About this experience
Once, Bucharest aimed to be a copy of Paris, then after the world wars - a copy of Moscow, but still the Romanian capital managed to preserve its own face and special atmosphere. On the panoramic tour, you will feel the architectural contrasts of the city and discover key pages of its history. We will talk about the dictator Ceausescu and Prince Vlad Dracula, examine the old palaces and squares holding memories of the revolution. As a result, you will get a complete understanding of the history and culture of Bucharest from the first mention of the city to its modern realities.
What to expect
Pages of Bucharest's history
Our journey into the history of the capital will begin at Revolution Square, where I will tell you about the bloody events of the 1989 revolution and the role of dictator Ceausescu in Romania's fate. Here, you will also encounter the Athenaeum, the architectural landmark of Bucharest, whose six external columns are identical to those of the Acropolis in Athens. Then you will see the Royal Palace, which for a long time served as the main residence of the Romanian monarchs. Today, part of the palace halls houses the exhibition of the Romanian National Museum of Art with collections of ancient tapestries, sculptures, and paintings.
Ancient architecture of Calea Victoriei Boulevard
You will stroll along the oldest boulevard in Bucharest, which was initially paved with wood, and wooden sidewalks were used as covers for rainwater channel drains. It was here at the end of the 17th century that boyars built their houses, followed by hotels, restaurants, and administrative buildings. You will admire the preserved buildings of the Brancoveanu period and the Neo-Romanian style, combining Byzantine and Ottoman features with Renaissance and Baroque, giving the old quarters of Bucharest a unique atmosphere.
The charm of the historic city center
Then we will delve into the historic part of the city, where dozens of vibrant restaurants and cafes are hidden. You will visit the Princely Court, find a charter signed by Vlad the Impaler, known worldwide as Vlad Dracula. On Constitution Square, you will see the largest administrative building in the world - the Palace of the Parliament, - as well as visit the Patriarchal Palace of the early 20th century. And, of course, you will learn about the stories behind the facades of houses, sculptures, and monuments.
Additionally, during the walk, I will give some recommendations on where to have lunch and spend time in Bucharest, where to go on your own, tell you about the city's nightlife, the best places for shopping, and much more.
Organizational details
- An extended version of the tour can also be arranged for 3.5 - 4 hours, visiting one or two museums of your choice
- This is a panoramic walking tour, during which photo pauses are provided in the most picturesque and impressive places of Bucharest
- An option for a car-walking tour is available (please check the cost with the guide)
- If you choose your transportation, please ensure there is one passenger seat available for the guide
- In hot weather, the tour can start from 10:00 am or after 6:00 pm
