Our list of the top 9 things to do in Romania's gritty capital city, Bucharest.
Includes everything from hidden beer gardens to city walking tours.

In terms of European cities on our bucket list, Bucharest was a notable absentee. It’s not that we didn’t WANT to go. Far from it.

It’s simply because there were far sexier counterparts, such as Barcelona, Paris and Rome, that were ahead in the queue.

After spending five days exploring the ‘Paris of the east’ (an outdated nickname, let us assure you), relaxing in its many expansive parks, walking it’s charming, yet decaying old town, sipping coffee in its trendy cafes, chatting to its friendly locals, sipping gin in hidden garden bars, feasting on its surprisingly good cuisine, and gaining an understanding of its recent communist past, we can safely say Bucharest is one of our favourite European cities.

Often touted as ‘the new Berlin’, Bucharest is its own city; a heady mix of latin spirit, balkan passion, communist and capitalist fusion, and the perfect place to escape the crowds of Paris or Rome, while enjoying the best of Europe.

Here are our favourite things to do in Bucharest, Romania's gritty yet cool capital.

THE BEST THINGS TO SEE AND DO IN BUCHAREST, ROMANIA

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#1 UNDERSTANDING BUCHAREST’S COMMUNIST PAST

You can’t understand Romania, or indeed Bucharest, until you’ve explored the capitals communist past.

We recommend joining one of the many ‘Communist’ tours through the city, where you’ll learn about the Communist history of the city, the events and people that shaped current Bucharest, and visit key landmarks of communism in the city.

If you’re not up for a tour, a visit to Ceaușescu's grand ‘Palace of the Parliament’ (entry: £10, bring your passport), the second-largest building in the world (after the pentagon), is a must.

This imposing marble behemoth was made solely from Romanian materials, and took the country to the brink of bankruptcy. Now home to Romania’s parliament, tours here discuss Ceaușescu's vision, and the building’s purpose.

Revolution Square, home to the 1989 revolution which ended Ceaușescu's regime, is another important site you must visit.

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#2 STROLL THROUGH LIPSCANI, THE OLD TOWN OF BUCHAREST

Home to the tourist hub of Bucharest, Lipscani (or the old town) has a heap of shops, bars, restaurants and clubs to waste many an hour.

But for us, the simple pleasure of wandering the old squares, streets and alleyways on foot was the reason we loved this part of Bucharest so much. Unfortunately, much of Bucharest’s architectural grandeur was destroyed by wars, earthquakes and Ceaușescu's march toward systemisation.

The parts that do remain are seriously photogenic, and worthy of a few hours of at least a few hours of your time.

Our favourite buildings included the following: Romanian atheneum, Stavropoleos Church, National Savings Bank, National Museum of Art, Central University Library, National Museum of Romanian History, Court of Appeals, and the National Bank of Romania.

If you’re interested we did this walking tour of the city.

We joined the incredibly knowledgable Mihaela, who took us through 500 years of history, from Vlad the Impaler (Dracula), to the golden era of communism and the ‘89 revolution. Tours start from Unirii Square Park and while the tour is free, donations/tips are essential.

THE DETAILS

BOOK | Bucharest private walking tour

The best things to do in Bucharest, Romania

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#3 CHILL IN BUCHAREST’S MANY PARKS

We love a good park and are firm believers that good parks = good cities. Fortunately, Bucharest is home to a number of seriously beautiful parks, which come alive on warm days as locals flock to walk the vast pathways, relax in the sun, row the many lakes, or enjoy an ice cream or two.

Our favourite was the oldest park in the downtown area, Cișmigiu Gardens, west of Calea Victoriei.

Here, you can stroll the shady paths, grab an ice cream and chill on the many park benches, or hire a paddle boat and explore the park by water.

Cișmigiu Gardens: Bulevardul Regina Elisabeta, București 030167, Romania

We’d also recommend visiting Herăstrău Park on the outskirts of the city. At 187 hectares, the city’s largest park is surrounded by a huge lake. Interestingly, during summer the city’s best clubs make residence in the park for some wicked all-night parties on the lake and shore.

Herăstrău Park: Romania, Bucharest

A man rows a paddle boat in Cisimigiu Park, Bucharest

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#4 DRINK BEER IN BUCHAREST’S HIDDEN GARDEN & ROOFTOP BARS

Unsurprisingly, our favourite thing to do in Bucharest was to chill and drink beer in one the many funky bars. After all, Bucharest is one of the cheapest cities in Europe to have a beer.

A few of our favourites include:

GRADINA EDEN

The perfect place to escape the ugly communist surrounds of Bucharest, Gradina Eden is a jungle-like oasis filled with wooden furniture, pillows, hammocks, and a few secret hideaways.

Yep, it’s hipster heaven and we loved it. Grab a beer, or an exotic cocktail, and relax.

THE DETAILS

Address | Gradina Eden, Calea Victoriei 107, Bucharest

Reviews | Read Tripadvisor reviews on Gradina Eden

PURA VIDA SKY BAR

Perched above the Lipscani area of Bucharest, Pura Vida Sky Bar offers one of the best views of the city. Sure, we loved the views, but we also loved the colourful cocktails, ever flowing beer, and the summer-esque bar.

THE DETAILS

Address |Strada Smârdan 7, București 030077, Romania

Reviews | Read Tripadvisor reviews on Pura Vida Sky Bar

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#5 SIP TEA AT INFINITEA

A little gem we discovered on a walk through the lush Cotroceni neighbourhood, Infinitea is one of those places that makes you feel like you’ve stepped back in time.

The decor reminded us of little english teahouses, and the tea and cake did too. But the best part about Infinitea was the beautiful little courtyard.

Filled with fairy lights, flowers and old skool decor, it was the perfect respite from the often harsh city landscapes of Bucharest.

Address | Strada Doctor Grigore Romniceanu 7, București, Romania

Reviews | Read Tripadvisor reviews on Infinitea

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#6 BRUNCH IN BUCHAREST’S COOLEST CAFES

Like many emerging city’s throughout Europe, Bucharest is home to a thriving hipster culture.

So it’s no surprise that we found a number of awesome cafes to enjoy a Cafe Latte, brunch, and a little bit of work time.

M60 was our favourite coffee shop in Bucharest. The coffee was great, the food delicious, and the decor on point. Heck, it even served Australian hot chocolate.

Other cool cafes located in downtown included Steam, and Origo.

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#7 ADMIRE BUCHAREST’S STREET ART SCENE

Anywhere touted as the ‘new Berlin’ better have a decent street art culture, and Bucharest doesn’t disappoint.

Strada Pictor Arthur Verona is home to the best art where walls are covered with amazing murals including works by some of the city’s best graffiti artists. Unlike Berlin’s famous street art locations, here isn’t overrun with tourist vying for the best photo.

THE DETAILS

Address | Strada Pictor Athur Verona, București 030167 Romania

Garajul Ciclop is another place to get your street art fix. A former garage from the 1920’s, it now serves as a gallery covered with some of the best street art in Bucharest.

Address |Bulevardul General Gheorghe Magheru 6-12, București 030167, Romania

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#8 EAT TRADITIONAL ROMANIAN FARE AT CARU’ CU BERE

We were seeking some traditional Romanian food, and a touch of local atmosphere. After speaking with our friendly Uber driver, we ended up at the local institution, Caru’ cu Bere.

From the outside, we were wary, as it looked like a typical tourist trap like those found in any major European city. However, once we stepped inside the ornate Belle Epoque building and noticed the humming atmosphere, we knew we’d found our place.

There are six set menus to choose from, including vegetarian options, and the food is hearty, if slightly heavy. We recommend the black bean soup in a bread bowl, polenta with cabbage rolls, and a traditional Romanian dessert, Papanasi (below - NOM!). Meals cost around £5 per course.

THE DETAILS

Caru’ cu Bere | Strada Stavropoleos 5, București 030081, Romania

Review | Read Tripadvisor reviews on Caru’ cu Bere

If you’re after something more hip, Modelier serves burgers and cocktails at a reasonable price, while Bucharest Food Hood, located in the Lipscani area, has food trucks, beer and communal eating areas filled with local hipsters.

THE DETAILS

Modelier | Strada Duzilor 12, București 021472, Romania

Review | Read Tripadvisor reviews on Modelier

Bucharest Food Hood | Strada Șelari 4, București 030167, Romania

Review | Read Tripadvisor reviews on Bucharest Food Hood

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#9 VISIT EUROPE'S BEST BOOKSHOP IN BUCHAREST

Situated inside a beautifully restored 19th-century building lies Carturesti Carusel, one of of the world’s most impressive bookshops.

Like something out of Mim’s dreams, it’s light, white and stunning. The minimal design is perfect to browse, buy or read books, chill in the mezzanine cafe or photograph the pretty lines.

THE DETAILS

Carturesti Carusel | Strada Lipscani 55, București 030033, Romania

Review | Read Tripadvisor reviews on Carturesti Carusel

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EXPERIENCE MORE OF BUCHAREST WITH THESE ESSENTIAL POSTS

WHAT TO DO IN BUCHAREST | 9 awesome things to do in Bucharest, Romania

UNDERSTANDING BUCHAREST | Catching the draft: understanding Romania’s capital through its communist past

DISCOVER EUROPE | Discover more of Europe with our travel guides

TRAVEL INSURANCE | Don’t leave home without travel insurance (seriously, don’t!). Click here to get the best deals with World Nomads

PHOTOGRAPHY | Our detailed photography gear guide, as well as our top travel photography tips!

RESPONSIBLE TRAVEL | Our top responsible travel tips to help you, your family and friends travel more consciously around the globe

ECO FRIENDLY PACKING ESSENTIALS | Don’t leave home without our favourite eco-friendly travel essentials

So there you have it, our list of top things to do in Bucharest. We suggest you book your flights there asap, as the time to visit this city is NOW!