Looking to plan a fun Bucharest City Break?
Our Bucharest Weekend Getaway Guide features all of the top attractions best experienced in 3 days when vacationing in the Romanian capital.
Spending 3 Days in Bucharest is the perfect amount of time to visit all of the top attractions, with enough time to book a day trip to visit Dracula’s castle in Transylvania.
There’s so much to see and do on a Bucharest City Break. You can pick and chose from our favourite activities to create a bespoke weekend itinerary based on your unique interests.
Our ideal 3 day Bucharest Itinerary features a centrally located hotel so you can explore the city on foot or by using the convenient and affordable transit system.
Whether you’re a culture vulture looking to explore art galleries and museums or a foodie keen to visit local bakeries and indulge in a Romanian gastronomic adventure, there are plenty of fun things to do on a Bucharest City Break!
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3 Day Bucharest City Break Itinerary
Bucharest is the capital and largest city in Romania.
The bustling metropolis is located in southern Romania and ranks as one of the biggest cities in Eastern Europe. Over 1.8 million residents call Bucharest home, much larger than nearby Sofia (1.2 million) and Prague (1.3 million).
I love traveling to city’s in Eastern Europe, eating my way through affordable and tasty city’s like Krakow, Budapest, Prague, Saint Petersburg, Bratislava, Tallinn, Riga, Dubrovnik, and Sarajevo.
If you’re budgeting for a Bucharest City Break you can expect prices to be significantly more affordable than a vacation in Stockholm, Berlin, or Rome.
If you have the time we’d recommend planning a long weekend in Bucharest, so you have 3 full days to explore the city’s awesome attractions and mouth-watering restaurants and bars.
On day one of your Bucharest itinerary we suggest getting a lay of the land by booking a walking tour of the city to learn about its history and visit a few top attractions with a knowledgeable guide.
I enjoyed a private tour with local operator Santiago Tour, a travel specialist in all things Romania. They offer fun Bucharest walking tours that typically last 2-5 hours. My English speaking guide developed an itinerary of Bucharest around my interests and did a great job at teaching me about the political and architectural history of the city. She knew I loved sampling local cuisine so we even stoped at her favourite bakery to sample traditional Romanian pastries.
Once you have enjoyed a walking tour of Bucharest you can spend your remaining days exploring museums, art galleries, parks and restaurants on your own.
Planning A Weekend Bucharest City Break
Most places of interest are located in the centre of Bucharest. The city is expansive so wear comfortable shoes and plan to take the bus or subway for attractions farther afield as each trip costs less than $1 USD. Uber also operates in Bucharest so is a great way to get around the city at night.
The Romanian capital is often referred to as the ‘Paris of the East’ or ‘New Berlin.’ The French nod is thanks to an abundance of Haussmannian style architecture and Art Nouveau buildings to be found across the city. You can even spot the city’s very own Arc de Triomphe.
The name ‘New Berlin’ is a tip of the hat to the large number of fantastic street art as well as the fact that the city is home to a buzzing Berlinesque club scene, particularly in the old town where you can find dozens of night clubs and bars which are open well into the early hours.
Spend 3 days in Bucharest by following our detailed travel guide and you’ll enjoy a fun weekend getaway featuring a fun mix of historic palaces, marvellous museums and trendy restaurants.
Mercure Bucharest City Centre
When planning Bucharest City Break the first thing you need to do is book a centrally located hotel. We suggest using Google Maps so you can plan each day of your Bucharest itinerary knowing how far each attraction is on foot or via the city’s transit system.
I spent a 3 day weekend at Mercure Bucharest City Centre, which is conveniently located near the Romanian Atheneum and National Museum of Art.
Mercure is a French midscale hotel brand owned by Accor, part of the Fairmont family. Created in 1973, today there are over 900 Mercure properties in 61 countries.
The stylish 4-star hotel in downtown Bucharest features a design aesthetic inspired by musical motifs, an homage to George Enescu, one of Romania’s most treasured composers.
The 114-room boutique hotel features well appointed rooms and swanky suites that are spacious and full of natural light. Guests enjoy plush bedding, modern work desk and large flat-screen TV.
The walls portray scenes of Bucharest’s life in the early 20th-century. The bathrooms have either a chic shower or a romantic bathtub. Premium rooms offer travelers additional amenities like plush bathrobes, luxury toiletries, illy coffee station, and daily newspaper service.
We recommend contacting the hotel directly to request a room with a balcony. The spacious outdoor terraces feature a table and two chairs, a lovely spot to sit in the sun with a cup of coffee each morning.
Each morning guests gather at Winestone Restaurant for a sumptuous brunch buffet, which can be enjoyed in the dining room our outdoor patio. Peruse the morning meal offerings and you’ll find French pastries, assortment of local cheeses, cured meats and hot station featuring bacon, eggs, sausage, roast potatoes and sautéed mushrooms.
Palace of Parliament
The Palace of the Parliament, also known as the Republic’s House or People’s House or People’s Palace, is the seat of the Parliament of Romania, located atop Dealul Spirii in Bucharest.
Bucharest’s Palace of Parliament is famous for being the world’s second largest administrative building, after Americans Pentagon, and former dictator Nicolae Ceauşescu’s most notable creation. It is also known as the heaviest building in the world, weighing over 9 billion pounds!
Started in 1984, the 330,000 square metre building boasts more than 3000 rooms. Several types of tours are available, including a standard tour of the main rooms and hallways, and complete tours that combine the standard tour with views of the basement. The standard tour takes around 45 minutes; add an extra 15 minutes to see the basement.
Gradina Cismigiu
Gradina Cismigiu is the oldest public garden in Bucharest . It is located in the centre of the city, and has an area of about 16 hectares and is bordered by two important arteries: Regina Elisabeta boulevard and Schitu Măgureanu boulevard.
Cișmigiu Garden is laid out in the style of English parks and has several entrances: two through Regina Elisabeta Boulevard, two through Schitu Măgureanu Boulevard, one through Știrbei Vodă Street.
If you’re visiting during a spring or summer weekend in Bucharest you’ll find locals enjoying picnics on the grass and strolling past colourful flower beds and a pretty pond.
Royal Palace of Bucharest
The Royal Palace of Bucharest, known as Palace of the Republic between 1948 and 1990, is a monumental building situated in the Romanian capital.
The palace in its various incarnations served as official residence for the kings of Romania until 1947, when the communist regime was installed after Michael I of Romania’s forced abdication. Since 1950 the palace hosts the National Museum of Art of Romania. The Romanian royal family currently uses Elisabeta Palace as its official residence in Bucharest.
The palace is the largest and most significant royal residence in the country, containing emblematic official spaces such as the Throne Hall, the Royal Dining Hall and the monumental Voivodes’ Staircase. An equestrian statue of the first king of Romania, Carol I stands in the centre of a large square in front of it, named Revolution Square.
Romanian National Museum of Art
The National Museum of Art of Romania is located in the Royal Palace in Revolution Square. It features collections of medieval and modern Romanian art, as well as the international collection assembled by the Romanian royal family.
The museum was damaged during the 1989 Romanian Revolution that led to the downfall of Nicolae Ceaușescu. Today the museum showcases a modern Romanian collection and international collection; the comprehensive Medieval art collection, which now features works salvaged from monasteries destroyed during the Ceaușescu era, which reopened in spring 2002. There are also two halls that house temporary exhibits.
The international collection boasts works by Old Masters such as Domenico Veneziano, El Greco, Tintoretto, Jan van Eyck, Jan Brueghel the Elder, Peter Paul Rubens, and Rembrandt, plus pieces by impressionists such as Claude Monet and Alfred Sisley.
The museum is free on the first Wednesday of the month.
Cotroceni Palace
Cotroceni Palace is the official residence of the President of Romania. The palace also houses the National Cotroceni Museum.
Comprising approximately 20,000 objects, the collection of the Cotroceni National Museum is divided into several domains: plastic arts (Romanian and international paintings, graphic arts, Romanian and foreign sculpture, religious art), decorative arts (ceramics, glass, metal, textile, furniture), numismatics, medals, history, and archaeology.
Visits are made only within a guided tour. There are two types of tours: the classic tour takes 60 minutes and includes the first and second floors, while the complete tour, which lasts 100 minutes, also includes the medieval areas of the Palace, the church and the cellars.
Romanian Athenaum
The Romanian Athenaeum is a concert hall in the centre of Bucharest, considered one of the city’s most beloved architectural landmarks.
Opened in 1888, the ornate, domed, circular building is the city’s most prestigious concert hall and home of the George Enescu Philharmonic and of the George Enescu Festival.
If you’re a music lover planning a Bucharest Itinerary we highly recommend planning your trip around a performance so you can enjoy the awe-inspiring splendor of the concert halls interior.
The overall style is neoclassical, with some more romantic touches. In front of the building there is a small park and a statue of Romanian poet Mihai Eminescu.
A 75-by-3-metre fresco by Costin Petrescu decorates the inside of the circular wall of the concert hall. The piece depicts the most important moments of Romanian history, starting with the conquest of Dacia by Roman emperor Trajan and ending with the realization of Greater Romania in 1918.
There is a small fee to visit the concert hall and it’s best to arrive in the morning at 9am before large tourist groups arrive. During our visit the symphony was setting up for the day so we got treated to an impromptu concert rehearsal.
Primaverii Palace House of Ceauşescu
Primaverii Palace is the opulent 80-room former residence of Romanian president Ceausescu, built in 1964.
After the Romanian Revolution, the Palace was used as a VIP residence for official delegations, and in 2016 it was turned into a museum.
Ceausescu Palace is located on Primaverii Street, where most of the houses in this area were built at the beginning of the 1930s. Initially, Primaverii was a neighbourhood inhabited only by officials, because the gas and electricity factory was close by. Following the Russian model, the Communists searched for a single neighbourhood to build houses for the state officials.
Visitors must pay for a guided tour of the interior by booking tickets in advance.
Herăstrău Park
If you’re looking to enjoy a nature stroll on a Bucharest City Break be sure to plan a visit to Herastrau Park.
Built on a lake by the same name, in 1936, it is not only the largest park in Bucharest but also the largest park located inside a city in all of Europe.
The pristine park, spread over 187 hectares around Herastrau Lake, is one of the jewels in Bucharest’s crown, which explains why you’ll find so many locals spending their time here.
The park has two main entrances, although by far the most elegant is that which borders Piata Charles de Gaulle. It is also conveniently located close to Aviatorilor subway station.
Be sure to stroll through the Japanese Garden and in the summer hop on a boat tour of the lake.
Dimitrie Gusti National Village Museum
The Village Museum formally National Museum of the Village Dimitrie Gusti is an open-air ethnographic museum located in the King Michael I Park, showcasing traditional Romanian village life. It is the most visited attraction in Bucharest, delighting both adults and children alike.
The museum sprawls to over 25 acres, and contains 272 authentic peasant farms and houses from all over Romania.
The village was a creation of the folklorist and sociologist Dimitrie Gusti. The location plans were executed by the writer, playwright, director Victor Ion Popa and set designer Henri H. Stahl. The necessary financial funds were provided by the Royal Cultural Foundation and in the presence of King Carol II of Romania the museum was inaugurated on May 10, 1936.
One of our favourite museums in Bucharest, it recreates the atmosphere of traditional Romanian villages, reconstructed here completely with churches, a windmill, and a watermill and animated by many folk arts and crafts.
Kretzulescu Church
Kretzulescu Church is an Eastern Orthodox Church located in central Bucharest.
Built in the Brâncovenesc style, it is located in one of the corners of Revolution Square, next to the former Royal Palace.
The church was commissioned in 1720–1722 by the boyar Iordache Crețulescu and his wife Safta, a daughter of prince Constantin Brâncoveanu. Originally, the exterior was painted, but since the restoration work done in 1935–1936 the façade is made of brick. The frescoes on the porch date from the original structure, while the interior frescoes were painted by Gheorghe Tattarescu in 1859–1860.
Old Princely Court
Curtea Veche, also known as Old Princely Court, was built as a palace or residence during the rule of Vlad III Dracula in 1459.
Archaeological excavations started in 1953, and now the site is operated by the Muzeul Municipiului București in the historic centre of Bucharest.
Vlad the Impaler’s reign was dominated by conflicts with the Ottoman Empire, hence the necessity to permanently watch over and protect the southern border, the Danube, made him stay in the fortified town on the Dâmbovița banks. He issued a document on 20 September 1459, specifically referring to the “fortress” in Bucharest, his “princely residence”.
The Old Princely Court is currently being renovated but is located directly beside Saint Anthony Church.
St. Nicholas Russian Church
St. Nicholas Russian Church is located in central Bucharest, just off University Square.
Russian Ambassador Mikhail Nikolaevich Giers initiated the building of a Russian Orthodox church in 1905. The Court of Emperor Nicholas II provided the funds needed for the building, which at the time cost 600,000 gold rubles.
The structure is set in brick and stone and features seven onion-shaped domes, which are typical of Russia, but unique in Romania.
The domes were initially covered in gold, while iconostasis was carved in wood and then covered in gold, following the model of Church of the Twelve Apostles in the Moscow Kremlin.
Stavropoleos Monastery Church
Stavropoleos Monastery is an Eastern Orthodox monastery for nuns in central Bucharest. Its church is built in Brâncovenesc style. The patrons of the church are St. Archangels Michael and Gabriel.
One of the monastery’s constant interests is Byzantine music, expressed through its choir and the largest collection of Byzantine music books in Romania.
The church was built in 1724, during the reign of Nicholas Mavrocordatos, by Ioannikios Stratonikeas, a Greek monk from Pogoniani. Within the precinct of his inn, Ioannikios built the church, and a monastery, which was economically sustained with the incomes from the inn.
National Museum of Romanian History
The National History Museum of Romania is a museum located on the Calea Victoriei in Bucharest. It contains Romanian historical artifacts from prehistoric times up to modern times.
With a surface of over 8,000 square meters, the museum has over 60 exhibition rooms. The permanent displays include a plaster cast of the entirety of Trajan’s Column, the Romanian Crown Jewels, and the Pietroasele treasure.
George Enescu National Museum
The George Enescu National Museum is located in the Cantacuzino Palace, one of the most beautiful buildings in Bucharest.
The sumptuous entrance, in Art Nouveau style, announces the luxury and the refinement of the époque, reunited in one of the most imposing palaces in the city.
The museum is dedicated to the work of George Enescu, the famous Romanian composer, violinist, pianist, conductor, and teacher. The collection of the museum is laid out in three rooms with objects on display including photographs, manuscripts, musical instruments, documents and objects related to the life and work of George Enescu.
Villacrosse Macca
The Macca- Villacrosse passage is a postcard-perfect covered alley in downtown Bucharest.
The passage, covered with glass and in the shape of an elongated horseshoe, was designed by the architect Felix Xenopol and finished construction in 1891.
It has two branches that start from Via Victoriei, which join before the exit in Eugeniu Carada street. The passage was meant to connect the National Bank with the busiest commercial artery at that time. The passage initially had spaces for small shops on the ground floor, which was covered with yellowish glass, giving an air of intimacy.
Today, Villacrosse Maccait is home to some of the city’s most popular bars and restaurants. It’s the perfect place to enjoy a pre-dinner cocktail or late night snack.
Calea Victoriei
If you’re a fashionista planning a Bucharest City Break be sure to make time to stroll down Calea Victoriei, the city’s most luxurious shopping district.
The avenue is lined with trendy fashion shops like Gucci, indie art boutiques, cafes, bubble tea shops and restaurants.
The bustling street passes through Revolution Square and the iconic Equestrian Statue of Carol I.
Carturesti Carusel
Cărturești Carusel is a gorgeous bookstore in the old town of Bucharest, owned by the Romanian bookstore chain Cărturești.
The building that currently houses the famous bookstore was built at the beginning of the 20th-century by the Chrissoveloni bankers family.
After years of neglect it was considered derelict before being transformed into one of the most beautiful bookstores in the world.
The store’s three floors spread across more than 10,000 square feet that hold as many books. There are elegantly curved balconies on each of the upper levels, a large open space in the middle, and a teahouse on the top floor that offers a great view of the entire bookstore.
Control Club
Looking to tap into Romania’s notorious nightlife on a weekend in Bucharest?
The chic Control Club is located in the heart of the city and is known as one of the most popular bars in Bucharest for artists and self described followers of an “alternative lifestyle.” Local scenesters come here after work for a pre-dinner Aperol Spritz or dance into the wee hours of the night as local DJs spin viby beats.
The venue has several unique spaces including a lush bamboo lined outdoor terrace, sophisticated indoor bar, disco dance hall and large concert hall.
Control Club is a great place to people watch as its a watering hole for local designers, artists and well dressed entrepreneurs. It’s also known for hosting LGBT friendly parties.
Day Tour Of Transylvania
No Bucharest City Break is complete without a tour of Transylvania.
We booked a Day Trip To Dracula’s Castle with Grayline, which includes stops to visit 3 of the top attractions in Transylvania: Peles Castle, Bran Castle and historic Brasov.
The local tour operator offers daily coach tours from Bucharest to Transylvania, which is the most popular day trip for those visiting the Romanian capital.
The 12 hour group tour includes a driver and guide where you’ll visit:
- Peles Castle: the former residence of the Romanian royal family has gorgeous gardens and otherworldly interiors.
- Bran Castle: the legendary castle is famous for being depicted as the home of Count Dracula. The Medieval castle sits perched over an outcropping of rocks and features historic interiors as well as video installations that will make vampire, werewolf and ghost folklore fans happy.
- Brasov: stroll the historical centre of the scenic medieval city for 30 minutes before enjoying lunch at a traditional Romanian restaurant.
Where To Eat With 3 Days In Bucharest
If you’re a foodie looking to taste authentic Romanian cuisine there are plenty of options for a fine feast on a 3 day Bucharest City Break.
The city offers restaurant options for every budget, from affordable bakeries and shawarma shops to memorable fine dining experiences in glittering dining rooms.
Caru’cu Bere Restaurant
Carul cu Bere is a famous brewery in Old Town Bucharest, which originally opened in 1879. It is considered the longest running restaurant in the city, even remaining open during the communist period.
The restaurant has a spacious outdoor patio as well as several floors of seating inside. Tourists love taking pictures of the main entrance, which features gorgeous stained glass over the bar as well as Gothic-style columns and stucco ceilings.
The lengthy menu offers every Romanian dish you could dream of, from Sheppard’s Soup served in bread bowls to hearty mixed grill plates and classics like Sarmale cabbage rolls served with polenta and sour cream.
Cucina
Cucina is the popular Italian restaurant located within the luxurious JW Marriott Bucharest Hotel.
The former palace turned luxury hotel features an eye-popping lobby, which plays home to luxury brands like Louis Vuitton.
Skip up the winding staircase to the second floor and you’ll find the charming Cucina dining room, designed to look like a scenic Italian village.
The menu features Italian classics like pastas, pizza and perfectly grilled steaks and seafood.
I recommend ordering the signature Tagliatelle Alfredo, which is served table side out of a large parmesan wheel and topped with black truffles.
Scovergaria Micai
If you’re looking for a grab and go breakfast or mid afternoon snack during your weekend in Bucharest pop by Scovergaria Micai.
The traditional Romanian bakery is famous for its scovergi, a classic donut that looks like a deep fried pita, which is served wrapped in a variety of fillings.
You can also find multi-layer cakes filled with chopped walnuts and pears, cherry tarts and French classics like croissants.
Manuc’s Inn
Manuc’s Inn is the oldest operating hotel in Bucharest. It is located across the street from the ruins of the Old Court.
The inn was built in 1808 as a khan, and originally owned by a wealthy and flamboyant Armenian entrepreneur, Emanuel Mârzaian, better known under his Turkish name Manuc Bei. By the middle of the 19th century, it was Bucharest’s most important commercial complex, with 15 wholesalers, 23 retail stores, 107 rooms for offices or living, two receiving rooms, and a pub.
Today, it houses a popular restaurant, several bars, and a coffee-house. On a sunny day come here for lunch to enjoy an al fresco Romanian feast in the beautiful flower adorned courtyard.
Berăria H
No Bucharest City Break is complete without a beer sloshed feast at Berăria H.
The sprawling beer hall located inside Herastrau Park serves a selection of fresh craft beer and hearty fare like sausages and schnitzel.
Dubbed “Europe’s Biggest Beer Hall,” Berăria H offers beer lovers the perfect place to people watch while being entertained by Romanian bands, cabaret and magicians.
Bandit Coffee
The brain child of Cosmin Mihailov and Kami Chirazi, Bandit coffee shop focuses on serving expertly crafted espresso beverages prepared with an always evolving selection of European specialty roasters.
The bohemian interior is where all the local coffee fans come to sip a frothy cappuccino or flat white.
L’Atelier
L’Atelier is a fancy fine dining restaurant located in the celebrated Relais & Chateaux Epoque Hotel in Bucharest.
The chef here creates an alchemy of French and Romanian cuisines inside a gorgeous 19th-century villa. With woodwork and paintings on the walls, chandeliers and parquet floors, and even a grand piano, the ambience is wildly romantic.
The dining room is wrapped in windows and surrounded by trees, making diners feel as though they are tucking into a fancy feast in the heart of the Transylvanian forest.
Wag your finger down the menu and you will find modern marvels like Breton lobster and Bresse chicken, which are paired with local truffles plucked by foragers in the nearby woods.
The wine list also offers an opportunity to sip vino from local producers. We recommend the Romanian sparkling wine and sauvignon blanc.
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