Spring is on its way in, and so is the season for city breaks! As the blossoms paint Bucharest with vibrant hues, it’s the perfect time to explore the city’s hidden gems. Beyond the well-known landmarks, travel to Bucharest to find lesser-known tourist attractions waiting to be discovered.
In this guide, we’ll unveil the charm of these off-the-beaten-path destinations, inviting you to delve into the rich tapestry of Bucharest’s culture and history. Get ready to embark on a journey that goes beyond the ordinary, revealing the captivating tales and enchanting corners that make Bucharest a unique and delightful destination for your spring city break!
Experience Bucharest as a local, by visiting some of these hidden gems. Some can be explored independently, while others offer the option of guided tours for a more immersive experience.
Bellu Cemetery
If Bucharest is the Little Paris, then Bellu Cemetery is the Père Lachaise of Bucharest. It is not only the final resting place of numerous notable Romanian figures, such as writers Mihai Eminescu, George Cosbuc, Nichita Stănescu or Ion Luca Caragiale, actors such as Toma Caragiu or Dem Radulescu or statesmen such as Nicolae Titulescu, Iuliu Maniu or Ion C Bratianu. It is also an important architectural landmark of the city. Elaborate tombs, stunning sculptures, and intricate details make it a visual feast. You’ll find a mix of styles, from neoclassical to art nouveau, turning the cemetery into an open-air museum of craftsmanship.
Interested in some dark tories? Bellu is a repository of intriguing and sometimes whimsical stories that add an extra layer of charm to this unique resting place. There’s a tombstone with a sculpture depicting a man and a woman in a passionate kiss. Legend has it that if you touch the sculpture, it brings luck in love. Aurel Vlaicu, a Romanian aviation pioneer, has a monument with an airplane that seems to be perpetually taking off. The unfinished flight symbolizes his tragic end, as he died in a crash while attempting to fly over the Carpathian Mountains.
Curious to uncover more stories? We suggest taking a guided tour of the area, led by Damian Anfile, the Museum’s Curator.
Lesser Known Tourist Attractions in Bucharest: Ceausescu Mansion
While the Parliament House is widely recognized as the colossal structure erected during Nicolae Ceausescu’s communist regime, few are familiar with the residence where the Ceausescu family actually lived. Situated in the Primaverii Quartier and known as “The Spring Palace,” this villa is open to the public, offering a glimpse into the lesser-known but equally intriguing aspect of Ceausescu’s life. The luxurious and comfortable interior hosts an impressive art collection, crafted by notable artists such as Octav Băncilă, Camil Ressu, Rudolf Cumpăna or Dumitru Ghiață, as well as a diverse range of handmade tapestries and an extensive array of mosaics.
If you want to find out more about Ceaușescu’s life, not only as a former head of state but also about his private life, hobbies, study habits and daily routine, book here your ticket and add the tour on your list of things to do in Bucharest.
The Largest Collection of Corkscrews and Pressing Irons in the World
Ever heard about the Museum of Romanian Records in Bucharest? It’s a cool spot where you can check out some delightfully quirky world records. Here you can find the largest Corkscrews Collection in the world (with over 30,000 items), the largest Collection of Edelweiss related items (2,754 objects), the largest collection of Romanian Philatelic Items and the largest Pressing Iron Collection with more than 35,000 items.
So, whether you’re a solo adventurer, a family looking for a day of fun, or a couple seeking something different, the Museum of Records is where it’s at. You’ll leave with a smile, some fun facts, and maybe even a record-breaking spirit :). (Photo Credit: Museum of Romanian Records)
Lesser Known Tourist Attractions in Bucharest: Obor Farmers’ Market
Local flavors, colorful atmosphere, fresh produce straight from the farm, street food delights and last, but not least, a great instagrammable place – there’s a top thing to see in Bucharest! Obor Market is best known by tourists by his renown “mici”, the grilled minced meat delights, probably the best in Bucharest.
From traditional foods to handmade crafts, Piata Obor provides an authentic cultural experience. Engage with locals, vendors, and artisans to immerse yourself in the cultural exchange that defines Obor Market. You might discover hidden gems and local insights by striking up conversations.
How to get there – it is an easy subway ride from near Hotel Cismigiu, your preferred hotel in Bucharest. Take the train until Obor Station and you will easily reach the market.
Rooftop View at Cismigiu – Bistro La Etaj
The most accessible spot from Hotel Cismigiu is just an elevator ride away – head up to the top floor where you’ll find Cismigiu – Bistro la Etaj. This is the very place where we serve a delightful breakfast every morning for our guests. Here, you not only get to relish a freshly brewed cup of coffee and a nourishing breakfast to kickstart your day, but also indulge in the picturesque rooftop view of the city. Take in the sights of beautiful Art Nouveau buildings and a panoramic view of Elisabeta Boulevard, once renowned as the Broadway of Bucharest, unfolding in the morning light.
Looking to secure your stay with Hotel Cismigiu? Opt for accommodation in the heart of the city, featuring spacious apartments conveniently located near all the noteworthy attractions in Bucharest. Enjoy easy accessibility via various transportation options, and benefit from our dedicated private parking for guests. For the most competitive accommodation in Bucharest rates, make your reservation directly through our website.
Politehnica Subway Station
Why do we suggest paying a visit to a subway station? Well, this one is truly unique. Constructed in the ’80s during the communist regime, the station’s floor was adorned with limestone blocks sourced from the Apuseni Mountains. Little did anyone know at the time that the intriguing and quirky shapes observed on the stones were, in fact, ancient fossils of prehistoric beings! Yes, as you step off the train at Politehnica Station, you’ll be walking directly over 80 million years of history! Quite remarkable, isn’t it?
Lesser Known Tourist Attractions in Bucharest: Melik House
The building is now considered the oldest house in Bucharest open to the public. It was built between 1750 and 1760 by the Armenian Hagi Kevork Nazaretoglu, renovated in 1822 and inherited by Jacob Melik, who preserved its style. He left the house to the Armenian community in his will to turn it into “a refuge for poor widows”.
Now it is known as Pallady Museum. Within its rooms, we find works by well known Romanian painter Theodor Pallady and more than 800 drawings featuring nudes, portraits and interiors, representative of the artist’s Parisian period. It is part of the National Museum of Art Romania and open for tourists Wednesdays to Sundays, from 10:00 to 18:00. To book your visit, take a look on the museum’s website.
Keen on embarking on a walking tour through the city to uncover additional hidden gems of Bucharest? Secure your spot on a tour and delve deeper into the discoveries!
