Bucharest has an interesting history behind it, and it’s considered to be one of the newest capital cities in Europe. The first mention of the city only dates back to 1459, through a document signed by Vlad III, also known as Vlad the Impaler. It was Vlad III who ordered a fortress to be built in Bucharest to defend it against the Turks. He also resided in Bucharest, which is why Vlad III is often referred to as the founder of the city. If you’re spending 2 days in Bucharest, you’ll be able to learn more about the Romanian capital’s unique history.
There are a lot of things to see and do in Bucharest, but the main highlights can easily be seen in just one day. I’d recommend spending 2 days in Bucharest so you can explore areas that are further away from the old town though. It’s a good amount of time to understand why Bucharest is called “Little Paris” and to see what hidden gems in Bucharest wait for you around every corner.
Getting around Bucharest
Bucharest is quite a large city but many of the main attractions are within easy walking distance from one another. The city boasts the largest public transportation network in Romania and it’s fairly inexpensive. We only used the trams and buses during our 2 days in Bucharest, but they also have a subway network available. The buses and trams have a tap-and-go system onboard so you can pay directly with your card for each trip.
We noticed that the bus stops didn’t have much indication about which bus would stop at them and at what times, so I’d highly recommend using Google Maps to help you plan your journeys.
Things to do during 2 days in Bucharest
Palatul CEC
During your 2 days in Bucharest, you’ll come across endless imposing buildings throughout the city. Palatul CEC was built at the end of the 19th century and it sits opposite the National Museum of Romanian History. The palace was designed to house the headquarters of Romania’s largest bank and it’s topped by an impressive glass and metal dome. The street that it sits on, Calea Victoriei, is nice to walk along too if you have some spare time and want to admire more impressive buildings in Bucharest.
Stavropoleos Church
Just a short walk from Palatul CEC is the famous Stavropoleos Church. This Byzantine-style church is relatively small, but it’s a must-see during 2 days in Bucharest. It dates back to 1724 and was originally a church, a monastery, and an inn. A 19th century earthquake saw the monastery and inn destroyed, but the church was saved and later restored. This is one of the main tourist attractions in Bucharest, so you shouldn’t miss it.
Caru’ cu bere
One of the most popular restaurants in Bucharest is Caru’ cu bere. The restaurant dates back to 1899 and it has a menu based around traditional Romanian food. The food here isn’t cheap though, and getting a table can be difficult without an advanced booking. If you’re visiting Bucharest on a budget, it’s a good idea to visit in the morning, either for a quick breakfast or a warm drink. This will save you a lot of money compared to lunch and evening dining, and you still get to admire the beautiful interior too.
University Square
There are a lot of beautiful squares to explore during 2 days in Bucharest, but one of the most important is University Square. The square has various sculptural works to admire as well as other landmarks such as the National Theatre, the University of Bucharest, and the Bucharest Municipal Museum. University Square also marks Kilometre 0 in regards to the national road network.
St Nicholas Russian Church
A unique church to visit in the centre of Bucharest is St Nicholas Russian Church. It was built in 1909 from funds donated by Tsar Nicholas II, which is where the church’s name comes from. It was built in a Russian-style which is why the uniquely shaped domes are reminiscent of the Red Square in Moscow. Originally the church was meant for use by Russian embassy staff but today it’s open to everyone.
Pasajul Macca-Vilacrosse
If you want to escape the streets of Bucharest for a while, a trip to Pasajul Macca-Vilacrosse is a must while you’re spending 2 days in Bucharest. This covered passage was built in the 19th century as a result of the economic growth of the city. Its purpose was to connect the old town with Calea Victoriei by means of a pedestrian passage. The architecture inside is very impressive, and you’ll find some nice places to eat here too with plenty of seating space.
Old Princely Court
An often overlooked attraction in Bucharest is the Old Princely Court. It’s located in Bucharest’s old town and is where you can (usually) find a bust of Vlad the Impaler. The remains of this palace date back to the 16th century and since then it has undergone countless changes to its appearance. Sadly, the palace remains are currently blocked off from the public due to restoration works, but you can still see part of the site through the fence.
Revolution Square
Another important public space to visit during 2 days in Bucharest is Revolution Square. It’s not the prettiest place in Bucharest, but anyone interested in history needs to come here. Revolution Square is a cultural and historic point of interest, and it was where the communist ruler, Nicolae Ceausescu, and his wife had to flee from in 1989 before being captured hours later. Important buildings to see here include the National Museum of Art of Romania and Kretzulescu Church.
Romanian Athenaeum
One of the most beautiful things to see in Bucharest is the Romanian Athenaeum. It was built at the end of the 19th century and sits just off of Revolution Square. This concert hall was designed by a French architect and was built in the neoclassical style. If you want to go inside, the official website has a list of dates when you can purchase tickets without seeing a performance.
Buy souvenirs at My Romanian Store
There’s no better place to buy souvenirs in Bucharest than at My Romanian Store. It’s located on a small street behind the Romanian Athenaeum, and it sells handmade Romanian gifts from artisans around the country. We found it difficult to find a good souvenir shop in the city, so we were glad to have stumbled upon My Romanian Store. The prices are very reasonable too, considering everything has been handmade.
Pasajul Victoria
If you’re a fan of umbrella streets, then you’ll want to stop by Pasajul Victoria during your 2 days in Bucharest. We were a bit underwhelmed by this popular point of interest though, so don’t get your hopes up. The street does have a lot of history behind it though, and the city has done a good job of restoring it. I’d recommend taking a guided walking tour of Bucharest so you can learn a bit more about this area.
Cărturești Carusel
No 2 days in Bucharest are complete without visiting Cărturești Carusel. This famous bookshop in Bucharest is based inside a former 19th century bank building, and it’s spread out over six floors. The iron railings have all been painted white, and the elegant staircase in the centre is a beautiful added touch. It’s considered to be one of the most attractive bookshops in the world too, so it’s worth coming here to take a photo of, even if you don’t plan on buying any books.
The Italian Church
There are so many churches in Bucharest to visit that it can be overwhelming. The Italian Church is among the most unique churches in the city. It sits nestled between 20th century apartment blocks, and looks somewhat out of place along the busiest street in Bucharest. It’s owned by the Italian government and was built in 1916. It looks very similar to a couple of churches we came across in Milan, so it’s a unique thing to see in Bucharest if you have time.
Casa Oamenilor de Știință
If you’re looking for off the beaten path things to do in Bucharest, Casa Oamenilor de Știință may be worth walking to. The Bucharest House of Scientists was built at the start of the 20th century and the building was later declared a historical monument. We came here after reading that it was a nice spot to take photos in Bucharest, however we were abruptly turned away by a security guard, despite it now being a restaurant.
Cărturești Verona
Once you’ve visited Cărturești Carusel, another bookshop in Bucharest that you can’t miss is Cărturești Verona. I actually prefer this bookshop to the one in the old town because it gives off more of a traditional vibe once you go in. It’s based inside a 19th century house that was the former residence of one of Romania’s most important historical figures, Dimitrie Sturdza. There are various floors to explore in the bookshop and each room has been uniquely designed to match the historical nature of the building.
Union Square
Union Square (Unirii Square) is one of the largest squares in Bucharest. In the centre of the square is a nice park space, and in the summer months visitors can sit next to large water features. While I wouldn’t say this is a must-visit during 2 days in Bucharest, it does sit next to a large shopping centre where you can find ample parking spaces if you’ve rented a car in Romania.
Grab some drinks at SIP Bucharest Cocktail Bar
Bucharest’s old town is practically bursting with bars and restaurants. A lot of these establishments will try to lure you in as you walk by, and they can often be overpriced and low quality. If you’re wondering where to get the best cocktails in Bucharest, you’ll need to pay SIP Bucharest Cocktail Bar a visit.
We loved the laid back and relaxed atmosphere inside this cocktail bar. The owners are incredibly friendly and will give you any advice you need while choosing your drinks. On their menu you’ll find classic cocktails but they’ve also added a few unique concoctions as well as twists on classic drinks that you really need to try. They definitely know a thing or two about crafting the perfect cocktail, so I wouldn’t blame you if you spent most of your evening here. This is one cocktail bar you shouldn’t miss during 2 days in Bucharest.
Dealul Mitropoliei
A visit to Dealul Mitropoliei is essential if you’re interested in the history and culture of Bucharest. This small hill in the centre of the city has played an important role in the Romanian Orthodox community for centuries. The monastic complex at the top of the hill is very similar to the layout of a citadel, and it dates back to the 17th century. If you’re visiting Bucharest on the weekend, I’d recommend coming here on Sunday for a more vibrant atmosphere.
Palace of Parliament
The Palace of Parliament is enormous. It’s the second largest administrative building in the world, after The Pentagon, and it’s one of the most iconic landmarks in Bucharest. There are several uses for the palace, including a museum, conference halls, and as the home of the Romanian Chamber of Deputies and the Senate.
The palace was built on the orders of the communist ruler Ceaucescu after a trip to North Korea. Over 100,000 people worked on this building non-stop, and it’s thought that many people who died during this work are buried underneath the concrete here. Today, the Palace of Parliament is open to the public, but tickets need to be purchased in advance through the online booking system.
Take a walk through Herastrau Park
If you find yourself with some spare time during your 2 days in Bucharest, I’d recommend taking a short bus ride up to Herastrau Park. It’s the most visited park in Bucharest and it’s beautiful to walk around in nice weather. While you’re visiting the park, stop by Dimitrie Gusti National Village Museum where you can take a walk through a reconstruction of traditional Romanian village.
Not far from Herastrau Park is the Spring Palace as well, which was once the residence of Nicolae and Elena Ceauşescu for a quarter of a century. The palace is now open to the public in the form of a museum.
Arcul de Triumf
One of the most unusual things to do in Bucharest is to visit the Arcul de Triumf (Arch of Triumph). It was completed in 1922 as a symbol of the country’s victory in WWI. It’s also meant to symbolically link Romania to the Romans who used the arch as a symbol of victory. It sits in the middle of a very busy road, so if you want a photo of the arch you’ll have to do so from a distance.
Budget friendly places to eat in Bucharest
Poke House
There are a lot of places to eat in Bucharest, but if you want something quick and healthy then I’d suggest going to Poke House. You’ve probably come to Romania with the intention of eating traditional food, but you can never go wrong with a poke bowl. They have a set menu or you can build your own with unlimited toppings. They also have tofu as a protein which is great. The prices here are very reasonable, and they’re open quite late into the evening which is a bonus.
Efendi
If you’re looking for a quick meal in Bucharest’s old town, Efendi is a good option. This is predominantly a kebab restaurant, and their menu is huge. It’s a bit more sophisticated than a regular kebab takeaway though, so you can sit inside in a relaxed atmosphere and enjoy your meal. Their menu also features vegetarian and vegan options, with their falafel wrap being a big hit with customers.
Where to stay in Bucharest
New Era Hotel Bucharest
For those of you wanting to stay in the historic centre of Bucharest, a fantastic option is the New Era Hotel Bucharest. This hotel is perfectly located in the heart of the old town, so you’ll find that many of the main attractions in Bucharest are within easy walking distance. The hotel is also very close to several public transportation links, making it easier than ever to get around the city.
We stayed in one of their Deluxe Balcony rooms which is very spacious and features a queen size bed, a desk to work from, plenty of storage space for bags and clothing, and a TV. Complimentary tea, coffee, and water bottles are also provided with this room.
The bathroom features a walk-in shower, fresh towels, a few toiletries, and a hairdryer which is very convenient. Our room faced one of the main streets in the old town, so although we had some street noise from the bars and restaurants we were still able to have a relaxing sleep.
If you want to save some time during your 2 days in Bucharest, I’d suggest having breakfast at the hotel. Breakfast is served in the basement, and you’ll be greeted with a fantastic selection of continental and hot food items that have all been freshly prepared and laid out. We were the first people down for breakfast so we had the whole buffet to ourselves which was great.
There are different sizes of rooms available at New Era Hotel Bucharest, but you can never go wrong with a balcony upgrade. Our room was on the top floor so we had amazing views of the old town, with a table and chairs set up outside as well. Not many hotels in Bucharest’s old town have this feature, so it’s an added bonus.
There are a lot of hotels in Bucharest to choose from, but many aren’t in a good location if you’re hoping to explore the main attractions in the city. New Era Hotel Bucharest is budget friendly, has modern amenities, is spotlessly clean, and sits in an unbeatable location, so you really can’t go wrong spending a couple of nights here.
>> Choose your room at New Era Hotel Bucharest <<
Is Bucharest worth visiting?
The Romanian capital is a big city, and there are a lot of things to do here. Being a relatively new and modern city, you may find that it lacks the historic charm of other cities in Romania such as Brasov, Timisoara, or Sibiu. However, what it lacks in that department it more than makes up for in terms of restaurants, nightlife, and unique activities. Spending 2 days in Bucharest is just enough time to see the main attractions in the city, and you may have some spare time in the evening to travel up to the thermal baths too.
If you have any questions about how to spend 2 days in Bucharest or where to stay in the Romanian capital, please feel free to get in touch via the contact form or by email. You can also reach out to me through Instagram or TikTok where you may come across a few other travel tips and ideas about where to travel to next.
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