Bucharest in 3 Days: a guidebook for getting the most out of your visit

Bucharest is the capital of Romania, the most important city in the country and also one of the most famous destinations in Eastern Europe, so 3 days might not seem long enough to discover this place. However, with an organised itinerary based on the geographical location of the attractions and an intensive tour, you will be able to see the highlights of the city and the region.

Some of the best things to do in Bucharest in 3 days include touring Villa Ceausescu, visiting the National Museum of the Villa, taking in the panoramic views from the Arc de Triomphe, relaxing in Cismigiu Park, touring the historic city centre, visiting Dracula's Castle, taking in a show at the Romanian Athenaeum, touring the Palace of Parliament and visiting the Museum of the Senses.

For the first day of your tour of Bucharest, I suggest a circuit around the north of the city, which includes the most outstanding green spaces in the Romanian capital and some of the best cultural attractions, such as Villa Ceausescu and the National Museum of the Villa. You can also wander around the old town and dine in the most outstanding bars and restaurants in this place that preserves its medieval aesthetics.

Tour Villa Ceausescu

Romania's history is closely linked to the years of the communist regime, so I suggest you start your trip by visiting Villa Ceausescu. Built to house the family of Romanian leader Nicolae Ceausescu, the villa is an architectural monument that reflects the excess and opulence of the socialist era.

A visit to Villa Ceausescu will give you a unique insight into the daily life of the ruling family and an understanding of the excesses that led to the 1989 Revolution in Romania. The history of the villa is intertwined with the fall of communism in Romania, as it was here that Nicolae and Elena Ceausescu were captured before being tried and executed.

Villa Ceausescu can be reached by buses on lines N113, N117, N119, 205, 282, 301, 331 and 381 and on metro line M2.

Visit the National Museum of the Villa

After visiting Villa Ceausescu, the next stop on the tour is the National Museum of the Villa, which is located in Herastrau Park, about 20 minutes away by bus.

This exhibition is a cultural gem that allows visitors to immerse themselves in the rich history and artistic heritage of the country, housing a collection ranging from medieval art to contemporary pieces.

In the halls of this site, which is considered one of the best museums in Bucharest, you can explore a collection of historical objects, paintings, sculptures and elements of everyday life spanning from the Middle Ages to the present day.

From Villa Ceausescu you can reach the National Museum of the Villa by bus lines 202, 285, 331 and 335.

Take in the panoramic views from the Arc de Triomphe observation deck

Located five streets away from the National Museum of the Villa, the Arc de Triomphe is a monument built to commemorate Romania's participation in the First World War and is a site that offers a 27-metre high observation deck from which it is possible to take in a sweeping view of the city.

The view from the Arc de Triomphe viewpoint allows you to see some of the most emblematic places in the city, such as the Palace of Parliament and the Patriarchal Cathedral. You'll also get to see the rooftops of Old Bucharest.

The Arc de Triomphe is a protagonist of some of the best guided tours of Bucharest, and will also allow you to take some of the best pictures of the Romanian capital.

Relax in Cismigiu Park

Cismigiu Park in Bucharest is not the largest green space in the city, nor is it the most visited, but it is one of the most beautiful. This urban oasis, created in 1847, is one of the oldest in the Romanian capital and offers a serene and relaxing escape, ideal for a break between excursions.

Here you will find a tree-lined path, ponds, statues and ornate fountains that create an ideal environment for relaxation. And if you plan to visit Bucharest in winter, you'll find the trails snowy and the trees dressed in white.

For the little ones, Cismigiu Park has playgrounds, so it is also an ideal destination if you plan to visit the city as a family. Children can enjoy the outdoor entertainment here and if you're planning to tour Bucharest during Christmas you'll also find Christmas Eve decorations and luminous ornaments. It's also a great place to explore on a cycling tour.

From the Arc de Triomphe you can reach Cismigiu Park on bus lines 100 and N113 in about 20 minutes.

Cycle through the historic centre of the city

Bucharest's Old Town is one of the must-see places to visit during a city tour, especially at sunset and after dark. This ancient district, known as Lipscani, will catch your attention with its medieval architecture and cobblestone streets that still preserve 15th century buildings.

Lipscani is also one of the epicentres of entertainment in Bucharest and you can find some of the most outstanding bars and pubs for dinner at the end of your first day in the city. Caru' cu Bere is one of the most famous restaurants to visit during your tour and offers traditional Romanian dishes in a folkloric atmosphere.

You can reach the Old Town from Cismigiu Park on a walk of about 12 streets or on the N116 bus for a journey of about 10 minutes.

After seeing some of the main attractions in the heart of Bucharest, for the second day I propose a tour around the Romanian capital to visit one of the most visited sites in the country: Dracula's Castle located in Bran, in the Carpathian Mountains. You will also be able to close the tour on the second day by attending a show at the Romanian Athenaeum.

Visit Dracula's Castle

Visiting Dracula's Castle from Bucharest is one of the best things to do in Romania and will allow you to enter the mysterious region of Transylvania and discover an architectural gem steeped in legend. This iconic medieval building, known as Bran Castle, is famous for its connection to Bram Stoker's Dracula.

Although the castle itself is not directly linked to Vlad the Impaler, who inspired the myth of Count Dracula, the architecture and strategic location of the castle offer a fascinating experience. Built in the 14th century to protect the Transylvanian border, this building has ranged from military fortress to royal residence.

During the tour, you can explore the halls and rooms of the castle and also explore exhibitions ranging from the medieval history of the region to the literary connection with Dracula.

Dracula Castle can be reached on your own by train, bus, taxi or rented car in about 2.5 hours or you can opt for an organised tour from Bucharest, which is often included among the best tours from the Romanian capital.

Attend a show at the Romanian Athenaeum

The tour of Dracula's Castle could take all day, so to end the second day I suggest attending an evening show at the Romanian Athenaeum. This neoclassical building stands as a symbol of Romania's rich cultural heritage and its concert hall, famous for its refined acoustics, has become an iconic stage for a wide variety of performances.

Here you will mainly find classical music concerts, with the George Enescu Philharmonic Orchestra being the main protagonist of the shows. The Romanian Athenaeum also hosts a cultural offer that includes contemporary music concerts, poetry recitals and theatrical performances.

On the other hand, the illuminated Romanian Athenaeum at night provides one of the best postcards of the city, so at the end of the show and before having dinner in the area of this multi-purpose theatre, you can take some of the best night-time photographs in this place. The Romanian Athenaeum can be reached on bus lines 100 and N113.

The third and last day of your tour will not give you a break, because you can visit the Palace of Parliament, which is one of the most famous attractions of the city. In addition, I also suggest a walk along Unirii Boulevard, discover the traces of communism in the Romanian capital and close your trip with a visit to the Museum of the Senses, which will allow you to live a completely different immersive experience.

Tour the Palace of Parliament

The Palace of Parliament, which was built during the communist regime, is considered one of the largest buildings in the world and is Bucharest's main attraction, reflecting the late ostentation of the Nicolae Ceausescu government and its importance today as the seat of the Legislative Power. With its immense halls, lavish corridors and ornate detailing, this marble and glass monument astounds visitors with its scale and opulence.

Although originally conceived as the House of the People, the building now houses various institutions, including the Romanian Parliament, and has become a controversial symbol of the country's recent history.

You can also visit Bucharest's Parliament Palace on your own or with a guided tour. The site can be reached by Metro to Unirii station or by bus on lines N101, N104, N106, N114, N118 and N122.

Walk along Unirii Boulevard

Located in front of the Palace of Parliament, Unirii Boulevard is one of the city's main thoroughfares and a site that, for approximately three kilometres, bears witness to Romania's communist-era urban planning and socialist architecture.

The history of Unirii Boulevard is linked to the massive displacement of residents and the demolition of entire neighbourhoods to make way for this avenue. Along the boulevard, you will see a combination of Brutalist architecture and iconic monuments, such as the fountain in front of the Palace of Parliament. The broad avenue is also the epicentre of Bucharest's guided tours.

Walking along Unirii Boulevard will allow you to discover the urban and cultural life of the Romanian capital. Nearby you will find sights such as the Church of the Resurrection and, if you plan to visit Bucharest at Christmas time, you will see this artery lined with Christmas decorations.

Discover the traces of communism in the city

After walking along Unirii Boulevard, one of the best ways to get to know the spirit of Bucharest is to discover the traces of communism in the city. This experience will also allow you to rescue the memories of one of the darkest periods of local history.

During the tour you can visit the public buildings of Lipscani as well as the Museum of Communism, which offers a deep immersion in the history of this period through exhibitions, photographs and revealing testimonies. Exploring the nooks and crannies of the city on your own can be an introspective experience, but you can also join a guided tour for a more contextualised perspective.

From Unirii Boulevard you can reach the public buildings of the Old Town on a 10-minute walk and the Museum of Communism on the N110 and N115 buses.

Visit the Museum of Senses in Bucharest

Visiting the Museum of Senses in Bucharest allows you to embark on a fascinating sensory journey that challenges perception and stimulates the senses in unexpected ways. This innovative museum is a unique interactive experience designed to explore the wonders and mysteries of the surrounding world, which is why it has been considered one of the best museums in Bucharest since its opening.

In the various rooms of this interactive exhibition you can immerse yourself in optical illusions, tactile challenges and sound experiences that arouse curiosity and question reality.

The Museum of the Senses also offers a unique opportunity to actively participate in the exhibition by touching, feeling and exploring every corner, providing a playful and educational space for visitors of all ages, making it an ideal destination for families and groups.

This site, which can be reached from the Museum of Communism in a 15-minute ride on the N1, N110, N115 and N116 bus lines, is an ideal destination for families and groups.

With this 3-day tour you will discover the main sites of Bucharest and its surroundings. You will also have the opportunity to immerse yourself in the local culture, learning about the history of this city and also the Romanian essence found in the eclectic architecture of its buildings and the beauty of its streets.