Bucharest is a city of striking contrasts, where grand architecture, vibrant neighbourhoods and a growing creative scene sit side by side. Often referred to as the “Paris of the East”, Romania’s capital rewards exploration on foot, with many of its highlights conveniently located in and around the city centre.
At its heart stands the monumental Palace of Parliament, one of the largest buildings in the world and a powerful reminder of the city’s Communist past. Elsewhere, elegant Belle Époque buildings and tree-lined boulevards reflect Bucharest’s more refined heritage, while the atmospheric Lipscani Old Town buzzes with cafés, bars and late-night energy.
For a slower pace, stroll through Cișmigiu Gardens, the city’s oldest park, where a central lake offers rowing in summer and ice skating in winter. Culture lovers can enjoy classical concerts at the Romanian Athenaeum, browse designer boutiques and galleries, and sample traditional Romanian cuisine in both historic taverns and contemporary restaurants.
Bucharest makes a compelling starting point for discovering Romania - dynamic, characterful and full of surprises.