A local’s guide to the best things to do during a weekend in Bucharest!
I moved from London to Washington, DC and finally to Bucharest in 2024. Since arriving, I’ve been consistently impressed by the number of cultural landmarks and fun things to do.
Whether you’re a museum buff or art afficionado, Bucharest won’t disappoint! The list is arranged in order from my favorites at the top, to some of the more missable spots (if you’re short on time) at the bottom.
I’ve also included a map at the very end so you can find interesting things to do near your hotel or Airbnb. Enjoy!
Explore Old Town
Bucharest’s Old Town is small but mighty! I would allocate at least an hour to walking around these historic cobblestone streets, more if you plan on eating lunch in the area.
Make sure to stop by these essential Old Town spots, all within just a couple minutes’ walk of each other:
- Caru’ cu Bere – Traditional and extremely popular Romanian restaurant with a beautiful exterior façade
- Cărturești Carusel – Instagram-famous bookstore with a coffee shop and café on the top floor
- The Vilacrosse Passage – covered passageway with elegant glass ceilings and a plethora of hookah shops, bars and restaurants.
- Stavropoleos Church – A small Orthodox church built in 1724 with intricate frescoes and a hidden courtyard
- Hanu’ lui Manuc – Famous traditional Romanian restaurant with a large courtyard and carved wood details.
Therme Bucharest
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Despite its location outside the city center, Therme Bucharest is Romania’s number one tourist attraction and definitely a must-see on any Bucharest itinerary!
With an indoor waterpark housing over 17 slides, a large, enclosed atrium with warm mineral pools, a variety of heated saunas and steam rooms, an outdoor pool and beach area, several swim-up bars as well as full restaurants, you’ll be spoilt for choice at Therme.
To get to the wellness facility, I recommend booking a cab through the Bolt taxi app. Read my complete guide to Therme Bucharest for detailed information and must-know tips.
Tour the Palace of Parliament
The Palace of Parliament is the heaviest and second largest building in the world, behind only the Pentagon in scale. Its size is something that really must be seen to be believed.
The palace was commissioned by communist dictator Nicolae Ceaușescu in the 1980s and constructed using only Romanian materials. Entire neighborhoods were demolished to make way for the administrative building. Ceaușescu was executed just before the palace’s completion.
Touring the palace is an essential part of any visit to Bucharest. Unfortunately, the official government website for the Palace of Parliament is often down, so I recommend booking a tour through a third-party service well in advance of your visit.
My husband and I booked this tour through GetYourGuide and were pleased with both the access and information provided.
The Romanian Athenaeum – Two Day Bucharest Itinerary
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The Romanian Athenaeum is another must-visit spot on my list of the best things to do on a weekend in Bucharest.
For only $3 (payable in cash only at the door), you’ll gain access to this ornate concert hall that houses the George Enescu Philharmonic Orchestra.
The Romanian Athenaeum’s circular foyer features beautiful marble columns, gold-adorned chandeliers and winding spiral staircases. The upper auditorium has plush red seats, ornate wall frescoes, as well as amazing acoustics.
Originally constructed in 1888, Bucharest’s Romanian Athenaeum is truly one of the most interesting buildings I’ve ever seen.
Stroll Calea Victoriei and Revolution Square
Calea Victoriei is the heart of Bucharest’s downtown.
To feel the real pulse of the city, I recommend starting your walk near Velocità gelato shop and heading south on Calea Victoriei, past Revolution Square, all the way down to Strada Stavropoleos (near Le Bab Downtown), stopping as you like along the way.
The former headquarters of the Romanian Communist Party are located along this route at Revolution Square. It was here that Nicolae Ceaușescu gave his final speech before being executed in 1989.
The walk will take about 20 minutes and offers lots of great photo and cultural opportunities along the way.
National Museum of Art
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Bucharest’s National Museum of Art is housed in the beautiful former Royal Palace and definitely a must-see on a weekend in Bucharest. The museum is essentially divided into four areas: the national art gallery, the European art gallery, the oriental art gallery and the historic palace rooms collection.
I recommend visiting just the European art gallery and the historic palace rooms. The European section features an incredible, winding marble staircase fit for a king. The historic palace rooms include a main entry, two ballrooms and a staircase connecting them. The entire building is jaw-droppingly beautiful.
Interesting fact: The museum was closed for a decade after the execution of Romania’s former leader Nicolae Ceaușescu in 1989.
Tickets to each section of the museum cost about 24 lei or €5 and may be purchased on-site with card or cash.
Ceaușescu House – Best Things To Do In Bucharest
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Tour the opulent former residence of the aforementioned communist dictator Nicolae Ceaușescu and his family. They lived here in luxury from 1965 until the couple’s execution by firing squad during the revolution in 1989.
The home features gilded bathrooms, a massive indoor swimming pool, a private salon and spa, a movie theater and even colorful peacocks who roam the exterior grounds.
It’s quite shocking to see the lavish property, knowing the poverty average Romanians were struggling through at the time.
Tours in English start at 100 lei or about €20. Be sure to book in advance as these do sell out!
Obor Market
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Obor Market is the biggest and most popular market in Bucharest. First established in 1865, the market underwent a massive renovation project and was rebuilt and expanded in 2010.
The ground floor of the market is brimming with colorful fruits, fresh leafy greens and mountains of potatoes. Upstairs you’ll find butchers, spice shops and even a little coffee stand.
Don’t miss the mici or sausages without casings from hidden gem Terasa Obor on the southwest side of the market—a favorite restaurant for locals.
Entry to Obor Market is free, but make sure to bring cash for any purchases as card is not widely accepted.
The Triumphal Arch + Herastrau Park
The Triumphal Arch is one of the most recognizable symbols of Romania. Originally built from wood in 1878, the arch as we see it today was remade from stone and completed in 1936.
Modeled after the Arc de Triomphe you see in Paris, the Arch commemorates Romania’s victory in World War I and the unification of the three traditional Romanian lands: Wallachia, Moldova and Transylvania.
The Triumphal Arch is very close to Bucharest’s biggest and most popular park—Herăstrău Park.
Also referred to as King Michael I Park, this area features a large lake with many delicious restaurants and an array of meandering walking paths for your holiday in Bucharest. Consider stopping by Berăria H Herăstrău, one of Europe’s largest beer halls, for a quick pint and some live music.
Băneasa Shopping City
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For a more modern take on what everyday life is like for ordinary Bucharesteans, I recommend popping by Băneasa Shopping City just north of downtown.
This shopping mall was a fast favorite of ours. With a large food court, lots of American and international brands, as well as a movie theater, bookshop and grocery store, it’s impossible to be bored at Băneasa (pronounced buhn-yah-suh).
Another bonus of shopping here: Some of the prices are cheaper than in other global markets.
For example: I love the women’s athleisure brand Oysho. Prices at their Băneasa store are about 30 to 40 percent lower than their other EU or American counterparts. Score!
Weekend in Bucharest: Best Things to Do Itinerary
If you have a couple days for exploring Bucharest, seeing the above ten locations will give you an excellent feel for the city, its history and culture.
Use the map below to zoom in and out and discover which locations are most convenient to where you’re staying!
Save and bookmark this page to remember the best things to do on your next visit to Bucharest!
RELATED LINKS
Visiting the best spa in Eastern Europe? Read my complete guide to Therme Bucharest for everything you need to know before you go.
Don’t leave your dining choices to chance! Savor every bite with my list of the best restaurants in Bucharest.
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