The Best Things To See And Do In Dorobani Bucharest

Since the 19th century, when Dorobanți became a top choice for Bucharest’s aristocracy, the neighborhood has maintained its status as one of the city hotspots. Although many of the villas that were built by some of the city’s major architects—Paul Gottereau, Louis Blanc, and Albert Galeron—have since been replaced by tall communist blocks of flats, Dorobanți remains one of the best places to eat, drink, shop, and admire the stunning architecture that remains.

1. Eat at a secret restaurant

Restaurant with Rooms, Romanian

On one side of the little square found at the end of Calea Dorobanți, Scientists’ House is an architectural jewel and one of Bucharest’s secret locations. A Neo-classical palace, it features many salons decorated with gilded ceilings and stained glass and features a back garden that can be reached via a monumental staircase. The structure is the former residence of one of Bucharest’s richest and most famous inhabitants, and it’s now the property of the Romanian Academy. Astonishingly, very few locals know that this majestic palace is also a restaurant, so step in confidently, as you might have the place all to yourself.

Shop ’til you drop

Calea Dorobanți, the backbone of the neighbourhood, is one of the best shopping areas in Bucharest. Lined with shops and boutiques, it rivals those on Calea Victoriei, but visitors will find more high-street brands than high-fashion labels. Whatever you’re looking for, the variety is amazing. Alongside the exclusive shops, such as Madison perfumery, you’ll find Semnele Satului, an embroidery shop that sells handcrafted Romanian goods, as well as shoe shops and interior design showrooms.

Dorobanți is home to some of the best and most exclusive restaurants, bistros, and cafés. For an early start, opt for a rich breakfast or brunch at Frudisiac, a cozy café hidden inside a Scandinavian hut. In a hurry, grab a quick French bite at Nicolai. Try the traditional Romanian soup, or ciorba, at experts’ Ciorbarie. If fresh fish cooked on the spot is your thing, go to Raionul de Pește, a fish bar so popular you might have to queue for a table at the bar. For dinner, the options are endless, but for Romanian cuisine at a fine-dining restaurant, Maize might just be your best choice.

Go on an architectural treasure hunt

Pick one of the radial streets that start nearby Piaţa Dorobanţilor, and set aside a few hours to take in the stunning architecture that will unfold before your eyes. The streets are named after world capitals,—Strada Paris, Strada Londra, or Strada Teheran—and they’re lined with imposing villas with unique features and details. Many host embassies and are surrounded by gardens, which offer a double thrill in spring and early summer: large honeysuckle bushes cascade over the high fences and among the majestic magnolia trees.

2. Explore the Museum of Maps

Museum

You’d have a hard time trying to find a cuter or more original little museum in the whole of Bucharest. The magnificent 1920s building is filled with more than 1,000 treasures, including old maps of cities and of the sky, as well as paintings and city veduta, which you can observe carefully with the magnifying glasses provided. Reserve a few hours for your visit so you’ll also have time to check out the architectural details of the building, such as the Art Deco stairs, Gothic arches, and Venetian loggias.

3. See great art at Museum Zambaccian

Art Gallery, Memorial, Museum

Due to the exceptional quality of art works on display, as well as the variety of master artists featured,—Romanian and international—this relatively small art museum is also one of the best in the country. Alongside iconic paintings by Romanian artists, such as Ștefan Luchian, Theodor Pallady, Nicolae Tonitza, and Gheorghe Petrașcu, the museum displays works by Pablo Picasso and Henri Matisse and hosts the only canvas by post-Impressionist painter Paul Cézanne in the country. Add to that works by sculptors Constantin Brâncuși and Oscar Han—whose kissing couple sculpture, displayed in the backyard, is one of the most sensual pieces around—and the picture is almost complete.

4. Explore the Victor Babeş Museum

Museum, Memorial

One of the quirkiest museums in Bucharest, the Dr. Victor Babeş Memorial Museum is a son’s gift to the legacy of his father, one of Romania’s most renowned scientists. One of the founding fathers of microbiology, Babeş left behind a vast collection of studies, which were all kept in the 1920s villa built in an eclectic style. Alongside valuable manuscripts that date from the end of the 19th century, the collection also features vintage furniture, including the scientist’s desk, as well as tapestries and ceramics.

Reflect at the headquarters of Romanian Television

Romanians changed the course of history forever when they took to the streets in December 1989 and ousted the Communist regime. During the revolt, the headquarters of Romanian television, the TVR Tower near Piața Aviatorilor, was the scene of shootings that claimed many lives. As you pass the iconic tower, reflect on the city’s troubled history, which overlaps with that of Romania itself.

Since you are here, we would like to share our vision for the future of travel - and the direction Culture Trip is moving in.

Culture Trip launched in 2011 with a simple yet passionate mission: to inspire people to go beyond their boundaries and experience what makes a place, its people and its culture special and meaningful — and this is still in our DNA today. We are proud that, for more than a decade, millions like you have trusted our award-winning recommendations by people who deeply understand what makes certain places and communities so special.

Increasingly we believe the world needs more meaningful, real-life connections between curious travellers keen to explore the world in a more responsible way. That is why we have intensively curated a collection of premium small-group trips as an invitation to meet and connect with new, like-minded people for once-in-a-lifetime experiences in three categories: Culture Trips, Rail Trips and Private Trips. Our Trips are suitable for both solo travelers, couples and friends who want to explore the world together.

Culture Trips are deeply immersive 5 to 16 days itineraries, that combine authentic local experiences, exciting activities and 4-5* accommodation to look forward to at the end of each day. Our Rail Trips are our most planet-friendly itineraries that invite you to take the scenic route, relax whilst getting under the skin of a destination. Our Private Trips are fully tailored itineraries, curated by our Travel Experts specifically for you, your friends or your family.

We know that many of you worry about the environmental impact of travel and are looking for ways of expanding horizons in ways that do minimal harm - and may even bring benefits. We are committed to go as far as possible in curating our trips with care for the planet. That is why all of our trips are flightless in destination, fully carbon offset - and we have ambitious plans to be net zero in the very near future.