Bucharest in Two Hours: History, Hidden Corners & Monumental Views
We landed in Bucharest on a Saturday. Luckily, Calea Victoriei was closed to traffic for the weekend, turning the city into a pedestrian-friendly playground. It made wandering around even better, with no cars and plenty of space to roam. Bucharest is a bit of a wild card , part grand old dame, part lively street party, and part enormous Palace of Parliament. So, we took it easy, strolled at our own pace, and soaked it all in.
⏱️ Our Two-Hour Walking Route
Route: Romanian Athenaeum → Revolution Square → Macca Villacrosse Passage → Stavropoleos Church → Caru’ cu Bere → Lipscani Street → Old Princely Court → Manuc’s Inn → Constitution Square (Palace of Parliament)
Mostly flat but watch your step on some cobblestones.
🎼 Romanian Athenaeum (00:00–00:15)
We started at the Romanian Athenaeum, a stunning neoclassical concert hall built in 1888. What’s cool is that it was funded by ordinary people — basically Bucharest’s original crowdfunding. The round shape and tall columns looked incredible in the soft morning light. We made sure to peek inside, and that dome is seriously something else.
🏛 Revolution Square (00:15–00:30)
Next, we wandered over to Revolution Square. It’s heavy with history — this is where Ceaușescu made his last stand in ’89 before fleeing the scene. The Memorial of Rebirth is hard to miss, although locals jokingly say it looks like a giant potato on a stick. Around the square, we spotted the old Royal Palace, now the National Museum of Art, the tiny Kretzulescu Church, and a statue of King Carol I.
🌞 Macca Villacrosse Passage (00:30–00:40)
Early in the day, the Macca Villacrosse Passage was surprisingly quiet. The glass roof lets in gentle light that softens the warm yellow walls. It’s a little calm bubble away from the city noise. Perfect for a relaxed stroll and some photos.
⛪ Stavropoleos Church (00:40–00:50)
We stopped at this tiny church from 1724, which has a unique mix of Byzantine and Renaissance styles called Brâncovenesc. The carved wooden doors and delicate stone columns caught our eye. Inside, ancient frescoes and icons whisper stories, and the peaceful courtyard gave us a nice moment to breathe.
🍺 Caru’ cu Bere (00:50–01:00)
One of our favourites was Caru’ cu Bere. We got there just as it opened so we could enjoy the stunning Gothic Revival interior without the crowds. Think wood carvings, stained glass, and old-school charm. We later came back for dinner and the atmosphere was buzzing with a proper local vibe.
🚶♂️ Lipscani Street (01:00–01:15)
Lipscani is Bucharest’s oldest commercial street, named after Leipzig in Germany. Walking down it, we saw a lively mix of old merchant houses alongside trendy cafés and shops. It felt like the city’s history and modern life were having a colourful conversation.
🏰 Old Princely Court (01:15–01:25)
Next was the Old Princely Court where Vlad the Impaler once held court in the 15th century. Now it’s ruins, but wandering through them felt like stepping back in time together.
🍽 Manuc’s Inn (01:25–01:35)
Built in 1808, Manuc’s Inn was once Bucharest’s biggest caravanserai. The courtyard was already filling with diners, and although the upstairs rooms are not open to visitors, it was a great spot to soak up the buzz.
🏛 Constitution Square & Palace of Parliament (01:35–02:00)
We finished our walk at Constitution Square with the massive Palace of Parliament towering above. It’s the second largest administrative building in the world and a reminder of Ceaușescu’s grand ambitions. Standing there, it was impossible not to reflect on the city’s complicated history and its resilience.
💡 Pro Tips
Start early to avoid crowds and catch the best light
Wear comfy shoes because those cobblestones are tricky
Try to get inside the Athenaeum and Caru’ cu Bere if you can
Bring a jacket for the open squares as it can get breezy
🕰 More To Do if You Have A Full Day
National Museum of Art — the Royal Palace and its impressive collection (book ahead)
House of Ceaușescu — the dictator’s absurd country home complete with a gold toilet (seriously)
National History Museum — a solid intro to Romania’s past
Museum of Communism — insight into life under Ceaușescu
Palace of Parliament tours — guided tours only, so book ahead
Old Town nightlife — bars and pubs where you don’t usually need to book
Carturesti Carusel Bookstore — a gorgeous multi-level space perfect for book lovers
Old Town side streets — quieter lanes with cosy cafés and street art
Cișmigiu Gardens — Bucharest’s oldest park with a lake, fountains, and sometimes light shows
Herăstrău Park — a huge green space by the lake, free entry
Dimitrie Gusti National Village Museum - open-air museum, an architectural time capsule spread across 100,000 square meters
☁️ Final Thoughts
This two-hour walk gave us a great intro to Bucharest, a city full of contrasts and surprises. The Old Town streets don’t form a neat loop, so expect a bit of backtracking. But honestly, the relaxed wandering and unexpected turns are part of what makes it special.
