Nicknamed the " Paris of the Balkans " or the " Little Paris of the Orient, " Bucharest captivates visitors with its history and multiple architectural influences. Though the Romanian capital has endured a tumultuous past that forced it to rebuild, the city has nonetheless managed to preserve its former charm. To give you an idea of what awaits, discover all the must-see things to do and see in Bucharest.

Stroll down Victory Avenue and discover numerous museums and historic buildings

Running through the capital, Victory Avenue —called " Calea Victoriei " in Romanian— is Bucharest's most important thoroughfare. Once a symbol of Romanian bourgeoisie, this immense avenue is renowned for its impressive mansions and grand historic hotels. But beyond its architectural beauty, its reputation also stems from the wealth of cultural and historic buildings it offers that are well worth a visit. Walking along Calea Victoriei, you can discover :

• The famous Revolution Square (Piața Revoluției),

• the National Art Museum of Romania, which occupies the former Royal Palace and the library of Bucharest University,

• the Cantacuzino Palace, once the home of Prime Minister Grigore Cantacuzino and now home to the George Enescu National Museum

• the remarkable Romanian Athenaeum, which houses the George Enescu Philharmonic Orchestra,

• the National Museum of Romanian History,

• the CEC Palace, one of the symbols of French influence on Romanian architecture in the early twentieth century…

Visit the Parliament Palace, the world's second-largest administrative building

Measuring 240 meters long, 270 meters wide, and spanning 350,000 m², the Parliament Palace is the world's second-largest administrative building after the Pentagon. A symbol of the megalomania of former Romanian dictator Nicolae Ceaușescu, its construction (between 1984 and 1989) was a true disaster both human and cultural. Indeed, he enlisted countless workers who toiled under horrific conditions (some lost their lives) and ordered the razing of much of the city center to build the edifice. The former communist president's delusions of grandeur cost as much as 40% of the country's annual GDP during its construction.

Today, the palace houses the Chamber of Deputies and the Senate, serves as a conference center, and welcomes the National Museum of Contemporary Art in its western wing. Also open to the public, guided tours offer a glimpse into this building, considered an extreme example of Stalinist classicism.

Explore Lipscani, Bucharest's historic district

The historic heart of the Romanian capital, the Lipscani district is among the must-see attractions during a stay in Bucharest. Having miraculously escaped the destructive frenzy of dictator Ceaușescu, this district blends ruins and old buildings with renovated and modern structures. In other words, Lipscani has managed to preserve the charm of the old town while becoming the face of new Bucharest. Now considered the trendiest district in the capital, it features numerous bars, restaurants, shops, concept stores, and antique boutiques…

As you wander through the lively Lipscani district, you can also discover charming buildings such as the remarkable Stavropoleos Church in Brâncovenesc style, which will fascinate you with its floral arabesques painted on the walls and stone lace around the windows. Don't miss the Macca Vilacrosse Passage and the archaeological remains of the Old Court, called Curtea Veche, built by Vlad the Impaler, known as Dracula. These ruins now constitute the oldest medieval monument preserved in the city.

Our tip for having a drink and/or tasting local cuisine:

During your visit to Lipscani, we recommend stopping at the famous Caru'cu Bere brewery. This is arguably the city's most renowned restaurant! You'll discover incredible Neo-Gothic architecture and can sample traditional Romanian dishes. To ensure you get a table, remember to book ahead!

Take a break in Bucharest's parks

If you'd like to take a break between visits, you can head to one of Bucharest's parks. An opportunity to get some fresh air and mingle with locals who flock here to unwind! Consider visiting Cișmigiu Park, located west of Calea Victoriei, the oldest park in the Romanian capital and also the most central and accessible! You can stroll through it, grab a bite, and even rent a rowboat.

If you're looking for a larger park, head to the city's biggest: Herăstrău Park! Spanning 200 hectares, it features a large lake of the same name, numerous hiking trails, a Japanese garden, a skatepark, exhibition spaces, and dining areas…

Good to know: Along the shores of Herăstrău Lake, you'll find the Satului Museum or Village Museum. This is an open-air museum (the oldest in Europe and one of the country's most iconic) comprised of 340 buildings: houses, farms, mills, churches, and countless objects from throughout the country. It all offers a perfect journey through the past via Romanian countryside traditions...