Things to do while in Bucharest, handpicked by locals

Bucharest is a city of surprising contrasts. Exploring it almost feels like going through portals. You can be overwhelmed by art nouveau architecture, graffiti art and hipster cafes on one side, and almost instantly walk into a completely authentic area full of local farmers markets or traditional restaurants.

You can go bar-hopping in hundreds of contemporary themed bars in the Old Town and then immediately fall into a traditional tavern where a violinist plays Romanian ballads for you, while you enjoy the traditional ‘sarmale’ wraps.

There are plenty of different things to do and see while in Bucharest. We’ve selected the must-do’s and must-see’s by asking local contributors which are their favorites.

Must-see places in Bucharest

Valley of the Kings

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Gold vibe #bucharest #bucuresti #romania #visit #travel #littleparis #architecture

A post shared by George Mocea (@georgejmocea) on Aug 21, 2019 at 4:34am PDT

Designed at the end of the 19th century, this valley covered in dazzling glass is the meeting place for locals when going out in the Old Town. It’s many fashion shops, oriental cafes, and different themed restaurants paint a great picture of Bucharest’s vibrant atmosphere. You can also find this location in a free walking tour going through the Old Town.

– Recommended by Anton

Bellu Cemetery-Museum

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Doamna cu umbrela, Katalina Boschott, sculptura a lui Raffaelo Romanelli(1906) este monument istoric si sursa unor legende urbane. #ilovebucharest #cemeteryarchitecture #cemeterystories #sculptureincemetery #raffaelloromanelli #doamnacuumbrela #bellucemetery #cimitirulbellu #historyofbucharest #historicalmonument #funeralarchitecture #funeralmonument #artincemetery #cemeteryart #archilover #dark_arts #darkarchitecture #funeraltomb #religiousarchitecture #romaniaascunsa #darkmood #sculpture #artoftheday #cimitirulbellu #localguide #photooftheday #architecturephotography #ladywithumbrella

A post shared by Monica Maracineanu (@monica_maracineanu) on Jun 3, 2018 at 9:28am PDT

Yes, a cemetery. Believe it or not, this cemetery is a must-see place when in Bucharest. You can discover over 300 monuments (protected by UNESCO) of famous and wildly-rich Romanians. From poets to inventors, this place is home to hundreds of celebrities, each with their own fascinating life story. You can hear them all if you take the free tour that starts at the entrance.
– Recommended by Mihaela

Palace of the Parliament

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The Palace of Parliament. Costing €3 billion, it is the second largest administrative building in the world and also the world’s heaviest building ???

A post shared by Divyesh Patel (@whattheflight) on Jun 23, 2018 at 6:31am PDT

The jewel of the communist regime, this palace, which now hosts the Romanian Parliament, was built by and for the infamous Nicolae Ceausescu, the Romanian dictator. It’s one of the largest buildings in the world, and the most visited place in Bucharest. If you’re into this type of communist grandeur displays, this is the place for you.
– Recommened by Natalia