The Top 5 Reasons to Visit Bucharest, Romania Now
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Bucharest, the vibrant capital of Romania, beckons travelers with a unique blend of history, culture, and modernity. This city, often referred to as the "Paris of the East," is a hidden gem waiting to be explored. Bucharest's history is a tapestry woven with threads of Ottoman, French, and Eastern European influences. Beyond the well-known attractions, Bucharest is filled with hidden gems waiting to be discovered. With a bustling restaurant scene—Romanian cuisine is a delightful fusion of flavors and Bucharest offers a wide range of international dishes to suit all palates. Explore the city's charming neighborhoods, each with its own character and personailty, and stumble upon quirky cafes, street art, and intriguing boutiques.
Bucharest, Romania
Wandering through its streets, you'll encounter a captivating mix of architectural styles, from the grandeur of the Belle Époque buildings in the historic city center to the imposing Palace of the Parliament, the second-largest administrative building in the world. Bucharest comes alive after dark, offering a thriving nightlife scene that rivals major European capitals.The Old Town, or Lipscani District, is particularly famous for its bustling nightlife. Intriguing, welcoming, and culturally diverse, Bucharest offers a captivating experience for travelers seeking an off-the-beaten-path European destination. These are the top five reasons why Bucharest, Romania should be on your bucket list.
1. Where to Eat in Bucharest: The Cuisine + Cocktails
For French and international-inspired cuisine fused with contemporary fine-dining ingenuity, Blank Restaurant delivers a dynamic atmosphere of bespoke gastronomy. When it's time to relax and unwind, The Vault, a speakeasy bar situated in an old bank vault that once kept national treasures and strictly confidential state documents of the powerful, serves masterfully crafted cocktails in an unprecedented setting. For your artisanal cocktail fix, we recommend trying two of the signature cocktails, the Pancho Villa — concocted with Diplomatico Rum, Tanqueray Gin, Heering Cherry Liqueur, and fresh pineapple or the Rainmaker with Zacapa Rum 23 YO, Heering Cherry Liqueur, and fresh pineapple and lime. And who knows, maybe the safety deposit boxes still contain some intriguing secrets?
Led by Executive Chef Raymond Chettiar — Blank Restaurant, a leading gastronomical restaurant in Bucharest, Romania, is inspired by French and international cuisine. Favorite dishes include St. Jacques with green pea purée, mango caviar, fine herbs and seaweed cracker, Marmorosch Niçoise Salad, a culinary delight that transports you to the sunny shores of the French Riviera, Prime Beef Tenderloin complemented by the rich flavors of morels, butternut pumpkin, and a delightful demi-glace, Crispy Skinned Chicken with an earthy allure of king trumpet mushrooms, broccolini and a tempting mustard sauce, as well as Herb Crusted Lamb Chops served alongside creamy sweet potato. Experience an exceptional tasting menu that is definitely worth the trip.
For dessert indulge on decadent Gluttonous with vanilla crème brûlée, dacquoise sponge, chocolate mousse, and mirror glaze or Blueberry Fantasy with vanilla sponge and blueberry yogurt cream. An innovative a la carte menu will help you see everything through and is perfect for an all-day dining experience.
2. Artistic Tapestry: Galleries + Museums That Captivate
Bucharest has a thriving art scene, in addition to notable museums, many art galleries offer the opportunity to purchase contemporary and traditional Romanian art. The National Museum of Contemporary Art (Muzeul Național de Artă Contemporană) located in the Palace of Parliament and showcases contemporary Romanian art and hosts temporary exhibitions of international contemporary artists. The Palace of the Parliament (Palatul Parlamentului), one of the largest administrative buildings in the world is also known as the People's House (Casa Poporului).
Muzeul Național de Artă Contemporană often hosts temporary exhibitions featuring the work of both Romanian and international contemporary artists. It serves as a hub for contemporary artistic expression and cultural events in Bucharest. The National Museum of Art of Romania (Muzeul Național de Artă al României) is home to an extensive collection of Romanian and European art, including works by famous artists like Rembrandt, El Greco, and Rodin. One of the most significant art museums in Romania, it is renowned for its extensive collection of European and Romanian art spanning a wide range of periods and styles.
The museum is situated in the historical and architectural complex of the Royal Palace (Palatul Regal) in Bucharest. The palace itself is an impressive architectural landmark. Collections at The National Museum of Art of Romania are divided into several sections, including the European Art Gallery, featuring European paintings, sculptures, and decorative art from the medieval period, Romanian Art Gallery, Modern Romanian Art Gallery, and European Art Gallery with works by artists like Monet, Renoir, and Rodin.
3. Luxe Shopping: High-End Elegance in Herastrau + Victoriei
Baneasa Shopping City is known for its high-end designer stores and luxury brands like Christian Dior and Michael Kors. Known as the “Beverly Hills” of Bucharest, Dorobanti Avenue is home to many high-end boutiques, upscale fashion stores, and fine dining restaurants—Calea Victoriei is an iconic street in Bucharest that is lined with upscale boutiques, including both international and Romanian designer stores. These are all great places for luxury shopping.
Bucharest, Romania
Bucharest's Old Town (Centrul Vechi) is a historic area filled with boutiques, art galleries, and souvenir shops. It's a great place to explore and find unique gifts. Bucharest has a growing number of antique shops and markets where you can find unique vintage items, particularly in the area around Piata Dorobanti.
Source: Visit Bucharest
Bucharest hosts various open-air markets throughout the city, where you can find fresh produce, flowers, and various goods. Piata Amzei is one such market worth exploring. If you're visiting during the holiday season, don't miss the Bucharest Christmas Market in the city center. You can find festive decorations, traditional Romanian crafts, and delicious treats.
4. Botanic Beauty: Herastrau Park's Green Oasis
Herăstrău Park (Parcul Herăstrău), also known as King Michael I Park (Parcul Regele Mihai I), is one of the largest and most popular parks in Bucharest, Romania. Surrounding Herastrau Lake, the park offers relaxing walks, boat rides, and even a Japanese Garden. Herăstrău Park is especially beautiful in the spring when the trees are in bloom, and in the fall when the foliage changes color. In winter, the lake often freezes over, allowing for ice skating. These seasons offer fantastic opportunities for photography and leisurely strolls.
Bucharest, Romania
Herăstrău Park is a peaceful and scenic oasis in the heart of Bucharest, providing a welcome escape from the hustle and bustle of city life. The Bucharest Botanical Garden (Grădina Botanică București) is a beautiful and educational green space located in Romania. It is one of the city's most cherished botanical gardens and a popular destination for both residents and tourists interested in plant life and nature. As you enter the garden you walk through the Decorative Sector. It emphasizes the aesthetic importance of the garden with over 500 species of annual and perennial plants, trees and shrubs, decorative vines through leaves, flowers and fruits are all cultivated here. This ensures a special decoration all year round. Spring brings vibrant flowers, while autumn showcases foliage with rich hues. The greenhouses offer a year-round display of exotic and tropical plants.
Established in 1860, the garden is situated in the Cotroceni neighborhood of Bucharest, not far from the Palace of the Parliament and Cotroceni Palace. The Bucharest Botanical Garden is home to a diverse and extensive collection of plants, including rare and endangered native Romanian species, exotic and tropical plants from various regions around the world, themed gardens, such as the Japanese Garden and the Rose Garden, and greenhouses that house a wide variety of tropical and subtropical plants, including palms, orchids, and cacti. The garden's greenhouses are a highlight, providing visitors with the opportunity to explore diverse plant ecosystems.
5. Architectural Marvels: Old World Charm + Modern Grandeur
Bucharest's historic Old Town, often referred to as “Centrul Vechi” or “Lipscani,” is a vibrant and charming district located in the heart of the city with cobblestone streets, medieval architecture, and a vibrant nightlife scene. It was once the center of medieval Bucharest, with narrow, winding streets and merchant houses. One of the highlights of the Old Town is its well-preserved historic architecture. Many of the buildings have been beautifully restored, and some house museums, galleries, and boutique shops—making it a must-visit area for anyone exploring Bucharest.
Bucharest, Romania
Victory Avenue (Calea Victoriei) is one of the most vibrant and historic streets in Bucharest, Romania. Stroll down this grand boulevard lined with beautiful Belle Époque buildings, upscale shops, and historical landmarks. Dating back to the 17th century when it was a simple dirt road it has evolved into a prestigious and fashionable boulevard lined with elegant buildings and palaces. Victory Avenue is renowned for its architectural diversity—showcasing a mix of architectural styles, including neoclassical, art deco, and neogothic. Some of the most notable buildings along Calea Victoriei include the National Museum of Art of Romania (Palatul CEC), the former Royal Palace (now the National Museum of Art of Romania), and Romanian Athenaeum (Ateneul Roman).
The Romanian Athenaeum (Ateneul Roman) is a magnificent concert hall with a neoclassical facade and beautiful frescoes inside, hosting classical music performances. While the circa 1888 athenaeum is primarily a performance venue, it is occasionally open to the public for tours, allowing visitors to explore its stunning architecture and interior. The athenaeum stands as a testament to Romania's commitment to the arts and culture. Calea Victoriei is not only a significant historical and cultural artery in Bucharest but also a vibrant and dynamic part of the city where you can explore architecture, enjoy cultural events, shop, dine, and experience the energy of Romania's capital. It's a must-visit street for anyone exploring Bucharest.
Where to Stay in Bucharest, Romania
Inspired by the optimism and promise of the Belle Époque, The Marmorosch Bucharest, Autograph Collection has reinvented the classic art of fine living with an exciting touch of modernity. Enjoy some peace of mind in a luxurious ambiance inspired by locally mined Romanian gemstones. Experience the high life of old in the luxurious hotel’s exquisite rooms and suites, dive into Romania’s rich culinary scene, enjoy cocktail wizardry in the authentic bank vault bar, and uncover Bucharest’s hidden gems. The utmost attention to decorative details, the quality of facilities and aptitude for service allow you to become a vital part of Bucharest’s golden age.
Influenced by the Art Deco style, the lavish suites of The Marmorosch Bucharest, Autograph Collection seamlessly blend authentic details, sophisticated artwork, and modern design into an unforgettable experience of unrivaled comfort and luxury. Experience a truly iconic stay in the Marmorosch Palace Suite. The suite is an excellent choice for leisure and business travelers seeking the pleasure of a memorable and comfortable stay with a touch of opulence. The suite features a generous living room, complimentary minibar, built-in fireplace and a spacious dining area. The Balance Spa invites its guests to enjoy a relaxation pool with a hydromassage, a hot sauna, a steam bath and fitness center. The choice is yours. Book below to reserve your room at the lowest price, guaranteed.
