Discover Bucharest’s Old Town: History, Heritage and Bohemian Spirit

There’s something about Bucharest that leaves a lasting impression – a spirit all its own that draws travellers in with its authenticity. And nowhere is this more tangible than in the city’s Old Town. Here, the faded grandeur of historic façades meets a thriving arts scene and the buzz of lively cafés, creating a destination alive with contrasts, character and charm. Follow our guide through Bucharest’s Old Town to uncover these 11 must-see landmarks and hidden gems.

Here, the city’s past comes vividly to life. Once a bustling medieval trading street, Lipscani still bears the marks of its rich history. Follow its cobblestones past elegant townhouses that once belonged to craftsmen’s guilds and merchants from across Europe. Step inside an art shop to admire hand-painted icons and delicate ceramics, or pause at a stylish café where the scent of freshly ground espresso drifts through the air. At no. 55, push open the doors of Cărturești Carusel, an enchanting bookshop set inside a restored 19th-century bank, with sweeping staircases and wrought-iron balconies that have made it one of the city’s most photographed landmarks. As night falls, the Old Town comes alive – fairy lights twinkle overhead, terraces fill with chatter and music spills from the bars, inviting you to linger a little longer.

Cărturești Carusel

• Strada Lipscani 55, București 030033
• Open daily 10am-10pm
• Free entry

Just a short stroll away, turn into Eugeniu Carada Street to find one of Bucharest’s most captivating spots. Opened in 1891, the Macca-Villacrosse Passage connects two of the city’s main shopping streets while sheltering pedestrians beneath its yellow glass roof. The light here takes on an almost dreamlike hue, casting a golden glow over cafés that recall the charm of 19th-century Parisian arcades. Today, the passage is a favourite spot for a leisurely pause. Take a seat on a terrace and soak up the lively atmosphere as clinking cups and snippets of conversation blend together. Artists, students and travellers share the space, creating a cheerful buzz that feels unmistakably Bucharest.

• Open 24/7
• Entrances on Calea Victoriei and Eugeniu Carada Street
• Nearest metro: Universitate or Piața Unirii

After soaking up the intimate atmosphere of Lipscani Street, make your way to the oldest and most elegant avenue in Bucharest’s Old Town. The city’s main artery, Calea Victoriei stretches from the historic centre all the way to Victory Square. Head towards the Dâmbovița River and admire the majestic Palace of the Deposits and Consignments – an architectural gem with echoes of a Parisian opera house. Just opposite stands the National Museum of Romanian History. Step inside to trace the country’s long and rich past: Dacian statues, Roman mosaics, ornate jewellery and medieval weapons set the scene. The highlight awaits in the national treasury room, where solid-gold Thracian bracelets, royal crowns and exquisite pieces of ancient craftsmanship shimmer under soft light – a mesmerising glimpse into Romania’s thousand-year heritage.

National Museum of Romanian History

• Calea Victoriei 12, București 030026
• Open Wed-Sun, 10am-6pm
• Tickets €4-€5 per person
• Nearest metro: Universitate or Piața Unirii

To truly capture the spirit of Bucharest’s Old Town, leave the main tourist streets behind and venture into its quieter, hidden alleys – the ones you stumble upon almost by chance. From Calea Victoriei, make your way to the Stavropoleos Monastery Church, a masterpiece of Brâncovenesc architecture that’s well worth a visit. Then head down Smârdan Street, lined with small shops, until you reach Franceză Street – one of the oldest in the city, named after the French consulate that once stood there. In these narrow streets, away from the crowds, Bucharest reveals its more intimate, creative and bohemian side, whispering its secrets to those who take the time to listen.

Stavropoleos Monastery Church

• Strada Stavropoleos 4, București 030167
• Open daily 8am-7pm
• Free entry
• Nearest metro: Universitate or Piața Unirii

It’s impossible to miss the imposing Neoclassical façade of the former Royal Palace on Revolution Square. Once the residence of Romania’s monarchs, it now houses the National Museum of Art. Behind its grand exterior lies a fascinating journey through centuries of art – from medieval frescoes and Byzantine icons to Impressionist masterpieces and modernist sculptures. In the National Gallery, you’ll encounter the great names of Romanian art, including painter Nicolae Grigorescu and sculptor Constantin Brâncuși. The European Gallery is also worth a visit to enjoy a pictorial tour of the continent, with works by Rembrandt, Rubens and Monet among its highlights.

National Museum of Art

• Calea Victoriei 49-53, București 010063
• Open Wed-Fri, 10am–6pm; Sat-Sun, 11am–7pm
• Admission €5 per person (free on the first Wednesday of each month)
• Nearest metro: Piața Romană

Want a relaxing break from the bustle of Bucharest’s Old Town? Just a few minutes’ walk from Calea Victoriei, Cișmigiu Garden offers a quiet escape. Designed by a Viennese landscape architect in the style of Europe’s romantic parks, it’s the city’s oldest public garden. Wander along curving paths shaded by chestnut trees, cross pretty bridges over tranquil waterways and spot statues of Romania’s most celebrated writers tucked among the greenery. At any hour of the day, locals come here to read on benches or drift across the lake in small boats. Take a seat at the central kiosk café or stretch out on the grass and watch life unfold around you – children playing, retirees deep in thought over a chessboard beneath leafy pergolas. In spring, flowerbeds burst with colour; in autumn, the crimson foliage turns the park into a living painting.

• Bulevardul Regina Elisabeta, București 030167
• Open 24/7
• Free entry
• Nearest metro: Universitate or Izvor

Between visits in Bucharest’s Old Town, stop at Caru’ cu bere, one of the city’s most iconic restaurants. Opened in 1879, this historic venue, with its beautifully preserved décor, feels like stepping back in time. The menu celebrates the best of Romanian gastronomy. Start with sarmale – tender cabbage rolls filled with minced meat, rice and fragrant spices. Then try mititei, small garlicky grilled sausages with a smoky aroma, and pair them with a generous serving of mămăligă, creamy cornmeal polenta, or ciorbă de fasole, a traditional bean soup served in a crusty bread bowl.

• Strada Stavropoleos 5, București 030081
• Open daily, 11am–midnight
• Booking recommended – this local favourite is also popular with visitors

As you head back along Calea Victoriei, you can’t miss the Romanian Athenaeum, an architectural gem and one of Bucharest’s most treasured cultural landmarks. Its Neoclassical façade, crowned with an elegant dome, resembles an ancient temple dedicated to music. Step through its gleaming white columns and soak up the building’s unique atmosphere. Inside, admire the magnificent fresco by Costin Petrescu beneath the central dome, depicting defining moments in Romania’s history. Renowned worldwide for its outstanding acoustics, the Athenaeum once hosted the celebrated conductor George Enescu for many performances, and today it remains home to the Philharmonic Orchestra that bears his name.

• Strada Benjamin Franklin 1-3, București 010287
• Visiting hours vary according to rehearsal schedules – check at the entrance desk
• Tickets cost around €2
• Nearest metro: Piața Romană or Universitate

For a cultural interlude in the heart of Bucharest’s Old Town, step inside the Odeon Theatre, set along the city’s storied Calea Victoriei. Designed by Grigore Cerchez, this architectural gem enchants visitors with its refined style and technical ingenuity. Its retractable roof – one of the few still functioning in Europe – allows open-air performances during the summer months. From classic comedies and contemporary dramas to children’s productions and avant-garde performances, the programme’s diversity appeals to both casual visitors and devoted theatre-goers alike.

• Calea Victoriei 40-42, București 010062
• Tickets cost €14-€42 depending on the performance
• Nearest metro: Universitate or Piața Romană

Looking for something original to do as a couple in Bucharest? Explore the Old Town with an expert guide and uncover fascinating stories about its most iconic landmarks. The experience ends in a cosy wine cellar, where you can sample local vintages in an intimate, authentic atmosphere. You’ll taste some of Romania’s finest wines, from the rolling hills of Transylvania to the sunny plains of Dobrogea, while learning about the country’s winemaking history and traditions. The perfect activity to combine culture, discovery and indulgence – in moderation, of course.

Travelling with kids and wondering what to do in Bucharest? The Romanian capital is full of creative ways to explore for both young and grown-up adventurers. Check out the World City Trail website for a family treasure hunt through the Old Town. Riddles, hidden clues and secret alleyways make discovering the city’s history an enjoyable and entertaining experience. For thrill-seeking and mystery-loving teens, the Bucharest Ghost Hunt app offers an immersive after-dark adventure. As night falls, follow the shadows and delve into local legends and eerie tales set against the atmospheric backdrop of the Old Town. Prefer something more hands-on? Try a traditional pottery workshop. Learn to mould, shape and decorate your own creation – a fun, family-friendly activity that leaves you with a handmade souvenir to take home.

Pottery workshop

• By reservation only
• Duration: around 4 hours
• Price: €80 per person

Ready to keep on exploring Europe’s most historic cities? Discover the timeless charm of Tallinn’s Old Town, or explore the best things to do in gorgeous Prague.