Romania is a country that can be enjoyed in any weather having lots of options in regards to indoors or outdoor activities. So what can you do on a rainy day in Bucharest to enjoy all of what this big city has to offer? Rest assured, you’ll see much more than your hostel’s walls.
But first, let’s start with a little useful info and logistics so that you can fully enjoy your vacation.
Weather in Bucharest
Romania has all four seasons which means sunny and hot during summer, cold and snow in the wintertime and rainy days in spring and autumn. Depending on the period you are visiting it is wise to bring along some waterproof clothes and maybe an umbrella. Be even more prepared if you plan on a nature trip.
Here are some great ideas of activities depending on the time you’re visiting:
- Romania Autumn trips – greet fall Romanian style
- Summer in Romania – the trips to take and places to see
- Romania trips to make in winter – top 3 places to see
Logistics on a rainy day in Bucharest
A rainy day in Bucharest means one thing: horrible traffic. This means that it would be best to rely on Bucharest’s Subway System. It is way faster than any other means of transport, covers most of the city and has exits at all the major tourist landmarks. Read A guide to the Bucharest Subway System – the touristic stops to find all there is to know about tickets, stations, tips&tricks.
However, you might find yourself in need to use the other means of public transport in order to get to or from the airport or in a part of the city that is not covered by the subway. Do not worry, just avoid the rush hours ( 8- 10 AM and 6-7 PM) and read Bucharest public transport – getting around town. Although somewhat confusing, getting around town on a rainy day in Bucharest relying on public transport is not that difficult.
Rainy day in Bucharest – where to go and what to see
Obviously, a little summer rain won’t stop you from exploring all that outdoor landmarks from the shelter of your umbrella. But in this article, we’ll focus on indoor activities and attractions for when the rain won’t stop pouring and the weather is cold.
First of all, rest assured that indoor does not mean you’ll have to spend a whole lot than if you were to explore just the outside of certain buildings. We’ve been asked before if Romania travel costs break the bank and we can honestly say that compared to other European capital cities, Bucharest is affordable and easy on the wallet.
Museums to see on a rainy day in Bucharest
Art
Although you might have to postpone a visit to one of the greatest outdoor museums in the Balkans, The Village Museum based in Bucharest, you can get a sense of Romania’s traditions by going to The Peasant Museum. A museum of Popular Art and Traditions, it offers a rich collection of traditional Romanian objects, all displayed in a Neo-Romanian style historical monument-building. Oftentimes there are also cinematic projections, concerts and art exhibitions. On February 24th, the day of Dragobete, a Romanian St. Valentine’s Day, the museum’s yard hosts a dedicated fair.
National Museum of Art of Romania (MNaR) is a great place for art and history lovers. It is located in the former Royal Palace and besides the major art collection, gives you the opportunity to find out more about the Romanian Royal Familly. The museum prides itself with an extensive collection of medieval and modern Romanian art. Furthermore, you don’t have to travel to Târgu Mureș or Paris to see a sculpture by Constantin Brancusi.
Now the rain might not let you to fully enjoy The Parliament House in all its grandeur from the outside, but you can still get a taste by visiting The National Museum of Contemporary Art (MNAC). A top art museum with an eclectic collection of Romanian and Eastern European artists, it is located in the southern wing of World’s second largest administrative building.
History
If the Peasant Museum stirred your curiosity regarding Romania’s history, a visit to the Museum of Romanian History is a must. Here you can find out more about Romania’s ancestors, the Dacians. The highlight of the exposition is 13 Dacian gold bracelets dating from the 1st century BC. Each bracelet is weighing around one kilogram. In front of the Museum, you can see the famous statue that stirred a lot of controversy in Romania, Traian (the Roman emperor) holding the She-Wolf that raised Remus and Romulus. Why the controversy? Well, you have to see for yourself.
If you fancy getting lunch in one of Bucharest’s Old City restaurants, first stop at the Museum Of The National Bank Of Romania. Not only the building itself is impressive, but also the museum offers one of the most valuable numismatic collections in Romania, spanning two and a half millennia. Furthermore, you can learn more about the history of the national currency from its beginnings to the present times.
Music
For music enthusiasts, The George Enescu National Museum is right for you. Dedicated to the life and work of George Enescu, Romania’s greatest composer, the museum is set in an Art Nouveau style building and one of the European Heritage Label buildings on Victoriei Avenue.
Certainly what shouldn’t be missed on a visit in Bucharest is the Romanian Athenaeum, an outstanding Neoclassical concert hall, being a symbol of Bucharest for over 130. You may visit the interior and admire the decorations and fresco, or buy a ticket to attend an extraordinary concert.
Let us tell guide you
No one knows Romania like its locals. That is why our small team of certified tourist guides is always happy to help you. Furthermore, our aim is to make sure you have the vacation of your dreams. Just see what other travelers are saying about us.
You can find out more about us in the contact section and see all our predefined tours. But keep in mind that we can customize any tour to suit your needs and interests. Just drop us a line and we’ll start planning your dream vacation together.
