Private Bucharest City Tour including Parliament & Village Museum

Welcome to Bucharest, Romania! Prepare for an exciting Bucharest city break as your journey begins with a comfortable hotel pickup at 10:00 AM. Enjoy a captivating Bucharest city tour, which offers a fascinating adventure through history, architecture, and culture.

Start your adventure with a guided walking tour of University Square and Piata Unirii, where you'll learn about Bucharest's recent history. Following this insightful journey, visit the massive Palace of the Parliament, a symbol of Romanian governance located within Europe's largest building.

Continue your Bucharest city tour by walking along the iconic Calea Victoriei, a nearly 3-kilometer-long boulevard steeped in significance. Originally called Podul Mogosoaiei, it was renamed Victoriei Avenue following Romania's victory in the War of Independence in 1878, evoking memories of the city's pre-communist allure and a ”Little Paris” era.

Continue your tour of Bucharest's wonderful landmarks as the city sightseeing journey takes you to Piata Unirii, Piata Presei Libere, and Piata Victoriei, all testaments to the city's rich history. Piata Victoriei stands noteworthy because it intersects with the well-known Victoriei Avenue while also being close to important places such as Victory Palace and the Grigore Antipa Museum, providing a captivating blend of architectural marvels and cultural legacy.

Your schedule also includes visits to Piata Universitatii and Piata Revolutiei, both of which are important sites where the battle for democracy has echoed throughout history. Piata Revolutiei is particularly significant because it was the spot where democracy prevailed against socialism, signalling the tragic end of Nicolae Ceausescu's regime. Hidden within the former Royal Palace, amid the echoes of ancient revolt, lies the National Museum of Art, a tribute to Romania's regal past, alongside the imposing Romanian Athenaeum, an icon of cultural splendour.

As you continue your Bucharest city tour, take in the grandiose Arch of Triumph, a moving monument of Romania's resilience and valour created to honour its participation in World War I. This famous tower, designated a historical monument in 2004, graces one of Bucharest's busiest intersections, allowing visitors to immerse themselves in the city's rich tapestry of history and tradition.

The Palace of the Parliament

The huge building, also known as the House of the People, stands 12 floors tall and contains eight basement levels. The last level is an anti-atomic bunker connected to the city's key institutions via 20 kilometres of catacombs. The construction is one of the most expensive buildings in the world, and it holds the Guinness World Record for the heaviest structure. 

Nonetheless, the edifice pays respect to the totalitarian regime. As communism gradually transformed the city and its architecture, the House of the People (Palatul Parlamentului), also known as the House of the Republic during the communist period, was Nicolae Ceausescu's representation of his goal of recreating Bucharest.

Fun fact: The volume of the Parliament Palace exceeds that of the Great Pyramid of Giza by 2%, making it a ”pharaonic” construction. Because of its weight, the structure sinks by 6mm per year.

The Old Town

When visiting Bucharest's Old Town, expect to witness a mix of historical landmarks, gorgeous époque designs, and a plethora of colourful cafes, restaurants, and street food--the neighbourhood is one of the most vibrant in Eastern Europe. "Old Town" Bucharest is a town full of activity and history, a place of ”contrasts”.

As you explore this vibrant area on your Bucharest city tour, keep an eye out for some additional architectural gems located nearby. One such attraction is the CEC Palace, an impressive neoclassical building that once housed the Romanian Central Bank. Its grand facade and ornate details are sure to capture your attention.

Another jewel waiting to be discovered on your Bucharest city tour is the Stavropoleos Monastery. Founded in 1724, this Orthodox church stands as a testament to Bucharest's rich religious heritage. Admire its stunning Brancovenesc architectural style, named after Constantin Brancoveanu, the Prince of Wallachia who reigned during the church's construction.

Village Museum

As your unforgettable Bucharest city tour draws to an end, prepare to embark on a final adventure – a captivating journey through time at the Village Museum (Muzeul National al Satului Dimitrie Gusti). This open-air museum, a true gem amongst Bucharest's cultural attractions, serves as a time portal, transporting you back to the heart of authentic Romanian village life from centuries past.

The Village Museum has a distinct place on Bucharest city break itineraries. It has the distinction of being one of the first open-air ethnographic museums created anywhere in the world. This pioneering idea, realised in 1936, has cemented the museum's position as a top cultural attraction in Romania, attracting people from all over the world.

Step inside the museum grounds during your Bucharest city tour and expect to be amazed by the collection's sheer size and diversity. With approximately 360 beautifully reproduced historical monuments and 60,000 meticulously conserved objects in its collection, the Village Museum provides a complete view of Romania's rich cultural past.

Located in the bustling heart of Bucharest, near the peaceful Herastrau Park, the Village Museum offers a welcome relief from the city's lively energy. As you stroll along the museum's pathways during your Bucharest city tour, imagine yourself in a rustic Romanian village. Discover a restored village centre replete with a charming church, a functional windmill, and a watermill, all adorned with folk art and handcrafted decorations.

Following your enriching visit to the Village Museum, your Bucharest city tour comes to a gratifying end. With a wealth of memories from your exploration of this fascinating city, you can unwind and rest as you take pleasure in a convenient return transfer to your Bucharest hotel.

Notes:

• Reservations are made at least 48 hours in advance.

• Pickup point: hotel pickup

• Departure time: 10:00 AM

• Trip duration: 7 hours

• Groups larger than ten people will receive special discounts.

• CEC Palace and Stavropoleos Monastery will only be presented during the walking tour, with no internal access.

Your Bucharest city tour may have come to an end, but the vibrant Romanian capital has much more to offer the curious visitor!  If you want to explore further into Bucharest's secret gems and renowned attractions, we've got you covered.

To continue your investigation beyond the city tour, we recommend reading our instructive article, The Best Things to Do in Bucharest. Whether you're drawn to the grandeur of historical palaces, the beauty of secret neighbourhoods, or the exhilarating nightlife scene, our guide will help you plan the ideal schedule for your extended Bucharest city trip.

But Bucharest is more than just a city; it's a doorway to exciting adventures! For those looking to venture beyond the city limits, we provide a broad range of day trips and short escapes to expand your Romanian experience. Transylvania, a place steeped in history and mystery, entices visitors with its majestic castles, quaint villages, and breathtaking scenery. 

With so much more to learn outside the city tour, Bucharest delivers an outstanding getaway. Whether you choose to follow our recommendations or forge your own path, Bucharest welcomes you with open arms, ready to reveal its secret treasures and captivating stories. To begin an exploration journey suited to your interests and preferences, contact Rolandia and allow our expert guides to lead you on a memorable adventure across Romania.