Leisure activities in Bucharest

Architecture in Bucharest

Bucharest has been shaped, during its history, by earthquakes, war and the crazy whims of a dictator. Now, the capital of Romania is in the middle of a construction boom, with snazzy glass facades, high-rise towers or a combination of architectures, such as The Centre Union of Bucharest Architects. You will see all around the huge communist-style buildings, the grey blocks of apartments or the Civic Centre, crossed by beautiful, large boulevards. Remember that Bucharest is served from the north to the south by a subway, which is in continuous modernisation. 

The best places in Bucharest to check on the list

If you are planning a short stay in Bucharest or preparing for an expat experience, let us share with you the main highlights of Bucharest. So here are the best things to do in the capital of Romania:

• The Palace of Parliament - a building of absurd magnitude, this Palace host Romania's Parliament and is the perfect picture of the Nicolae Ceausescu's megalomania. With 365,000 square meters, this is the second-largest administrative building in the world. 
• Romanian Athenaeum - this building is the home of the George Enescu Philharmonic Orchestra, and its architecture is neoclassical. 
• Lipscani or The Old Town will be the best hint for anybody to imagine how Bucharest looked like before the Second World War. Actually, Lipscani was the place to do business during the Middle Ages. Now, this part of the city, the centre one, is full of restaurants, coffee shops, and nightclubs. 
• Romanian Peasant Museum was first opened in 1906, and it is the highly-regarded museum from Romania. But, during the 20th century, meaning the Communist regime, the activity of this museum was interrupted. It reopened in 1990, after no more than six weeks from the death of Ceausescu, the communist dictator. 
• Walk on Victoriei Avenue. This is stretching on 2.7 kilometres, starting from the United Nations Square to Victoriei Square. Take a walk here and admire the main historical and cultural attractions of the capital. 

Parks in Bucharest

These are the greenest places you will find in Bucharest, so enjoy the fresh air from:

• Herastrau Park, the largest park in Bucharest, is boarding the city to the north, and its surface is covered by about 74-hectare Herastrau Lake. Visitors can hire boats here, or check out many interesting sculptures.
• Bucharest Botanical Gardens, on Soseaua Cotroceni 32
• Cismigiu Gardens, on Schitu Magureanu Boulevard, one of the most beautiful, intimate and old parks in Bucharest
• Carol Park, home to the Monument of the heroes for Freedom and Socialism

There are many other parks to visit in Bucharest. There is no fee for entering this amazing green area.

Family activities in Bucharest

For those who are looking to visit Bucharest, they should know that spring and summer are the best seasons they can bring the kids here. Bucharest hosts plenty of places to keep the children entertained. For instance, you can take them to the Village Museum. Here, they will have many wooden houses, windmills, and churches to explore. 

Grigore Antipa Museum is another perfect place for children, so they can explore the fauna and flora in Romania, and also admire a huge dinosaur skeleton. 

Also, the Romanian National opera puts on children's matinees almost every weekend morning at 11. Check their schedule and enjoy. 

You can take the Bucharest City Tour bus for great sightseeing. 

Nightlife in Bucharest

During spring and summer, check the Unirii Square Fountain Show, which is a magnificent performance with water, light, and music. 

Want to have some fun? Then Bucharest is the city of bars and nightclubs. Lipscani, the Old Town, is full of nightlife bars, restaurants, and clubs. If you want something more chill, then check Eden Garden, with 5 stars on Bucharest TripAdvisor, or Pura Vida Sky Bar, for watching the sun-set over the cooper rooftops. 

Shopping in Bucharest

Romanian people love doing shopping. Therefore, there are many malls in the city. There is no sector that hasn't at least one shopping centre. Search for the closest to you. 

Restaurants and cuisine in Bucharest

Bucharest has all kinds of restaurants, with international cuisines. You can find Lebanese, Asiatic, Greek, or fine cuisine restaurants. But for those who want to try the traditional Romanian cuisine, they should not miss sarmalute, mititei or the tasty pie with sweet cheese. 

 Useful links:

National Tourism Office ' Bucharest
In Your Pocket
Bucharest events
Metrorex
Bucharest Bus City Tour