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Bucharest Discovery A classical tour offering a new perspective

Tour Snapshot

Situated at the meeting point between East and West, Bucharest is a city of many contrasts.

This tour will take you on a trip through the city’s history and its layers: the Ottoman period, the Little Paris era, the modern sophistication of the interwar metropolis, the communist years, and the present. Discover and understand Bucharest beyond the facades of its buildings.

If this sounds good, then wait ’till you see the real deal. Until then, here are some highlights of this paticular tour:

  • visit Bucharest’s historical center
  • understand the history of the country and of the capital
  • see the remains from the Ottoman era
  • experience the sights of Little Paris, such as the former Royal Palace
  • learn about the effects of communism on the city, including a view of the Palace of Parliament
  • experience the atmosphere of contemporary Bucharest
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Language

English

Starting time

11:00

Duration

2.5 hours

Meeting place

in front of the equestrian statue of Carol I (in the Revolution Square)

Group size

1 – 12

Distance

3.5 km

The Tour in Detail

The tour starts in front of “Carol I” University Foundation (Fundația Universitară „Carol I”), near the equestrian statue of King Carol I, the first king from the last royal dynasty of Romania. Across the street, there is the imposing building of the former Royal Palace, currently the National Museum of Art. This was the heart of interwar Bucharest, known at the time as Little Paris.

From here you can see other landmarks of the period, such as the Atheneum and the very posh Athéné Palace (now InterContinental Hotel). Continuing down Calea Victoriei (The Victory Way), the backbone of the historical city, we get to Piața Revoluției (The Revolution Square) and jump in time to the communist period. Here you can see the headquarters of the Communist Party, an office of Securitate (Romania’s KGB) and the square where the Revolution in 1989 started, putting an end to Romania’s last dictator, Nicolae Ceaușescu.

Continuing along Calea Victoriei towards the old city centre, you will see history parade by as buildings: churches dating back to the Ottoman period, beautiful Frech Eclectic buildings, Art Deco towers, communist block of flats. The old city centre, the oldest part of Bucharest, bears traces of the Ottoman period in the form of three ancient inns. You will also visit Stavropoleos monastery, which has one of the oldest and most picturesque churches, as well as a beautiful hidden garden. Don’t miss the oldest restaurant in town, which keeps its original German design, Carul cu Bere (The Cart with Beer).

The tour ends close to the Parliament Building, formerly known as Casa Poporului (The House of the People), the second-largest administrative building in the world after the Pentagon and Ceaușescu’s megalomaniac dream. If you want to see Bucharest and understand its history in just two and a half hours, there’s no better tour.

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Additional Information

Inclusions: Local English-speaking guide, a traditionally Romanian snack.

Exclusions: Additional food and drinks, souvenirs and personal shopping from the market, tips/gratuities for your guide.

Child Policy: Children of all ages are permitted on this tour at the rate listed above. Please select ‘child’ above when booking.

Additional: We reserve the right to make changes to the route or the locations included in the tour in order to ensure the safety and quality of your experience.

Dietary Notes

If you have specific dietary needs, such as vegetarian, vegan, gluten intolerant or others, please let us know in advance and we will find a solution. Please note that mici are made out of a mix of beef and pork, and we don’t yet have replacement options for them, but we hope you will enjoy the rest of the products offered on the tour. Also, please notify us in advance whether you have any allergies or sensitivities. You can do so in the “Additional Information” box at checkout.
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