Welcome to Bucharest! We’re proud of our city and want to help you make the most of your time here. Whether you’re looking for a city getaway or an addition to your Romania itinerary, you’ll find some inspiring ideas here. Bucharest’s prices are affordable and the people are friendly.
We’ve designed a three-day plan that shows you the best sights, including two of Romania’s most famous castles. Are you ready? Let’s go!
Day 1
Morning:
Start your visit with an expert! Our Panoramic Tour of Bucharest is comprehensive; you’ll learn the city’s history and culture as your guide shows you the major attractions—and some surprises–of Romania’s capital.
Our tour is private, so you won’t be jostled i
n a crowd of strangers, or hurried along. You can choose to stop to admire building interiors, have a rest or coffee break, or to ask as many questions as you like. For about four hours, you’ll see Bucharest from the eyes of a local, Certified English guide. We’ll even pick you up at your hotel!
Lunch:
Caru cu Bere: It may look touristy, but locals still love Bucharest’s oldest beer house. The Gothic-style vaulted ceilings, impromptu band performances, and lively atmosphere make this the perfect lunch spot for your first day. Oh, and the traditional Romanian food here is delicious! NOTE: If you plan to come for dinner, reservations are a must.
Afternoon:
Museum or Mall? Depending on your interests, we can recommend:
Museums: Bucharest has a museum for everyone! Here are a few of our favorites:
National Village Museum
National Museum of National History
National Art Museum
Museum of Senses (located in the largest mall of Romania, Afi Palace Cotroceni)
Malls: If you like to shop, or just see what Romanian stores offer, check these out:
Afi Palace Cotroceni
Baneasa Mall
Promenada Mall (near Promenada, the tallest building in Romania. Enjoy a lunch or dinner at Nor Sky Restaurant, on the 36th floor, with amazing panoramic views of Bucharest).
Drinks & Snacks:
Bucharest is blessed with both traditional establishments and modern cafes and bars. No matter which part of the city you explore, feel free to enter any place that looks interesting.
The Old Town (also called the Historic Center) is the perfect place, with so many restaurants and bars. We like to stop for a drink during a stroll through Villacrosse Passage, the fork-shaped, yellow glass-covered arcaded street in central Bucharest.
A very good traditional restaurant is Locanta Jaristea. It’s an upscale and unique place, with live music and artistic shows, inspired by the glamorous Bucharest lifestyle of the 1930s.
Manuc’s Inn is another great recommendation for authentic Romanian food. Built in the early 1800s, it’s one of the most important tourist destinations in Bucharest. Manuc’s Inn is the oldest operating hotel building in Bucharest. Enjoy the relaxing courtyard for lunch or dinner, or eat in the popular restaurant. There are also several bars, shops, and a coffee house.
Evening:
Bucharest comes alive at night. Take our “Bucharest by Night” walking tour. Starting at 18:30, you and your group will learn the city’s history as we stop at popular bars and restaurants. The walk lasts about three hours. Your guide will then gladly direct you to a restaurant, bar, or night club to continue your own exploration of Bucharest!
Day 2
Now that you’ve had a taste of Bucharest, indulge in a day trip to another area of Romania. We offer several experiences, depending on what you fancy:
The Tale of Two Castles: A special day tour that focuses on two Romanian castles: the most beautiful (Peles Castle) and the most famous (Bran Castle). We’ll also stop at the towns where they’re located, and enjoy lunch at a restaurant known for its Romanian cuisine.
A Day at the Black Sea: Spend a glorious day visiting two places on the Black Sea: Constanta Harbor, located in Romania’s oldest continuously inhabited city, and Mamaia, the country’s most popular resort. Along the way, learn Greek history, enjoy Romania’s famous wines, and bask on the beach.
Peles Castle AND Wine Tasting: Visit famous Peles Castle, built by Romania’s first king, who fell in love with the magnificent mountain scenery of this region. A castle “pairs well” with wine, so after a guided tour of Peles, you’ll be off to visit two wineries. With a gourmet lunch included, your day will be one to remember!
Day 3
We hope you got a good night’s sleep! Today is yours to “fill in the blanks.” What do YOU want to do? Here are some of our suggestions:
Palace of Parliament: Bring your passport and take one of the guided tours. With 3,000 rooms, this is the second-largest administrative building in the world (after the Pentagon in Washington DC) and one of the top Bucharest attractions.
Museum of the Romanian Peasant: Don’t miss the 1996 “European Museum of the Year,” covering all aspects of peasant life and traditions. Buildings, costumes, art, pottery, and tool displays are fascinating. The gift shop sells authentic handmade items. (Racluca: I think this museum is closed for renovation. Do you know when it will re-open?)
Take a food tour: We know the best market, food tastings, and street food tour companies. How about a Romanian cooking class? We’ll help you find what you want!
Taste more Romanian wines: Romania has been making wine for over 6,000 years. There are several ways to learn—and taste—more in Bucharest. We can direct you to places and tour companies that specialize in Romanian wine.
Ask us! If you have a special interest or would like more information about any attractions in Bucharest, contact us.
Visit Romania wants you to love Romania as much as we do! Please contact us for suggestions about your visit to our country.
More details about Visit Romania tours:
Included in all tours:
Transport by car/minibus and all parking fees
Pick-up and drop-off at your hotel or address that you choose
Certified English speaking guide (Other languages available for an additional fee)
Not Included in tours:
Food and drinks
Admission to attractions
Video and photo fees
Gratuities (10-25% is normal in Romania)
IMPORTANT! The fine print: Cosmo Travel is the company that arranges the listed tours: Panoramic Tour of Bucharest, Bucharest By Night, Tale of Two Castles, A Day at the Black Sea, and Peles Castle AND Wine Tasting. It is not responsible if sites on the itinerary are closed without prior notification, or for any reason the day of your tour.