Herăstrău Park

Known to be the largest park in Bucharest, Herăstrău Park is also one the most beautiful and well maintained spaces of the city. Inaugurated in 1939, it covers a surface of 110 hectares of which 74 hectares are occupied by Herăstrău lake―the name refers to the water powered sawmills previously found nearby. Found in the north of the city, Herăstrău Park is usually accessed from the south entrance, not far from Aviatorilor metro station. Big open fields with managed flowerbeds and carpets, statues and neoclassical porticoes, an open air theater, a Japanese garden, and a whole island filled with any kind of roses, are some of the attractions you will see if you come here. Given the size of the lake, it's possible to practice water sports as well. You could also join one of the several sports clubs in the area.

For the younger visitors there is a small amusement park and a touristic train plying the streets of the area and for the less adventurous, the lake―as it is a usual custom in Bucharest―can be explored by boat. It's also possible to rent a free bicycle at the entrance or just to sit and relax in one of the lake-side cafes and restaurants while enjoying a sunset over the lake with a view of the “House of the Free Press” in the background. On the west side of the park is found the “Village Museum,” one of the main attractions of Bucharest, showing traditional buildings from all over Romania.