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Things to Do in Bucharest

Things to Do in Bucharest

Bucharest Bucuresti, Romania Travel Guide

Outdoor Adventures

Outdoor activities exist both within city limits and as nearby excursions.

Hiking & Trekking

Carpathian Mountains

Numerous hiking paths for all difficulty levels are available as day trips to the Carpathian Mountains. Areas near Brașov, Sinaia or Bușteni.

Difficulty Levels

The Bucegi Mountains, for example, have everything from easy strolls to challenging climbs.

Trail Access

Bucharest itself does not have direct hiking routes.

Water Sports & Activities

  • Boating: Rowboats and pedal boats for rent on park lakes (Herăstrău, Cișmigiu, Tineretului) during warmer months.
  • Kayaking/Canoeing: Possible on some lakes, specialized venues or rental points may operate.
  • Relaxing way to enjoy park scenery.
  • No major white-water sports within city limits.

Adventure Sports

  • Indoor climbing gyms are available in Bucharest.
  • Adventure parks are outside Bucharest (e.g., Comana Adventure Park).
  • Ziplining, ropes courses, and climbing walls are at adventure parks.
  • These parks are good for a one-day trip.

Wildlife Encounters

  • None within Bucharest city limits.
  • City parks allow for birdwatching, especially migratory birds.
  • For substantial wildlife viewing, travel to nature reserves.
  • Danube Delta or Carpathian Mountain parks are more distant.

Cycling Routes

  • Cycling is popular in parks (Herăstrău, Cișmigiu, Tineretului) on dedicated paths.
  • City cycling lanes exist but are not extensive or consistently maintained.
  • Mountain biking requires travel to the Carpathian Mountains.
  • Trails there suit different skill levels.

Safety Warning for City Cycling

Cycling in heavy city traffic can be difficult because of aggressive drivers. Exercise caution if cycling on main roads.

Cultural Immersion

Immerse yourself in Romanian culture through various interactive experiences.

Workshops & Classes

  • Cooking classes: Focus on signature dishes like sarmale or mici.
  • Traditional crafts: Occasional workshops (pottery, weaving) by cultural centers or local artisans.
  • Music workshops: Opportunities to explore Romanian musical traditions.
  • Dance classes: Explore traditional Romanian folk dance or modern styles.

Cultural Performances

Folk Music & Dance Shows

Often at traditional restaurants (e.g., Caru' cu Bere) or cultural events, a lively introduction to Romanian folklore.

Opera, Ballet & Classical Concerts

Performed at the National Opera House and Romanian Athenaeum, world-class artistic experiences.

Theatre

The National Theatre and other venues feature plays, from traditional to contemporary.

Community Tourism

Some NGOs offer tours insights infor local communities, like Roma culture or social issues, supporting community development.

Language Learning

Intensive Romanian language courses are available at universities or private language schools for linguistic immersion.

Cultural Festivals

George Enescu Festival (classical music), Bucharest Street Art Festival, International Film Festival, A festival of jazz musics, and Christmas Markets (Piața Constituției).

Relaxation & Wellness

Bucharest possesses several options for rejuvenation.

Spa & Wellness Centers

  • Therme București: Europe's largest wellness, relaxation, and entertainment center.
  • Multiple thermal pools, saunas, botanical gardens, and relaxation areas at Therme.
  • Many luxury hotels (Radisson Blu, JW Marriott) have their own spas with treatments.
  • Independent wellness centers across the city offer massages, facials, and more.

Hot Springs & Natural Therapy

Therme București Geothermal Water

Therme București utilizes geothermal water for its pools and therapeutic benefits. This is the primary large-scale natural therapy option near Bucharest.

Traditional Healing Practices

Less prominent as a tourist offering, but traditional remedies are part of Romanian folk culture. Look for local herbal shops for teas and tinctures.

Yoga & Meditation Retreats

Several yoga bachelor apartments in Bucharest offer classes. Retreats are more common outside the city, often in tranquil rural or mountain settings.

Beach & Pool Clubs

Hotel Pools

Outdoor pools are available during summer at some hotels and private clubs.

Therme București Outdoor Facilities

Therme București has large outdoor pools and a sandy beach area in summer, a resort-like experience.

Seasonal Operation

Most outdoor pool and beach club facilities operate mainly during the warmer months.

Entertainment & Nightlife

Experience Bucharest's dynamic entertainment scene.

Live Music Venues

  • Control Club, Expirat: Popular for alternative crowds, indie bands, electronic music.
  • Hard Rock Cafe Bucharest: Classic rock ambiance and live music.
  • Green Hours: Well-known jazz club with local and international artists.
  • Traditional restaurants: Caru' cu Bere often has live folk music and dance.

Theatre & Performance Spaces

National Theatre "Ion Luca Caragiale"

Offers a wide range of theatrical productions, from classic to contemporary.

Opera & Ballet

Catch performances at the National Opera House in a grand setting.

Classical Music

Attend concerts at the Romanian Athenaeum for a truly grand experience.

Nightclubs & Dancing

Old Town has numerous clubs for various music tastes. Freddo and Nomad Skybar are popular. The area is lively, especially on weekends.

Bar Districts & Pub Crawls

The Old Town is the main bar district, with countless pubs, bars, and clubs in a compact, pedestrianized area. Pub crawls are common to meet people.

Late-Night Options

Bars and clubs in the Old Town stay open very late, especially on weekends. Several large casinos operate in Bucharest, gambling and entertainment options into the early morning.

Upscale Clubbing

Boa Club
  • Upscale clubbing experience.
  • More exclusive ambiance.
  • International DJs and themed nights.
Nuba
  • Trendy and modern setting.
  • Popular among locals and visitors.
  • Often with outdoor terraces in warmer months.

Nightlife Logistics

Public transport operates until late, but taxis or ride-sharing apps are convenient for transportation at night. Always confirm taxi fares or use reputable apps.

Shopping & Markets

Explore Bucharest's shopping scene, from traditional markets to luxury boutiques.

Traditional Markets & Bazaars

  • Piațan Obor: The largest and oldest market. Authentic local experience, famous for mici stalls.
  • Piața Matache: A smaller, more central market, often hosts artisan fairs and seasonal events.
  • Fresh produce: Markets are excellent for local fruits, vegetables, and dairy products.
  • Local goods: Find artisan products and classic handicrafts at market stalls.

Artisan Workshops & Crafts

Small Shops in Old Town

Sell traditional Romanian crafts, including ceramics, textiles (embroidered blouses), and wood carvings.

Calea Victoriei

Also features artisan shops alongside luxury boutiques.

Unique Handmade Items

Look for distinctive, locally produced souvenirs.

Souvenir Ideas

  • Traditional embroidered blouses ("ie").
  • Handmade pottery and wooden crafts.
  • Local honey and traditional Romanian wine.
  • Religious icons from specialized shops.

Luxury & Boutique Shopping

  • Calea Victoriei is lined with upscale boutiques and international brands.
  • Băneasa Shopping City: Large mall north of the city for international high-end brands.
  • Promenada Mall, AFI Cotroceni: Other major malls with diverse brands.
  • Explore high-end fashion plus extras.

Ethical Shopping

  • Support local artisans by buying directly from marketplaces or small shops.
  • This supports fair wages and traditional crafts.
  • Find items explicitly labeled "Made in Romania."
  • This ensures genuine local goods.

Shipping & Customs Information

Shipping Services
  • Available through international carriers like DHL and FedEx.
  • Also via the national post (Poșta Română).
  • An option is to ship larger purchases or fragile items.
Customs Regulations
  • Check customs regulations for your home country.
  • Regarding alcohol, tobacco, and specific goods.
  • This helps avoid issues upon return.

Tax-Free Shopping

Non-EU visitors can claim VAT refunds on purchases. Ask for a tax-free form at participating stores.

Activity Planning Summary

Outdoor Activities

  • Hiking and trekking in the nearby Carpathian Mountains.
  • Cycling paths in city parks.
  • Watercraft activities and pedal-boating on park lakes.
  • Indoor climbing gyms and adventure parks outside the city.

Immersive Cultural Experiences

  • Romanian cooking classes and food tours.
  • Workshops for traditional crafts and dance.
  • Attending opera, ballet, or classical music concerts.
  • Visiting cultural festivals and seasonal events.
Things to Do in Bucharest. Activities, Experiences, Adventures