Bucharest Romania 3 Day Itinerary

Bucharest, Romania: A 3-Day Itinerary

Day 1: Exploring the City Center

Morning:

  • Start your day with a hearty breakfast at Cafe Central (Piata Universitatii 1), an iconic Bucharest cafe since 1886.
  • Visit the Palace of Parliament (Bulevardul Unirii 5-9) - the second largest administrative building in the world. Book a guided tour to learn about its history and architecture.
  • Take a stroll in the nearby Cismigiu Garden, Bucharest’s oldest park, perfect for a leisurely morning walk.

Afternoon:

  • Head to Revolution Square (Piata Revolutiei), the symbolic heart of Bucharest where the 1989 Romanian Revolution began. Visit the National Museum of Contemporary Art and the Memorial of Rebellion while you’re there.
  • Discover the charming Old Town (_ Lipscani_) with its narrow, winding streets filled with cafes, restaurants, and shops.

Evening:

  • Dine at Caru’ cu Bere (3-5 Strada Smardan), a historical beer-house with traditional Romanian dishes. Don’t miss their house-made plum brandy!
  • End your day with a nightcap at J’ai See (Strada Lipscani 94) or Bucharest Craft Beer Project (Strada Matei Basarab 3).

Day 2: Museums and Art

Morning:

  • Visit the National Museum of Art of Romania (Calea Victoriei 49) to explore Romanian art from the 14th century to the present.
  • Head to the Museum of the Romanian Peasant (30 Calea Victoriei), showcasing traditional peasant life and crafts.

Afternoon:

  • Take a short trip to Herestrau Park, home to the majestic Village Museum. This open-air museum showcases traditional Romanian villages from different regions.
  • Relax by the lake, or rent a rowboat for a peaceful paddle.

Evening:

  • Dine at Restaurant La Mama (Strada Drăgănescu 55B), known for its modern take on traditional Romanian cuisine and excellent wine list.
  • Visit the lively Nuza Vie (Strada Iuliu Barasch 10) for a drink, or try your hand at some billiards!

Day 3: Day Trip to Snagov Monastery

Morning:

  • Take a taxi or hire a car to visit the Snagov Monastery (Strada Principesa Mary a Romaniei 54, Snagov), about 40km from Bucharest. This is where legend has it that Vlad Tepes (Vlad the Impaler) is buried.
  • On your way back to Bucharest, stop by Bozioru Artisanat (DN1A, Slobozia-Buzau) for some unique woodcarvings and other traditional crafts.

Afternoon:

  • Return to Bucharest and visit the National Art Museum (Strada Dimitrie Gusti 2), showcasing works from Romanian artists such as Nicolae Grigorescu, Gheorghe Tattarescu, and Constantin Brancusi.
  • Explore the nearby Antipa Museum of Natural History (Bulevardul Ion Creanga 10) for a glimpse into Romania’s natural world.

Evening:

  • Dine at Athenee Palace Hilton Bucharest (Bulevardul Aviatorilor 1-3), one of the city’s most iconic hotels, for an elegant dining experience.
  • End your trip with a nightcap at 30erai (Strada Academiei 28), a speakeasy-style bar hidden in plain sight in the heart of the Old Town.

Things to Know:

  • The official language is Romanian, but English is widely spoken in tourist areas.
  • Bucharest’s time zone is Eastern European Time (EET; GMT+2).
  • Tap water is safe to drink, but bottled water is readily available.
  • Tip approximately 10% in restaurants and for taxi rides.
  • The currency is the Romanian Leu (RON).

Transportation:

  • Taxis are plentiful and affordable, with a typical fare within the city center costing around 3-5 RON.
  • Public transportation consists of trams, buses, and metro, with a single ticket costing 1.5 RON for unlimited transfers within 75 minutes.
  • If you prefer to explore at your own pace, consider renting a car or bike.

Enjoy your stay in Bucharest!