Top Instagrammable spots in Bucharest, Romania

Bucharest, a Balkan city located in Eastern Europe, isn’t a traditional tourist destination. In fact, it’s one of Europe’s most underrated cities and this is what encouraged me to explore the Romanian capital. I was instantly amazed by the stunning architecture and quaint streets, and to learn that Bucharest is home to Europe’s largest building, spa and boulevard. Here are my favourite Instagrammable spots in the city…

Palace of the Parliament

Romania’s Palace of the Parliament is the largest building in Europe and the second largest building in the world (after the Pentagon in the US). It is also the heaviest building in the world. Construction started in 1984 and it now has over 3000 rooms.

Stavropoleos Monastery

This 18th century Orthodox Church is located in Bucharest’s Old Town. It’s famous for its intricate interiors and religious artwork.

Carturesti Carusel

Cărturești Carusel is one of the world’s most beautiful and interesting bookshops. The six-story building was constructed in the 19th century, with spiral staircases and galleried landings, and contains over 10,000 books.

Old Town

Bucharest’s Old Town is filled with shops, restaurants and buildings constructed in neoclassical and baroque style. The cobbled streets and architecture make for perfect photographs.

Macca Vilacrosse Passage

The Macca Villacrosse Passage is a covered arcaded street in Bucharest, which reminds me of those in Paris and Milan. The passage has lots of interesting shops, bars and restaurants.

Umbrella Street

Bucharest’s Umbrella Street is the city’s most colourful and picturesque alley. No wonder it’s the most Instagrammable place in Bucharest…

Union Boulevard

Inspired by the Champs-Élysées in Paris, Bucharest’s Union Boulevard is the longest in Europe. It stretches over 3km, from the Palace of Parliament on Constitution Square to Alba Iulia Square.

Romanian Athenaeum

This is an architectural jewel and one of the oldest and most important cultural institutions in Bucharest. The concert hall opened in 1888 and is famously known for its domed and ornate building.