Bucharest Old Town Walking Tour with Damian Anfile
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Bucharest Old Town Walking Tour with Damian Anfile

Active
2h - 3h
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
Manual confirmation
Mobile or paper ticket accepted

About this experience

Enjoy our legendary walking tour in the cradle of Bucharest, the site of Dracula's fortress, the oldest building still standing, the most visited monument in the history of the city, the best preserved examples of old architecture, whether we are talking about inns, palaces or merchant houses. Here some of the most famous recipes of the Romanian capital were invented, in its picturesque restaurants of yesteryear, events took place that went down in legend and people learned to live for the first time huddled together, in houses that hide more than to miss. Earthquakes, fires and floods have not managed to erase the zest for life of one of the most important centers in South-Eastern Europe even today.

Available options

Bucharest Old Town Walking Tour with Damian Anfile

What's included

Bottled water

Detailed itinerary

1

Hanul lui Manuc is the oldest operating hotel building in Bucharest, Romania. It also houses a popular restaurant, several bars, a coffee-house, and (facing the street) several stores and an extensive bar. Its massive, multiply balconied courtyard hosted many performances and fairs and was a popular place for Romanian Television crews to shoot folkloric performances. The hotel and restaurant were refurbished in 2007.

2

The oldest church in Bucharest, it is the only one of four churches that initially existed within Curtea Veche, the court of the Princes of Wallachia; many princes of the 16th through 18th centuries prayed there or were anointed to their office. It is dedicated to the Feast of the Annunciation and to Saint Anthony the Great.

3
Stop 3

A street and a district of Bucharest, which from the Middle Ages to the early 19th century was the most important commercial area of the city and Wallachia. It is located near the ruins of the old Princely Court built by Vlad III the Impaler.

4

Dedicated to Saint Nicholas, a first church, likely of wood, existed in the vicinity in the 17th or even the 16th century. It is attested in a 1664 document, and mentioned in records from subsequent decades. The church was rebuilt in masonry in 1699–1700. Severely damaged during the 1802 earthquake, it was rebuilt in a different form over the following two years. In the mid-19th century, it was the church of the chandlers’, cotton-weavers’ and barbers’ guilds. After being badly damaged by the Great Fire of Bucharest, it was demolished in 1860.

5

The Palace is a building in the old center of Bucharest, Lipscani, the headquarters of the National Bank of Romania (BNR). Taking over the land occupied by an inn in the 17th century, the construction of the BNR palace shows the economic dimension that occurred in 1880 and the orientation towards European culture. Urban modernization was guided by architects trained at the École de Beaux Arts in Paris. Thus, by settling in the historical area, BNR encouraged the formation of the financial district.

6

The Marmorosch was one of the oldest banks in Romania, originally founded in 1848, in the form of a banking house, in the context of the country's political and national renaissance. Its headquarters were in a small house in one of the oldest neighborhoods of Bucharest.

7
Stop 7

The Macca-Vilacrosse passage is a fork-shaped, yellow glass covered arcaded street in central Bucharest, Romania. Câmpineanu Inn once stood in the place nowadays occupied by the passage.

8
Stop 8

The foundation stone of the CEC Palace was laid on June 8, 1897, in the presence of King Carol I of Romania and Queen Elisabeth of Romania.
Until 1875, the monastery and the inn "Sfântul Ioan cel Mare" were located in that place. Dating from the 16th century, the settlements were restored by Constantin Brâncoveanu in the years 1702 - 1703 and then, deteriorating, they were demolished in 1875. The current building was erected after the demolition of the first headquarters of the House of Deposits.

9

The Dacia-Romania Palace is located in the historic center of Bucharest, on Lipscani street no. 18-20. Historical monument of national value, registered in the List of Historical Monuments, is part of the "Strada Lipscani Architectural Ensemble".

10
Stop 10

Also known as Stavropoleos Church during the last century when the monastery was dissolved, is an Eastern Orthodox monastery for nuns in central Bucharest, Romania.
The patrons of the church are St. Archangels Michael and Gabriel. The name Stavropoleos is the genitive case of Stavropolis (Greek, "The city of the Cross"). One of the monastery's constant interests is Byzantine music, expressed through its choir and the largest collection of Byzantine music books in Romania.

11

Caru' cu Bere (aka Carul cu Bere; "the beer wagon") is a famous bar and restaurant on Stavropoleos Street in the Lipscani district of Bucharest. The business was originally opened as a brewery in 1879.

Available languages

Guide guide
EN FR

Important information

Wheelchair accessible
Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller
Service animals allowed
Public transportation options are available nearby
Transportation options are wheelchair accessible
Suitable for all physical fitness levels
The timing between attraction varies, as our itinerary flow depends on the interest of the travelers for each visited site. The remaining time is meant to be spent walking and further discussing about the history of Bucharest.

Meeting point

A cardboard sign with the Damian Anfile Tours logo will be displayed, and the tour guide and his team will be wearing black t-shirts with the logo.

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 15-80
1
Childs
Age 6-14
0
Infants
Age 0-5
0
Booking requirements:
  • Min travelers: 1
  • Max travelers: 10
  • Adult required for booking
Secure booking
Free cancellation available

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