Bucharest-4-day-itinerary

Day 1: Exploring the City Center

Morning

  • 9:00 AM: Start your day at the iconic Revolution Square (Piata Revolutiei), a hub for both historical and modern attractions.
  • Visit the nearby National Museum of Contemporary Art (Muzeul National de Arta Contemporana)
  • Grab a coffee at one of the cafes in the square

Afternoon

  • Head to the Palace of the Parliament (Palatul Parlamentului), one of the largest administrative buildings in the world. You can take a guided tour inside.
  • Visit the adjacent Romanian Athenaeum, an iconic concert hall and cultural center.

Evening

  • Enjoy dinner at Caru’ cu Bere, a traditional Romanian restaurant that serves authentic dishes like mamaliga (polenta) and sarmale (stuffed cabbage rolls).
  • Explore the lively streets of the Old City, especially around Calea Victoriei for shopping, dining, or nightlife.

Accommodation

Stay at Hotel Capitol in the city center, a 4-star hotel offering comfortable rooms and great access to main attractions.

Transportation

Bucharest has an efficient public transportation system. Use buses (called Trolebus) or metro lines 1, 2, 3, 4, or 5 to get around. The city also has bike rentals available if you prefer cycling.

Tips & Things to Know

  • Be prepared for variable weather; spring and autumn are lovely seasons in Bucharest.
  • Some historical sites might require a ticket, so have some Romanian lei (RON) with you.
  • Don’t be afraid to ask locals for help or directions. Most speak good English.
  • Keep your valuables secure at all times.

Day 2: Historical and Cultural Encounters

Morning

  • 9:30 AM: Visit the Stavropoleos Church, a beautifully restored Orthodox church from the 17th century, known for its Byzantine architecture.
  • Head to the nearby Cismigiu Garden, one of Bucharest’s oldest parks. Take a stroll and enjoy nature.

Afternoon

  • Visit the Museum of Romanian Peasant Culture (Muzeul National de Etnografie) to learn about traditional Romanian culture, crafts, and lifestyle.
  • Stop by the Great Synagogue, the second-largest synagogue in Europe, featuring beautiful Moorish architecture.

Evening

  • Have dinner at La Mama, a cozy restaurant that serves modern and traditional dishes with a focus on local ingredients.

Activities

If you have time:

  • Visit the nearby Bucharest Botanical Garden (Orto botanic din București).
  • Enjoy a drink or snack from one of the cafes along the picturesque streets of Bucharest’s Old City.

Day 3: Shopping and Parks

Morning

  • 10:00 AM: Start your day at the Auchan Mall, a popular shopping mall with a variety of stores, restaurants, and services. You can find everything from clothing to electronics.
  • Spend some time in the adjacent Parcul Herastrău (Herastrău Park), which offers beautiful gardens and an artificial lake where you can enjoy walking or renting a boat.

Afternoon

  • Visit the Romanian National History Museum, located on Calea Victoriei. The museum showcases the history of Romania from ancient times to modern days.
  • Stop by the nearby National Library (Biblioteca Natională), one of the largest libraries in the region.

Evening

  • Enjoy dinner at La Bistrot, a cozy French restaurant with an outdoor seating area perfect for nice evenings.

Day 4: More Exploration

Morning

  • 10:00 AM: Visit the Ghencea Market (Piața Ghencea), one of Bucharest’s largest markets, offering a wide variety of goods, including fresh produce, flowers, and souvenirs.
  • Stop by the nearby The Museum of Communism to learn about Romania’s communist past.

Afternoon

  • Visit the Romanian National Opera House (Teatrul Național de Operă și Balet) for a guided tour or an opera/ballet performance if scheduled. The building itself is a work of art.
  • Spend some time in the adjacent park, exploring its beauty and history.

Evening

  • For your last dinner in Bucharest, try Hanu’ lui Manuc, a traditional restaurant known for its beautiful interior and authentic dishes like sarmale (stuffed cabbage rolls) and mamaliga (polenta).

Tips & Things to Know

  • Be prepared for potential traffic congestion on the roads.
  • Don’t forget to take some time to relax in one of Bucharest’s parks or gardens, especially after a long day of sightseeing.

This itinerary is designed to give you a good taste of what Bucharest has to offer. Depending on your interests and preferences, you might choose to spend more time exploring specific areas or adjusting the activities to fit your schedule better.