Tourist Attractions and Sights to Visit in Bucharest

The country’s largest commercial and industrial centre has a population of about 1,900,000 and is the 6th largest city in the European Union. Little Paris was first mentioned in documents as early as 1497 and became the capital of the country in 1862.

The City of Contrasts is a lively one, offering those who want to discover it a range of options for spending their free time as well as numerous unusual tourist attractions.

The architecture of its buildings turns them into true treasures, whether we are talking about those built in the unique Brâncovenesc style or the imposing ones built in a modern, contemporary style. With an impressive yet turbulent history, the capital offers unforgettable experiences and attracts a growing number of tourists.

The Palace of the Parliament, or the People’s House, is certainly the best-known tourist attraction and the symbol building of Bucharest. It was built at Ceaușescu’s request, and is the second largest building in the world after the Pentagon, as well as the most expensive and the heaviest. It covers an area of 330,000 sq m, and its construction took 7 years, with 20,000 workers, 5,000 soldiers and 700 architects taking part. Unfortunately, it is said that hundreds died on this site, but the communist authorities did not want the exact figures to be published.

The Romanian Athenaeum (Ateneul Român), another symbol building of the capital, was built to the plans of the French architect Albert Galleron, with funds raised through public contributions under the slogan “Give a leu for the Athenaeum”. It is the largest concert hall in the country and was built in the Neoclassical and Eclectic style between 1886 and 1888.

The Triumphal Arch (Arcul de Triumf) was built in 1878, on the occasion of the return of the Romanian troops from the War of Independence. Unfortunately, it deteriorated twice because of the poor materials used. But in 1935 the architect Petre Antonescu stepped in and raised the Triumphal Arch that attracts countless curious visitors to this day.

The Grigore Antipa National Museum, the largest natural history museum in the country, is waiting for you to discover its impressive offer of scientific collections with millions of specimens of vertebrates, invertebrates and unique rocks and minerals.

Parcul Cișmigiu (Cișmigiu Park) is where most Bucharesters escape to enjoy nature and to break away from the daily bustle and the noise of urban areas. Besides a relaxing walk in the midst of nature, you will be able to admire the Foișorul Fanfarei (the Bandstand Pavilion), Lacul Cișmigiu (Cișmigiu Lake), the climbing rose garden or Eminescu’s Spring (Izvorul lui Eminescu).

The Old Town of the capital (Centrul Vechi), one of the most charming areas of the city, is home to buildings in the Neo-Baroque and Neoclassical styles, which are its main points of attraction. The heart of the nightlife, packed with terraces, restaurants and clubs, can be considered a paradoxical place, where the modern meets history. It is often compared with the promenade areas of Vienna and Paris, because it easily reminds you of the bohemian world of bygone times. I recommend that you also visit Hanul lui Manuc (Manuc’s Inn), where the country’s poets and politicians used to meet. It has superb and impressive architecture, with wooden gazebos and arcades, perfectly complemented by wrought-iron ornaments.

The Choral Temple, a replica of the Tempelgasse Synagogue in Vienna (destroyed by the Nazis), is a synagogue belonging to the Jewish community and is considered the largest Jewish place of worship in the capital. With a history of more than 150 years, its architecture, its decorations, its little towers adorned with arches and the monument dedicated to the victims of the Holocaust put it among the top tourist attractions in Bucharest.

Other attractions you should include on your list are: the Botanical Garden, the Romanian Peasant Museum, the National Art Museum, Herăstrău Park, the Romanian Opera or the Ion Luca Caragiale National Theatre.