Bucharest attracts more than 3 million people every day and according to experts, the total number can be expected to exceed 4 million in the next five years. To this it must be added that the settlements surrounding the city will be part of the future metropolitan area and will have a total population of approximately 430,000 inhabitants.

The city was first mentioned in 1459, in a document from the court of Voivode Vlad Ţepeş, the prince who is said to have defeated the famous protagonist Dracula. Just now Bucharest began to grow economically and politically, and from this point of view became the capital of Wallachia. “The Old Court” is the most important architectural complex that still reminds of those times. Several centuries after the reign of Vlad Ţepeş, Bucharest, regardless of its increasingly important role in Wallachia’s political landscape, has overcome various situations. This includes, for example, the Ottoman rule, the Russian occupation and the interrupted short-term Habsburg rule. Lipscani Street, which now delimits the Old Town, was then the main route crossing the center of old Bucharest.

In 1881, after the union of Moldavia with Wallachia, Bucharest becomes the capital of the Romanian principalities. Much of the architectural heritage was destroyed in a fire in 1847, but modern times brought a new kind of prosperity. An amazing new city was built and the architectural landscape and urban planning have brought it an international reputation, so much so that the capital has been dubbed Little Paris and the street called Calea Victoriei, one of the most famous streets in the contemporary city, has often been compared to the Champs-Élysées .

In 1918 the union of Transylvania with the previously formed Principality of Romania was accomplished. Because of this, Bucharest became the capital of the whole country. After 2 years the capital was moved to Iaşi as Bucharest was under German occupation. The interwar period was exceptionally favorable for Bucharest and the city experienced its cultural heyday. Casa Capşa, then the focal point of meetings and mundane, political and cultural debates, was known both nationally and internationally. Nevertheless, a large part of the old town lost its architectural splendor after the Second World War.

The huge projects of Nicolae Ceauşescu destroyed most of the historical sights of the city and unfortunately that was not all, in 1977 there was a tragic earthquake that suffered additional losses and it affected not only the urban planning and architectural heritage but also the population . The Palace of Parliament is the best example that represents the artistic vision of the regime. To better appreciate the magnitude of the communist heritage, tourists need look no further than the drab apartment blocks built in a boring communist style that dot most of the city.

Bucharest is currently experiencing a constant and renewal at the level of urban planning, with the long-awaited revival focused, at least in small part, on the restoration of what has survived from the Middle Ages and modern times. The colorful disturbing image of the city of Bucharest is actually very comprehensive to include both high and spectacular architectural styles as well as boring and grotesque colors, not only from an architectural point of view, but also from the point of view of everything related to the city.

Sightseeing features

The Palace of Parliament

Famous for its impressive size, the Palace of the Parliament is one of the most interesting buildings to visit when you arrive in Bucharest. This grandiose structure is characterized by a particular architectural mixture that brings together the Brâncoveanu style and the influences of the Renaissance, Germanic and Baroque styles. Also known as the House of the People, the building impresses with the opulence of over 1000 rooms. From the solid wood furniture and sculpted doors to marble columns, crystal chandeliers, silk curtains to huge rugs, this tourist attraction represents a universe of luxury and extravagance, and is definitely worth spending a few hours.

The Museum of the Romanian Peasant

If you are one of those people who are interested in learning more about the development of folk art, then we suggest you add the Museum of the Romanian Peasant to the list of places to visit. This attraction offers the richest collection of traditional objects from Romania, where tourists can admire exhibitions of ceramics, textiles, traditional costumes, carved objects, furniture and ecclesiastical paintings. For those who are more curious about the art of the communist regime, we recommend visiting the Museum of Communist Church Pictures, located within the Museum of the Romanian Peasant.

The Museum of the Old Town

The Old Town is certainly one of the most popular and beautiful in Bucharest, a square crowded with neoclassical and neo-baroque style buildings, on the ground floors of which you will find many welcoming terraces, cafes, restaurants and shops. Walking through the narrow and very crowded streets of the old town will give you the impression that you have traveled back in time and that you are now in old Bucharest. The most famous street to choose is Lipscani. Here you will find “Hanul cu Tei” (Lime Tree Inn), an impressive building that has been built since 1833.

Historical center

Surely the historic center is one of the most popular and chic areas in Bucharest, a place full of neoclassical and neo-baroque buildings, on the ground floor of which you will find many enticing terraces, cafes, restaurants and shops. Walking through the winding and very crowded streets of the historic center gives you the impression that you have traveled back in time and are in the Bucharest of bygone times. The most famous street you have to reach is Lipscani. The Lime Inn is also located here, an impressive building that has been built since 1833.

“Parcul Regele Mihai I al României” (Herastrau Park)

If you like hiking in the open air or you love the feeling of being surrounded by nature, then you should choose Herastrau Park, built on the shores of the lake of the same name since 1936. If you choose, one day Spending here you will certainly not get bored, because besides mini-cruises by small ship, boat or pedal boat, you can play tennis or visit the Herăstrău Aquarium. Last but not least, you can admire the “Arc de Triomphe”.

National Arena

The National Arena, also known as the National Stadium, is a football stadium in Bucharest, Romania, where the national football team matches, Dinamo and FCSB matches, the Romanian Cup final and the Romanian Super Cup match will be played. With a capacity of 55,635 spectators, it is the country’s largest stadium and the first UEFA elite stadium in Romania, followed by the Cluj Arena. The construction of the arena, owned by the Bucharest City Hall, was completed in 2011 at a total cost of around 235 million euros.