Bucharest 2024: Best Places to Visit (with Map & Photos)

Bucharest is the capital of Romania, a state located in southeastern Europe. The city is located in the middle of the Lower Danube lowland. The non-navigable river Dymbovitsa, chained in a granite embankment, flows through Bucharest. There are several lakes in the northern part of the capital, the largest of which is called Florayasca. In Bucharest, there is also an artificial reservoir Cismigiu, located in the park of the same name. Previously, this place was a swampy lowland, which has turned into a luxurious garden and a favorite resting place for the townspeople.

Bucharest Romania
Bucharest Romania

The city covers almost 240 square kilometers and is one of the most numerous cities in the country. At the beginning of 2017, more than 2 million people lived in the Romanian capital. Basically, the ethnic composition of the inhabitants of Bucharest is represented by Romanians, and only 3% are from other nationalities. A small group of Germans, Hungarians, Jews, Gypsies and representatives of other nations live here.

According to its composition, the city is divided into 6 sectors, which in turn are subdivided into districts. All sectors have their own administration, called the mayor's office. The Bucharest administration includes the heads of all sectors and the chief mayor of Bucharest. There is also a prefect appointed by the Romanian government. Its task is to monitor how the country's development plans are being implemented in the city.

Bucharest Romania
Bucharest Romania

In the capital of Romania, today there are more than two dozen theaters with their own troupes. The first educational institution in the country, the Academy of Saint Sava, giving higher education, was created in 1694. The University of Bucharest opened in 1864. There are 21 higher educational institutions in the modern city, where more than one hundred thousand students are trained.

How to get there


Romania has air links with many countries of the world. Getting to Bucharest by land is possible by train and car from neighboring countries. It is worth recalling some of the customs regulations in the country. Romania has a fairly loyal approach to the import of money. You can enter any amount of foreign currency, but there is one rule here: it must be declared. Local currency subject to licensing. You can import a fairly large list of things duty-free if their total cost is up to $ 100. Not subject to payment of duties and things of personal use, as well as personal video, audio or photographic equipment. But valuable things should be declared so that they can be withdrawn without any problems. You need to keep receipts for purchased goods. It is better to check all customs rules before the trip.

What to see in Bucharest


Bucharest will not disappoint anyone who wants to fully relax and have fun. There are many beautiful squares and gardens, the old historic center, picturesque bazaars and flea markets, stylish modern cinemas and many nightlife venues. All year round there are a series of bright holidays and festivals in the city.

Bucharest Romania
Bucharest Romania

For lovers of nature and quiet walks between green spaces, for lovers of small picnics away from the bustle of the city, gardens and parks have been created in Bucharest. So, the Cismigiu garden was designed and opened in 1860. Several tens of thousands of various plants grow here, brought from different parts of Romania, some of them were donated by the botanical parks of Vienna.

Fans of outdoor activities prefer another green area of ​​Bucharest. Park Gerastrau is also beautifully decorated and has tennis courts, a boat dock, bike paths. You can also buy a ticket for the ferry that floats on the local lake.

Tourists will also like the Bucharest nightlife. In recent years, many open -air cafes have appeared on the streets of the city. They are located between houses in the so-called green pockets. It is pleasant to visit here on hot summer nights, listen to jazz or play a real acoustic guitar. Life in nightclubs is in full swing. One of the most popular places in Bucharest is the SkyBar club, where parties with various themes are held, popular Romanian bands perform. A quieter choice is the Interbelic club, where groups of friends gather for relaxation and conversation. Club A will soon celebrate its 50th anniversary. This institution has gone through a change of government, revolution and crisis. Therefore, it is very popular with young people., in addition, there are affordable prices and fun music. Club Fire, a rock establishment, offers cool music and inexpensive booze. Of course, in Bucharest you can find places where gamblers flock. Palace Casino offers roulette, slot machines, traditional table games.

Bucharest Romania
Bucharest Romania

If the trip to Bucharest fell on the time of any holiday or festival, then you can completely plunge into the cheerful bustle and festive mood. March 1 is the day of the Gypsies, a bright and interesting holiday, where you can see performances from the life of this Romanian ethnic group, listen to gypsy songs and watch incendiary dances. The famous Fanfare Ciocarlia brass band performs here.

In May, the annual International Jazz Competition takes place in Bucharest. The peculiarity of the Romanian competition is that it is dedicated to different areas of music. This diversity unites fans of all musical genres. During the festival, competitions, master classes, seminars, concerts and other events are organized, which take place in the city squares, stages of various institutions in Bucharest and in the halls of the Royal Palace. Musicians from all over the European continent gather for the holiday. The most famous jazzmen of the world judge the competition.

In July, the traditional Crafts Fair opens in Bucharest, a very nice and colorful exhibition and sale of products of Romanian craftsmen, accompanied by concerts of local creative groups. Here at the fair you can try yourself in some crafts and buy cute souvenirs for an inexpensive price. Another musical event takes place in Bucharest during the autumn days. This is the largest International Music Festival named after George Enescu, an outstanding composer and violinist of Romania. These days, many famous world-class performers from Europe, Asia, and the USA come to the capital of the country with concerts.

Bucharest Romania
Bucharest Romania

The choice of places for families and entertainment with children is also impressive in Bucharest. There is the Divertiland water park, which occupies a huge area. On the territory of the water park there are many water attractions, terraces and various pools. There is also an area with artificial waves where surfers can train. Specially equipped safe playgrounds for kids have been allocated. Another water park Crangasi Aqua Parc is inferior to its older brother in terms of the number of attractions and sizes, but it will be interesting to spend time with the whole family here. Much of the infrastructure of this place is designed for preschool children. There is also a cozy restaurant here.

Children will remember the visit to the Terra Park amusement park, which is conventionally divided into several zones. Each of them represents some country, in the majority of its European. But there are rides here that symbolize the United States, Morocco, India, Russia, which is declared by the Trans-Siberian Express.

In Bucharest, several outdoor public pools are open during the summer. The zoo of the capital of Romania has a small area, but it is home to many different species of animals. Children love to be photographed at the enclosure with pink flamingos and pelicans. The terrarium contains different types of reptiles. Among the inhabitants of the zoo are tigers, wild cats and lions, bears, wolves, camels, porcupines and other animals.

Bucharest Map