Bucharest: Private Tuk Tuk Tour Old Town, Parliament & Landmarks

Summary

Ride Bucharest’s wild streets by tuk tuk from Parliament to Old Town

You’ll ride through Bucharest’s heart in a private tuk tuk, seeing landmarks like Parliament and CEC Palace while your local guide shares stories only locals know. Taste Romanian sweets, feel the city’s energy up close, and catch unexpected moments — from synchronized fountains to impromptu laughs over photos you’ll want to keep.

What’s the experience like?

I’ll be honest — I almost bailed when I saw the clouds rolling in. But our driver, Andrei, just shrugged and handed me a blanket with this grin like he’d seen it all before. So we climbed into the tuk tuk anyway, rain or no rain. The first few minutes were a blur of honking cars and that weird sweet smell from the bakery on Victoriei Street (I still don’t know what they bake there). Andrei pointed out the Palace of Parliament — massive doesn’t even cover it. He said it’s heavier than the Great Pyramid. I tried to picture that while dodging puddles with my feet.

We zipped past CEC Palace and stopped for photos; honestly, I was more interested in the old men playing chess outside than the building itself. There was this moment near Unirii Square where the fountains started up — synchronized jets everywhere, kids squealing, water catching bits of sunlight between gray clouds. For a second it felt like everyone forgot about traffic and just watched. Andrei handed us some Romanian sweets (I think he called them “prăjitură”?) and told us about Queen Maria supervising the Royal Residence herself — he made it sound like she could’ve run half the city if she wanted.

The tuk tuk tour felt way more personal than I expected — maybe because you’re so exposed to everything: exhaust fumes, laughter from sidewalk cafés, even that cold breeze whipping around corners by Bucharest University Palace. It wasn’t always comfortable but it was real. We ended up laughing at our failed selfie attempts with the Arch of Triumph in the background (the selfie stick helped but not much). Looking back, those little imperfect moments are what stuck with me most.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Bucharest private tuk-tuk sightseeing tour

• See National Theatre and Grand Hotel Continental
• Visit Spring Palace museum
• View Arch de Triumph monument
• Pass by House of the Free Press
• Drive along Calea Victoriei street
• Visit Romanian Athenaeum concert hall
• See Ceausescu's last speech location
• Visit Royal Winter Residence palace
• See CEC Palace building
• Pass by National History Museum entrance
• Visit Palace of Parliament
• Pass by synchronized fountains at Unirii Square
• Stop at Unirii Square access point

Top questions

How long does the Bucharest tuk tuk tour take?

The exact duration isn’t listed, but you’ll cover major sites across central Bucharest at a relaxed pace.

Which landmarks are included on this private tour?

You’ll see Palace of Parliament, CEC Palace, Victoriei Street, University Palace, Arch of Triumph, Royal Residence, and more.

Is pickup included for this Bucharest sightseeing tour?

No hotel pickup is mentioned; meeting point details provided after booking.

Are food or drinks provided during the tour?

You get bottled water and Romanian sweets as part of your day trip.

Is this tuk tuk tour suitable for all fitness levels?

Yes — it’s suitable for all physical fitness levels since you’re riding throughout.

Can service animals join this Bucharest day trip?

Yes, service animals are allowed on this tour.

Will there be stops for taking photos?

Yes — there are plenty of stops at scenic places for photos along the route.

Are blankets provided if it gets cold during the ride?

Yes — blankets are included to keep you comfortable in cooler weather.

What’s included

Your day includes a private open-air tuk tuk ride through Bucharest with stops at top sights like Parliament and CEC Palace; bottled water; Romanian sweets; use of a selfie stick; cozy blankets if needed; parking fees covered; plus stories from a local guide who knows every shortcut in town.