Essential Bucharest

The first port of call for any visitor to Bucharest these days should probably be the Historic Centre, or Old Town. 

Once you have ticked off Old Town, you can head for the sights, museums, churches and buildings we list here.

The Peasant and Village Museums should take priority, as well as the Grigore Antipa National History Museum.

While still the most famous building in the city and usually top of the agenda for most visitors, Casa Poporului/Palatul Parlamentului tends to be a bit of a let down for most, mainly due to the stilted nature of the compulsory guided tour.

Art lovers - especially fans of religious art - should pencil in at least an afternoon at the National Art Museum.

Last but not least, half a day at the Bellu Cemetery is a wonderful trip through Romanian literary, artistic, political and architectural history.