Where to Take the Best Photos in Bucharest? Our 10 Must-See Spots

Romania's capital, Bucharest, is full of surprises, a historic and unique city. Its perfect location includes a lively street life and tasteful French-inspired structures with raw Communist-era architecture. Bucharest has a ton of beautiful locations! Although it is difficult to pick only ten, we have compiled a list of our top ten spots for stunning photos while you are there.

In order to avoid crowds and capture the ideal light, we also advise you on the best time and method to visit each location.

Let's take a tour of the city's most picturesque locations, ideal for making memories along the way.

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1. Palace of the Parliament

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The Parliament of Romania is housed in the Palace of the Parliament, which is situated atop Dealul Spirii in the capital city of Bucharest. The Palace of the Parliament is the third largest administrative structure in the world and the heaviest structure in the world, weighing approximately 4,098,500 tons. The structure was created using modernist Neoclassical architectural forms and styles during a 13-year span.

• Why is it exotic? 🤔
  One of the heaviest and largest buildings in the world, built during Romania’s communist era.
• Best time to visit 📅
  Best to visit with a guided tour—book ahead!
• Photography tip 📷
  Capture the full scale from Constitution Square across the street.

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2. Old Town (Lipscani District)

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From the Middle Ages until the early 19th century, Lipscani, a street and neighborhood in Bucharest, Romania, was the most significant commercial center in both the city and Wallachia. It is situated close to the remains of Vlad III the Impaler's former Princely Court. Despite its modernity, the architecture, which combines elements of eclectic, baroque, brancovenesc, general modern, creates a unified old town that feels genuinely ancient.

• Why is it exotic? 🤔
  A lively mix of cobbled streets, historic buildings, bars, and bookstores.
• Best time to visit 📅
  Perfect for a relaxed afternoon or evening stroll.
• Photography tip 📷
  Snap colorful facades, street performers, and charming alleyways.

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3.  Romanian Athenaeum

Romania's capital city, Bucharest, is home to the Romanian Athenaeum, a concert venue in the center of the city. Established in 1888, the elaborate, circular, domed structure is the most esteemed performance venue in the city. The structure was added to the list of European Heritage monuments in 2007 and is now recognized as an icon of Romanian culture.

• Why is it exotic? 🤔
  A beautiful concert hall and a national symbol of culture.
• Best time to visit 📅
  Visit during the day for photos or catch an evening classical concert.
• Photography tip 📷
  The domed ceiling and ornate interior are stunning photo subjects.

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4.  Village Museum (Muzeul Satului)

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Situated in King Michael I Park in Bucharest, Romania, the Village Museum, also known as the National Museum of the Village, is an outdoor ethnographic museum. Traditional rural life in Romania is on display at the museum. Dimitrie Gusti, a sociologist and folklorist, created the village. The museum's buildings, which represented many ethnographic regions, date from the 17th century to the 20th century.

• Why is it exotic? 🤔
  Open-air museum showcasing traditional Romanian rural life.
• Best time to visit  📅
  Best on sunny days—takes a couple of hours to explore fully.
• Photography tip 📷
  Wooden houses, windmills, and farm buildings make charming shots.

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5. Herăstrău Park & Lake

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The largest lake and park in Bucharest is Lake Herăstrău. Located between Lake Băneasa upstream and Lake Floreasca downstream, this artificial lake was created on the Colentina River in the northern section of Bucharest, where it flows through the city's metropolitan area. With a water volume of roughly 1.5 million cubic meters, the lake is 3.50 kilometers long. King Michael I Park surrounds the lake.

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• Why is it exotic? 🤔
  One of Bucharest’s largest parks, perfect for long walks, bike rides, and boat rentals.
• Best time to visit 📅
  Best visited on weekends or in the evening when locals gather to relax.
• Photography tip 📷
  Great views of the lake, tree-lined paths, and the King Michael I statue.

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6. Revolution Square

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Revolution Square is a square located on Calea Victoriei in the center of Bucharest. It was renamed following the Romanian Revolution and was known as Palace Square until 1989, the Royal Palace in the past. The former Romanian Communist Party Central Committee building is also located on the square. The Senate moved into the building in 1990, and since 2006, the Ministry of Interior and Administrative Reform has been housed there.

• Why is it exotic? 🤔
  A powerful reminder of Romania’s 1989 revolution.
• Best time to visit 📅
  Visit in the morning for a quiet atmosphere and historical reflection.
• Photography tip 📷
  Capture the mix of communist-era architecture and modern memorials.

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7. Calea Victoriei

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Calea Victoriei, a main thoroughfare in the center of Bucharest, is another lovely location. Stretching 2.7 kilometers from Splaiul Independenței to the north and then northwest up to Piata Victoriei, while ̘oseaua Kiseleff continues north, it is located in Sector 1. The Boulevard is now a posh shopping district in Bucharest, lined with new fashion stores, art galleries, coffee shops, and eateries.

• Why is it exotic? 🤔
  One of the oldest and most elegant boulevards in Bucharest.
• Best time to visit 📅
  Ideal for a daytime walk with stops at museums, shops, and cafes.
• Photography tip 📷
  The best shots are at sunset, with the light hitting historic buildings.

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8. National Museum of Art of Romania

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The Royal Palace on Revolution Square, the center of Bucharest, is home to the National Museum of Art of Romania. In addition to the worldwide collection put together by the Romanian royal family, it showcases collections of medieval and contemporary Romanian art. It was the biggest display of French paintings in Central and Eastern Europe since 1945, showcasing four centuries of French art.

• Why is it exotic? 🤔
  Housed in the former Royal Palace, it showcases Romanian and European masterpieces.
• Best time to visit 📅
  A peaceful indoor escape—ideal for rainy days or quiet afternoons.
• Photography tip 📷
  The grand staircase and gallery halls make elegant photography spots.

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9. Stavropoleos Monastery

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Central Bucharest, Romania, is home to Stavropoleos Monastery, an Eastern Orthodox monastery for nuns that was also known as Stavropoleos Church until the monastery was disbanded in the previous century. Its church was constructed in the style of Brâncovenesc. St. Archangels Michael and Gabriel are the church's patrons. The genitive case of Stavropolis is Stavropoleos. The monastery's choir and the largest collection of Byzantine music books in Romania demonstrate its ongoing interest in Byzantine music.

• Why is it exotic? 🤔
  A small, serene church known for its Brâncovenesc architecture.
• Best time to visit 📅
  Go early in the day to avoid crowds.
• Photography tip 📷
  Focus on the carved stonework and peaceful courtyard.

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10.  Arcul de Triumf (Arch of Triumph)

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In the northern region of Bucharest, Romania, on the Kiseleff Road, stands the triumphal arch known as Arcul de Triumf. Petre Antonescu created the monument, which was constructed in 1921–1922, rebuilt in 1935–1936, and then renovated once more beginning in 2014. It honors the crowning of King Ferdinand I and his wife Marie, as well as Romania's triumph in World War I.

• Why is it exotic? 🤔
  Inspired by Paris' Arc de Triomphe, it celebrates Romanian victories and unity.
• Best time to visit 📅
  Visit during national holidays for flag displays or climb it (when open) for a city view.
• Photography tip 📷
  The best photos are from the center of the road (safely!) with the full arch in frame.

Final Thoughts

These are the top photography spots you won't want to miss in Bucharest. But there is really much more to see and enjoy, as the city has endless photo opportunities. Take a walk and explore more, and make both your day and your photos amazing. Hopefully, this guide will help you capture your best moments in Bucharest.

Ready to go explore?
Don’t forget to bring extra storage, because you’re going to take a lot of photos.

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