Dan M.

Liviu O.

Alina B.

Adrian R.

Cristi S.

Vlad C.

Laura G.

Toni T.

Razvan Andrei T.

Claudiu C.

Andreea C.

Vlad I.

Bucharest is a city of surprises. Grand buildings and leafy boulevards stand beside cozy cafés, crumbling mansions, and bold street art. Your private tour lets you explore both the city’s past and its energy today — from palaces to hidden passages, revolution squares to garden bars. With your guide by your side, you’ll see Bucharest not just as a capital, but as a living, layered story.

<h3>Top 10 Must-See Attractions in Bucharest</h3>
Your tour starts with the essentials. These iconic spots show you what defines Bucharest — a blend of history, elegance, and resilience.

Palace of the Parliament
 One of the world’s largest government buildings, this colossal structure is both stunning and sobering. Inside, chandeliers, marble halls, and massive conference rooms reflect the scale of a regime that once ruled Romania.

Old Town (Lipscani District)
 Walk cobblestone streets that once hosted merchants from all over Europe. Today, it’s full of character — bookstores, wine bars, boutique hotels, and historic churches all packed into a few buzzing blocks.

Romanian Athenaeum
 This domed concert hall looks like a European palace. Inside, a circular fresco tells Romania’s story across centuries. Even from the outside, it’s one of the most elegant buildings in the city.

Revolution Square
 Stand where the people of Bucharest gathered to end communist rule. Monuments, bullet-scarred buildings, and nearby museums help you picture what happened here in 1989.

Village Museum (Muzeul Satului)
 Step into a patchwork of Romanian life — over 270 wooden homes, barns, and churches collected from rural villages across the country. Each corner tells a different story of local tradition.

Stavropoleos Monastery
 Hidden in the Old Town, this small church stuns with its carved stone façade and peaceful courtyard. Inside, faded frescoes and woodwork echo centuries of devotion.

Arch of Triumph (Arcul de Triumf)
 A proud landmark modeled after its Parisian cousin. On national holidays, parades march beneath it. When open, climb to the top for panoramic views of northern Bucharest.

Calea Victoriei
 This grand avenue links royal palaces, art museums, and upscale shops. Perfect for walking and discovering historic mansions, statues, and street-side cafés.

Cotroceni Palace
 Once a royal residence, now the official home of Romania’s president. Guided visits showcase opulent salons, antique furniture, and political history.

University Square
 A lively public space and political landmark. Surrounded by theaters, cafés, and bookstores, it’s a great place to soak in Bucharest’s intellectual spirit.

<h3>Explore Bucharest Off the Beaten Path</h3>
If you want to see the creative, quirky, and more local side of the city, these stops bring something different to your tour.

Carturesti Carusel Bookstore
 Step into a luminous bookstore set in a restored 19th-century mansion. Spiral staircases and curved balconies make it feel more like a gallery than a shop — a favorite stop for readers and photographers alike.

Bellu Cemetery
 A peaceful place full of ornate tombs and statues. It’s home to Romania’s most beloved poets, composers, and scientists — a quiet walk through the nation’s memory.

Macca-Vilacrosse Passage
 A forked, glass-roofed arcade glowing in soft yellow light. This passage was once a luxury shopping corridor; today it’s a calm pocket filled with cafés and hookah lounges.

Gradina Eden
 Behind a historic building on Calea Victoriei, this garden bar is tucked under giant trees. Locals come here to sip lemonade, read books, and chat into the night.

Vacaresti Nature Park
 Sometimes called the “urban delta,” this reclaimed wetland inside an abandoned dam project is now home to over 150 bird species. A surprising bit of wilderness in the middle of the city.

Maria Rosetti Street Murals
 Stroll past bold murals painted by local and international artists. It’s a self-guided gallery right on the street, filled with messages of identity, protest, and pride.

<h3>Day Trip Ideas from Bucharest</h3>
Your tour can go beyond city limits — into castles, mountain towns, and cultural landmarks. These easy day trips add depth and variety to your experience.

<u><i><a href="https://www.toursbylocals.com/tours/romania/brasov?utm_source=internallinks&utm_medium=marketingblock&utm_campaign=bucharest" target="_blank">Brașov</a></i></u>
 Nestled at the foot of the Carpathians, Brașov blends medieval charm with alpine scenery. Walk its fortified walls, see Black Church, and stop for pastries in colorful council square cafés.

<u><i><a href="https://www.toursbylocals.com/tours/romania/sinaia?utm_source=internallinks&utm_medium=marketingblock&utm_campaign=bucharest" target="_blank">Sinaia</a></i></u>
 Home to Peleș Castle, a fairy-tale palace built for Romania’s first king. Surrounded by pine forests and alpine trails, it’s one of the most romantic spots in the country.

Snagov Monastery
 A tranquil island monastery believed by some to hold the remains of Vlad the Impaler. Reach it by a short drive and footbridge, then enjoy the peaceful lake views.

Mogoșoaia Palace
 This red-brick palace blends Renaissance and Romanian Brâncovenesc style. Its arched loggias, formal gardens, and lakeside setting make it a favorite weekend escape for locals.

<h3>Travel Tips for Your Visit</h3>
Get the most from your Bucharest tour with these local insights and traveler-friendly tips.

Best Time to Visit
 May to October offers mild weather and long days. Spring brings blooming parks, while fall has rich colors and fewer tourists.

Getting Around
 Central Bucharest is walkable. Metro, tram, and app-based rides make longer distances easy. Your guide can help avoid traffic and navigate hidden shortcuts.

What to Wear
 Bring layers — mornings and evenings can be cool. Comfortable shoes are a must for cobbled streets and park paths.

Local Etiquette Tips
 Say “Mulțumesc” for thank you and offer a polite nod or handshake. Dress modestly in churches and avoid loud voices in quiet neighborhoods.

<h3>Explore Bucharest Your Way</h3>
Bucharest is layered — elegant and gritty, nostalgic and forward-looking. Your tour lets you explore what fascinates you most, whether it’s royal architecture, revolutionary history, or everyday life in a dynamic capital.
With your guide, you gain local perspective, flexible timing, and personal insight. Every ToursByLocals experience is private and 5-star rated, with expert-vetted guides and flexible cancellation. See Bucharest not as a tourist — but as a traveler with a guide who knows where to go, and why it matters.

Bucharest

Otopeni guides

Explore 18 guides

Contact the Guide

Contact the Guide

Contact the Guide

Contact the Guide

Contact the Guide

Contact the Guide

Contact the Guide

Contact the Guide

Contact the Guide

Contact the Guide

Contact the Guide

Contact the Guide

Customize your tour

We’re here to take you

to the places you'll love

Travellers served

0

Guides

0

Countries

0