Tours & Day Trips in Bucharest

Bucharest has many popular tourist attractions and sights that will surely keep its visitors busy for at least 3 days. Being Romania’s largest city, it’s also diverse with lots of things to do, events, places to hang out, coffee shops and more. Romania’s capital city will also please any type of traveller who will find the best day trips according to his or her interests!

There are a number of Bucharest tours that will guide you through the communist history & landmarks as well as French-inspired 19th-century architecture. You'll also find a talented local cultural scene along with street art & abandoned buildings, hip urban spots, green parks, and hidden areas that will provide shelter from the bustling city centre.

You can certainly go on a number of walking tours in Bucharest but if you've got limited time then you may decide to explore only the central parts of Bucharest and reserve the rest for a full day trip. So here are our choices for the top things to see on a Bucharest city break.

Main tourist sights in Bucharest

Undoubtedly, the main highlights and tourist attractions in Bucharest are the Palace of Parliament, the Romanian Village Museum, the Peasant Museum, ancient Orthodox churches, and the Old Town District of Lipscani. You will find that the majority of Bucharest city tours cover most of these. If you have just one day in the capital of Romania make sure to get in the highlights!

1. Discover the Palace of Parliament & Bucharest's communist history

The Palace of Parliament, formerly called the House of People by dictator Nicolae Ceausescu, rightfully claims first place as Romania’s most famous landmark. This colossal building impresses inside and out, with over a thousand rooms adorned in marble, hardwood, crystal, and gold.

Built in the early ’80s under Ceausescu and his wife Elena, its lavish design contrasted sharply with the hardships of ordinary Romanians, who faced food and supply shortages.

Access is only through an official guided tour, which offers little historical insight. Our private Essential Communism Tour fills in the gaps, including a visit to Ceausescu’s private residence, Vila Primaverii, a must-see for those curious about communist Bucharest.

Don’t miss University Square, a key site of the Romanian Revolution.

2. Catch a glimpse of rural life at the Romanian Village Museum

Even in Romania’s busiest city, you can experience the charm of traditional village life at the Romanian Village Museum. Hidden from the crowded streets near Herăstrău Park, this open-air museum showcases life-sized replicas of houses from Romania’s most iconic rural regions.

It’s the perfect spot for travellers short on time who still want a deep dive into Romanian culture. A guided tour here is a must, offering a peaceful escape from the city and a glimpse into a world where life revolved around community and tradition.

3. Discover Romanian history

Visit the Romanian Peasant Museum to see how Romania’s resourceful ancestors lived in harmony with nature for centuries. Don’t miss the National History Museum, home to over 3,000 unique artefacts from Romania’s rich past.

For a deeper understanding of Romania’s history, our expert tour guide will bring it to life on a private tour.

4. Visit Ancient Orthodox churches

No Bucharest day trip is complete without visiting its stunning Orthodox churches, many of which are centuries-old monuments rich in history.

If you see just one, make it Mihai Vodă Church, the city’s oldest, best-preserved, and a rare gem of medieval religious architecture. Built in 1594 by Mihai Viteazul, a key figure in Romanian history, it has many stories to tell.

Join our guided tour for a deeper look at these remarkable churches. You won’t miss a detail!

5. Eat, drink, and have fun in Bucharest's Old Town

For a fun time in Bucharest, Old Town is the place to be! Known for its vibrant nightlife, it’s packed with great restaurants, bars, and clubs. Favorites include Grand Café Van Gogh, Hanul lui Manuc, Caru' cu Bere, The Gin Factory, and Interbelic. For evening drinks, we love Linea Closer to the Moon, so don’t miss it!

By day, wander the cobbled streets, admire Baroque-Renaissance architecture, and stop at a cozy café. Be sure to try sarmale (cabbage rolls with polenta) and ciorbă (sour soups), along with Romania’s excellent coffee.

At night, Old Town comes alive with music until dawn. If you’re after an unforgettable night out, Bucharest is your city. Join our pub crawl or craft beer tour for the best experience!

Things to do for 1-2 days in Bucharest

Exploring Bucharest means walking (or biking) its grand boulevards. Be sure to visit Calea Victoriei, Calea Kisselef, and Regina Elisabeta Boulevard, each rich in history and charm.

The most famous, Calea Victoriei, stretches 3 km and is best explored on foot. Along the way, you’ll find landmarks like the Grigore Antipa Museum and Cantacuzino Palace (not to be confused with the castle in Bușteni). The street is also lined with stunning houses, churches, and shops.

Nearby, don’t miss Bucharest’s most Instagrammable spot, the Macca - Vilacrosse Passage, which is adorned with colorful umbrellas, a favorite among travel bloggers.

Continue down Calea Victoriei to Revolution Square, where Ceausescu’s regime collapsed on December 21, 1989. For deeper insight into this pivotal moment, join our Bucharest Untold Tour!

Discover Bucharest's artistic side

Bucharest boasts a vibrant art scene with numerous galleries to explore. Top spots include Zorzini Gallery, H’art Gallery, Anaid, and Artmark, showcasing renowned painters and collections. Galateca Gallery stands out for its avant-garde design.

For a deeper dive, don’t miss the National Art Museum, housed in the former Royal Palace, or the National Museum of Contemporary Art, located in a wing of the Palace of Parliament, a must for art enthusiasts.

Observe Bucharest's architecture and city landscapes

Admire Bucharest’s remarkable architecture, starting with the Romanian Athenaeum, often considered the city’s most beautiful building. Built in 1888 as a concert hall, it blends neoclassical and eclectic styles. You can enter during concerts, or, with some tours, even explore the foyer. The surrounding gardens feature statues of Romania’s key cultural and political figures.

Did you know Bucharest was once called Little Paris?

You can see this influence in its architecture, including the Arcul de Triumf, Bucharest’s very own version of the Parisian landmark. The arch also hosts a small museum with exhibitions on Romanian history.

Join our Bucharest Little Paris Tour for a walk through the city’s architectural gems.

Enjoy a day in Bucharest's massive parks

A leisurely stroll or bike ride through Bucharest’s parks is a must, especially in summer when they’re green and full of life. Herăstrău Park stands out with its vast lake, Rose Island, and pathways for running and cycling. You’ll also find plenty of cafes, restaurants, and clubs near the northern section, perfect for dining within a park!

For something unique, visit the Văcărești Delta, Europe’s largest urban biosphere reserve. Spanning 190 hectares, it’s home to diverse wildlife, including foxes and otters. Originally planned for infrastructure projects during communist times, the area was abandoned after the 1989 revolution and has since transformed into a stunning natural haven.

For a deeper look into Bucharest’s green spaces, join our Bucharest tours and explore the city’s parks and hidden gems.

Bucharest locals’ favourite getaway

A short drive from Bucharest, Mogosoaia and Snagov are locals’ favorite weekend getaways, offering a mix of nature and history. For a taste of local life, these are some of the best Bucharest day trips to consider.

Mogosoaia Palace, a stunning example of 17th-18th century Romanian architecture, is a must-see. Just beyond, you'll find Snagov Lake, home to the Snagov Monastery, where Vlad the Impaler (the real-life Dracula) is said to be buried.

Bran Castle tours from Bucharest

For a memorable day trip from Bucharest, visit Peleș Castle (1.5 hours away) and Bran Castle (2.5 hours), famously known as Dracula’s Castle. Both are part of a popular tour that also takes you to the medieval town of Brașov.

While big bus tours offer this route, we prefer private tours so you can take your time exploring. From Bran Castle’s medieval walls to Council Square in Brașov, everything is just a short drive away. Don’t miss a walk or cable car ride up to Tampa Peak for panoramic views of Brașov.

Also, visit the Black Church, a 600-year-old landmark with stunning medieval architecture.

Though Peles Castle isn’t as famous as Bran, it’s equally impressive, built in 1883 by King Carol I as a summer residence. Its breathtaking surroundings and proximity to the royal train station make it a favorite for Romanians seeking a weekend escape.

Other best places to visit on a day trip from Bucharest

Close to Sinaia, where Peles Castle is located, is the region of Dealu Mare, known for its vineyards and premium wine producers. This is the best place to go for a wine-tasting trip in Romania.

We highly recommend choosing one of our guided Transylvania tours from Bucharest if you want to see all these sights in one day, otherwise, it might be a bit challenging for a do-it-yourself tour, especially with regular buses.

On your way to Brasov, you can also make a stop at an astonishing place, the Slanic Prahova salt mine is the biggest salt mine in Europe. Turda Salt Mine, closer to Cluj-Napoca, may be more popular but it's too far away to visit during a day trip. Nevertheless, Slanic Salt Mine will not disappoint!

Poenari Castle - where Vlad the Impaler actually lived - is another interesting sight to visit. It's a favorite place for those interested in Dracula history and legends even if this medieval fortress is now in ruins. And if combined with the famous Transfagarasan Road (open for driving only from July - October) then this will be a great day trip out of Bucharest!

If you don’t want to go to the most famous castles in Romania to avoid the crowds, you can also choose a small group tour from Bucharest with other sights in the area, such as Cantacuzino Castle, 7 Stairs Canyon or even a hiking trip to Bucegi National Park where you can see the Romanian Sphynx!

Finally, another major tourist attraction in Romania that can be visited on a day trip from Bucharest is the famous Transfagarasan Road – the ‘best road in the world’ according to Top Gear, which crosses the impressive Fagaras Mountains.

Located 250 km away from Bucharest on winding roads leading deep into the Carpathian Mountains, the road is open only from June until September and is accessible only by car. On your way there, don’t miss Curtea de Arges Monastery, a major Orthodox and historic sight.

The Black Sea and Constanta: Fun by the beach

Just 220 km from Bucharest, Constanța and the golden sands of Mamaia await. This popular beach resort offers a variety of resorts catering to all budgets and preferences. For a quieter experience, head to the wilder, less crowded beaches of Corbu and Vadu.

Whether you’re looking to relax by the sea, take a boat ride, or learn about Tomis, the ancient port that fostered multiculturalism and trade, a small group day tour from Bucharest to the Black Sea is the perfect option.

During the drive, you’ll cross the Danube River and see the historic Anghel Saligny Bridge, built in the late 1800s.

The Danube Delta: Nature's wonderland

How about a tour from Bucharest to the Danube Delta? The second-largest river delta in Europe! The UNESCO biosphere Danube Delta is further away from Bucharest and harder to access so you will need at least 2 days to learn about the wonders and sights of this great place. We certainly wouldn’t consider it a day trip from Bucharest but instead a guided bus tour for those who have more time to spend in Romania.

From Romania to Bulgaria in no time: Veliko Tarnovo and Tsaravets medieval fortress

Take a one-day trip from Bucharest to Veliko Tarnovo, a stunning medieval town in northern Bulgaria. Famous for the Tsarevets Fortress, one of Europe’s most beautiful medieval castles, it’s a must-see destination.

Just 100 km away, visit the Rock-Hewn Churches of Ivanovo, a UNESCO World Heritage site. These 12th-century churches, carved into the rock, feature 14th-century murals showcasing the skill of the Tarnovo School of Painting.

For a custom tour or any questions, feel free to contact us. We’re happy to assist!