• Palace of the Deposits and Consignments - Begin this self-guided audio tour at the historic CEC Bank on Calea Victoriei. Discover the transformation of an Ottoman trading hub into a modern European city, enduring fascism and one of history’s most significant revolutions.

• Macca Villacrosse Passage - Experience the vintage charm of Villacrosse Passage, then stroll along the city’s most prestigious boulevard, lined with architecture that has witnessed centuries of political change.

• University of Bucharest - Visit University Square, where courageous students ignited the 1989 Revolution, and explore streets once home to aristocrats, courtesans, and political conspirators.

• National Theatre Ion Luca Caragiale (Teatrul Național Ion Luca Caragiale) - During this walking tour, learn about the “Ion Luca Caragiale” National Theatre.

• The Italian Church - On this walking tour, gain insights into The Italian Church.

• Hotel Lido by Phoenicia - Discover where King Michael of Romania learned to swim in Hotel Lido’s innovative wave pool.

• Memorial of Rebirth - Stand in Revolution Square, where Ceaușescu’s final speech descended into chaos as the crowd began booing and chanting “Down with Ceaușescu!”

• The Romanian Athenaeum - Visit the Romanian Athenaeum, constructed through the “Un leu pentru Ateneu” campaign, where citizens each donated one leu.

• Amzei Church - On this walking tour, learn about Amzei Church.

• Museum of Art Collections - Hear tales of underground tunnels beneath Calea Victoriei, possibly used as escape routes for nobility and communist officials.

• Palace Casino - Explore Casa Vernescu, a casino within a mansion steeped in political intrigue and tragic love stories.

• George Enescu Museum (Muzeul George Enescu) - Walk past the building where George Enescu composed his renowned Romanian Rhapsodies.

• Grigore Antipa National Museum of Natural History - Grigore Antipa National Museum of Natural History

• VoiceMap App for Android and iOS
• Lifetime access to this tour in English
• Offline access to audio, maps, and geodata

• Smartphone and headphones
• Transportation
• Food and drink
• Tickets or entrance fees to any museums or other attractions en route

Bucharest was once affectionately known as the “Little Paris of the East” due to its refined Belle Époque charm. However, beneath the Romanian capital’s grand avenues lies a deeper narrative of resilience.

This self-guided walking tour invites participants to explore how an Ottoman trading center evolved into a contemporary European city, enduring fascism and one of history’s most significant revolutions.

The tour begins at the historic CEC Bank on Calea Victoriei. Participants will experience the vintage allure of Villacrosse Passage, then proceed along the city’s most esteemed boulevard, lined with architecture that has witnessed centuries of political change.

Throughout the journey, stories will unfold, illustrating how everyday Romanians lived, loved, and stood up for their beliefs during some of Europe’s most challenging periods. The tour concludes at Victory Square, a place where history and modern politics converge, featuring the impressive Victoria Palace, the headquarters of the Romanian government.

For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.