Bucharest City Break: What to See & Where to Go in 3 Days

Planning a short trip to Bucharest and wondering what to see and do in 48 hours? You’re in luck! A 2-3 day European city break in Romania’s capital is plenty of time to hit the top attractions and dive into some of its lesser-known spots.

Bucharest is a city full of surprises, with a unique mix of history, culture, and nightlife that makes it an exciting travel destination. Often overlooked because of its communist past, Bucharest is an up-and-coming tourist hotspot in recent years, especially known for being a cheap destination.

Many travelers aren’t sure what to expect, but the city’s blend of Balkan spirit, Latin culture and Western life will exceed expectations. From hidden streets with old world charm to grand landmarks like the Palace of Parliament, historic buildings, and fascinating museums, Bucharest offers something for every traveler.

Explore quirky attractions like the Village Museum, enjoy the vibrant urban culture, and dive into a buzzing nightlife scene. Add in a pretentious food scene in Belle Epoque mansions and an eclectic *mix of architectural styles*—Art Nouveau, Modernist and Brutalist (communist)—and you’ll see why Bucharest makes for an unforgettable city break.

You should check our complete guide for what to do in Bucharest with 50 ideas!

A city break in Bucharest is one of the best things you can do in Romania - besides the city’s popular attractions there are many day trips you can do to visit other parts of Romania such as the Brasov area with its many storybook castles (like the famous Bran Castle) or the Danube Delta!

We wrote a separate article to answer the is Bucharest safe? question. Spoiler alert: YES, and Bucharest is actually one of the safest capitals in Easter Europe.

So now let’s take a look at some of the top places of interest that you should visit while on a short break to Bucharest.

1. Planning Your City Break in Bucharest. When to Visit

Bucharest is great to visit any time of the year, but when you should go really depends on what you're into.

Love warm weather and outdoor fun? Summer (June to August) is your time, with festivals, open-air concerts, and lively terraces all over the city. If you prefer cooler temps and smaller crowds, spring (April to May) or autumn (September to October) are perfect for exploring parks and historical spots in a more chill vibe. Winter (December to February) might be cold, but the festive atmosphere, cozy cafes, and indoor attractions make it a magical time to experience.

Read more about what kind of weather to expect in our article on the best time to visit Romania.

2. Travelling to Bucharest

Getting to Bucharest is a breeze, thanks to its well-connected international airport and plenty of transport options. Henri Coandă International Airport (OTP), about 17 km north of Bucharest city center, is Romania’s biggest airport.

You can catch direct flights from most major European cities, plus a few from the Middle East and North America. With plenty of low-cost airlines, finding the best flights to Bucharest for your trip is easier than ever.

• Local tip: Low-cost airlines Wizz Air and RyanAir fly to Bucharest for fares as low as €75 round trip. And as the rule goes, if you book your flight in advance, the better your chances of snagging a good price!

Once you land, getting to your hotel room is easy with taxis, public shuttle bus, or train. For extra convenience, pre-book a transfer or use ride-sharing apps (Bolt and Uber).

You might want to check our Bucharest Airport and public transport guide for practical tips on those topics.

3. What to visit on your Bucharest city break

Before we get into specifics - my best piece of advice for anyone visiting: less planning, more exploring.

You won't have a great experience of our capital roaming from one tourist sight to another. But you will have one if you come with an open mind and allow yourself to experience the wonder travelling to a new place brings.

4. The Palace of Parliament: a testament to Romanian communist times

The Palace of Parliament is a must-see landmark in Bucharest and the largest administrative building in the world. It played a key role in the Romanian Revolution and offers a glimpse into life under Romanian communist regime.

Best admired from Constitution Square or Izvor Park the Palace of the Parliament also known as the People’s Palace is a stunning example of communist-era grandeur both inside and out.

If you want to visit this attraction you can only do so on official tours, check the website for more details.

• Local tip: The building also houses the National Museum of Contemporary Art where besides modern art exhibitions and events you can also enjoy a drink with a splendid view of the city on its outdoor terrace.

If you want to learn about Romania’s communist past, the 1989 revolution that overthrew the regime and other communist-era landmarks such as Revolution Square (including the quirky rememberance monument), check our complete Bucharest communism tour on which you will visit all of these sights, including the Palace of Parliament and Nicolae Ceausescu’s private home, Vila Primaverii.

5. Bucharest Old Town: a lively heart with hidden gems

Exploring Bucharest’s Old Town (Centrul Vechi) is a must during your visit, especially if you're looking for a taste of the city’s vibrant nightlife. Nestled in the heart of the city and oozing old-world charm, this area is packed with things to see.

During the day, the streets around Lipscani, Smardan, and Selari are alive with cafes, bars, and restaurants. But when night falls, Bucharest Old Town becomes the city’s nightlife hub, packed with locals and tourists ready to enjoy the lively bar scene and party the night away.

• More than just cafes, bars and clubs

There are plenty of hidden gems to stumble upon while wandering around Bucharest's Old Town. Some of our favorite spots?

The peaceful, beautifully decorated garden at Stavropoleus Church the historic ruins of Curtea Veche (once home to Wallachian rulers), the Macca - Vilacrosse Passage and many charming streets like Strada Franceza and Piata Sfantul Anton.

Oh, and don’t forget to check out the statue of Vlad the Impaler—yep, the guy who supposedly inspired Dracula.

6. Union Square and the Water Symphony

Located in the Bucharest city center, Union Square (Piata Unirii) is home to the famous Bucharest Fountains, which made it into the Book of Records in 2019 for having the World’s Longest Choreographed Fountain System.

Originally built in the late '80s and revamped in 2018, these fountains have quickly become one of the city’s top attractions, thanks to the Water Symphony —a stunning show of water, music, and lights.

If you want to catch the Water Symphony show, plan your visit between May and early October. However, as of September 2024 the fountain shows have been paused indefinitely due to consolidation work being carried out on the concrete slab beneath Union Square.

7. The Romanian Village Museum and Herestrau Park

Don’t let the word 'museum' scare you off—Dimitrie Gusti National Village Museum is anything but ordinary! It’s an open-air collection of over 300 village houses, churches, mills, and more from across Romania, dating back to the 13th-19th centuries. Some buildings you can explore inside, while others you’ll admire as you stroll the scenic, park-like paths.

This is one of the best museums in Romania for a reason: the Romanian village captures the heart of our culture and history. It’s the perfect intro to Romanian life before you head out to explore beyond the cities. Check their official website to see if there's any special fair or event going on, this would be a great place to find an authentic Romanian souvenir.

Two things you can do after your visit:

1. explore the nearby Herastrau Park the biggest park in Bucharest, go for a walk on Rose Island or relax by the lake and blend in with the locals;
2. or head to Piata Presei Libere (Press Freedom Square - a communist joke!) for a mixed landscape of communist & western architecture and enjoy lunch with a view at 18 Lounge Sky Bar.

8. Go for a walk on Calea Victoriei

Victory Avenue is hands down the most famous street in Bucharest, and it’s where you’ll find some of the city’s top sights:

1. the National History Museum showcasing golden bracelets from our Dacian ancestors
2. the stunning CEC Palace one of the most beautiful buildings in Romania
3. Revolution Square where the 1989 communist revolution started
4. the National Art Museum (formerly the Royal Palace)
5. the iconic Romanian Athenaeum

You’ll also stumble upon gorgeous buildings from Bucharest Little Paris era, like the George Enescu Museum and Palatul Stirbey. This boulevard is a must see for anyone exploring the city's history and charm.

Calea Victoriei is packed with cozy cafes, small bistros, and hidden local gems, along with stylish hotels, high-end fashion and jewelry shops. So, if you're into shopping, make sure to leave some room in your luggage for a little spree.

And the best part? On weekends during April - October this popular boulevard turns into a pedestrian-only street!

9. Catch your breath in one of Bucharest’s (hidden) parks

Here’s something you might not know about Bucharest: it’s full of hidden green spaces, perfect for catching your breath after all the sightseeing and hustle and bustle of city life. Depending on which part of the city you're in, you’ve got plenty of gardens to choose from

Besides Herestrau Park in the North which we already mentioned, there is:

1. Cișmigiu Gardens close to University Square and one of the city's most beautiful parks, perfect for a spring stroll, feeding ducks, or trying some rowing.
2. Izvor Park is ideal for a picnic with views of the Palace of Parliament
3. near Piata Romana, Gradina Icoanei and Ion Voicu Park offer quiet spots to relax and blend in with local life.
4. Tineretului Park South of Piata Unirii is great for long walks and bike rides

10. Vacaresti National Park: Romania's first urban natural park

If you’re looking for something completely different, a unique natural attraction in Bucharest, then you should visit the newly formed Vacaresti National Park.

This is a place which nature reclaimed after being abandoned by the communist who wanted to create another megalomaniac project. Now, 186 hectares of unique natural beauty, a living urban delta inside Bucharest rich with wildlife, fauna and natural landscapes.

11. Find the ‘Little Paris’ feeling of Bucharest

Take time during your Bucharest city break to discover the 'old world' charm that earned Romania’s capital the titles ‘Little Paris’ and ‘Paris of the East.’

Step away from the busy city center, and you’ll find quiet streets filled with beautiful Belle Epoque villas and mansions—buildings that showcase the city’s aristocratic golden years. If this is your thing than check our Bucharest architecture tour to find out the best places.

Spend some time exploring the Cotroceni neighbourhood on Doctor Joseph Lister Street, wander around Gradina Icoanei Park (Dumbrava Rosie Street and Dacia Boulevard), or get lost in the Victoriei - Dorobanti area (Rome or Paris Street, Aleea Alexandru). Along the way, you'll discover cozy cafes, bistros, and the occasional hidden restaurant where you can blend in with the locals.

Few travellers venture in these less explored parts because there’s little information out there about how to go off the beaten path in Bucharest and venture into lesser-known areas - but we’re here to help with that!

12. Therme Bucharest: a place to unwind

If you've got some some extra time left after exploring Bucharest and you're looking to unwind then head over to Therme Bucharest.

It's the largest wellness and relaxation center in Europe featuring an impressive botanical garden with over 800,000 plants, including palm trees and orchids, making it perfect for a day trip.

In the evening the place lights up offering an even more relaxing vibe with themed pools (including outdoors), saunas, SPA treatments and indoor green spaces to help you fully disconnect. And don't worry about food, there are several restaurants on site.

Located 20 km from Bucharest’s city center, Therme is accessible via STB bus line 442.

13. Bucharest restaurants and bars

• Traditional Romanian Cuisine

No city break to Bucharest is complete without diving into the rich and tasty world of traditional Romanian dishes. It’s a mouthwatering mix of Balkan, Mediterranean, and Eastern European flavors.

Kick off your food adventure with sarmale—savory cabbage rolls stuffed with meat and rice. Pair that with mamaliga, a cozy polenta dish usually served with cheese and sour cream. And don’t forget ciorba, a tangy soup that comes in all sorts of varieties, from meaty broths to veggie goodness.

For a street food classic, grab some mici—grilled sausages that are a must at any Romanian barbecue. One of the best places where you can try mici is Terasa Obor.

If food is on your list when you visit a new place then we highly recommend our Bucharest street food tour which will take you from peasant platters to communist neighbourhoods and food markets!

Wash it all down with a glass of tuica (strong plum brandy) or a cold local beer.

• The best restaurants in Bucharest for traditional food

Our capital has plenty of traditional restaurants where you can enjoy these dishes in a real authentic vibe. You might be tempted to have a meal at Caru’ cu Bere famous for its superb interiors and Romanian cuisine. But you should know that the restaurant is the usual pit stop for large groups of tourists or independent travellers lured by TripAdvisor reviews.

Instead, I recommend you check out City Grill, Hanu’ lui Manuc or Lacrimi si Sfinti in St. Anton Square for delicious Romanian dishes enjoyed in an authentic local atmosphere.

• Everything else

Romania's capital is famous for its nightlife, designer-made restaurants and cool bars. After 23:00 parties start everywhere, and if you're looking for places to go out check our best bars in Bucharest list to find out in which bars locals go out. Spolier: they're not in Old Town area!

This quick trip to Bucharest is just a taste of what Romania has to offer! We've got plenty of tours to make you fall in love with the country, but before planning your next holiday, make sure to soak up all the charm this vibrant city has to offer.

So what are you waiting for? Come visit!

Your Romanian Friend

Georgiana