Start time: 11.00 a.m. (local time)

Meeting Point: The equestrian statue of Carol I (close to the Revolution Square)

Begin your journey through Bucharest with a walking tour that dives right into the heart of the city. You’ll uncover its most iconic landmarks, experience the city’s vibrant rhythm, and soak in its unique character all before rounding off the day with a traditional Romanian feast that’s as rich as the history you’ll explore.

Here’s a glimpse of what awaits:

• Stroll through Bucharest’s historic center

• Gain a deeper understanding of Romania’s past and its capital city

• Discover traces of Ottoman influence

• Admire the charm of “Little Paris”

• Learn how communism reshaped the city, including a stop to admire the colossal Palace of Parliament

• Savor a three-course Romanian meal, with your guide sharing the stories behind each dish

The adventure begins at the equestrian statue of King Carol I, directly across from the imposing former Royal Palace, today home to the National Museum of Art. Carol I, the nation’s first king, is often called the father of modern Romania: a foreign prince who, after his arrival in 1866, secured Romania’s independence from Ottoman rule. From this meeting point, you’ll also take in other highlights of Royal Bucharest, including the “Carol I” University Foundation.

The next chapter of the tour unfolds in Piața Revoluției (Revolution Square), where Romania’s communist era comes vividly to life. Here you’ll see the former Communist Party headquarters—the building from which Nicolae Ceaușescu fled by helicopter in 1989—as well as the striking memorial to the Revolution, honoring the more than 1,000 civilians who lost their lives in those final days of dictatorship.

From there, the walk continues down Calea Victoriei (Victory Avenue), Bucharest’s historic boulevard. Along this elegant street, you’ll encounter layers of history expressed in stone and style: statues commemorating political figures who perished in communist prisons, the 18th-century Crețulescu Church, grand French-inspired architecture, bold Art Deco towers, and stark reminders of communist-era urban planning.