Bucharest is a place that has overcome years of hardship to emerge as a cosmopolitan and buzzing city. The Essential Free Tour of Bucharest is the perfect walk for those who want an engaging and informative introduction to the charms of Romania's capital. All free tours in Bucharest stop at the massive Palace of Parliament, the second largest administrative building in the world. Here your local guide will unveil the history of this Soviet-era building, and explain how its thoughtless construction required the demolition of much of Bucharest’s beloved historic district. Not far from here, guests will have the opportunity to visit the immense Union Square. Although nowadays it does not appear very historic, it was once the site of a huge market with traders coming from all over Romania to sell their wares.

Though Bucharest sadly lost much of its historic district through a combination of earthquakes, World War II and the Ceausescu dictatorship, what remains is delightful. Guests on the Essential Free Tour of Bucharest will be taken on a stroll around the historical center to see the main highlights of the city, superb squares and romantic cobbled streets. We recommend paying special attention to Lipscani Street, the most charming street in Bucharest, which also serves as the backbone for the old town. You’ll soon realize that the names of the streets reflect the trades that used to congregate here. Nowadays, this area is full of quaint artisan shops, typical restaurants, and architectural gems. One such gem is the superb Stavropoleos Monastery, known for its impressive choir and the largest collection of Byzantine music books in the world!

The Essential Free Tour will show guests some of the most beautiful buildings in Bucharest, including the breathtaking neoclassical architecture of the Romanian Athenaeum, which is enveloped by beautiful gardens. It’s truly a wonderful sight to behold. The University Square, the National History Museum, and Macca-Vilacrosse Passage are just some of the stunning landmarks that you’ll pass along the way. During the tour, guests will have the chance to learn about the dramatic transition of Romania from monarchy to communism, and how it became a young European democracy. If you have any questions during your tour, please feel free to ask your guide. And, of course, all participants on the tour will come away with a host of recommendations and tips on what to do and where to eat during the rest of their stay.