The National Museum of Art Romania
This museum is located in one of the most important buildings in town, the Royal Palace, which served as the official residence for the Kings of Romania until 1947, when the communist regime was installed.
In 1950 they turned the Palace into The National Museum of Art, which now hosts its most important Romanian, European, and Oriental Art collections. So if you’re looking to learn more about Romania’s art scene, this is the spot for you.
Open: Wednesday to Friday: 10:00 am – 6:00 pm Price: Adults – 20 Ron (US$5), Students – 5 Ron (US$1.20), Seniors – 10 Ron (US$2.30)
“Dimitrie Gusti” National Village Museum
Also known as the “Museum from the heart of the capital,” this open-air museum gives you an insight into the life of a Romanian peasant from the 17th century to the 20th century. “Dimitrie Gusti” National Village open-air museum has different elements like old houses and monuments that will make you feel like you’ve traveled back in time to a Romanian village!
Suppose you want to learn more about the museum and the life of a Romanian peasant from a professional. In that case, I highly recommend going on this city tour which includes a visit to the “Dimitrie Gusti” National Village Museum with a guide.
Open: Monday to Sunday: 9:00 am – 5:00 pm Price: For adults: 20 Ron (US$5), Students: 5 Ron (US$1.20), Seniors: 10 Ron (US$2.30), Free for preschool and people with disabilities Location: Herastrau Park (Also known as King Michael I Park)
National Museum of Romanian History
Suppose you want to learn more about the country’s history during your visit to Bucharest. In that case, you should check out The National Museum of Romanian History, which is home to artifacts from prehistoric times! With some cool permanent exhibitions like “The historical treasure” and some seasonal ones, the History National Museum is one of the most interesting places in Bucharest.
Open: Wednesday to Sunday: 9:00 am – 5:00 pm Price: Adults: 5 Ron (US$1.30), Free for Kids (up to 7 years old) Location: Victoria Avenue 12
The “Grigore Antipa” National Museum of Natural History
This museum may appeal especially to children or people who are fans of natural history! The “Grigore Antipa” National Museum of Natural History has many exhibitions, including some cool Jurassic skeletons! The place is super interactive, and it features 3D films and artificial caves!
Open: Summer (April – October): Tuesday to Sunday, 10:00 am – 5:00 pm / Winter (November – March): Tuesday to Friday, 10:00 am – 6:00 pm / Weekends 10:00 am – 7:00 pm Price: Adults: 20 Ron (US$5), Students: 5 Ron (US$1.20), Free for Kids (up to 7 years old) Location: Street Pavel D. Kiseleff 1
EAT SOME INTERESTING TRADITIONAL FOOD
After all those museum visits, you must be famished! So I think now it would be a good time to introduce you to Bucharest’s food scene!
Still, if you don’t want to risk it and try something new or you’re vegetarian (most of the dishes here have meat), don’t worry, the town has tons of other places to eat that serve amazing food, and I talked about them all in my guide to the best restaurants in Bucharest!
And let’s not forget that Romania has one of the oldest wine-making traditions globally. Its viticulture dates back more than 6,000 years, so I highly recommend going on a wine-tasting tour in Bucharest!
Here’s a list of the best traditional dishes that you should try during your stay in Bucharest and some amazing restaurants in the city!
WHAT TO EAT:
Sarmale (Cabbage Rolls): One of the most important meals at weddings, this dish is made of minced meat mixed with rice that is rolled up in fermented cabbage leaves
Mamaliga (Polenta): This side dish goes perfectly with the cabbage rolls, and it’s made of corn flour boiled in water
Papanasi: A dessert like no other! You can’t leave Bucharest without trying it. Papanasi is a donut made out of a mixture of cottage cheese and semolina, fried in a pan and covered with jam and sour cream. Yum!
Ciorba de Burta (Tripe Soup): One of the most popular soups in the country and a real hangover cure, tripe soup doesn’t sound so appealing, but it does have a delicious taste and it contains the stomach of a cow, vegetables, and some special animal bones
Zacusca (Vegetable Paste): I know my vegetarian readers may find it difficult to eat traditional food in Romania, but that’s why we have zacusca, a vegetable paste served on bread that tastes delicious
Party all night in the clubs
As the sun goes down, you’ll see many people making their way into the Old Town! One of the main things to do in Bucharest is a party in its clubs! This city is well known to have a super fun party scene compared to other European capitals. The booze is super cheap!
The Old Town lights up as the night comes, and you can hear the loud music and people having fun the minute you arrive there.
PRO TIP: If you’re traveling with the family or not a fan of crowded, loud places but you want to visit the Old Town, I highly recommend doing that in the morning or at noon. Anytime before 7:00 pm as that’s when the party gets started.
Although the best way to check out the clubs is by simply exploring the cobblestoned streets around the Old Center, here is a list of the best clubs in the area to help you start your adventure!
If you want to see as many clubs as possible, mingle with the locals and make some new friends, then I think you should go on a pub crawl around the Old Town. It’s so fun, and if you’re a fan of partying in as many places as possible, then this is the best solution for you!
