Bucharest Palace of Parliament, Ceausescu Mansion, Village Museum
Gallery image 2
Gallery image 3
Gallery image 4
Gallery image 5

Bucharest Palace of Parliament, Ceausescu Mansion, Village Museum

Active
(2 reviews)
6h
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
Instant confirmation
Mobile or paper ticket accepted

About this experience

Discover the contrasting faces of Romania’s recent history and rich rural heritage on this immersive 6-hour guided and private tour. Explore three of the capital’s most fascinating landmarks — the Palace of the Parliament, Ceausescu Mansion, and the Dimitrie Gusti National Village Museum — all in one expertly curated experience.

✔️ Tour Highlights:
- Skip-the-line access and professional guide at each site
- Small-group format for a personal, in-depth experience
- Comfortable transportation included between sites
- Learn about Romania’s Communist era, post-revolution transformation, and rural traditions.

Your tour begins with a guided visit to the second-largest administrative building in the world, a symbol of Romania’s Communist past.

Next, head to the elegant Primăverii neighborhood to explore the private residence of Nicolae and Elena Ceaușescu.

Conclude your tour with a tranquil walk through the Village Museum, a charming open-air museum set along Lake Herăstrău.

Available options

Bucharest Guided Tour

Pickup included

What's included

Guided Tour
Comfortable minivan with air conditioning

Detailed itinerary

1
Stop 1

Initiated by Nicolae Ceaușescu in 1984 during the Communist regime, the building was part of the larger "Project Bucharest" — a megalomaniac plan to redesign the capital in a socialist realist style, inspired by Pyongyang and North Korea. This is the second largest administrative building in the world (after the Pentagon)
Originally called the House of the Republic, it was intended to house all of Romania’s most important political and administrative institutions and to reflect the absolute power of the regime.

On the interior the visitors on a guided tour will see:
Lavish Interiors: Dozens of ornately decorated halls, ballrooms, and galleries adorned with marble staircases, crystal chandeliers, mosaics, oak paneling, and rich tapestries — all made from Romanian materials.
The Union Hall: One of the largest and most iconic rooms.
The Hall of Human Rights and Senate Chamber
Panoramic Terraces: With spectacular views of Bulevardul Unirii and the city.
Contemporary Art Museum

2

Step inside this impeccably preserved home to see its opulent décor, including gold-plated bathrooms, grand chandeliers, and personalized touches that reveal the extravagance of the Ceaușescu family. Your guide will share intriguing stories about Nicolae and Elena Ceaușescu’s lives, their leadership, and how they used this residence as a private retreat during their time in power.

Built in the 1960s and hidden from public view until after the 1989 revolution.

Discover over 80 richly decorated rooms filled with fine silk wallpapers, Venetian mirrors, hand-carved wooden furniture, Murano glass, and massive chandeliers.

Private Cinema and Spa: View the private cinema room, spa, and even the indoor swimming pool.

Ceaușescu’s Private Wardrobe and collection of haute couture fashion preserved exactly as they were.

Secret Rooms that reflect the paranoia and control of the communist regime.
Beautiful Gardens - Stroll through the private garden, home to peacocks and exotic plants.

3
Stop 3

This open-air museum is a cultural treasure, offering a glimpse into traditional Romanian village life.

Wander through authentic wooden houses, windmills, and churches brought from various regions of Romania. Each structure tells a story of rural life, craftsmanship, and traditions. Your guide will explain the unique architectural styles of different regions, the cultural significance of each building, and how these traditions continue to influence Romanian identity today.

Explore over 120 authentic rural dwellings, each relocated from different parts of Romania. These homes reflect the diverse architectural styles and building techniques adapted to local climates and traditions.

Discover mills, barns, and workshops that illustrate the daily lives and occupations of Romanian villagers, from blacksmithing to weaving.

The museum houses over 50,000 objects, including traditional costumes, household items, and tools, offering a comprehensive look into Romania's folk culture.

What's not included

Food and Drinks are not included
The entrance tickets are not included in the tour price but we can help you to purchase them so you can skip the line

Available languages

Guide guide
EN IT ES

Reviews breakdown

Viator 3.0
2 reviews
5★
0
4★
1
3★
0
2★
1
1★
0

Important information

Public transportation options are available nearby
Suitable for all physical fitness levels

Important notes

Entry tickets to the Palace of the Parliament, Village Museum and Ceausescu House are not included in the tour price but we can book the tickets on your behalf so you can skip the line

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 18-99
1
Childs
Age 7-17
0
Booking requirements:
  • Min travelers: 1
  • Max travelers: 8
  • Adult required for booking
Secure booking
Free cancellation available
Instant confirmation

Similar Experiences

Similar on Klook