Discover the Most Beautiful Parks in Romania
Adina Serban
Which are the most beautiful parks in Romania? We turn to a recent report compiled by Clubulcopiilor.ro which ranks the best urban parks and public gardens in Romania based on their Google Maps ratings.
The highest-rated parks are in major cities such as Bucharest, Cluj-Napoca, Sibiu, and Craiova, but smaller towns also make their way on the list with stunning parks that get high praise from visitors.
Without further ado, you’ll find a list of the 10 best-rated parks and public gardens in the country.
Alexandru Ioan Cuza Park (I.O.R.), Bucharest
This is the highest-rated park in Bucharest and the second-largest in the capital. Spanning an impressive 85 hectares, this park, also known as Titan, is one of the city’s largest green areas. It’s a perfect family destination thanks to its many playgrounds and scenic lake. You can take boat and hydrobike rides or even glide along on a giant swan-shaped vessel.
Titan Park, Bucharest
Photo source: commons.wikimedia.org
Central Park Simion Barnutiu, Cluj-Napoca
Situated in the heart of Cluj-Napoca, this is the city’s most popular park. It has children’s playgrounds, cycling trails, basketball courts, and hammocks if you simply want to relax, plus a small lake for fun hydro bike rides. During the summer, the park truly comes alive with concerts, open-air theatre performances, and urban festivals.
Dumbrava Sibiului, Sibiu
Dumbrava Sibiului is a vast nature park, a historical favorite for Sibiu residents for many generations for cozy weekend walks. Its most famous attractions are the Zoo and the largest open-air museum in Romania. At ASTRA Museum, you can truly immerse yourselves in the rich tapestry of local architecture and traditions from across Romania. Traditional houses, churches, water and windmills tell the captivating story of Romania’s cultural heritage.
Astra Museum, Sibiu
Read also Top Open-Air Museums in Romania You Should Visit
Nicolae Romanescu Park, Craiova
One of the most beautiful parks in Romania, this vast nature area is a must-see if you visit Craiova. Covering almost 100 hectares, the park has an impressive lake, a famous suspended bridge, small waterfalls, and numerous old monuments. A state-of-the-art work of landscape planning, the park was inaugurated in 1903, in the presence of Romania’s first king, Carol the 1st.
Romanescu Park, Craiova
Photo source: DomiKetu
Dimitrie Ghica Park, Sinaia
We stay a bit longer in the royal history realm as this park is in the heart of Sinaia, the favorite place of King Carol the 1st. It’s a great stop to relax after visiting the royal Peles Castle and Sinaia Monastery, the town’s most famous attractions. The park also hosts the historical royal bank dating from 1905, the Bucegi Nature Reserve Museum, and the magnificent Sinaia Casino.
Ghica Park, Sinaia
Photo source: commons.wikimedia.org
Copou Park, Iasi
Also known as Copou Garden, this is the oldest park in Iasi and a local favorite since the mid-19th century. Located in one of the most beautiful neighborhoods of the city, the park is a short walk from one of the oldest universities in Romania. The park is also renowned for a very special Linden tree, an iconic symbol of Romania’s national poet, Mihai Eminescu.
Herastrau Park, Bucharest
Officially known as the Park King Michael the 1st of Romania, in the memory of the country’s last king, this is the largest park in Bucharest. With an area of over 180 hectares, the park changed its names many times, bearing even more daunting names such as Stalin during the communist past of Romania.
Herastrau Park, Bucharest
Photo source: Gaspar Serrano
The park itself gravitates around Herastrau Lake, with fabulous views and small secluded areas just perfect to unwind after a long day. On its shore, you will also find one of the most impressive attractions in the capital, the open-air Village Museum. Many restaurants, cafes, and concerts add to the charm of this historical park.
If you have the time, be sure to book a visit to Casa Ceausescu. The residence of the dreaded communist dictator is only a few minutes away from one of the main entrances to the park.
Read also Six Museums in Bucharest You Should Definitely Visit
Carol the 1st Park, Bucharest
As you can tell by now, many of the parks from this list have a connection to the royal family of Romania. This is also the case of Carol Park. Inaugurated in 1906 to celebrate the 25th anniversary of the Kingdom of Romania, this is perhaps the most beautiful park in the capital.
Carol Park, Bucharest
Historical statues, fountains, the Technical Museum, and, of course, a beautiful lake are its iconic attractions. Sadly, the park lost some of its original features during the communist years. During that time, a major Soviet-style Mausoleum was built on its highest ground. As luck or history has it, this area also offers an unmatched viewpoint over the enormous House of the People. This is one of the largest buildings in the world and a symbol of communist megalomania.
The Endless Column Park, Targu Jiu
This small park hosts one of the most famous works of the Romanian sculptor Constantin Brancusi. Located in the artist’s hometown, this park is a must for art lovers looking for a unique cultural experience.
The Endless Column, Targu Jiu
Photo source: Stefan Jurca
These are only our cherry pick from the best-rated urban parks in Romania. Check the complete list on clubulcopiilor.ro
Look for at least one local park while planning to visit more famous attractions. You’ll have a pleasant surprise.
