Bucharest Small Group City Tour: Parliament, Village Museum & Old Town

Summary

Explore Bucharest Landmarks with a Local Guide in a Cozy Minibus

You’ll see Bucharest’s biggest sights up close—from communist palaces to village homes—on this relaxed small-group tour with a local guide who brings every story to life.

What’s the experience like?

The morning air felt a bit crisp as we hopped into the minibus—just five of us and our guide, who greeted everyone by name. First stop: the Palace of Parliament. It’s massive. You can’t really grasp the scale until you’re standing at its base, squinting up at endless rows of windows. Our guide shared stories about the building’s past—how it was built during Romania’s communist era and why locals still call it “the People’s House.” Inside, marble floors echo under your steps and chandeliers hang like something out of a movie set. I caught myself whispering; it just felt right in such an over-the-top place.

Next, we rolled over to the National Village Museum. The scent of fresh-cut grass hit me as soon as we stepped out. It’s an open-air maze of old wooden houses and tiny churches from all over Romania—some with thatched roofs, others painted in faded blues or greens. Our guide pointed out details I’d never notice alone, like how villagers used to carve patterns into their gates for good luck. There was a little breeze rustling through the trees and somewhere nearby, a vendor was roasting corn on a cart. We wandered between homes, peeking inside at handwoven rugs and clay pots stacked on shelves.

Calea Victoriei came alive with honking cars and people darting across crosswalks. We strolled past grand buildings—the Royal Palace on one side, then suddenly Revolution Square where history changed overnight in 1989. Our guide paused by an old music shop (still open!) and told us about secret police hiding spots during the revolution. There were Orthodox churches tucked between modern shops and even a casino or two blinking neon lights in broad daylight.

In Revolution Square itself, you could almost feel the weight of what happened there—not just from statues or plaques but from the way locals still talk about those days. The Senate Palace loomed nearby; our guide explained how crowds gathered here to demand change when Ceausescu fled by helicopter.

We finished up in the Old City Centre—Hanul lui Manuc is hard to miss with its thick walls and bustling courtyard cafés. It smells like coffee and grilled meat here, even before noon. The streets twist around old churches and quirky museums; I ducked into a bookshop that also sold vinyl records and left with a tiny wooden icon for my shelf back home.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Bucharest City Highlights

• Visit Palace of Parliament
• Explore National Village Museum
• Walk along Victoriei Street
• See Revolution Square
• Tour Historical City Centre

Top questions

How many people are usually on this tour?

The group is kept small—no more than five guests per tour for a more personal experience.

Is there WiFi or air conditioning on the minibus?

Yes! The minibus has both WiFi and air conditioning so you can travel comfortably around Bucharest.

Are there stops for food or drinks along the way?

While meals aren’t included, there are plenty of chances to grab snacks or coffee at stops like Hanul lui Manuc or nearby cafés in Old Town.

Is this tour suitable for families or older travelers?

Absolutely—it’s designed for all fitness levels and infant seats are available if needed.

What’s included

Your ride includes WiFi onboard, air conditioning (trust me, you’ll appreciate it), all fees and taxes covered, plus parking costs sorted out so you don’t have to worry about anything except enjoying Bucharest.