Outstanding. Founded by Royal Decree in 1936, and covering some 15 hectares on the shores of Lake Herăstrău, Muzeul Satului is one of the greatest outdoor museums in the Balkans. There are more than 60 original houses, farmsteads, windmills, watermills and churches from all of Romania's historic regions: Transylvania, Oltenia, Dobrogea and Moldavia. Every exhibit has a plaque showing exactly where in Romania it was brought from. Some even now have recorded commentary in four languages (if the stickers are missing, press the second button for English). Most of the houses date from the mid 19th-century, but there are some, such as those from Berbeşti, in the heart of Romania - celebrated for their intricately carved entrances - which date from as early as 1775. The highlight of the museum is probably the steep belfry of the wooden Maramureş church, complete with exquisite but faded icons. You should also not miss the earth houses of Straja, dug in to the ground and topped with thatched roofs, or the brightly painted dwellings of the Danube Delta. The museum has a great souvenir shop, and a stall selling traditional Romanian sweets and cakes. Children love the museum, and it makes for a perfect family day out.
    However, don't for one moment think that this is how the Romanian countryside really is, all pretty houses and well-kept gardens. Existence - for that is what it is - for the vast majority of Romanian peasants is grim at best. Running water remains a luxury, inside toilets almost unheard of. In some places houses are not even made of stone or brick, but of straw and mud. Enjoy the Village Museum then, but to see how Romanian villagers really live you will need to visit the countryside. 

Admission 6.00 lei, students/children 1.50 lei.