Charm of the Belle Époque - 19th century Bucharest Private Tour

Bucharest , Romania

Charm of the Belle Époque - 19th century Bucharest Private Tour

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(4 reviews)

3h - 4h

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

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Mobile or paper ticket accepted

About this experience

Journey back in time to an era of dancing, balls, jockey clubs, fringed dresses and secret love letters on this private Belle Époque walking tour of Bucharest. Admire the most famous palaces and mansions of the 19th century and see why Bucharest was called the "Paris of the East". The soviet brutalist architecture of the 20th century and the earthquake of 1977 destroyed the majority of the old glamour but on this tour you will walk exactly on the boulevards or neighborhoods where most of the old landmarks are still standing or were carefully restored.

Available options

Charm of the Belle Époque - 19th century Bucharest Private Tour

Pickup included

What's included

Hotel pickup and drop-off

Private Walking Tour

Licensed Tour Guide

Detailed itinerary

Imagine yourself in the late 19th century, in a romantic era of peace and prosperity called the “Belle Époque." At the time, Bucharest was a city where the West met the East, instantly charming travelers with its multicultural diversity, bohemian lifestyle, and gorgeous architecture. The city experienced its greatest cultural boom during this period, and was known as the Paris of the East.

This 3-hour private tour is structured as a story, taking you along the famous Victory Boulevard and through the restored Old Town. Each major attraction has its own tale to tell, allowing you to go back in time and discover the social and cultural life of the era. You’ll see beautiful palaces and historical buildings of Neoclassic, Art-Nouveau, Baroque, and Byzantine styles.

The Old Town is an area bursting with life that still resembles the charm of the Belle Époque with its old street lamps, vintage cafés, bistros & lounges nestled within 18th century houses, and street musicians on every corner.

You will be picked up and dropped off at your hotel in Bucharest, and accompanied by a private local guide who will tell you the stories of the 19th century, the history behind the buildings and answer any additional questions you have.

What's not included

Refreshments

Available languages

Guide guide

Reviews breakdown

Viator 5.0

1 reviews

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Tripadvisor 5.0

3 reviews

5★

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Important information

Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller

Public transportation options are available nearby

Suitable for all physical fitness levels

A moderate amount of walking is involved, up to 3 Km in total (less than 2 miles)

Slow paced walking tour with several stops for photos, rest or refreshments

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