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 get 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 old town, visiting the Cotroceni Palace, visiting the National Museum of the Villa, admiring 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 organised itinerary and an intense tour. That's why for the first day of your visit I propose a tour of 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 much 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 delve into the very history of the country, which was under communist rule for more than 40 years and which had Bucharest as the epicentre 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 in Bucharest. You can also reach the site from anywhere in the city by metro to Unirii station or by bus on lines N101, N104, N106, N114, N118 and N122.

Walk around the historic centre 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 on display in the buildings of its historic centre. After visiting the Palace of Parliament, then, I suggest a tour of this site starting at University Square, which is about 20 minutes by bus from the legislative building.

From there you can head to the historic Lipscani Street, which has been the main artery of the city centre since the 15th century. Not only will you find plenty of shops, 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 centre for the Romanian capital's community.

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 cobbled 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. You can also choose to tour Lipscani on your own or on some of Bucharest's best guided tours.

See the Cotroceni Palace

Originally designed as a royal residence, 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 Romanian president 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 linked 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 centre, 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 mixture 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 the Cotroceni Palace on 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 over 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. Here you can explore the interiors of peasant houses, admire traditional building 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 craftsmen through embroidery, ceramics and weavings 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.

See the Arc de Triomphe at sunset

At the end of the afternoon of the first day, I suggest you watch 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 Bucharest is considered Little Paris. Its design reflects neoclassical and art deco influences, and it's one of the best places to watch the sunset in the capital.

The Arc de Triomphe is open every day, except on public holidays, until 6pm, so if you plan to visit Bucharest during the winter, when it gets dark earlier, you can watch the sunset from the 27-metre-high observation deck. However, this monument also offers a good perspective from the base, since if you stand on the front side of the arch, the setting sun will be reflected right on the arch.

Likewise, climbing up to the Arc de Triomphe viewpoint 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, the parks and the avenues illuminated by the colours of the sunset.

From the Museo Nacional de la Villa you can reach the Arco del Triunfo (Triumphal Arch) 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 end your first day in Bucharest, I suggest you return to Lipscani, where you can get a taste of the city's vibrant nightlife. In the heart of the Old Town you'll find many iconic bars and restaurants, including Caru' cu Bere, an old neo-Gothic pub founded in 1879. Here 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're looking for a more relaxed atmosphere, Nomad Skybar offers a terrace with panoramic views of the Romanian capital's old town.

In addition, Lipscani is often the epicentre 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 on the first day, I suggest you visit Bran Castle in Transylvania, in the heart of the Carpathian Mountains, to discover the medieval building made famous by Bram Stoker's novel Dracula. You can also close your visit by attending a show at the Romanian Athenaeum, one of the most renowned Romanesque-style theatres in Europe.

Visit Bran Castle in the Carpathian Mountains

Visiting Bran Castle from Bucharest will allow you not only to take part in one of the best things to do from the Romanian capital, but also to see one of the country's top attractions. Located in the Carpathian Mountains, this medieval building is famous for being known as Dracula's Castle. Although the connection with 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 defence 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 two hours' drive from Bucharest, houses a museum displaying a collection of medieval art and furniture. 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 it a popular destination not only for its intriguing history, but also for its picturesque setting. From Bucharest you can get there on your own by train, bus, rental car or taxi, as well as some of the best organised 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 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 theatre 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 are planning to visit Bucharest during Christmas, this is the place to go for classic seasonal events such as carol concerts and eve shows. The Romanian Athenaeum can be reached from anywhere in the city 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 centre, 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. This will give you a comprehensive insight into Romanian culture.