3 Days in Bucharest

Day 1: Exploring Bucharest’s Historic Landmarks and Communist Past

Morning:

• Free Walking Tour of Bucharest
  Begin your journey with a free walking tour of the city, visiting major landmarks like Victory Avenue, Revolution Square, and University Square. Learn about Bucharest’s complex past, from its royal beginnings to its communist era and its subsequent rebirth. You will go past the former headquarters of the Securitate, Romania's notorious secret police. This building was at the center of a regime that spied on and oppressed its people. Though now a commercial space, it’s still steeped in eerie stories of surveillance and control.

Lunch:

• M60 Café
  Head to M60, a modern café popular with locals for its minimalist Scandinavian-style décor and creative brunch offerings. Whether you’re in the mood for classic Romanian coffee or something more adventurous, M60 has a laid-back vibe perfect for a slow morning.

Afternoon:

• Palace of the Parliament (Presidential Palace)
  Visit one of the largest administrative buildings in the world—the Palace of the Parliament. Built by dictator Nicolae Ceaușescu, it’s a grand symbol of the excesses of communism. The opulent yet hollow structure is a stark contrast to the hardships Romanians faced during its construction, making it a must-see for understanding the impact of Ceaușescu's rule.

Evening:

• Manuc’s Inn (Hanul lui Manuc)
  Head to the Old Town for dinner at Manuc’s Inn, one of the oldest inns in Europe. This historic building, with its Ottoman-style courtyard, serves delicious Romanian dishes like sarmale (cabbage rolls) and mici (grilled meat rolls), all in a lively setting. It’s an atmospheric dining experience where you can immerse yourself in Bucharest’s multicultural past.

Day 2: Creative Spaces and Culinary Adventures

Morning:

• Origo Coffee
  Start your day with a brew at Origo, Bucharest’s famous coffee spot known for its artisanal coffee-making techniques. The atmosphere is minimalist and modern, a perfect reflection of the city's evolving café culture.

• Camera Lucida Lab
  After your caffeine fix, explore the artistic side of Bucharest at Camera Lucida Lab, a hands-on photography lab. You’ll have the chance to experiment with vintage techniques and create your own artistic snapshots, offering a creative break from traditional sightseeing. Also meet their resident furry friend a friendly Golden Retriever!

Lunch:

• Mauerhaus Bucharest
  For lunch, head to Mauerhaus, a restaurant in a historic building that once hid revolutionaries. Their menu offers traditional Romanian cuisine with a twist—try their ciorbă (sour soup) or pork dishes, all made with fresh local ingredients. The rustic setting makes for a relaxed yet culturally rich dining experience.

Afternoon:

• The Clock at University Square
  Visit The Clock, which deliberatly runs 30 minutes late due to the former King, Carol I disliking the fact that people were always running late to meetings. He put clocks all over the city which did not end up helping, so he ensured all of them ran 30 minutes fast, the one in the University Square is the only one that still does so. Beside the clock tower is a small but beautiful park where you can unwind and enjoy a little boat ride.

• Caspa Bakery
  After a walk around the park , grab a quick snack at Caspa Bakery, where you can sample traditional Romanian baked treats like covrigi (pretzels) or placinta (savory or sweet pastry). This was the first bakery in Bucharest to use the french style of patisserie in its baking. Their flaky pastries are perfect for refuelling before diving into more exploration.

Dinner:

• Sera Eden Restaurant
  Nestled in a lush greenhouse, Sera Eden offers a fresh, farm-to-table experience with dishes like seasonal vegetable plates and meats sourced locally. The peaceful, greenery-filled setting feels worlds away from the bustling city and is perfect for a laid-back, intimate meal.

Day 3: Bucharest’s Local Hangouts and Hidden Spots

Morning:

• Frog Café in Bucharest is a cozy and vibrant spot perfect for brunch lovers. Known for its laid-back vibe, it offers a variety of dishes that blend international brunch classics with local ingredients. Their menu features options like fresh croissants, scrambled eggs, gourmet sandwiches, and smoothie bowls, all served in a welcoming space filled with plants and natural light. It's an ideal spot for those who appreciate wholesome, delicious food in a relaxed atmosphere.

Afternoon:

• Head to the Therme Bucharest, located about 20 km north of the city, it is one of the largest wellness centres in Europe. Featuring natural thermal water, indoor and outdoor pools, saunas, and a range of spa treatments, it's the perfect escape for relaxation. The complex is divided into themed areas like the Elysium, The Palm, and Galaxy zones, catering to different experiences, from luxurious adult-only relaxation to family-friendly fun.
  
  

Evening:

• POT Stories
  For lunch, make your way to POT Stories, a hip restaurant known for its fusion dishes and casual, trendy atmosphere. A must-try here is their schnitzel, a modern take on the classic dish, perfectly crispy on the outside and tender on the inside. The restaurant’s creative ambiance matches the vibrancy of the city, offering both comfort food and innovative flavors.

Places to Stay:

Rezident is a stylish and modern place to stay in Bucharest, offering a unique blend of contemporary design and historic charm. It’s located in the heart of the city, making it a convenient base for exploring Bucharest’s key attractions, including the Old Town, Revolution Square, and many cafes, bars, and restaurants.

• Boutique Apartments: Rezident offers fully furnished apartments, giving you the comfort of a home with the amenities of a hotel. Each apartment is designed with a unique and cool aesthetic, often incorporating Romanian-inspired art and décor.

• Self-Check-In: Rezident emphasises ease and convenience, with self-check-in options that allow you to settle in seamlessly without the need for a traditional reception.

• Local Experience: Staying at Rezident gives you a chance to live like a local, as it's situated in residential neighborhoods close to both tourist landmarks and hidden gems. Whether it’s local bakeries, boutiques, or cafes, you’ll find authentic Bucharest experiences right around the corner.

The apartments are great for short stays, offering modern amenities like fully equipped kitchens, stylish living areas, and workspaces, ideal for travelers who want to experience a more personalised and independent stay in Bucharest.

Hidden Histories of Bucharest:

• The Little Paris of the East
  Bucharest was known as "Little Paris" in the early 20th century due to its elegant boulevards and Belle Époque architecture. This era marked the city as a cultural hub with strong links to France.

• Ceausescu’s Utopian Vision
  Ceaușescu’s ambition to create a socialist utopia led to the destruction of much of historic Bucharest, one architect managed to convince him to keep a couple of the original churches throughout the city but they have been hidden behind fake facades to hide their view, see if you can spot any on your tour!

• Chuck Norris vs Communism
  During the 1980s, banned Western films, especially Chuck Norris movies, were secretly distributed on VHS tapes. These tapes showed Romanians a world outside of Ceaușescu’s censorship, inspiring hope and rebellion. They were however dubbed by one lady who voiced every charachter. She also did not swear so often made up a different sentence if the character in the film was swearing.

This 3-day itinerary offers a balance of Bucharest’s hidden histories, creative hangouts, and culinary gems, ensuring you experience the city’s cultural richness and intriguing backstories.