Herăstrău Park (Parcul Herăstrău) is one of Bucharest’s largest and most-loved parks. It covers an area of about 272 acres (110 hectares), which consists of grassy lawns, a lake and woodland. Visit cultural attractions including an aquarium and ethnographical museum. Enjoy boat rides, spot sculptures or simply relax in tree-shaded gardens.
A great way to appreciate the park’s natural beauty is via a ferry ride on Lake Herăstrău. Alternatively, rent a rowboat and cruise across the lake at your own pace. Ferries and boat rentals are available between April and October.
Paths suitable for walking and biking encircle the lake and crisscross the park’s ornamental gardens. Bike rental is available in the summer. Watch for sculptures of animals, famous people, mythological creatures and Romanian legends. Notable pieces include statues of Ludwig van Beethoven, Nicolae Grigorescu and William Shakespeare.
Visit the Village Museum, an outdoor collection of original buildings showcasing the folk traditions of Romania’s villages. Walk amid churches, farmsteads, houses and windmills from the historic regions of Dobrogea, Moldavia, Oltenia and Transylvania. Get close to creatures from the world’s oceans at the Reef Aquarium. Seahorses, sharks, rays and brightly colored coral reefs are some of the highlights.
Have some family-friendly fun on the bridges, treetop walkways and zip lines of the Aventura Park. In the warmer months, brave a 197-foot-high (60-meter) bungee jump. In winter, try ice skating.
Herăstrău Park has plenty of places to eat and drink, too. Choose from burger joints, pubs, seafood restaurants and lakeside cafés. Besides these, the park’s lawns are ideal for picnicking. In the summer, bars open up on the waterfront and create a popular late-night party atmosphere.
Located north of Bucharest’s city center, Herăstrău Park is easy to get to via the metro, trams and a hop-on, hop-off tourist bus. The Aviatorilor metro station is located outside the park’s main entrance. Use the parking lot or available parking on the surrounding streets. Find the opening hours and schedules of the park’s attractions on its official website.
