How to Spend a Weekend in Bucharest, Romania

Bucharest is a city of contrasts, with stark remnants of its Communist history smacking up against the very latest in glamour, fashion and style. There are still countless blocks of bleak, Communist-era apartment buildings; but on the main avenues you will find designer shops and trendy restaurants. After years of hardship, Romanians have embraced their new society, and they’re not shy about flaunting it if they have it (though many Romanians do not, indeed, have the wealth that seems so conspicuous). You could spend much more than a weekend exploring Bucharest’s exciting up-and-coming spirit, but here are a few tips to make the most of the time you have.

Difficulty: Moderate

Instructions

1. Tour the Palatul Parlamentului (Palace of Parliament). This gargantuan, ridiculously opulent palace was built for Ceauşescu, Romania’s former Communist leader. Besides being a brutal leader, Ceauşescu was a megalomaniac, as the Palace clearly shows. With 1,100 rooms and 4,500 chandeliers, the Palace was intended to be the ideal home for Ceauşescu and his wife—but they were executed before they ever got to live there. A guided tour will show you some of the choicest bits of the palace. Be sure to note the floor tiles: They depict the Palace’s floor plan, supposedly to keep Ceauşescu from getting lost.

2. See where Communism fell. In December 1989, Romanians joined other Eastern Europeans in rising up against Communism, and Ceauşescu was executed after facing a crowd of 80,000 revolutionaries as he stood on the balcony of the Central Committee building. To put it mildly, it was all downhill from there. The square is now called Piata Revolutiei.

3. Explore Romanian art. Bucharest has a wonderful art museum, the National Art Museum, which houses works by famous Romanian artists—yes, there is such a thing—like Nicolae Grigorescu and Constantin Brancusi, as well as international masters such as El Greco. The gallery spaces are large and elegant, on par with what you’d find elsewhere in Europe or New York.

4. Relax and have lunch at the Cismigiu Gardens. This lovely landscaped garden includes a lake replete with rowboats, as well as flower-lined walkways, peaceful benches and cafes.

5. Revisit Romanian history at the Peasant Museum. Romanian arts and crafts are renowned for their exquisite works of pottery, weaving and wood. You’ll find examples of painstakingly painted eggs, as well as countless Romanian artifacts. When you’re done browsing, visit the excellent gift shop, where you can purchase hand-made Romanian crafts for everyone on your gift list.

6. Spend time wandering through the historic quarter. After you’ve walked as much as your feet allow, seek out the Russian church on Strada Doamnei for a peaceful final stop. Across the street, the Cremcaffe offers restorative sandwiches, coffee and beer.