Bucharest Beyond the Boulevards: A Self-Guided Audio Tour

Overview

Bucharest was once called ”Little Paris of the East” for its sophisticated Belle Époque elegance. But beneath the Romanian capital’s grand boulevards lies a more complex story of defiance. On this self-guided walking tour, you’ll discover how an Ottoman trading hub became a modern European city, surviving fascism and one of history’s most dramatic revolutions. The tour starts at the historic CEC Bank on Calea Victoriei. You’ll see the Villacrosse Passage with its vintage charm, and then follow the city’s most prestigious boulevard past architecture that’s seen centuries of political upheaval. Along the way, you’ll hear stories that reveal how ordinary Romanians lived, loved, and fought for their beliefs through some of Europe’s most turbulent decades. The tour ends at Victory Square, where history and modern politics meet, and where you’ll find the impressive headquarters of the Romanian government, Victoria Palace.

Itinerary

1. This self-guided audio tour starts at the historic CEC Bank on Calea Victoriei. You’ll discover how an Ottoman trading hub became a modern European city, surviving fascism and one of history’s most dramatic revolutions.

   · Non-stop passage

2. Macca Villacrosse Passage

   You’ll see the Villacrosse Passage with its vintage charm, and then follow the city’s most prestigious boulevard past architecture that’s seen centuries of political upheaval.

   · Non-stop passage

3. You'll see University Square, where brave students sparked the 1989 Revolution, and the streets where elegant mansions once housed aristocrats, courtesans, and political conspirators.

   · Non-stop passage

4. National Theatre Ion Luca Caragiale (Teatrul Național Ion Luca Caragiale)

   On this walking tour, you'll pass by and learn about "Ion Luca Caragiale" National Theatre.

   · Non-stop passage

5. On this walking tour, you'll pass by and learn about The Italian Church.

   · Non-stop passage

6. Find out where King Michael of Romania learned to swim in Hotel Lido’s revolutionary wave pool

   · Non-stop passage

7. Stand in Revolution Square where Ceaușescu’s final speech turned into chaos as the crowd began booing and chanting ”Down with Ceaușescu!”

   · Non-stop passage

8. Visit the Romanian Athenaeum, built through the ”Un leu pentru Ateneu” campaign, where citizens donated one leu each

   · Non-stop passage

9. Amzei Church

   On this walking tour, you'll pass by and learn about Amzei Church.

   · Non-stop passage

10. Hear how underground tunnels beneath Calea Victoriei may have served as escape routes for nobility and communist officials

    · Non-stop passage

11. Palace Casino

    Discover Casa Vernescu, a casino housed in a mansion that’s haunted by political intrigue and tragic love affairs

    · Non-stop passage

12. George Enescu Museum (Muzeul George Enescu)

    Walk past the building where George Enescu composed his famous Romanian Rhapsodies

    · Non-stop passage

13. Grigore Antipa National Museum of Natural History

    Grigore Antipa National Museum of Natural History

    · Non-stop passage

How to use your ticket

VOICEMAP CODE ─── Please check your email at the address you provided when you made this booking. You've been sent an eight character code you'll need to redeem your tour. This code can be used by every member of your party. If you've booked for three people, for example, three people can download this tour using the same code. DOWNLOAD INSTRUCTIONS ─── Once you've received your code, please follow these steps: Install the VoiceMap Audio Tours mobile app Create an account Select Tour Codes from the menu, then select Enter Codes Enter your code then select Download Now PLEASE NOTE ─── You can download the tour at any time, before or after your booking date. It’s best to download the tour before you set off for the starting point. This tour follows a set route and includes turn-by-turn directions. It works best if you start it in the right place and follow the directions from one location to the next. When the download completes, you’ll see a screen with a photo of the starting point and directions to it. The red start button will become active when you are at the starting point. Remember to bring your own headphones, unless you have booked a driving tour. SUPPORT ─── For technical support and other queries, please email support@voicemap.me

Meeting and end point

What to know before you go

• Suitable for all physical fitness levels

Travelers

Cancellation policy

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

• From 1 days before : 100% refunded
• From 0 days before : 0% refunded

Reviews

Product code: 110804P496

Activity offered by VoiceMap Audio Tours via Viator.