University Palace
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University of Bucharest Old Building

4.5
·8k reviews·București, Romania

Bucharest's historic heart, a grand plaza surrounded by stunning architecture and a gateway to the vibrant Old Town.

Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Social content

Social

From TikTok & Reddit

Best Time

Weekday afternoons

Lively but fewer crowds

CrowdMedium
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University Palace

University of Bucharest Old Building

Best Time

Weekday afternoons

Lively but fewer crowds

CrowdMedium
Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Bucharest's historic heart, a grand plaza surrounded by stunning architecture and a gateway to the vibrant Old Town.

4.5
(8k reviews)

"A beautiful and historic square in the heart of Bucharest! Architecturally stunning with great energy."

Vertical photo
TIP

🚶‍♀️ Stroll into Old Town

The square is your gateway to Bucharest's Old Town. Explore its charming streets right after visiting!

🚇 Easy Public Transport

Easily accessible by metro, making it a convenient starting point for exploring the city.

Third hero image

Highlights

Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

Equestrian Statue of Michael the Brave

Equestrian Statue of Michael the Brave

University Square

A commanding bronze statue of Romania's national hero, a central meeting point and landmark.

Historic University Building

Historic University Building

North side of University Square

Admire the grand architecture of the University of Bucharest's old building, a testament to the city's academic heritage.

Romanian Commercial Bank Building

Romanian Commercial Bank Building

University Square

An eye-catching landmark with striking architecture, adding to the square's impressive skyline.

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Planning Your Visit

Embrace the Central Hub

University Square (Piața Universității) is Bucharest's vibrant heart. It's a key transit point and a lively meeting spot, surrounded by historic architecture. Expect it to be a hub of activity, especially during events or protests.

Explore Beyond the Square

While the square itself is beautiful, its true magic lies in its proximity to Bucharest's Old Town (Centrul Vechi). Plan to wander through its charming streets, discover hidden cafes, and soak in the atmosphere.

Best Times

When
Weekday afternoons
Why
Lively but fewer crowds
Crowd
Medium
When
Weekend evenings
Why
Vibrant atmosphere
Crowd
High

Insider Tips

from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit

Bucharest: 18 Things to Do #bucuresti #bucurestiromania🇷🇴 #bucurestiromania #bucharest #bucharestromania🇹🇩 #bucharestthingstodo #bucurest #bucurestithingstodo #romaniathings #romaniaplaces #thingstodoinbucharest #littleparis #thermebucharest #draculacastle #pelescastle #pelescastle🏰😍 #brasov #rumania #brasovromania
@anzhelika_travel_
66.6K likes • 1.9M views

🚶‍♀️ Stroll into Old Town

The square is your gateway to Bucharest's Old Town. Explore its charming streets right after visiting! Reddit

🚇 Easy Public Transport

Easily accessible by metro, making it a convenient starting point for exploring the city. Reddit

Romania Best Cripsy Menu with @Ceanu #bucharest #romania #romania🇷🇴 #RO #bucharestfood #romanianfood #socului
@adoniscrashboom
63.7K likes • 620.3K views
Descoperiți un proiect remarcabil dezvoltat de biroul nostru de arhitectură în apropiere de Bucuresti, in comuna Domnesti. Proiectul Locuintei P+1E, este realizat pentru a bucura inimile unei familii care dorește să se bucure de liniste. #fy #fyp #casamoderna #locuinta #locuintacuetaj #casa #modern #casacuetja #proiect #proiectcasa #casafrumoasa
@arhitectgabrielgeorgescu
27.6K likes • 3.8M views

☕️ Cafe Culture Nearby

Plenty of cafes and restaurants surround the square for a relaxing break. Reddit

📸 Architectural Views

Great spot for photos with impressive historic buildings and statues. Reddit

#румунія #бухарест #romania #bucharest
@anastasiia.bucharest
21.1K likes • 152.2K views

Tips

from all over the internet

🚶‍♀️ Stroll into Old Town

The square is your gateway to Bucharest's Old Town. Explore its charming streets right after visiting! Reddit

🚇 Easy Public Transport

Easily accessible by metro, making it a convenient starting point for exploring the city. Reddit

☕️ Cafe Culture Nearby

Plenty of cafes and restaurants surround the square for a relaxing break. Reddit

📸 Architectural Views

Great spot for photos with impressive historic buildings and statues. Reddit

What Travellers Say

4.5
(8k reviews)

Reviews Summary

Visitors praise University Square for its stunning architecture, central location, and vibrant atmosphere. It's seen as a perfect starting point for exploring Bucharest, with easy access to the Old Town and public transport. Some note ongoing refurbishments, but the overall impression is positive, highlighting its beauty and energy.

"A beautiful and historic square in the heart of Bucharest! University’s Square is not only architecturally stunning, with elegant buildings and impressive statues, but it also has great energy with locals and tourists passing by. It's a perfect starting point for exploring the city center. I loved the atmosphere, the cleanliness, and how easy it is to reach by public transport. The surrounding area is full of cafes, restaurants, and cultural landmarks. Highly recommended for a daytime stroll or even just sitting on a bench to soak in the vibe."

Misha Smiley

"The square is beautiful but being refurbished which in fairness the whole Bucharest need. Just on the age of the vibrant old town with it wide selection of bar restaurants and outdoor dining it id definitely to be seen. There is also a great craft beer bar just off the back of the equestrian statue of Michael the Great the Unifier. We visited off season in a cold evening but the visit of the old town and some of the beautiful churches was great"

jean-marc bidegain

"This plaza located at the center of the city. You can reach quite a lot of touristy in just a couple minutes of walking. The plaza is a spacious one with a few monuments next to a main road. The Romanian Commercial Bank building is the most eye catching land mark of the plaza."

Anthony Mak

What People Like

Architecturally stunning
Great central location
Vibrant atmosphere

What People Dislike

Occasional refurbishments

Frequently Asked Questions

🚇 🗺️ Getting There

University Square (Piața Universității) is very centrally located and easily accessible. The most convenient way is by metro; the Piața Universității station is directly served by the M2 line. Numerous bus and trolleybus lines also stop nearby, making it a breeze to reach from various parts of the city. Reddit

Absolutely! It's a fantastic starting point. The vibrant Old Town (Centrul Vechi) is just a short walk away, as are many other key city center landmarks. Reddit

For tourists, using the metro is highly recommended for its efficiency and ease. Walking is also a great option once you're in the city center. Taxis and ride-sharing apps are readily available too. Reddit

🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry

No, University Square is a public plaza and is free to enter and explore at any time. There are no admission fees. Reddit

As a public space, University Square is accessible 24/7. However, the surrounding buildings and businesses will have their own operating hours. Reddit

Yes, the square is a common site for protests, demonstrations, and public events. It's advisable to check local news or event listings if you're visiting during a significant period. Reddit

🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience

The main attractions are the impressive architecture of the University of Bucharest building, the equestrian statue of Michael the Brave, and the Romanian Commercial Bank building. It's also a great place to people-watch and soak in the city's atmosphere. Reddit

Definitely! The grand buildings, statues, and the general ambiance make it a picturesque spot. Early morning or late afternoon light can be particularly beautiful for photos. Reddit

Public restrooms are not typically found directly within the square itself. You'll likely need to use facilities in nearby cafes, restaurants, or shopping centers. Reddit

The square is largely flat and paved, making it generally accessible. However, some older buildings might have limited accessibility. Reddit

🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining

University Square is surrounded by numerous dining options, from casual cafes to more formal restaurants. The adjacent Old Town is packed with diverse eateries offering Romanian and international cuisine. Reddit

Yes, you'll find many cafes offering coffee and pastries. It's a popular spot for locals to grab a coffee and relax. Reddit

📸 📸 Photography

Focus on the imposing University of Bucharest building, the central statue of Michael the Brave, and the surrounding historic facades. Capture the dynamic street life for a more candid feel. Reddit

Golden hour, just after sunrise or before sunset, offers beautiful lighting. Midday can be harsh, but it's also when the square is most bustling with activity. Reddit

For Different Travelers

Tailored advice for your travel style

👨‍👩‍👧 Families with Kids

University Square is a good starting point for families exploring Bucharest. The open space of the square allows children some room to move, and the impressive statues can spark their imagination. It's also a convenient access point to the Old Town, which offers more kid-friendly activities and eateries. Plan your visit around the equestrian statue of Michael the Brave for a quick history lesson. Reddit

Keep in mind that the square can get busy, especially on weekends. Restrooms are not directly available in the square, so plan accordingly by using facilities in nearby cafes or restaurants. The ease of access via metro makes it a stress-free addition to your family's itinerary. Reddit

🚶 Budget Travelers

University Square is an excellent free attraction for budget travelers. It's a central landmark offering impressive sights without any cost. The University of Bucharest Old Building and the statue of Michael the Brave are visually striking and perfect for photos. Reddit

Its prime location means you can easily walk to the Old Town and explore its many affordable cafes and restaurants. Utilizing the metro to reach the square is also a cost-effective way to navigate the city. Pack some snacks and water to enjoy while taking in the atmosphere, saving money on impulse purchases. Reddit

Deep Dives

In-depth insights and expert knowledge

The Heart of Bucharest: University Square's Significance

University Square (Piața Universității) is more than just a beautiful plaza; it's a historical and cultural nexus in Bucharest. Dominated by the imposing University of Bucharest Old Building, it has long been a center for academic life and public discourse. The square is also home to the iconic equestrian statue of Michael the Brave, a national hero, making it a significant symbol of Romanian identity. Its central location and grand architecture make it a focal point for both locals and tourists.

Historically, University Square has been a stage for many important events, including protests and celebrations. Its proximity to the Old Town (Centrul Vechi) further enhances its appeal, serving as a natural gateway to Bucharest's most charming and lively district. The area is well-connected by public transport, with a dedicated metro station, making it an easily accessible starting point for exploring the city's rich history and vibrant present. Reddit

Navigating and Experiencing University Square

Getting to University Square is straightforward, thanks to its central location and excellent public transport links. The Piața Universității metro station is a major hub, connecting you to various parts of Bucharest. Numerous bus and trolleybus lines also serve the area, making it convenient to reach from almost anywhere in the city. Reddit

Once you're there, take your time to admire the architectural grandeur of the surrounding buildings, especially the University itself. The statue of Michael the Brave is a must-see and a popular meeting point. The square is often bustling with activity, offering a great opportunity for people-watching and experiencing the city's pulse. Be aware that it can also be a site for demonstrations, so staying informed about local events is a good idea. Reddit

For photographers, the square offers a wealth of opportunities, from the detailed facades of the historic buildings to the dynamic street scenes. The Romanian Commercial Bank building also adds a unique architectural element. Consider visiting during the golden hours for the best light. Reddit

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