Best Tours of Bucharest

As the capital of Romania and one of the most famous cities in Eastern Europe, Bucharest surprises with its wealth of attractions. From museums and historic buildings to public parks and a vibrant nightlife, there is something for everyone.

Some of the best things to do in Bucharest include taking guided tours of landmarks such as the Palace of Parliament, the Ceausescu Villa and the National Museum of the Villa. Other experiences include cycling around the city, walking in the footsteps of communism, visiting the Cotroceni Palace and discovering the best pubs in the Romanian capital on a tour led by an expert local guide.

The Palace of Parliament is an architectural gem with a rich history and significant political importance. This building was built during the communist era under the regime of Nicolae Ceausescu and is considered to be the largest administrative building in Europe and the second largest in the world. However, its construction was highly controversial and led to the demolition of a large part of the historic centre of Bucharest.

Because of the great history it holds, visiting the Parliament Palace on a guided tour is a fascinating experience that will give you an insight into the challenges the country faced during the communist regime. During these tours, you can explore the halls, marble staircases and extensive conference rooms that make up this complex.

In addition, expert guides will provide you with detailed information about the building's architecture, the historical events that took place within its walls and Romania's political evolution over the years, with the 1989 Revolution as a pillar of change.

These tours usually also include a visit to the palace gardens, which are some of the most extensive and beautiful in the city.

Interesting details

• Price: approximately 19 euros per person.
• Duration: about 1 hour.
• Advantages of these tours: you will get a detailed insight into one of the city's most famous attractions.
• Disadvantages of these tours: you will not have much free time to explore the site on your own during these guided tours, although you will be able to stay in the building after the tour is over.

The guided tour of Villa Ceausescu offers visitors the opportunity to explore the private residence of former Romanian dictator Nicolae Ceausescu and dive into the intriguing history of his regime. The villa, located on Lake Snagov on the outskirts of Bucharest, is a testament to the opulence and extravagance that characterised the lifestyle of the socialist government.

Built in the mid-1960s, the mansion boasts luxurious salons, extensive gardens and an indoor swimming pool. During these tours you can explore the rooms of Villa Ceausescu, each of which is filled with details that reveal the extent of the Romanian leader's eccentricity. You can also learn about the historical events that took place during the regime and how the villa played a role in the decision-making of Ceausescu and his wife Elena.

These tours usually include a tour of the surrounding garden as well, giving you panoramic views of Lake Snagov. In addition to the architecture and history, these tours provide anecdotes and details that bring the experience to life, allowing visitors to better understand the complexity of political and social life in Romania during the communist years.

Details of interest

• Price: approximately 25 euros per person.
• Duration: about 45 minutes.
• Advantages of these tours: you will get to see one of the most luxurious buildings in the city and one of the places that best portrays the daily life of the leaders of the communist regime in Romania.
• Disadvantages of these tours: they are intense tours and you will have little free time to explore the villa on your own and at your own pace.

If you are planning a short stay in Bucharest or want to combine several attractions to get the most out of your visit, you can choose the Bucharest tour with tickets to the National Villa Museum, which offers visitors a complete experience to explore the main buildings and monuments of the city, along with this fascinating exhibition, which is on the list of the best museums in the Romanian capital.

Starting with the Palace of Parliament, the tour will allow you to admire the grandeur of this architectural work and learn about its historical significance in the context of the communist era. You will also see the historic Revolution Square, the Arc de Triomphe and the Romanian Athenaeum, a neoclassical building that hosts cultural events and concerts.

Towards the end, these tours will take you to the National Museum of the Villa, where you can learn about Romania's rich history and culture. The exhibition here features a collection of historical items, artworks and objects spanning from the Middle Ages to the present day, offering a comprehensive overview of Romania's heritage.

Inside the National Villa Museum you can also admire works of art by renowned Romanian artists, as well as artefacts that illustrate the cultural and social evolution of the country over the centuries. The exhibition includes archaeological artefacts, paintings, sculptures and folk art that give an insight into everyday life in the Romanian capital.

Interesting details

• Price: approximately 53 euros per person.
• Duration: about 5 hours.
• Advantages of these tours: you will be able to combine a city tour with a visit to one of Bucharest's most outstanding museums.
• Disadvantages of these tours: although you will visit many of the city's most famous buildings, you will only have time to stop at the National Museum of the Villa.

One of the best ways to explore Bucharest in depth is by bike, and on these tours you can cycle for approximately 2 hours around some of the city's most iconic sites, starting with Herastrau Park. This extensive park surrounds the lake of the same name and is a green oasis in the heart of the Romanian capital, providing the perfect setting to enjoy a bike ride.

The route can continue to Bucharest's Old Town, known as Lipscani, where you will have the opportunity to learn about the city's medieval history and architecture. The narrow cobbled streets are home to a mix of colourful buildings, shops and lively cafes, creating a vibrant and picturesque atmosphere. The Stavropoleos Orthodox Church and the CEC Palace are just some of the architectural gems to be discovered during this tour.

These tours also include visits to other public parks, such as Carol Park, where you can enjoy expansive green areas, manicured gardens and historical monuments. By exploring Bucharest by bike, you can experience the city in a more intimate way, enjoying the freedom to move easily between places of interest via the designated cycle paths.

On the other hand, if you plan to visit Bucharest during Christmas in the public parks you will find some of the best Christmas Eve decorations and during the bike tour you will be able to stop at each site to see them up close. Although the Christmas season coincides with winter in the Romanian capital, if you can brave the cold you'll be able to explore one of the best sides of this place. Are you up for the challenge?

Interesting details

• Price: approximately 29 euros per person.
• Duration: about 2 hours.
• Advantages of these tours: you will be able to visit the best sites of the city with a dynamic and fun alternative.
• Disadvantages of these excursions: during the winter the routes may be reduced due to snowfall or because some trails are not passable.

The communist regime marked one of the darkest periods in Romania during the 20th century, so, as is the case in all Eastern European capitals, it is impossible to travel through this city without coming across its influence. However, if you'd like to delve deeper into this experience, you can take a tour of the traces of communism to learn about its tumultuous history.

One of the highlights of this tour is a visit to the Museum of Communism, a place that houses a collection of objects, photographs and documents illustrating life under the rule of Nicolae Ceausescu. Here you can explore exhibits detailing the political, social and cultural aspects of the communist era, offering a comprehensive overview of this crucial period in Romanian history.

The itinerary also includes stops at landmarks such as Revolution Square and the former headquarters of the Central Committee of the Romanian Communist Party. In Revolution Square you can see the Renaissance Memorial, built in honour of the victims of the 1989 Revolution that marked the end of the regime in Romania.

The Palace of Parliament, built by Ceausescu towards the end of his rule, is another significant stop on this tour, where you can discover the magnitude of the construction and its impact on the city. Your expert local guide will also provide you with fascinating details about the daily life, restrictions and historical events that characterised this period in Bucharest.

Interesting details

• Price: approximately 25 euros per person.
• Duration: about 3 hours.
• Advantages of these tours: you will get to know the history and the main sites that marked the life of Romanians during the communist regime in Bucharest.
• Disadvantages of these excursions: the entrance to the museum is not included in the tour price.

If you want to take a typical tour of Bucharest, you can opt for a guided tour of the city's main sights, an experience that allows you to explore the history and diverse architecture of the Romanian capital through a traditional walking tour. The itinerary of these tours usually includes as a first stop a visit to the Palace of Parliament, a building that highlights the legacy of Romania's communist era.

In addition, these tours usually take in the old town, known as Lipscani, where you can wander through cobblestone streets steeped in history. Monuments such as the Bucharest Orthodox Cathedral and the Stavropoleos Church are highlights that provide an insight into the cultural and religious richness of this destination. You can also explore the University Square and the Romanian Athenaeum.

During these excursions, you can also learn about local history, culture and anecdotes, giving you a better understanding of how Bucharest has evolved over the years. These experiences are also a good alternative if you plan to visit the Romanian capital in 3 days or even less.

Interesting details

• Price: approximately 18 euros per person.
• Duration: about 2.5 hours.
• Advantages of these tours: you will get to know the main sites of the city in a complete experience and with the assistance of an expert local guide.
• Disadvantages of these tours: you will not have much free time to explore the sites on your own and entrance fees for the buildings you visit are not included in the tour price.

One of the best buildings you can visit in Bucharest is the Cotroceni Palace and one of the most complete alternatives to live this experience is to opt for a guided tour. These excursions, then, will allow you to get to know this site that has a significant cultural importance for Romania.

Originally built in the 18th century, the Cotroceni Palace has undergone several transformations over the years. It served as a residence for several Romanian leaders, but reached its present form during the reign of Carol I in the second half of the 19th century. Since then, the palace has been the official residence of Romanian presidents, playing a crucial role in the country's political history.

During the guided tour, you can explore the palace's luxurious rooms, which display a mixture of architectural styles ranging from Neo-Renaissance to Art Nouveau. Furthermore, the interiors reveal the opulence and refined taste of the different eras, as well as Romanian art and culture. In addition to the public areas, visitors also have access to the Cotroceni Church, an architectural jewel dating back to the 17th century.

The Cotroceni Palace is not only a testimony of historical elegance, but also houses the Cotroceni National Museum, which is one of the most prominent museums in Bucharest, where you can admire collections of art, furniture and historical objects that illustrate the evolution of Romanian society over time.

Interesting details

• Price: approximately 30 euros per person.
• Duration: about 1 hour.
• Advantages of these tours: you will visit one of the most luxurious and politically significant buildings in Bucharest.
• Disadvantages of these tours: when the president is in the building, many of the spaces are restricted, so if your visit coincides with the presence of the Romanian president, you will not be able to visit some parts of the building.

Bucharest is one of the cultural capitals of Eastern Europe but not only that, it also has a vibrant and lively nightlife and one of the best ways to discover it is to take part in a pub crawl tour of the city. These tours will include visits to some of the most famous bars and pubs, allowing you to explore the diversity of entertainment on offer and enjoy Romanian hospitality.

One of the iconic places on the itinerary is the Beer District, located in the Old Town of Bucharest. This district is home to numerous bars and pubs offering a wide selection of local and international craft beers. Among the most famous pubs is Caru' cu Bere, a historic establishment with medieval architecture and a wide variety of beers and traditional Romanian dishes.

Another highlight is Control Club, known for its alternative atmosphere and vibrant music scene that attracts locals and visitors alike. These tours also often include a visit to Closer to the Moon, a rooftop bar with panoramic views of the city, ideal for enjoying drinks while overlooking Bucharest's cityscape.

In addition to exploring each site, the Bucharest pub crawl will give you the opportunity to immerse yourself in the city's nightlife culture and get a taste of the entertainment circuit that locals also frequent.

Details of interest

• Price: approximately 24 euros per person.
• Duration: between 4 and 5 hours.
• Advantages of these tours: you will be able to visit the most famous pubs in the Old Town and get a taste of Bucharest's nightlife.
• Disadvantages of these tours: you will have little free time to have a drink on your own, as the tastings are scheduled in different places.

You can either book a tour in Bucharest in advance online or book it once you are in the city. If you are planning to visit the Romanian capital in winter there will be no problems with spaces in the experiences, but if your trip is scheduled for the summer, which is part of the high season, you might encounter problems with the quotas, so I advise you to book before you arrive in the city.

On the other hand, booking in advance will allow you to put together a detailed itinerary and get the most out of your visit, which is ideal if you plan to see Bucharest in 2 days or even less, or if you want to combine any of these experiences with the best things to do from the Romanian capital.

To get the most out of your Bucharest excursion, the main thing to do is to plan an itinerary in advance to make sure you visit the places that interest you most. Bucharest has a wide variety of attractions, so careful planning will allow you to make the most of your time in the city.

On the other hand, and especially if you plan to visit the city in summer or during the high season months, book tours in advance, which will allow you to secure your place in each of the experiences and also save time by avoiding last minute booking fees.

Also, if you plan to visit Bucharest in winter, pack warmly and remember that snowfalls are very frequent, so if you want to avoid weather conditions altering your tour, always have a mackintosh and seasonal clothing at hand.

A city tour in Bucharest is highly recommended because of the wealth of history and culture the city has to offer. With a past that spans from medieval times to the communist era and architecture that reflects diverse influences, exploring Bucharest will allow you to immerse yourself in a fascinating history.

In addition, Bucharest has a vibrant and diverse cultural scene that can be discovered during a tour. From the Old Town, with its charming cobbled streets and lively nightlife, to the numerous museums and art galleries, the city offers a wide range of experiences for visitors. Taking a guided tour, on the other hand, will allow you to learn stories and anecdotes that would be inaccessible on your own.