Bucharest Instagram Spots: 10 Photo Spots in Bucharest

Top Bucharest Instagram spots that you should mark on your map before visiting.

Welcome to the 21st century, where everyone clicks thousands of photos when they travel. Because why not? No one needs to carry big cameras anymore because smartphones are sharper than ever.

Pose, snap, and share. Once clicked, some of these photos find their way onto Instagram.

Romania’s capital Bucharest has several spots with unexpected beauty that are Instagram-worthy.

Bucharest city is less famous than other Instagram-able European capitals like Prague, Amsterdam, Paris, or Rome, it’s not clogged by tourists so you won’t struggle to find the perfect timing or setting.

If you are flying to Romania to visit the Black Sea area (Constanta) or the Danube Delta area and have to start your journey in Bucharest.

So, what does Bucharest have to offer?

I have an entire post about Bucharest and if it is worth visiting, but I will share a quick outline here too.

Well, in the early 1900s and until the communist regime came to power in 1945, the majestic French Renaissance architecture in the city and cultural life earned Bucharest the nickname “Little Paris.” Since then, the city went through many transformations and now boasts an eclectic combination of architectural styles. 

The Old Town area has historical buildings with coffee shops and restaurants that brim with life and many stunning spots and corners that wait for the creative eye to capture them.

A carousel-shaped library, a French-style landmark, and the second-largest administrative building in the world are also noteworthy landmarks in Bucharest perfect for Instagram. 

So without further wait, here are 10 amazing Instagram Spots in Bucharest

1) Carturesti Carusel: the Prettiest Bookstore

Carturesti Carusel is a bookshop in the Old Town area famous for being one of Romania’s most beautiful libraries. This bookworm’s paradise is also one of the most photographed attractions in Bucharest and Instagramable libraries in South-Eastern Europe.

Using bright, natural light is one of the best ways to take a standout Instagram photo, and the library has plenty of it due to the structure’s architectural design. It looks like a carousel, hence the name, and covers 1000mp spread over six floors. 

Carturesti Carusel is large enough to keep you busy all day, and you’ll be greeted by unique spots the moment you walk into the library. A white 3-level balcony shop, stunning spiral staircases, and a panoramic view of the library – all with the colorful touch brought by thousands of books! It’s a delight for your camera lens!

Carturesti Carusel bookshop is built in a historical building that dates back to the 19th century and has been home to a bourgeois family. Like most structures in Bucharest at that time, this one is built in Neoclassical style. But in the meantime, it got rehabilitated and transformed, and in 2015, it opened up as a library. Now, it offers a contemporary charm to the vibe of the area.

This bookstore is one of the most photogenic places in Bucharest, so prepare with patience because you’ll want to take many pictures.

2) The “Umbrella Alley” at Pasajul Victoria

Pasajul Victoria is a French-style inspired alley and one of the most instagram famous locations in Bucharest. That’s why it became known as “Umbrella Alley!” 

It is a small passageway with many rainbow-colored umbrellas hanging open in the air. The best time for a picture here is early in the morning when the sun shines through the hues, but for a more dramatic snap, the evening is excellent too.

The alley is off-limits for cars and is only a few minutes from Carturesti Carusel, so you can easily cross both spots off your list. 

3) Pasajul Macca-Vilacrosse

Also located in the Old Town next to the impressive headquarters of the National Bank of Romania which you won’t miss is the lovely, French-inspired Macca-Villacrosse Passage. Built in 1891 it features colored glass covering the passage and in the center a dome with yellow and green glass, thus creating a beautiful light and atmosphere inside. 

Needless to say, you won’t need to use any filters or do any edits for your shots here! Photographers love this place because it’s easy to recreate an ‘old world’ vibe. Lots of photo and video shoots take place here for this reason. 

4) The Palace of the Parliament

The House of People as it’s locally called is the second largest administrative building in the world after the Pentagon. This is also one of the world’s most expensive – and heaviest – structures!

And because it’s so huge you’ll have to try different angles and locations to get the perfect photo of it. 

Apart from its grandeur, the best part is that you can visit its sumptuous interior and walk through the rooms as part of a tour.

Given its size and function, the official guided tour of the Palace of Parliament won’t show you much but just enough for those memorable shots. For instance, among the most Instagramable spots you’ll find here is the Senate Plenary Room, with beautifully ornated walls and a lovely stained glass dome ceiling.

5) Arc de Triumph

One of the reasons Bucharest is known as the “Paris of the East” is because it also has an Arch of Triumph similar to the one in Paris. Built as a World War I memorial, it’s one of the most important landmarks in Bucharest.

The arc is located in the heart of a roundabout at the intersection of three major boulevards and close to Herestrau Park. So there are plenty of ways to go around it and get the shot you want.

Inside the Arch of Triumph, there’s a small museum documenting the structure’s rich history. It also has an internal staircase that will get you to the top where sweeping 360 views await. So it’s the perfect place for a panoramic shot. 

6) CEC Palace

CEC Palace is one building that I loved looking at every day when I was in Bucharest. I walked by this stunning building pretty often and I was surprised to know that it belongs to a bank!

Palatul CEC is among the most photogenic and stunning buildings in Bucharest and one of the most important landmarks in the capital. It’s an architectural masterpiece built in eclectic style, with its construction completed in 1900. 

The CEC Palace building is super wide, so a part of it peeps from several streets of the Old town in Bucharest as one walks around.

The structure boasts sophisticated and attractive elements including a glass dome that creates a spectacular light on the inside. 

It’s also the headquarters of a bank so if you’ve watched Money Heist you know what to expect from this spot! It’s only a matter of what time of the day you choose to check it because it can be freely visited pretending to be an interested customer. 

You will find this building at the crossroads of two of Bucharest’s most prominent streets for tourists – Strada Lipscani and Calea Victoriei – so it’s impossible to miss it while you’re roaming around. 

7) Cismigiu Gardens

Cismigiu Gardens is the “Central Park” of Bucharest. So if you’re looking to collect snaps with greenery, this place has many options. It’s a small taste of the spectacular and diverse nature you will find if you visit the national parks of Romania.

The park has an artificial lake that can serve as the perfect mirror for the blue sky and the rich green of the surroundings. You can even go on a boat ride!

There’s abundant nature on the backdrop of colorful flower sections and many wooden benches, cozy alleys, and passageways well worth a snap.

There’s also an area dedicated to chess players that’s always full, and one known as the Intellectuals’ Circle where you’ll find statues of major figures from Romanian culture and history. 

8) Nomad Sky Bar (+ nearby hipster coffee shops)

Perhaps one of the most exciting things about Bucharest is its rich, diverse, and dynamic going-out scene. You’ll find lots of coffee shops, bars, and restaurants, most of which go above and beyond to impress their clients through design and atmosphere, besides their menu and service.

So if Instagramming the froth on your specialty cappuccino or your gourmet Romanian meal is on your list, check out M60, Energiea, Absinteria Sixthina, Shift Pub, or Biutiful by the Lake. 

You’ll also be happy to hear there are many sky bars that offer great views over the city while you can enjoy a delicious coffee or meal.

Nomad Sky Bar in the Old Town area is the most popular, and then comes Linea Closer to the Moon nearby. Naive offers amazing views over the Palace of Parliament while NOR Skybar is located in the highest skyscraper in Bucharest so you can imagine the views it offers. 

9) Grand Hotel Bucharest Roof Top Jacuzzi

Grand Hotel Bucharest is one of the earliest super luxurious hotels in the city. It was initially called InterContinental but now is Grand Hotel.

It was once the tallest building in Bucharest but now is the 17th highest. Nevertheless, it is still the tallest building in Bucharest.

So what’s so special about this? It’s what’s on top.

Grand Hotel has a spa on the rooftop so you can sit on a jacuzzi with a view. So it is definitely one of the best Instagram spots in Bucharest and is unique.

Keep in mind that Grand Hotel is under renovation at the moment and will open up again in 2024.

10) Old Town area

Bucharest’s Old Town is the kind of place that will test your photography skills and patience. It’s one of the most attractive areas in the city and a favorite spot for Instagrammers.

It’s also the hotspot for the city’s nightlife and going out scene with over 120 restaurants, bars, and cafes. So it’s quite crowded! 

You’ll also find lots of buildings designed in neoclassical and neo-baroque styles, as well as historic monuments and landmarks.

If you’re interested in that consider visiting in the morning or during weekdays. Cause in the evening you’ll see the area come to life with people looking to relax and enjoy a night out with friends. 

BONUS: Keep an eye out for street art

Street art reflects Bucharest’s urban culture so the city has plenty of. Not long ago, it was considered vandalism, but today it’s endorsed as a form of art that people can engage with outside the museum or gallery.

That’s why exploring off-the-beaten path streets and or going with a dedicated guide is one of the best things to do in Bucharest for those looking for unique pictures other than of the typical tourist sights.

Arthur Verona Street is one the best examples if you’re looking for an exciting background for your picture and creating opportunities for each shot.

You’ll find a lot of street art and many Instagramable spots here: ten walls covered in pure art that change every 2-3 years. So, ready to unleash your photographic creativity?

Where to Stay in Bucharest?

I spent a week in Bucharest and I ended up experiencing 3 hotels. I have a separate post about places to stay in Bucharest but here are my quick recommendations:

JW Marriot

Stunning building right next to the Palace of Parliament. They have the most comfortable beds and an amazing breakfast buffet.

Some of the rooms at JW Marriot have a view of the Palace of Parliament – so you have an iconic landmark next to you which is a top Instagram spot in Bucharest.

Leonardo Hotel Bucharest City Center

The location is excellent and so are the rooms. This hotel was earlier called Golden Tulip but was later rebranded. I’d pick this place if I go again because it is in the middle of it all. From here, all Bucharest Instagram spots are nearby.

Leonardo Hotel isn’t as expensive as other high-end hotels and the views are excellent, especially if you get an executive suite.

Black and White Apartments

Traveling with a family? Then you might want to book an entire apartment with a kitchen, washing machine, balcony, etc. The best rates are Black and White Apartments in the city center.

As you will see when you visit Bucharest, this city has many inspiring spots to capture for your Instagram. It boasts different architectural styles, inspiring street art, impressive lakes, and natural scenery, making it hard to leave your phone or camera aside. So, what location from this list caught your attention the most?  

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