10:00

Walk in the Old Town

Start among the cobbled streets of Lipscani, Bucharest’s historic commercial district, and take in the contrasts between restored facades, 19th-century buildings, and contemporary venues. Set aside about 40 minutes for an unhurried stroll; from Piața Unirii you can reach the area on foot or with a short taxi or rideshare trip.

The central streets can be uneven: comfortable shoes are useful.

10:45

Stavropoleos Church

Visit this small Orthodox church, known for its brâncovenesc-style decorations, carved portico, and intimate courtyard. Allow about 30–40 minutes; admission is generally free, though a small donation is appreciated and access may be limited during services.

Dress respectfully and ask before taking photos inside.

11:30

National Museum of Romanian History

Spend about 90 minutes exploring the collections that tell the country’s story, from ancient evidence to medieval and modern artifacts. Admission may cost roughly 20–40 lei for an adult, with rates and accessible rooms subject to change; check the latest opening hours before you go.

If the museum is closed, use the time to explore the streets of the Old Town at a leisurely pace.

13:15

Lunch in the Old Town

Choose a trattoria or restaurant in the Lipscani area and try Romanian dishes such as ciorbă, sarmale, or mămăligă, checking the ingredients and portion sizes on the menu. Budget around 50–100 lei for a meal with a drink, depending on the place; booking ahead can be useful on weekends.

Check that the menu lists prices in lei and ask whether service is included.

14:45

Palatul CEC and Calea Victoriei

Reach Palatul CEC in just a few minutes on foot and admire its monumental façade and glass dome, among the city’s most photographed sights. Continue along Calea Victoriei on a walk of about 45 minutes, pausing to take in the historic façades and the buildings that tell the story of Bucharest at the end of the 19th century.

Plan to visit the palace mainly from the outside: access to the interior is not always available.

16:15

Piața Revoluției

Explore the square and the sites linked to the 1989 revolution, taking in the Memorialul Renașterii and the buildings facing the urban space. Allow 40–50 minutes for reading the panels, taking photos, and making a short stop; the outdoor visit is free.

Spend a few minutes reading the plaques: they help put the historical events into context.

17:20

Ateneul Român

Admire from the outside the circular façade and the dramatic staircase of the Romanian Athenaeum, one of the city’s most iconic concert halls. If a concert is scheduled or tours are available, check availability and prices, which vary; otherwise, a stop of about 30–45 minutes in the neighborhood will let you appreciate its architecture.

Access to the interior spaces depends on rehearsals, concerts and events: don’t take it for granted.

19:00

Dinner between the Athenaeum and the city center

End the day at a restaurant in the area around the Athenaeum or along Calea Victoriei, choosing local or contemporary cuisine. For dinner, budget roughly 70–150 lei per person, excluding any extras; if you prefer to return to the old town, you can walk back in about 20–25 minutes.

Book ahead at the most popular places and check kitchen closing times.