
Another Romanian landmark, which is the remains of a fortress structure. Built in the 14th century, the structure was once the residence of the Princes of Wallachia, then was destroyed. Today is a national monument.
Official site: https://muzeulbucurestiului.
22. The Bucharest Botanical Garden
The garden belongs to and is part of the university. At the end of the nineteenth century a greenhouse was opened in it, at the same time making it accessible to visitors. The garden was destroyed during the world wars, but in the middle of the last century it was actively restored. Today it is home to many plant species. The park is pleasant to stroll through and take a break from the hustle and bustle of the city.
23. Chishmidgiu Gardens
A complete overview of the city’s sights would be incomplete without this place. Once a swampy marsh in the middle of nowadays, this paradise in the center is a chic garden decorated in the best traditions of park art. Here you can ride catamarans and boats on the lake, sit by the fountains, stroll through the shady alleys. In winter, the lake is transformed into an ice rink. Of particular interest is the sculptural composition “Rotunda of writers”.
24. Herastrau Park
The park has earned a high rating among tourist sites not only because of its beauty. This place is shrouded in mystery and mystery. Visitors begin to admire already at the entrance, seeing the sculpture of Charles de Gaulle, 4 m high. You can take a boat ride on the lake and visit the Museum of Peasant Art. Given that this is a recreational area, there are few restaurants and other establishments, construction in the area is kept to a minimum.
25. The palace and park ensemble Mogoshoja
While the appearance of most buildings in Bucharest resembles the French style of architecture, this complex is similar to the palaces of Northern Italy. Here you can see how the Wallachian nobility lived. It is interesting to look at the spiral staircase, ancient books, carpets, utensils. At the back side is a garden with a lake. On the territory of the complex wedding ceremonies are often held.
In Bucharest, as perhaps nowhere else, one feels the sharp contrast of magnificent architecture and standard, box-like houses. Interesting history and good-natured inhabitants reign supreme here. You’ll have a good time relaxing from the crowded hustle and bustle of popular European cities.
