Bucharest, the capital city of Romania, is a popular choice for travelers who cross the border into this country. While other European capitals may have more immediate charm, there is a side to Bucharest Romania that will satisfy even the most skeptical of travelers. Time is blurred in the capital of Romania, and your eye will sometimes struggle to put together communist buildings next to medieval churches next to French palaces. Whether you’re considering visiting Romania as part of a Grand Tour of Europe or just want to explore the capital city on its own, you will be rewarded by experiencing a culture that has retained its unique character over time.

Bucharest has sometimes been called “Little Paris” or the “Paris of the East” because of its elegant architecture and sophistication, and it has retained that same Bohemian spirit over time, even with the difficulties of the communist days. While the city does have a dark past, today it is alive with artists, students, museums, exhibitions, and outdoor cafes. Once you get past the sometimes-gritty exterior of Bucharest Romania, you will discover all the things you love about Europe in a new place. This is a city to be explored on foot. Take down the names of a few museums, as the country’s best are in Bucharest, and simply wander the streets for a true Romanian experience. Gaze at the architecture, people-watch from a café, or chat with locals to find out suggestions on where to eat and what to see.

Some travelers only give themselves a day to see the capital of Romania before heading out the Carpathians or Transylvania, but this is a mistake. While there are other attractions in the country that can captivate the attention of travelers, Bucharest also has plenty to offer. If you are planning on hiking from the Carpathian Mountains or exploring medieval towns to see Dracula's Castle, these will complete your visit to Romania, but only if you take the time to see Bucharest. Some travelers might leave the city without even having discovered that one of the world’s largest buildings, the communist Palace of Parliament, is located in Bucharest. These buildings illuminate another era in Romania’s capital.

Romania Map

Students and young people bring a vibrancy to Bucharest that some visitors might not expect. The historic center is transformed into an open-air bar scene after nightfall and during the day parks are filled with picnics and lounging locals. Cultural travelers will fall in love with Bucharest Romania for all that it offers in art, opera, film, and more. Ask the concierge at your hotel about tickets for local theatre or opera and you will discover a whole new cultural side to Bucharest. If you would rather spend your evenings eating and drinking, this is just as popular with locals as the theater and opera.

The capital of Romania is known for its museums. If you take the time to explore them you will discover intimate details about Romanian life. This city of approximately 2 million people has been experiencing a cultural boom that resulted on the one hand, in excellent museums. Landmarks to check out during your trip include the National Museum of Contemporary Art, the Romanian Athenaeum, the Triumphal Arch, and the Museum of the Romanian Peasant. Decide for yourself how Bucharest earned the nickname of Little Paris during a trip to explore this fascinating eastern European capital city.