Bucharest is the capital and largest city of Romania, a Danube-plain metropolis of about 1.7 million people known for the monumental Palace of the Parliament, a revived medieval Old Town, grand Calea Victoriei and its belle epoque 'Little Paris' boulevards. It combines Ottoman-era inns, Brancovenesc churches, interwar villas and communist-era blocks with a lively cafe, bar and live-music scene.
Family activities
Engaging experiences for travellers of every age.
Grigore Antipa National Museum of Natural History
Dinosaur skeletons, a huge whale hall, aquariums, a 3D cinema and interactive displays on Kiseleff Road; one of the best rainy-day choices for children
Duration: 2-3 hours
Village Museum (Muzeul Satului)
Open-air museum on the shore of Herastrau Lake with more than 100 traditional farmsteads, wooden churches and windmills from every region of Romania; children can run along the paths and look inside the houses
Duration: 2 hours
King Mihai I Park (Herastrau) and Playgrounds
Large lakeside park with playgrounds, a rose garden, paths for bikes and scooters, boat rental and cafes; reached from Aviatorilor metro (M2)
Duration: Half day
Cismigiu Gardens
Central park with a lake, playgrounds, a small cafe and shaded benches, ideal between sights
Duration: 1-2 hours
Palace of the Parliament Tour
Guided tour through the vast marble halls of the world's heaviest administrative building; best for older children who can walk long corridors
Duration: 1 hour
Tineretului Park
Large green space with lake, playgrounds, cycle paths, mini-golf and a wide open lawn, a few minutes' walk from Tineretului metro (M2)
Duration: Half day
Dimitrie Brandza Botanical Garden
Romania's largest botanical garden with a rose garden, Japanese garden and greenhouses, near Cotroceni; the greenhouses are closed or seasonal so check hours before going
Duration: 2 hours
Therme Bucuresti
Europe's largest thermal waterpark complex in Balotesti, north of the city, with indoor and outdoor pools, slides and a tropical atmosphere; take a taxi (about 100 lei one way) or the dedicated shuttle bus from the centre
Duration: Full day
Family-friendly hotels
Accommodation designed with families in mind.
Novotel Bucharest City Centre
Business-style hotel on Calea Victoriei with family rooms, an indoor heated pool and a short walk to Piata Revolutiei and the Old Town
Family features: Family rooms, kids stay-free policy, pool, restaurant with children's menu, address Calea Victoriei 37B
Radisson Blu Hotel, Bucharest
Large central hotel near Piata Revolutiei and the Athenaeum with spacious rooms and outdoor pool in summer
Family features: Family rooms, interconnecting rooms, pool, buffet breakfast, address Calea Victoriei 63-81
Apartment rentals near Cismigiu and Piata Romana
Self-catering apartments in the centre with kitchens and washing machines, often 250-450 lei ($54-98) a night for a two-bedroom unit
Family features: Kitchen, laundry, extra space, flexible meal times, near metro
Dining with kids
Eating out as a family.
Romanian restaurants welcome children and most can provide a children's menu (meniul copiilor) with schnitzel, chicken and chips or pasta for 20-35 lei ($4.50-7.50)
Ciorba (sour soup) and supa de pui (chicken noodle soup) are mild, filling starters for children
Papanasi (fried cheese doughnuts with sour cream and jam) and cozonac are favourite sweet treats
Covrigi (pretzels), placinte (savoury pies) and gogosi (doughnuts) from bakeries cost 3-10 lei ($0.65-2.20) for snacks
Many restaurants add 'locuri de joaca' (play corners) for children, especially near Herastrau Park and in malls
Family travel tips
Practical advice for stress-free family trips.
Build downtime into every day — over-scheduled kids melt down faster than tired adults.
Carry snacks, water, and a small first-aid kit at all times.
Many attractions offer discounted family tickets — ask at the ticket window.