Cultural Treasures of Bucharest

Romania's vastly overlooked capital is often seen as simply a stepping stone to Transylvania or the Black Sea. However, Bucharest’s fascinating history spanning the Ottoman Empire, Parisian-influenced modernization, and the rise and fall of communism makes it a rich addition to a cultural itinerary in southeast Europe. 

This is what to expect from the “Little Paris of the East”. 

Explore Bucharest’s Old Town 

Also known as Lipscani, the Old Town of Bucharest presents a medley of architecture tracing the capital’s history. Showcasing the Brâncovenesc style of the Roman Renaissance, the 18th-century Stavropoleos Church is the main sight. This was originally part of an Orthodox monastery although only the chapel remains.

Housed in a former private residence, the Little Paris Museum on Lipscani Street recreates a bourgeois household from the 20th century. The decor reflects French and Oriental trends while most of the items on display are antiques. 

Visit Old Town during the day for shopping and culture. By night, Lipscani is a hotspot for dining and nightlife. 

Catch a concert at the Romanian Athenaeum

Known locally as the “temple of arts”, this domed concert hall is the home of the George Enescu Philharmonic Orchestra and an emblem of Romanian culture.

The Parisian architect Albert Galleron designed the neoclassical Romanian Athenaeum and Costin Petrescu painted the frescoes inside. A statue of the Romanian poet Mihai Eminescu flanks the entrance. 

Auditorium tours operate daily and regular concerts are staged at the Romanian Athenaeum. The George Enescu Festival occurs annually in September.

Go behind the scenes at the Romanian Palace of Parliament

Romania’s parliamentary palace is Europe’s largest administrative office and the third largest globally. Anca Petrescu, a politician and architect, designed and supervised construction of the building fusing Postmodern and Neoclassical elements. At the bequest of Nicolae Ceaușescu, a nuclear bunker lurks beneath the palace. 

Guided tours of the Palace of Parliament provide a unique insight into the inner workings of Romanian politics and share the stories behind Nicolae Ceaușescu’s dictatorship.

Unwind in Cișmigiu and Herăstrău parks

Bucharest’s oldest recreational space, Cișmigiu Park, comprises walking paths through botanical gardens and a photogenic lake. It’s the ideal place to digest a tour of the nearby National Museum of Art. 

Fronted by the Triumphal Arch, Herăstrău Park is a wonderland where Japanese cherry blossoms bloom in spring and boat rides operate in summer. The Dimitrie Gusti National Village Museum stands on the western edge of the lake providing a peek into pheasant life. 

Sample Romanian cuisine

Romanian food typically relies on meat with beloved dishes including Chiftele (Romanian pork meatballs) and Tochitura (slow-cooked stew topped with eggs). Sarmale (cabbage rolls) often accompany main dishes and are usually stuffed with meat and rice to provide subsistence.

Travelers should anticipate being offered a chaser of Țuică. This is a type of brandy made from fermented plums with recipes varying regionally. It’s drunk to toast happy events, commemorate lost ones, celebrate seasonal happenings, and observe religious holidays. In fact, it’s usually supped before sitting down to dinner.  

Extend a Danube River cruise in Bucharest 

Romania is just one of the incredible countries explored on a Danube River cruise. Many itineraries include an excursion to Bucharest after passing the Iron Gates. 

Contact Darby at Darby’s Destinations to plan a trip to eastern Europe overland or by water.