Bucharest

Stavropoleos (running parallel with Lipscani Str.) is one of Romania's most atmospheric churches, a small and gracious place of worship that is especially loved by its dedicated congregation. — Frommer's

Romania's National Museum of Art, opposite the Ateneul Roman, consists of three different collections, exhibited in part of the expansive former Royal Palace on Piata Revolutiei. — Frommer's

A fascinating insight into the architecture of rural Romania, this open-air village museum comprises of some 300 buildings (houses, barns, workshops, churches). — Michelin Guide

The exquisite Romanian Athenaeum is the majestic heart of Romania’s classical music tradition. — Lonely Planet

One of the largest buildings in the world, it was built in the 1980s over 5 years by 20 000 workmen and 400 architects. — Michelin Guide

For a country not traditionally known for its strong currency, the impressive 19th-century neoclassical National Bank building is a veritable fortress. — Lonely Planet

Visiting MNAC is a good way to take the temperature of the local artistic scene. It also leads to another part of the Palace of Parliament. — Michelin Guide

Now housing a bank, admission is restricted, but the impressive dome may be admired equally well from outside. — Michelin Guide

Elegant Cotroceni Palace dates from the late 19th century and is the official residence of the Romanian president. — Lonely Planet

Founded in the 17C by voivod Serban Basarab, the church backs onto Union Square, hiding its arches supported by eight spiral columns (note the unusually large space taken up by the portico). — Michelin Guide

It is sited in the former home of the businessman who bequeathed this collection to the Romanian state in 1946; a precious gift indeed. — Michelin Guide

A few blocks south of Piaţa Victoriei is this museum dedicated to national composer George Enescu (1881–1955). — Lonely Planet

This red-brick church (1722) is typical of the Brancovian style: carved banding on the façade, rounded iconostasis, six-columned porch. — Michelin Guide

This beautiful walled complex was built in 1715 by the metropolitan bishop Antim Ivireanu. Today it's hidden by communist-era housing blocks. — Lonely Planet

This museum was inaugurated to accept bequests on behalf of the nation from patrons and art lovers. — Michelin Guide

West of Calea Victoriei is the locally loved Cişmigiu Garden, with shady walks, a lake, cafes and a ridiculous number of benches on which to sit and stare at Bucharestians going by. — Lonely Planet

The collection of peasant bric-a-brac, costumes, icons and partially restored houses makes this one of the most popular museums in the city. — Lonely Planet

The Jewish History Museum is housed in a colourful synagogue that dates from 1836 (rebuilt in 1910). — Lonely Planet

this square occupies a poignant place in the Romanian collective memory: it was the scene of much bloodshed during the 1989 revolution and student demonstrations the following year. — Michelin Guide