Europe Trip Week 17: From Rome to Romania.  We arrived in Bucharest, now as a family of 4.  After weeks of delay in the US and a few wasted flight tickets, my husband finally joined us on our last day in Rome, Italy, together with my favorite wide angle lens and tripod. 

We walked around Bucharest briefly, and even tried an escape room for the first time.  We felt like a clumsy Poirot in Agatha Christie’s novel, having to balance between two noisy kids and solving the mystery.  Old town was lively and food scene was more than fantastic.

We spent a total of 17 days exploring Romania on a road trip. I’ll break down our itinerary into 4 parts.

👉 This first post will cover our first 4 days in Bucharest, the capital of Romania

👉 The second post will cover our drive along two most scenic highways in Romania: Transfăgărășan Highway and Transalpina Highway. Please note at the time of writing this blog, the Transfăgărășan and Transalpina Highway are both closed and couldn’t be marked on google map as through roads. Therefore they didn’t appear on the map above.

👉 The third post will cover our favorite photo spots in Sibiu and Sighișoara, two cultural and historic towns in Romania, as well as nearby UNESCO towns and villages.

👉 The last post will cover our last 7 days and highlights in two major towns, Brasov and Cluj-Napoca, as well as their nearby towns and castles.

Now, back to part 1 of our Romania trip. I'll be your guide to my 10 favorite photo spots in the vibrant capital city of Bucharest, where tradition meets modernity.

1️⃣ Old Town (Lipscani)

Bucharest's Old Town, also known as Lipscani, is a captivating district that weaves together centuries of history with a lively contemporary vibe.

Its narrow cobblestone streets are lined with a kaleidoscope of buildings showcasing various architectural styles, from medieval to baroque.

Brimming with cafes, boutiques, and vibrant street art, this atmospheric area invites visitors to explore its charming corners, making it a hub of cultural richness and urban excitement in the heart of the Romanian capital.

If you are a foodie, you would definitely love Bucharest. We were impressed with the food quality, as well as the technology (bar code menu, mobile self checkout etc) we haven’t seen in other places in Europe. Among all the restaurants we’ve tried, Aubergine, Vatra and Le Bab were our favorite, all located in Old Town.

2️⃣ Palace of the Parliament

The Palace of the Parliament in Bucharest stands as a colossal architectural masterpiece, holding the title of the heaviest building globally. With its grandiose presence and intricate details, this iconic structure symbolizes Romania's rich history and cultural heritage, inviting visitors to marvel at its sheer scale and opulence.

3️⃣ Macca-Villacrosse passage

A fork-shaped, glass covered arcaded street in central Bucharest. One fork side of the Passage is known as Macca, while the other is Villacrosse. The passage hosts numerous indoor/outdoor eating restaurants, cafes and hookah-smoking bars.

We were lucky to have stayed in an airbnb right next to the passage, and walked through it almost everyday during our stay in Bucharest. It’s also part of the old town in Bucharest and frequented by tourists.

4️⃣ Cărturești Carusel

Cărturești Carusel is a mesmerizing architectural gem and a book lover's paradise, housed in a beautifully restored 19th-century building with a stunning white spiral staircase that ascends through its six floors of books and unique literary finds.

The bookstore's elegant design, coupled with its extensive collection and cozy reading nooks, creates an enchanting space where visitors can lose themselves in the world of literature.

5️⃣ Stavropoleos Monastery

Stavropoleos Monastery in Bucharest is a hidden gem of Byzantine architecture, dating back to the 18th century, featuring a delicate blend of Romanian and Oriental influences in its intricate carvings and frescoes.

Nestled in the Old Town of Bucharest, the monastery captivates visitors with its peaceful courtyard, adorned with traditional Romanian motifs, creating a serene oasis amidst the urban hustle.

6️⃣ The Carol I University Foundation statue

The Carol I University Foundation statue in Bucharest pays homage to King Carol I, the monarch who played a pivotal role in the establishment of Romania's first modern university. Positioned in a central location, the statue stands as a dignified tribute, commemorating the contributions of King Carol I to the nation's educational development.

7️⃣ Iuliu Maniu statue

The Iuliu Maniu statue in Bucharest honors the prominent Romanian politician and statesman who played a key role in the country's history, advocating for democracy and human rights.

Situated in a prominent location, the statue stands as a testament to Maniu's enduring legacy and his contributions to Romania's political and social development.

8️⃣ Dâmbovița River

The Dâmbovița River meanders through the heart of Bucharest, defining the cityscape with its gentle flow and scenic waterfront. While historically significant, the riverbanks have undergone revitalization, featuring parks and promenades that provide a serene escape in the midst of the bustling urban environment.

9️⃣ Museum of Senses

The Museum of Senses, located in a shopping mall in central Bucharest, offers a whimsical and interactive experience, captivating visitors with mind-bending optical illusions, sensory exhibits, and thought-provoking installations across its various rooms.

With a playful approach to perception and reality, the museum invites guests to explore and engage their senses in an entertaining and immersive environment.

It was very similar to Museum of Illusions that we had visited in Sofia, Bulgaria but smaller. Nevertheless, our kids still had tons of fun and really enjoyed it.

In fact, there are dozens of Museum of Illusions in many metropolises in different countries. So it’s fair to say this one is not a must-visit. But if you have young kids and would like to diversify your experience from seeing history and architecture in Bucharest, this could be a great stop.

🔟 Cișmigiu Park

Cișmigiu Park in Bucharest is a picturesque urban oasis, renowned for its serene lake, lush greenery, and charming bridges that create a tranquil escape in the heart of the city.

We went to this park two days in a roll just for the kids.

As I mentioned in the beginning, there was an Escape Room near the park. We didn’t have choice due to language barrier. There was only one escape room in English, and it happened to be the hardest one. We failed the mission, but did work through to the final step before time ran out. Given it was our first time to ever try an escape room, while having to entertain two kids at the same time, we were proud of what we had achieved and rewarded ourselves a big meal afterwards.

This wraps up part 1 of our Romania trip. Stay tuned for my favorite photo spots on our road trip along Transfăgărășan Highway and Transalpine Highway, and much more about the beautiful Romania.

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