Bucharest, Private Tour of the City
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Bucharest, Private Tour of the City

Active
1h - 4h
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
Instant confirmation
Mobile or paper ticket accepted

About this experience

Nicolae Ceausescu and his wife Elena ruled the country for 24 years, from 1965 until 1989. During those years, Romania underwent several changes, and the population had to endure an endless number of injustices and restrictions. Generally, historians present the Romanian Communism in two segments: one between 1965 and 1971, and one between 1971 and 1989.

During his first years as a ruler, Nicolae Ceausescu had an open policy towards Western Europe and the United States of America, which strayed from the Warsaw Pact signed during the Cold War. This period is best characterized by a relative liberalization of Romania. A new constitution was adopted in 1965, and entrepreneurship was widely encouraged. The main focus of the Communist Party seemed to be the improvement of people's personal comfort, and large funds were allocated to building flats so that everyone could own a private residence.

Available options

Bucharest, Private Tour of the City

Pickup included

What's included

Private transportation
English speaking guide
Entry tickets to Ceausescu House

Detailed itinerary

1

Also known as the Spring Palace, is a luxurious building where Romania's former Communist leader, Nicolae Ceausescu, and his family, lived between 1965 and 1989. The Palace was built between 1964 and 1965, and it is surrounded by 14,830 square meters of land. The architecture designer of the palace was Aron Grimberg-Solari, and the landscaping was done by Robert Wolf, who also designed the furniture of the Ceausescu Palace.The Ceausescu Palace is located on Primaverii Street (Spring Street), where most of the houses in this area were built at the beginning of the 1930s. Initially, Primaverii was a neighborhood inhabited only by officials, because the gas and electricity factory was very close. Following the Russian model as a close example, the Communists searched for a single neighborhood to build houses for the state officials, and they choose this place. Thus, in 1950, the construction of the villas located in the neighborhood began.

2
Stop 2

Built at the special request of Nicolae Ceausescu, leader of Romania's Communist Party, the colossal Parliament Palace
- formerly known as "People's House" ( Casa Poporului ) -
is the world's second largest administrative building
after the U. S. Pentagon.
It took 20,000 workers and 700 architects to build this masive structure that boasts 12 stories, 1,100 rooms,
a 350-ft.-long lobby and eight underground levels, including an enormous nuclear bunker.

The Palace of Parliament it is the world's second-largest office building (floor area) and the third largest in volume (after Cape Canaveral Space Centre in the U.S. and the Great Pyramid in Egypt)
When construction started on June 25, 1984, the building was intended it to be the headquarters of the country's Communist government. Today, it houses Romania's Parliament.
Built, furnished and decorated exclusively with materials sourced and made in Romania, the building reflects the work of the country's best artisans.

3

An impressive edifice standing in the northern part of the city, since 1956, Casa Scanteii (as it is still universally known) was designed by architect Horia Maicu. The building is a smaller replica of the Lomonosov University in Moskow - Russia (inaugurated in 1953).
Between 1956 and 1989, the House of the Free Press housed almost all of Romania's capital printing presses and headquarters of print media companies. Today, Casa Presei Libere carries out much the same function but the southern wing is now the home of the Bucharest Stock Exchange.

4

Old Town is home to a vibrant scene of pubs and clubs where you can sip craft beers, dance, or simply soak in the lively ambience.

5
Stop 5

The museum has the size of a true village and includes a lot of monuments and artifacts from the 17th century to the 20th century. Here you will find, in fact, houses and rural buildings representative of each ethnographic area of the country, including from Transylvania, Maramures, Oltenia, Moldova, Dobrogea, Muntenia and Banat.

What's not included

Dinner

Available languages

Guide guide
EN RO

Important information

Wheelchair accessible
Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller
Public transportation options are available nearby
Specialized infant seats are available
Transportation options are wheelchair accessible
Suitable for all physical fitness levels

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
From $25 per person

Price varies by option

Adults
Age 5-90
1
Booking requirements:
  • Min travelers: 1
  • Max travelers: 7
Secure booking
Free cancellation available
Instant confirmation

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