Are you traveling and you wonder what are the best things to do in Bucharest for free?
Bucharest is a welcoming and engaging city, which offers plenty of free activities that combine culture, architecture and history. Either if you travel alone, with a group of friends or with your family, this updated guide will explain to you in detail what you can do in Bucharest, without spending money, and without compromising on the quality of the journey.
- Bucharest Old Town: a free journey back in time
Bucharest’s Old Town should be at the top of your list if you’re wondering what are the best free things to do in Bucharest, because a walk through the historic streets of the Old Town feels like a journey back in time!
Here, you’ll discover the true spirit of the city, passing by historical buildings, small churches, and truly feel an atmosphere that perfectly combines the old buildings with the new trends.
Among the most important tourist attractions, you’ll find the Old Princely Court, Stavropoleos Church, and Manuc’s Inn.
This is the perfect place for those who want to explore Bucharest on a budget, and enjoy the authentic vibe of the city, for free.
- The Jewish Quarter
The Jewish Quarter is the perfect free thing to do in Bucharest, for those seeking an authentic and quiet experience.
This area is usually missed by tourists, but it’s extremely valuable, filled with historical buildings, synagogues and fascinating stories of the communities that used to live there.
The entry in the synagogues may not always be free, but you can admire them from the outside, enjoying the spectacular architecture from outside.
This is the perfect choice for those who want to explore Bucharest’s hidden gems for free.
- Cișmigiu Park: the oldest garden in the city, right in the city center
For those who want to escape the crowds and the traffic, Cișmigiu Park is one of the best free activities in Bucharest.
This is the perfect place for quiet walks next to the lake, while admiring the romantic bridges, or even for a picnic, making the park the ideal choice for nature lovers who want to relax a bit.
Cișmigiu Park is one of the Oldest public gardens in Romania, and a perfect destination for those exploring Bucharest on a budget.
- Cotroceni Neighbourhood: a hidden gem, loved by the locals
Cotroceni Neighbourhood is one of the locals favourite places to hang out, perfect for those who want to find the best free thing to do in Bucharest.
Away from the busy crowds, but also close to the city center, this elegant and peaceful neighbourhood is a quiet and gorgeous place, filled with elegant interwar villas and beautiful gardens to admire. This neighbourhood offers a bohemian, authentic and completely free experience.
Cotroceni neighbourhood is the place where locals prefer to hang out, being one of the most beautiful and accessible places in Bucharest, ideal for those that wonder what are the best thing to do in Bucharest.
- Victoriei Avenue: elegance and history
Vicoriei Avenue is a top spot in Bucharest, especially on weekends, because in the summertime, traffic is restricted and the boulevard becomes pedestrian-only, allowing people to walk freely and enjoy the city at it’s finest.
Put your elegant clothes on, some comfortable shoes, blend in with the locals, and explore this boulevard, where you will admire historical buildings, elegant cafes, and a lot of street art.
Victoriei Avenue is the place where locals love to go on sunny weekends, taking long, relaxed walks, enjoying a coffee or tea, and admiring timeless buildings with unique classical architecture that blends beautifully with contemporary trends.
This is one of the best free things to do in Bucharest, because Victoriei Avenue will take you back to the late 1800s and the interwar period, thanks to its elegant architecture, landmarks, and classic beauty.
- Kretzulescu Church: architecture and spirituality
Kretzulescu Church is the place that combines architecture and spirituality perfectly, being an essential stop for those looking for free things to do in Bucharest.
This church is located between Victoriei Avenue and Revolution Square, being easily accessible, and the entrance is free. This landmark should be on your ‘to do list’, especially if you decide to also visit Victoriei Avenue.
The murals inside the church were painted manually, and it’s impressive to observe the techniques that were used back then. Plus, the surrounding area is filled with charming cafés and cozy libraries.
Kretzulescu Church is a beautiful landmark in Bucharest, which you must visit while you visit Romania, because it is a great place, especially for those traveling on a budget.
- Revolution Square: the place where Romanian democracy was born
Revolution Square is a must-stop place, especially for history lovers, also being a free place to visit in Bucharest.
In this place, the 1989 Revolution started, and the landmark in that Square is a reminder for all the people passing by that romanians had to fight against the communist regime, to gain their freedom, and start building a democracy.
In this specific spot, the Romanian democracy was born, and if you are interested, in the same area you can also visit the Rebirth Memorial and the former headquarters of the Communist Party, also for free.
In the Revolution Square you will find multiple info panels, translated into several languages, that help a lot in understanding the deep history of this place, making this landmark a perfect place to visit for those traveling on a budget.
- The Central University Library
The Central University Library is an impressive architectural landmark to put on your to-do list, because of its unique and charming architecture.
Unfortunately, access to this building is restricted only to university students, professors, and researchers, but it is one of the most impressive buildings in the city, and you can still admire it from the outside, because its neoclassical façade and the front yard are simply a must-see, especially if you are traveling on a budget.
- Macca-Vilacrosse Passage
The Macca-Vilacrosse Passage is an architectural gem, giving off the vibes of a Parisian corner, and being an incredible Instagrammable spot, ideal for those looking for free things to do in Bucharest.
This place is located between two busy boulevards, but the passage surprises visitors with its glass ceiling and bohemian charm.
The Macca-Vilacrosse Passage is filled with elegant cafés and historic architecture, making the atmosphere unique and impressively photogenic. This is one of the best places for a photo shoot, without spending any money.
- Guided tour with Bucharest by Foot: discover the spirit of Bucharest like a local, with a local
Walk like a local, with one! Free guided tours offered by Bucharest by Foot are the most authentic urban experience for those who are looking for free things to do in Bucharest.
These guided tours are organized daily. Not only do they cover major landmarks, but our guides will also share the most impressive urban legends and lesser-known stories of the city.
Our local guides are storytellers of recent history, hidden tales, and the life behind the elegant facades of Bucharest’s buildings. The price of these guided tours are tip-based which makes them affordable to those that are looking for a budget-friendly experience in Bucharest.
Discover our Bucharest Free Tours
