Discover the things you can do in Bucharest through the eyes of a local. Parks, palaces, hidden cafés, and a city that might just leave you scratching your head-in the best possible way.
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Bucharest has always sounded to me like a bit of a puzzle. Belle Époque mansions standing shoulder to shoulder with communist blocks, leafy boulevards leading to gray concrete squares, classical music festivals happening next to noisy bars.
Confusing? Yes. Beautiful? Also yes.
Here's the funny part: even though I grew up in Romania, I never actually made it to Bucharest. Not once! It was always "too far" (700 km from my hometown in the west), and whenever I went back from Germany, I stuck to family visits in Banat.
But on my last trip, fate intervened. I bumped into an old school friend I hadn't seen in twenty years (!). Silvia. She introduced me to Diana, who's been living in Bucharest since 2003, and suddenly I had a whole list of insider tips from a true local.
So here we are: the unofficial guide to a city I can't wait to explore myself. Big parks, outdoor concerts, vegan eats, sundowners by the lake… I'm basically packing my bags already.
Things to Do in Bucharest (By a Local)
Meet Diana
She's been calling Bucharest home since 2003. When I asked her about the city, she described it in three words: offering, animated… and gray. (Confused yet? You're in the right place.)
Events You Can't Miss 🎶
- George Enescu Festival - outdoor concerts and world-class classical music.
- Museums' Night (Noaptea Muzeelor) - when the city's museums stay open late and buzz with energy.
- Village Museum (Muzeul Satului) - an open-air museum that feels like stepping into Romania's countryside.
Favorite Parks 🌳
Bucharest is secretly a park lover's dream. Diana loves:
- Parcul Libertății - her personal favorite.
- Herastrau Park - sprawling, with a big lake (perfect for a sundowner).
- Cismigiu Gardens - charming and central.
Tip: avoid weekends if you hate crowds.
Where to Eat & Drink 🍴
- Vegan & Veg-Friendly: More than 150 options pop up on HappyCow! You'll find cozy cafés and restaurants all over the Old Town.
- Breakfast: The Urbanist - great coffee, cool vibe.
- Dinner: White Horse - classic spot for winding down.
What's Worth Seeing 🏛️
The city's grand mix of Belle Époque architecture and communist relics (that's the "confused beauty" right there).
- Outdoor events in the parks.
- Mogoșoaia Palace (10 km outside the city) - a must for history and architecture fans.
- Știrbei Vodă Palace in Buftea (20 km away).
Skip: the malls (unless you really, really need to shop).
Travel Smarts 🧳
- Locals: Friendly, but Diana warns not to trust kindness too quickly (taxi drivers, we're looking at you).
- Packing: Nothing special - you can find everything here.
- Best Season: Spring, hands down.
- Getting Around: Getting around is easy on foot in the center, but for a quick city intro, the hop on-hop off sightseeing bus is handy.
- Souvenirs: Photos, or something small and traditional.
Final Thought From Diana
If she had a magic wand, she'd make Bucharest cleaner. But even with its rough edges, she loves its energy and diversity.
More Things To Do in Bucharest
Bucharest might be confusing at times, but that's half the fun. The mishmash of grand palaces, leafy parks, and gray communist blocks has its own quirky rhythm. When I finally get there, you'll definitely find me sipping coffee by Herăstrău Lake and daydreaming through the halls of Mogoșoaia Palace.
Another thing I've learned from traveling: I always get the most out of a new city when I join at least one guided tour. Otherwise, I walk right past details I'd never even notice. A good guide makes the city come alive.
Here are a few Bucharest tours already on my wish list (maybe they'll be on yours, too):
- City Highlights Walking Tour - the classic "get to know the city" stroll.
- Best of Bucharest Private Tuk-Tuk Tour - when your feet deserve a break.
- Communism and History Walking Tour - for anyone curious about the city's wild backstory.
- Minivan Tour: Ceaușescu House, Parliament & Village Museum - history buffs, this one's for you.
- 3 Castles Bus Tour: Peleș, "Wednesday" & Dracula Castles - castles galore.
I'm always curious: Will you go? Have you been? How did it go? Any fun discoveries - or travel flops? Share below, because we all love a good win (and a lesson learned).
Wishing you a delightful stay in Bucharest,
Ramona
♥
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