Walking Through Bucharest: A Guide to Its Historic Heart
Introduction - About My Self-Guided Walking Tour of Bucharest
I spent a day exploring Bucharest on foot, braving the sweltering heat of nearly 100 degrees Fahrenheit. With limited time between my day trips to Constanta and Bran Castle, I aimed to see as much of the city as possible. My journey took me through bustling squares, historic streets, and impressive landmarks, offering a glimpse into Bucharest’s rich history and vibrant culture.
My accommodations were located near Piata Romană, which was the starting point for my self-guided walking tour of Bucharest. I decided to begin by walking west towards Calea Victoriei (Victory Street.) Once I reached the intersection with Calea Victoriei, I turned onto the avenue and walked south towards Old Town Bucharest. For those with limited time, Old Town Bucharest is where you will want to spend the majority of your time.
The Two Jewels of Bucharest
Just past Old Town Bucharest are two of my favorite attractions, the Bucharest Fountains and the Palace of Parliament. These two jewels of Bucharest will be featured later in the sections below.
Walking Through Bucharest: A Guide to Its Historic Heart - Table of Contents
- Introduction – About My Self-Guided Walking Tour of Bucharest
- Calea Victoriei: A Historic Pedestrian Street
- The Odeon Theater and Piata Odeon
- Old Town Bucharest
- The Palace of Justice and Bucharest Fountains
- The Palace of Parliament: A Must-See
- Bucharest City Tours and Packages
- Support Buzzin’ Around the World – Visit Our Affiliates
- Earning Points and Rewards
- Related Content
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Calea Victoriei: A Historic Pedestrian Street
Calea Victoriei, a historic pedestrian street lined with elegant buildings, shops, and cafes, is a must-visit for any visitor to Bucharest. As I strolled down this charming boulevard, I encountered a variety of architectural styles, from Art Nouveau to Baroque.
National Museum of Art
One of the first sites I came across was the National Museum of Art, housed in a stunning Art Nouveau building. The museum boasts a vast collection of Romanian and international art, including works by renowned artists such as Constantin Brancusi and Henri Matisse.
Equestrian Statue of Carol I
Across the street from the National Museum of Art, I stopped to admire the Equestrian Statue of Carol I. This statue is a majestic bronze monument honoring King Carol I, who played a crucial role in Romania’s modernization.
Memorial of Rebirth
Nearby, I stopped to check out the Memorial of Rebirth, which commemorates the victims of the 1989 Romanian Revolution. This memorial offers a poignant reminder of the Romania’s turbulent past.
Monument of Luliu Maniu and Statue of Corneliu Coposu
Just down the street, the Monument of Luliu Maniu, a prominent Romanian politician and statesman, stands as a symbol of the country’s struggle for independence. I also stopped to photograph the unique statue of Corneliu Coposu, a Romanian political figure, which features only his head.
Kretzulescu Church
Located next to the Statue of Corneliu Coposu is the Kretzulescu Church, a beautiful Romanian Orthodox church. All of these landmarks are within a few 100 yards of each other. As I continued to walk down Calea Victoriei, I started to get closer to Old Town Bucharest.
The Odeon Theater and Piata Odeon
The pedestrian-only portion of Calea Victoriei ends near the Odeon Theater. The Odean Theater is a historic theater located in Piata Odeon. This elegant building, which dates back to the late 19th century, hosts a variety of performances, including plays, concerts, and ballets. The square itself is a peaceful oasis in the heart of the city, offering a perfect spot to relax and enjoy the atmosphere. During my visit, there was construction near Piata Odeon, which made it slightly more difficult to explore the square.
Old Town Bucharest
Just to the west of Calea Victoriei lies Old Town Bucharest. After walking the length of Calea Victoriei, I backtracked through Old Town Bucharest. Old Town Bucharest is lined with cobblestone streets and offers a glimpse into the city’s vibrant past.
Some of the main tourist sights inside Old Town Bucharest include the Stavropoleos Monastery, the Curtea Veche Royal Court, St. Anthony Church and the National Museum of Romanian History.
Whether exploring the vibrant nightlife, indulging in delicious Romanian cuisine, or simply strolling through the picturesque streets, Old Town Bucharest is sure to leave a lasting impression.
For me, the main highlights of Old Town Bucharest included souvenir shopping, people-watching, and eating a wonderful Romanian dinner.
The Palace of Justice and Bucharest Fountains
After walking around Old Town for just over an hour, I was back near Piata Odeon. Just past Piata Odeon, Calea Victoriei runs into the Dâmbovița River. Just across the river, the Palace of Justice, one of the largest administrative buildings in Europe, is a towering symbol of Romanian law and order. This impressive structure, which houses the Romanian Supreme Court, is a must-see for architecture enthusiasts.
The Bucharest Fountains
Just around the corner from the Palace of Justice, the Bucharest Fountains create a stunning visual spectacle, especially when illuminated at night. These fountains, which feature a variety of water jets and sculptures, are a popular spot for locals and tourists alike. The Bucharest fountains created a mesmerizing spectacle that left me truly impressed.
The Palace of Parliament: A Must-See
After the Bucharest Fountains, I walked down the fountain-lined streets of Bulevardul Unirii (or Union Boulevard). At the end of the boulevard is the Palace of Parliament. The Palace of Parliament is the second-largest administrative building in the world and is a truly awe-inspiring sight. This massive structure, which was built at the behest of former dictator Nicolae Ceaușescu, is a testament to Romania’s history and culture. The palace’s opulent interior, which features intricate marble carvings, ornate chandeliers, and luxurious furnishings, is a marvel to behold. A guided tour of the palace offers a fascinating glimpse into the country’s past and present.
After spending some time admiring the Palace of the Parliament, I walked to the Izvor Station and took the Bucharest Metro back to my accommodations.
Bucharest Tours and Packages
Bucharest is a city that can be enjoyed with or without a guide. While I visited Bucharest without a guide, I know many people enjoy being led around by a local expert. In the section below, I have linked a variety of tours of Bucharest. Some of these tours are walking tours, and others include transportation by car or bus. Please note that I am an affiliate of Viator. If you purchase a package using one of my links, I will receive a small commission. This commission is at no additional cost to you.
 Bucharest panoramic tour (by car) and city center walking tour - Private - 4h - $92.39 If you’re short on time in Bucharest, a private tour will sure satisfy your desire to explore the capital of Romania. |
 Walking Tour of Bucharest City Center - Private Tour - $105.43 Created for the traveler short on time but who does not want to miss out on the most important attractions of the city, Bucharest City Center Walking Tour helps you discover all major landmarks of Bucharest’s City Center and gives you a better understanding of the history and politics that shaped the town, all from an experienced local guide with all the inside knowledge. |
 Hidden Gems of Bucharest Tour - $40.99 Visit places only 10% of ‘Bucharestians’ know about such as romantic neighborhoods full of history and charm ready to be explored. Get inside tips from your local guide. |
 Private Half Day Bucharest Tour – 4 hours - $64.27 The tour will start at the hotel and following a four-hour itinerary will show the participants the most exciting sights of Bucharest downtown with entrance at the Parliament Palace (optional – open between 10 am – 3 pm) and The Village Museum (optional – open between 10 am – 4 pm). Besides the two visits, short stops for explanations and photos will be made on the route. |
 Communist Era Bucharest Tour - $20.73 The Days of Communism private tour of Bucharest centre concentrates on the recent history of this great city, including the Palace of Parliament and Revolution Square. |
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