Bucharest in 2 Days: everything you need to know

If you are planning to visit Bucharest and you want to do it in a 2-day tour, you should keep in mind that it will not be enough to know in depth this city that is distinguished by its numerous attractions. However, following a neat itinerary ordered by geographical location of each of the sites, you will be able to get to know the buildings, monuments and the most traditional areas of this popular destination.

Some of the best things to do in Bucharest in 2 days include visiting the Palace of Parliament, walking through the historic center, visiting the Cotroceni Palace, visiting the National Museum of the Villa, contemplating the Arc de Triomphe at sunset, discovering the pubs of the Lipscani district, touring Bran Castle in the Carpathian Mountains and attending a show at the Romanian Athenaeum.

To see the main sites of Bucharest in 2 days you will need an organized itinerary and an intense tour. That's why for the first day of your visit I propose a circuit through the most traditional profile of the Romanian capital, which includes the main buildings and also one of the most visited museums in the city. Are you ready?

Visit the Palace of Parliament

The Palace of Parliament is the most famous building in Bucharest and also the most visited attraction of this destination, so the best alternative is to start the tour at this site, which is open every day from 9.00 am. This legislative palace is one of the largest buildings in the world and stands out for its neoclassical architecture, which is characteristic of Romania's communist period.

The history of the Palace of Parliament is intertwined with Romania's tumultuous history. Initially conceived by dictator Nicolae Ceausescu in the 1980s, the palace was built as a display of power and grandeur. However, the construction proved controversial, as it involved the demolition of a large part of Bucharest's old town and the relocation of thousands of residents. With the 1989 Revolution, the building was completed and adapted to house the Romanian Parliament.

Visiting the Palace of Parliament, then, will not only allow you to see its corridors, its luxurious halls and the gardens outside, but also to dive into the very history of the country, which was subjected to the communist regime for more than 40 years and which had in Bucharest the epicenter of its power.

You can tour the palace on your own or opt for a guided tour, which is usually included in the list of the best tours of Bucharest. You can also reach this site from anywhere in the city by metro to the Unirii station or by bus lines N101, N104, N106, N114, N118 and N122.

Walk through the historic center of Bucharest

Bucharest, which is known as Little Paris for the beauty of its buildings, is distinguished by its architecture, which crosses several styles and is largely exposed in the buildings of its historic center. After visiting the Parliament Palace, then, I propose a tour of this site that begins at the University Square, which is about 20 minutes by bus from the legislative building.

From there you can head to the historic Lipscani Street, which marks the main artery of the city center since the 15th century. There you will not only find a large number of stores, restaurants and bars in well-preserved buildings, but it will also lead you to the Stavropoleos Church, an orthodox temple that stands out for its interior courtyards and its importance as a religious center of the community of the Romanian capital.

A walk down a few streets will take you to Revolution Square, home to the National Museum of Romanian History and the Renaissance Memorial, both of which are key to understanding the country's contemporary history. As you wander through the narrow cobblestone streets, you will discover the mix of medieval, neoclassical and art nouveau architecture that defines this part of the city.

From the Palace of Parliament you can reach University Square on bus lines 66, 69, 70, 85, 90, 201 and 336 in approximately 10 minutes. In addition, you can choose to tour Lipscani on your own or on some of the best guided tours in Bucharest.

Meet the Cotroceni Palace

Originally designed as a royal residence, the Cotroceni Palace is considered one of the most beautiful structures in Bucharest and is a place where you can discover the official residence of the president of Romania and his family. However, not only will you be able to enjoy the architecture of this palace, but you will also learn about the political and social evolution of the country, which is intrinsically related to the building.

During the 20th century, the palace witnessed key events, from the peace negotiations after World War I to the establishment of the Socialist Republic of Romania. Today, the palace is a political and cultural center, housing both the presidential residence and an exhibition that allows visitors to explore the country's rich history, and is among the best museums in Bucharest.

At Cotroceni Palace you can discover the meeting rooms, which feature a mix of architectural styles, from neo-Renaissance to modern. In addition, the museum offers a detailed look at Romanian history, with exhibits including art, historical documents and personal objects of presidential figures.

From Lipscani you can reach Cotroceni Palace by bus lines 61, 62, 66, 69, 90 and 93 in about 15 minutes.

Visit the National Museum of the Villa

The National Museum of the Villa, located in Herastrau Park, offers a fascinating insight into Romanian history and culture. This museum is a living representation of the country's diversity and its exhibits take you on a journey through the traditions, architecture and craftsmanship of the different regions of Romania.

The National Village Museum houses a collection of more than 200 traditional buildings, transported from various parts of the country and meticulously reconstructed on site. These structures include houses, mills, churches and workshops, each representing the architecture of its original region. There you can explore the interiors of peasant houses, admire traditional construction techniques and discover the daily life of each village.

However, the exhibits at this site, which is considered one of the best museums in the Romanian capital, are not limited to architecture, as they also display a variety of folk art and handicrafts. In the exhibitions of these segments you can appreciate the skill of Romanian artisans through embroidery, ceramics and fabrics that rescue the cultural legacy of each of the peoples represented in the galleries.

From the Cotroceni Palace you can reach the National Museum of the Villa by bus lines 62, 93, 96 and 105 in about 35 minutes.

Contemplate the Arc de Triomphe at sunset

At the end of the afternoon of the first day I suggest you contemplate the sunset from the Arc de Triomphe. This monument was built in 1936 on Kiseleff Boulevard to commemorate Romania's participation in World War I and is one of the reasons why Bucharest is considered the Little Paris. Its design reflects neoclassical and art deco influences, and it is one of the best places to watch the sunset in the capital.

The Arc de Triomphe remains open every day, except holidays, until 18.00 hours, so if you plan to visit Bucharest during the winter, when it gets dark earlier, you can watch the sunset from the viewpoint located at 27 meters high. However, this monument also offers a good perspective from the base, because if you stand on the front side the sun, in its west, will be reflected right on the arch.

Also, climbing to the viewpoint of the Arc de Triomphe will offer you a panoramic view of the city that will be especially captivating when the sun sets on the horizon. From the heights, you will be able to contemplate the historic buildings, parks and avenues illuminated by the colors of the sunset.

From the Museo Nacional de la Villa you can reach the Arc de Triomphe in a 10-minute walk along the five streets that separate the two sites.

Close your first day in Bucharest in the pubs of Lipscani

To close your first day in Bucharest I suggest you return to Lipscani, where you can get to know the vibrant nightlife of the city. In the heart of the old town you will find many emblematic bars and restaurants, among them Caru' cu Bere, an old neo-Gothic style pub founded in 1879. There you will find live music and an extensive beer menu.

Expirat is also a nightclub known for its alternative atmosphere. This industrial space, once a metallurgical factory, offers a unique experience with a mix of concerts and themed events. On the other hand, if you are looking for a more relaxed atmosphere, Nomad Skybar offers a terrace with panoramic views of the old town of the Romanian capital.

In addition, Lipscani is often the epicenter of pub crawls, which can be found on the best guided tours of Bucharest. The Old Town can be reached by bus lines 100, 205, 331, 331B, 381 and metro line M2.

For the second day, after having visited the main sites of Bucharest during the first day, I propose you to visit Bran Castle in Transylvania, the heart of the Carpathian Mountains, to discover the medieval building made famous by Bram Stoker's novel Dracula. In addition, you can also close your visit by attending a show at the Romanian Athenaeum, which is one of the most renowned Romanesque-style theaters in Europe.

Visit Bran Castle in the Carpathian Mountains

Visiting Bran Castle from Bucharest will allow you not only to participate in one of the best things to do from the Romanian capital, but also to get to know one of the country's main attractions. Located in the Carpathian Mountains, this medieval building is famous for being known as Dracula's Castle. Although the connection to Bram Stoker's fictional character is tenuous, it has become a symbol of vampire mythology.

The history of Bran Castle dates back to the 14th century, when it was built as a strategic defense post against Ottoman raids. However, its worldwide fame was cemented by legends linking the castle to Vlad the Impaler, who partly inspired the myth of Dracula. On a tour of Bran Castle, you can explore its dungeons, towers and corridors, and discover the history of the region.

Also, the interior of the castle, located about a two-hour drive from Bucharest, houses a museum that displays a collection of medieval art and furnishings. These exhibits offer detailed information about life in the Middle Ages and provide a more complete picture of Bran Castle's historical connection to the surrounding mountains.

Moreover, the castle's hilltop location offers panoramic views of the surrounding mountain scenery, making this site a popular destination not only for its intriguing history, but also for its picturesque setting. From Bucharest you can reach it on your own by train, bus, rented car or cab, as well as some of the best organized full-day tours from the capital that last approximately 12 hours.

Attend a show at the Romanian Athenaeum

After visiting Bran Castle, which is one of the most visited attractions in Romania, I suggest you to attend a show at the Romanian Athenaeum. This building, built in the late 19th century, houses the George Enescu Philharmonic and is the ideal setting for a variety of shows ranging from classical concerts to contemporary theater performances.

One of the highlights of your experience here is a symphonic episode in the Athenaeum concert hall, known for its exceptional acoustics and elegant ambience. The repertoire includes performances by the local orchestra as well as events spanning genres ranging from folk music recitals to performances by international artists and theatrical productions.

Also, if you plan to visit Bucharest during Christmas, this site offers classic seasonal events such as carol concerts and eve shows. From any point of the city you can reach the Romanian Athenaeum by bus lines 205, 331, 331B and metro line M2.

With this 2-day tour you will get to know the main attractions of the city center, but also the Dracula Castle, which is located on the outskirts of the capital and is considered one of the most popular sites in the country. In this way, you will have a comprehensive vision of the Romanian culture.