Bucharest Beyond the Boulevards: A Self-Guided Audio Tour

Bucharest , Romania

Bucharest Beyond the Boulevards: A Self-Guided Audio Tour

Active

1h - 1h

For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.

Instant confirmation

Mobile or paper ticket accepted

About this experience

Bucharest was once called ”Little Paris of the East” for its sophisticated Belle Époque elegance. But beneath the Romanian capital’s grand boulevards lies a more complex story of defiance.

On this self-guided walking tour, you’ll discover how an Ottoman trading hub became a modern European city, surviving fascism and one of history’s most dramatic revolutions.

The tour starts at the historic CEC Bank on Calea Victoriei. You’ll see the Villacrosse Passage with its vintage charm, and then follow the city’s most prestigious boulevard past architecture that’s seen centuries of political upheaval.

Along the way, you’ll hear stories that reveal how ordinary Romanians lived, loved, and fought for their beliefs through some of Europe’s most turbulent decades. The tour ends at Victory Square, where history and modern politics meet, and where you’ll find the impressive headquarters of the Romanian government, Victoria Palace.

Available options

Bucharest Beyond the Boulevards: A Self-Guided Audio Tour

What's included

VoiceMap App for Android and iOS

Lifetime access to this tour in English

Offline access to audio, maps, and geodata

Detailed itinerary

This self-guided audio tour starts at the historic CEC Bank on Calea Victoriei. You’ll discover how an Ottoman trading hub became a modern European city, surviving fascism and one of history’s most dramatic revolutions.

Stop 2 Pass by

You’ll see the Villacrosse Passage with its vintage charm, and then follow the city’s most prestigious boulevard past architecture that’s seen centuries of political upheaval.

You'll see University Square, where brave students sparked the 1989 Revolution, and the streets where elegant mansions once housed aristocrats, courtesans, and political conspirators.

On this walking tour, you'll pass by and learn about "Ion Luca Caragiale" National Theatre.

On this walking tour, you'll pass by and learn about The Italian Church.

Find out where King Michael of Romania learned to swim in Hotel Lido’s revolutionary wave pool

Stand in Revolution Square where Ceaușescu’s final speech turned into chaos as the crowd began booing and chanting ”Down with Ceaușescu!”

Visit the Romanian Athenaeum, built through the ”Un leu pentru Ateneu” campaign, where citizens donated one leu each

On this walking tour, you'll pass by and learn about Amzei Church.

Hear how underground tunnels beneath Calea Victoriei may have served as escape routes for nobility and communist officials

Discover Casa Vernescu, a casino housed in a mansion that’s haunted by political intrigue and tragic love affairs

Stop 12 Pass by

Walk past the building where George Enescu composed his famous Romanian Rhapsodies

Stop 13 Pass by

Grigore Antipa National Museum of Natural History

What's not included

Smartphone and headphones

Transportation

Food and drink

Tickets or entrance fees to any museums or other attractions en route

Available languages

Audio guide

Important information

Suitable for all physical fitness levels

Meeting point

This self-guided audio tour starts in front of the Palace of the Deposits and Consignments. Before arrival, please install the mobile app and use the code provided on your confirmation ticket. Detailed starting point instructions are available after downloading.

Important notes

VOICEMAP CODE
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Please check your email at the address you provided when you made this booking. You've been sent an eight character code you'll need to redeem your tour.

This code can be used by every member of your party. If you've booked for three people, for example, three people can download this tour using the same code.

DOWNLOAD INSTRUCTIONS

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Once you've received your code, please follow these steps:

Install the VoiceMap Audio Tours mobile app

Create an account

Select Tour Codes from the menu, then select Enter Codes

Enter your code then select Download Now

PLEASE NOTE
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You can download the tour at any time, before or after your booking date. It’s best to download the tour before you set off for the starting point.

This tour follows a set route and includes turn-by-turn directions. It works best if you start it in the right place and follow the directions from one location to the next.

When the download completes, you’ll see a screen with a photo of the starting point and directions to it. The red start button will become active when you are at the starting point.

Remember to bring your own headphones, unless you have booked a driving tour.

SUPPORT
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For technical support and other queries, please email support@voicemap.me

About Bucharest

Bucharest, the capital of Romania, is a vibrant city known for its blend of historic architecture and modern development. With a rich cultural scene, lively nightlife, and significant historical landmarks, it offers a unique experience for travelers.

Top Attractions

Palace of the Parliament

One of the largest administrative buildings in the world, a symbol of communist architecture and power.

Historical/Architecture 2-3 hours €7-10

Old Town (Lipscani)

The historic center of Bucharest, filled with charming streets, cafes, restaurants, and nightlife.

Historical/Cultural Half-day Free to explore

Village Museum (Muzeul Satului)

An open-air museum showcasing traditional Romanian village life with authentic houses and buildings.

Cultural 2-3 hours €3-5

Must-Try Local Dishes

Sarmale

Cabbage rolls stuffed with minced meat, rice, and spices, usually served with polenta and sour cream

Main Course Contains meat and gluten

Mămăligă

Polenta made from cornmeal, often served with cheese, sour cream, or meat dishes

Side Dish Vegetarian, gluten-free

Ciorbă

A sour soup made with various ingredients such as meat, vegetables, or fish, often served with a boiled egg and sour cream

Soup Can be vegetarian or with meat

Popular Activities

Hiking in the Carpathian Mountains Skiing in Poiana Brașov Spa treatments Strolling through Herăstrău Park Visiting museums and art galleries Attending classical concerts at the Romanian Athenaeum Boating on Lake Herăstrău Skiing

Best Time to Visit

June to August

This is the warmest time of the year with the most outdoor activities and festivals. However, it can be crowded with tourists.

20°C to 30°C 68°F to 86°F

Practical Information

Language

Official: Romanian
Widely spoken: English, French
English: Moderately spoken

Currency

Romanian Leu (RON)

Time Zone

GMT+2 (EET), GMT+3 (EEST) during daylight saving time

Electricity

230VV, 50HzHz

Safety Information

Overall Safety Rating: Generally safe, but exercise caution in certain areas

Bucharest is generally safe for tourists, but petty crime such as pickpocketing and scams can occur, especially in crowded areas. Be cautious at night and avoid poorly lit streets.

Important Precautions:

• Keep valuables secure and out of sight
• Use licensed taxis or ride-sharing apps
• Be cautious of strangers approaching you with unsolicited offers or requests

Getting there

By air

Henri Coandă International Airport • 16.7 km (10.4 miles) from city center
Aurel Vlaicu International Airport • 8 km (5 miles) from city center

By train

Gara de Nord, Băneasa

By bus

Autogara Nord, Autogara Sud

Getting around

Public transport

Clean, efficient, and affordable. The metro system is the fastest way to get around Bucharest.

Taxis

Available • Apps: Bolt, Uber

Rentals

Car, Bike, Scooter

Neighborhoods

Old Town (Lipscani) Dorobanți Cotroceni

Day trips

Peleș Castle

120 km (75 miles) • Full day

A stunning neo-Renaissance castle nestled in the Carpathian Mountains, once the summer residence of the Romanian royal family.

Bran Castle

160 km (100 miles) • Full day

A medieval fortress often associated with Dracula, offering a glimpse into Romania's rich history and folklore.

Sinaia

120 km (75 miles) • Full day

A beautiful mountain town known for its stunning landscapes, historic sites, and outdoor activities.

Festivals

Bucharest International Film Festival (BIFF) • April George Enescu Festival • September Bucharest Pride • June

Pro tips

Learn a few basic Romanian phrases to enhance your experience and interact with locals
Explore beyond the tourist hotspots to discover hidden gems and local culture
Use public transport or walk to get a sense of the city's rhythm and avoid traffic
Try local street food for an authentic and affordable culinary experience
Visit major attractions early in the morning or late in the afternoon to avoid crowds