A day on Bucharest’s most iconic street – Calea Victoriei
All great cities have iconic streets where grand architecture, luxury shopping and high culture come together. In Bucharest, everything happens on Calea Victoriei, the city’s most storied boulevard and an essential destination for discerning visitors. A day spent on Calea Victoriei is a journey through Bucharest’s architectural and cultural evolution. Culture lovers can browse galleries and museums before settling into stunning theatres. And an array of boutiques and eating spots capture the imagination - and the senses. Make the most of your day on Bucharest's pre-eminent boulevard with our guide to the best sights and experiences on Calea Victoriei.
Start your day in style
When morning breaks, Calea Victoriei awakes. Be there as the cafes open to snatch a gourmet pastry and a finely made coffee. The best place to do so is without doubt the Café Athenee. Inspired by Parisian sophistication, the recently renovated Café Athenee features plush seating and elegant views.
When you've had your fill of refinement, the next stop is the Romanian Athenaeum. This cultural venue is equally impressive with an attractive dome and neoclassical facade. We recommend taking a guided tour of the building to introduce its wonderful frescoes and tales of the performers who graced its auditorium. After that, with noon approaching, it's time to explore Calea Victoriei's retail opportunities.
Discover a world of luxury
Both sides of Calea Victoriei are lined with high-end boutiques and designer stores, making it an irresistible destination for those with a taste for refined shopping. It is easy to spend hours exploring, discovering both globally renowned maisons and distinctive local gems.
Luxury seekers will find familiar names such as Burberry, Louis Vuitton and BOSS, alongside lesser-known but equally compelling boutiques that showcase Romanian craftsmanship and design.
One such highlight is MURMUR Concept Store. Founded in 2011, MURMUR has earned an international reputation for its signature ready-to-wear couture. The flagship boutique offers an intimate, personalised shopping experience complete with luxury fitting rooms and expert stylists to help curate the perfect look.
Set aside time for a memorable meal
If you can tear yourself away from the boutiques, it is time for a well-earned lunch.
For starters, we highly recommend Boulevard 73. Located in the Corinthia Grand du Boulevard Hotel, this beautifully restored restaurant provides an exquisite dining experience set in heritage settings. The menu reimagines classic French and Romanian cuisine with a modern twist, grounded in a farm-to-table philosophy that celebrates locally-sourced ingredients, making it the ideal way to mark the mid-point in your Calea Victoriei experience.
Why not follow up with something sweet at a nearby patisserie? French Revolution is a personal favourite, especially the divine pistachio and salted caramel éclairs.
Savour an afternoon of culture
By now you should be ready for a busy afternoon. And busy is the right word, as there are many cultural attractions in the local area.
Start with a journey through time and creativity at the National Museum of Art of Romania. Housed in a striking Royal palace, the museum hosts masterpieces by Monet and Reubens, Brâncuși sculptures and sumptuous Grigorescu landscapes.
Emerging onto the boulevard, take a quick detour for a Macca-Vilacrosse Passage visit. The passage is like stepping into a Belle Époque dream. Amber light from the delicate glass roof suffuses the arcade, creating a magical feel.
After a stroll through the passage, the tranquillity intensifies with a visit to the Baroque splendour of Kretzulescu Church. Stay for the Tattarescu frescoes - a testimony to Romania's artistic passion. Soak up the spiritual atmosphere, but don't delay too long. Evening awaits.
Enjoy bustling nightlife and enticing gastronomy
Up next, we recommend an early evening walk through the Cismigiu Garden. Hear the fluttering leaves of ancient trees and the gentle flow of fountains, while a moment of relaxation by the lake is the perfect preparation for an evening’s indulgence.
Indulgence is always on the menu, as Calea Victoriei is a nexus of fine dining in Bucharest. We could talk for hours about restaurant recommendations, but let's keep things simple with a reservation at Casa di David.
Casa di David offers comfortable indoor and outdoor seating overlooking King Michael Park and always provides a fine dining experience. The menu leans towards Mediterranean dishes. Think truffle-laced pasta and octopus carpaccio with a pistachio panna cotta to finish.
Conclude the day with rooftop relaxation
By now, you've probably had your fill of Romanian landmarks and gourmet food. But our Calea Victoriei travel guide isn't quite over. There's still time to unwind at one of the most stylish rooftop bars in Bucharest.
Linea/Closer to the Moon overlooks Bucharest's Old Town and provides an idyllic vista of the sunset. Sip artisan cocktails as night falls and the stars appear. Enjoy the setting all year round thanks to terrace heating.
For guests at Corinthia Bucharest, our concierge team is on hand to curate a personalised itinerary, ensuring you savour the very best of Calea Victoriei. Whether your passions lie in fine dining, art, shopping or a blend of it all, we will take care of every detail so you can simply indulge in the experience.
