10 Things to Do in Bucharest in Winter

Bucharest is one of the most beautiful cities in Eastern Europe and its landscapes are associated with stately buildings of different styles and monuments of its communist era. However, the skyline of this destination improves significantly during the winter, when the blanket of snow covers its main sites and the low temperatures are not enough to eclipse the charm of the Romanian capital.

Among the best things to do in Bucharest in winter are visiting the Dracula Castle covered by a blanket of snow, taking shelter from the low temperatures by touring the city's museums, visiting the Palace of Parliament, discovering the Carpathian Mountains on a snowmobile tour, enjoying the Romanian capital's ice skating rinks and discovering the views from the Arc de Triomphe.

Visiting the Dracula Castle from Bucharest and during the winter, will allow you to discover this attraction, which is one of the main attractions in Romania, at its best. This Gothic building, known as Bran Castle, is located in the Carpathian Mountains, and the beauty of its structure is intensified during the winter months, when snow covers its roofs and towers creating a mysterious image.

In addition, during the winter you can also discover the surrounding snow-covered paths, whether you contemplate the view from outside or inside the building, as you explore the corridors and halls that once housed Vlad the Impaler, the historical figure on which the myth of Dracula, written by Bram Stoker, is based.

The history of Bran Castle is as fascinating as its wintry appearance. Built in the 14th century, it has witnessed historical events and passed through several hands before becoming one of Romania's most iconic tourist destinations. Although Vlad the Impaler had no significant connection to the castle, his legacy has been linked to the Dracula novel. Therefore, visiting this site in winter enhances its architecture but also its legend.

Winter temperatures in Bucharest can easily reach -10°, so one of the best alternatives you will find is to take shelter in the city's cultural attractions. Museums, then, become an ideal place to dodge the freezing Romanian winter and among them is the National Museum of Art of Romania, which will allow you to discover the local artistic history through medieval works and contemporary pieces.

Another fascinating site is the Grigore Antipa National Museum of Natural History, a showcase of the country's biological diversity. With exhibits ranging from prehistory to the modern era, the museum provides a colorful palette of Romanian flora and fauna, offering an educational and immersive experience that shelters visitors from the winter weather.

You can also visit the popular National Museum of the Village, which will allow you to learn not only about the history of the country but also about the development of Romanian daily life over the years. Finally, I recommend you to visit the Museum of the Senses, an immersive exhibition where you can live a unique and unmissable sensory experience.

Visiting the Palace of Parliament is the most prominent activity in the city and during the winter it becomes the most visited site by tourists, who seek to avoid the low temperatures and snowfall of the season. This architectural colossus, also known as the People's Palace, is the largest administrative building in Europe and marks the heart of the Romanian capital.

The grandiloquence of the Palace of Parliament is enhanced during the winter season, when its facades and vast gardens are dressed in white with the falling snow. Tourists can walk the opulently decorated corridors and learn about the rich history of this site on some of the best guided tours in Bucharest. Plus, you can discover how the warm interior lighting contrasts with the cold outside.

The history behind the Palace of Parliament is as fascinating as its architecture. Built during the communist era, this symbol of power stands as a silent witness to Romania's immediate past. Here visitors can explore its most prominent rooms, including the monumental Parliament Hall, while learning about the country's evolution over time and its influence on local society.

When winter takes over Bucharest, adventure lovers find in the Carpathian Mountains, a paradise of activities. A snowmobile tour through the mountains surrounding the Romanian capital offers a unique and exciting experience. Among the most outstanding destinations for these excursions is Sinaia, a town located a few hours from Bucharest, which is ideal for discovering the scenic beauty of the Carpathian Mountains.

The Bucegi National Park is another must-see site in the region. There you will be able to contemplate the winter nature as you go through the snow-covered forests and contemplate the size of the mountains. The snowmobile experience offers a unique perspective of this landscape, allowing participants to immerse themselves in the serenity of winter while enjoying the speed and adrenaline of this activity.

In addition, the Carpathians offer opportunities to discover charming mountain villages. Bran, known for its iconic Dracula's Castle, and Rasnov, with its imposing fortress, are ideal stops for those looking to combine the thrill of the snowmobile tour with some of the best things to do from Bucharest.

In the heart of Bucharest, Cismigiu Park reveals itself as a winter oasis that attracts locals and visitors alike. During the snowy season, this urban park transforms into a winter wonderland, with its meandering paths covered in white, creating an idyllic setting for a relaxing stroll. Cismigiu, therefore, offers a unique experience that combines nature, history and tranquility.

What distinguishes the park from the rest of the green spaces in the Romanian capital is its serene atmosphere and carefully designed paths winding through snow-covered trees. Visitors can enjoy a leisurely stroll while admiring the sculptures and fountains that decorate the park and the bridges that cross the frozen ponds, which are often featured in Bucharest's best guided tours.

In addition, during the snowy season, Cismigiu Park becomes a perfect destination for winter activities, such as ice skating on its outdoor rink. Dating back to the 19th century, this park has earned its place as one of the city's cultural treasures, providing locals and tourists alike with a perfect winter escape.

Bucharest during the winter is transformed into the ideal setting for winter sports and one of the most prominent is ice skating, which you can enjoy in the rinks that are scattered throughout the city. Among the most popular is the ice rink located at the lake in Herastrau Park, which offers panoramic views of the city and an idyllic setting for this sport.

Another outstanding ice skating rink can be found in Tineretului Park, where you can practice this activity while enjoying the natural beauty of the surroundings. In addition, the Afi Cotroceni rink, located near the shopping center of the same name, offers an urban experience with modern facilities where you can rent equipment if you don't already have it.

For those looking for a historical experience, the rink at Constitutiei Square, in front of the Palace of Parliament, offers the opportunity to glide on the ice with the monument in the background. Also, if you plan to visit Bucharest during Christmas, this site is also home to one of the most popular Christmas Eve-themed markets.

Nestled in the Carpathian Mountains, the Slanic Prahova Salt Mine presents itself as a subway treasure that comes to life in a unique way during the winter. This natural wonder, one of the largest salt mines in Europe, becomes a particularly fascinating destination during the winter season, when the characteristic humidity of the season transforms the atmosphere of the mine, changing the colors of the walls.

This mine is famous for its subway corridors that house formations of salt crystals. During the winter, the humidity of the air enhances the tones and textures of these structures, creating a unique visual spectacle. In addition, at this site, which is one of the best destinations to visit from Bucharest, you can explore passages illuminated by the dim light that filters in from outside during the colder months.

The winter season offers a different experience when visiting the mine. The cold outside contrasts with the warm, dry climate inside the mine, creating a sense of cozy refuge. In addition, the Slanic Prahova Salt Mine has therapeutic facilities where visitors can enjoy salt spray inhalation sessions, providing respiratory health benefits.

One of the reasons Bucharest is called Little Paris is because of the beauty of its monuments, and the Romanian capital's Arc de Triomphe, which emulates its French counterpart, solves the nickname of this destination. From the viewpoint of its terrace, located at 27 meters high, you can contemplate a wide panoramic view of the city that becomes special during the winter months, when the snow covers the nearby monuments, creating an enchanting landscape.

From the height of the observation deck you can see the Parliament Palace, with its imposing architecture, and also Lake Herastrau, covered by a thin layer of ice, which creates a perfect winter postcard. The tree-lined paths winding around the lake will be painted white, providing a picturesque contrast to the city.

Also, another must-see from the Arc de Triomphe is the Romanian Athenaeum, an architectural gem surrounded by gardens and statues that takes on a special charm when covered in snow and bathed in dense winter fog.

For lovers of snow and winter thrills, taking ski lessons in Poiana Brasov is an unbeatable option during a trip to Bucharest. Located about a two-hour drive from the Romanian capital, Poiana Brasov stands out as one of the most important ski destinations in the country and offers extensive slopes, ideal both for beginners who want to learn and for more experienced skiers.

In addition, in this site you can also visit Brasov, a medieval city surrounded by the Carpathian Mountains that stands out for its architectural charm and is often the protagonist of the best full-day tours from Bucharest. The Council Square with its Black Church, the imposing Bran Fortress and the cobblestone streets are just some of the attractions that make Brasov an outstanding destination that during the winter is dressed in white.

Brasov offers not only architectural beauty, but also the opportunity to enjoy the local culture and Romanian hospitality. Its cafes and restaurants are ideal places to taste the delicious regional cuisine and warm up after a day on the slopes of Poiana Brasov.

One of the best facets you can discover in Bucharest during the winter is its gastronomic culture, which is enhanced by the ideal dishes to combat the winter cold. Some of the most famous recipes of the season include ciorba de perisoare, a soup with meatballs, vegetables and aromatic herbs that is very popular in restaurants such as Caru' cu Bere, one of the most renowned in the Romanian capital.

Another essential dish to try during the winter in Bucharest is mamaliga cu branza si smantana, a Romanian version of polenta served with cheese and sour cream. This dish can be enjoyed at places like Hanu' Berarilor Casa Soare for an authentic local dining experience. In addition, traditional nougat and cakes, such as cozonac, sweeten the winter season and are available at local bakeries.

For those looking for a more relaxed experience, winter markets, such as Piata Obor, offer a wide variety of local products and traditional dishes. There you can enjoy mici, a kind of grilled sausage, as well as various bakery and pastry options.

During the months of December, January and February, Bucharest's temperatures range from 0° to -5°, with cold spikes that can reach even lower values. Snowfalls are common, transforming the city into a picturesque winter landscape, as the presence of snow adds extra charm to the city's parks, monuments and streets.

Therefore, warm clothing is essential to face the winter weather in Bucharest, with coats, scarves and gloves as indispensable garments. The city also offers a variety of winter activities, from visiting Christmas markets to practicing winter sports in the nearby Carpathian Mountains, so despite the cold, the Romanian capital remains an ideal place to visit.

Bucharest experiences a somewhat more moderate tourist influx during the winter months compared to the summer season, which marks the region's peak season. However, the city still attracts visitors looking to experience the snowy landscapes and magic of Christmas in the Romanian capital.

Although some outdoor attractions may have reduced opening hours due to the winter weather, the city still offers a rich cultural, historical and gastronomic offer that attracts travelers interested in exploring the authenticity of Bucharest during the winter season. On the other hand, winter ensures fewer crowds at the most visited sites, making it also a good alternative for travelers looking to escape the crowds.

In Bucharest, the winter season can influence prices in a number of ways. While some accommodations and tourist services may experience a slight decrease in their rates due to lower visitor demand during the colder months, other services related to winter activities, such as ski equipment rental or excursions to nearby mountains, may increase.

Restaurants and cafes, on the other hand, may offer special winter menus with traditional dishes and options ideal for combat, providing visitors with the opportunity to enjoy local gastronomy at affordable prices. However, keep in mind that during the Christmas season in Bucharest prices are usually higher than in the rest of the winter.

Bucharest is a cold place with frequent snowfalls during the winter, so in your suitcase I suggest you include the following:

• Winter coats
• Raincoat
• Waterproof and comfortable boots
• Thermal socks
• Umbrella
• Waterproof and tactile gloves
• Woolen hat
• Woolen scarves
• Sunglasses
• Wool sweaters
• Fleece pants
• Thermal fleece