Herăstrău Lake, King Michael I Park

Herăstrău Lake lies within Parcul Regele Mihai I (formerly Herăstrău Park), the largest park in Bucharest, at Șoseaua Nordului 7-9 in Sector 1, about 5 km north of the Old Town. It is not a swimming beach: swimming in the lake is not allowed, so the appeal is the shoreline itself rather than the water. The lake is a long, calm, sheltered body of water with no surf and little wind exposure, fringed by lakeside promenades, shaded lawns, cycle paths and lines of mature trees. Visitors come to walk, cycle, picnic and sit on the grass rather than swim. On the water, rowing boats and pedal boats are available for hire from the city parks administration in season, and a sightseeing boat, the vaporaș, runs trips on the lake. Lakeside cafes and terraces provide food and drinks, and the Village Museum stands on the west shore. Entry to the park is free, and there are restrooms and cafes in the park, although there are no lifeguarded bathing zones or sunbed concessions of the seaside kind. The atmosphere is family-friendly and leisurely on weekdays and busier at weekends, when joggers, cyclists and families fill the paths. Photographers favour the lakeside views and the sunset light across the water. Access is easy: Metro M2 runs to Aviatorilor station, from where a short walk leads to the park entrance at Piața Charles de Gaulle, and STB buses along Șoseaua Kiseleff also stop at the park. Parking in the surrounding streets is limited at weekends, so public transport is usually the better choice. The park is at its best from May to September, when the terraces, boat hire and shade are all in operation, although walking in spring and autumn is also pleasant. Visitors should obey posted signs about swimming and boating, since the lake is intended for leisure and not bathing.