Inaugurated in 1834, this collection of Romanian modern art became the national picture gallery in 1864. With acquisitions from Bucharest’s museums, the national bank, the Romanian academy and private bequests, it today comprises of more than 8 600 p..

Under communism, numerous church buildings were destroyed. The treasures they once housed are now displayed in this museum. Unique and superb items from the 14C to the 19C; note the wooden door from Sganov church (16C), the wall paintings from Curtea..

Owing its current aspect largely to one of the fathers of “Little Paris”, Paul Gottereau (1843-1904), the Royal palace has since 1948 housed the prestigious collections of the national museum of arts. After the upheaval of 1989 in which over a thou..

This vast neo-Romanian building (1912-1939) was the Romanian communist museum from 1966 to 1990. Remodelled to focus on the riches of rural life, it is one of the country’s most interesting museums, winning the European Museum of the Year award in 19..

Incorporating arabesques and volutes, the rich organic decoration of this little church’s façade – a veritable “herbarium in stone” – is its most striking feature. Built a few years after the death of Constantin Brâncoveanu (1688-1714), it nonethel..

The jewel of “Little Paris”, the Romanian Athenaeum was originally dedicated to literature but now houses the national philharmonic orchestra. In the neo-Classical style, it is topped by an imposing dome. Beneath the peristyle, five medallions bear t..

This is an up-and-coming district where antique dealers, chic boutiques and trendy cafés are gradually edging out the old stalls and inns (like Hanul lui Manuc ) once used by merchants and artisans, but a stroll through its network of little streets..

Bucharest’s inns bear witness to the city’s merchant past, especially that of the Lipscani district . Today a hotel, Hanul lui Manuc retains its original hospitality role. It takes its name from Armenian merchant Emanuel Mârzoian (1769-1817), alias..

The former House of the People is the ultimate symbol of the delusions of grandeur of Ceausescu. One of the largest buildings in the world, it was built in the 1980s over 5 years by 20 000 workmen and 400 architects. The dimensions are epic (45 000m2..

A fascinating insight into the architecture of rural Romania, this open-air village museum comprises of some 300 buildings (houses, barns, workshops, churches). They were rescued from around the country or are reconstructions using original methods a..

Established in a marshy area in 1870 by a publisher named Ioanid who was inspired by English and French parks (like Parc Monceau in Paris for example), it is sited at the heart of a district occupied by embassies (Jordan, Malaysia, Belgium, Denmark) ..

This museum was inaugurated in 1978 to accept bequests on behalf of the nation from patrons and art lovers. Reflecting the varying taste of the donors, it draws together items from diverse eras and origins; oriental art (Persian carpets), Japanese ar..

An essential visit for music lovers, this museum dedicated to composer George Enescu (1881-1955) is in effect a musical journey. The building is also architecturally noteworthy, a mix of neo-Classical, neo-Baroque and Art Nouveau styles, and for its ..

It is pleasant to stroll through the smart district lying either side of Strada Paris, to admire its neo-Romanian and neo-Gothic luxury villas, built by Bucharest’s rich in the 1920s and 1930s. Some now house museums, giving visitors the chance to ad..

Dedicated to the work of the great masters from European schools of the 14C-20C, this gallery has over 2 600 paintings and sculptures. Following restoration, it is a fine backdrop for works by Tintoretto ( Annunciation ) and Cranach the Elder ( Venus..

This red-brick church (1722) is typical of the Brancovian style: carved banding on the façade, rounded iconostasis, six-columned porch. It was built by the boyar Kretelescu, son-in-law of Constantin Brâncoveanu. Surrounded by concrete blocks from the..

The perfect place for a romantic stroll, skating or a boat ride on the lake. Ideal for lovers, Bucharest’s oldest park (1854) covers 16ha at the heart of the city. The locals are very fond of it, evoking as it does a bygone era, often depicted by Rom..

Romanian painters of the late 19C and early 20C (N.Grigorescu, Th. Pallady, S. Luchian, C. Brâncusi and C. Baba) and famous French artists (Picasso, Matisse, Cézanne, Sisley…) comprise the treasures of this museum. It is sited in the former home of t..

In the mixture of Renaissance, Baroque and Byzantine influences that constituted the Wallachian style, this delicate building has a finely worked façade. It was built at the behest of Maria Doamna, wife of prince of Wallachia Serban Cantacuzino (1683..

This museum represents a real trip back in time, with objects form the neolithic era onwards, information boards and photos giving an idea of the enormous changes experienced by the Romanian capital down the centuries. The same visit also provides th..