Explorers looking for a nice piece of greenery in Bucharest can find their respite in the form of King Mihai I Park. Formerly known as Herăstrău Park, the space can be found on the northern side of the city, covering about 272 acres of land. Here, locals and tourists can enjoy several activities, including jogging, biking, and other recreational activities. Near the park is Lake Herăstrău, where boating is also a popular activity. Other must-see attractions here include the Dimitrie Gusti National Village Museum, the Japanese Garden, and sculptures scattered throughout the area.

For those looking for free things to do in Bucharest, a day at the Cișmigiu Gardens can be fun, too! The green space was conceptualized by the German landscape architect, Carl Meyer, and was completed in 1860. Meyer filled the gardens with thousands of trees and different plant species from various parts of Romania and even Vienna. Some of Cișmigiu’s main features include the Roman Garden, where you can find busts of Romania’s well-known writers, and a gorgeous lake that turns into an ice skating rink during winter!

One of Bucharest’s most iconic attractions is the Arch of Triumph or Arcul de Triumf. The monument’s first version was erected in 1922 to celebrate the independence of Romania in 1878. The original version of Arch of Triumph was made entirely of wood and was replaced later in 1935 due to decay. On December 1, 1936, the final version was inaugurated. Upon closer look, you’ll see works of Romanian sculptors such as Ion Jalea and Dimitrie Paciurea inscribed in the arch’s body. Best to visit Arch Of Triumph at night to see it lit up!

If you're keen on diving deep into the history of Romania, then visiting the National Museum of Romanian History is a must. Located inside the former Postal Services Palace, the museum contains around 60 rooms displaying fascinating artifacts throughout the country's history. However, it’s most prized possessions include the Romanian Crown Jewels, the Pietroasele Treasure, and the plaster cast of the entirety of Trajan's Column. While there, make sure to stop by the basement where the National Romanian Treasure is displayed.

Nestled in the heart of Bucharest is the National Museum of Art of Romania. The world-class museum is housed inside the former Royal Palace and divided into two: the National Art and the European Masters. The former is where you’ll find works of Romania’s finest artists, including Theodor Aman, Nicolae Grigorescu, and Marcel Iancu, as well as several ancient and medieval pieces. The latter, on the other hand, features non-Romanian masters. It includes the work of El Greco and Jan Sanders van Hemessen to name a few.

Those who are fond of religious buildings will find Stavropoleos Monastery Church on their top of things to do in Bucharest. The Eastern Orthodox church, found at the heart of the Old City, will immediately attract onlookers with its intricate facade. It’s built in Romania’s Brâncovenesc style, boasting a mix of different elements including Baroque, Byzantine, and Renaissance, to name a few. The church is also well-known for its choir's expertise in Byzantine music, and they also have the largest collection of Byzantine music books in the country.

Just outside of Bucharest and you’ll find Mogoşoaia Palace. The royal household was constructed between 1698-1702 by Constantin Brâncoveanu and now serves as a museum and art gallery. Many are impressed with the palace’s incredible Brâncovenesc style of design, which is beautifully maintained until today despite the many challenges it faced through the years. It also features a guesthouse, ice house, greenhouse, and watchtower, among its few highlights. Outside the mansion and you’ll find yourself delightfully lost in its sprawling garden and breathtaking grounds.