Park & nature
Cismigiu Parc
Grădina Cișmigiu - Park CismigiuSome booking links are affiliate links. If you book through them, we may earn a small commission at no extra cost to you. We never let this influence which places we recommend.
Cișmigiu Gardens is the oldest and most beloved public park in Bucharest, a romantic 19th-century landscaped garden in the very heart of the city, a green oasis of winding paths, a central lake, shaded alleys, flowerbeds, and old trees. Locals come to row boats on the lake in summer (and skate on it in winter), stroll, play chess, and escape the urban bustle. Statues of Romanian writers line the 'Rotonda Scriitorilor' (Writers' Rotunda), and there are cafés, a playground, and quiet corners throughout.
It's not a 'sight' so much as the city's living room, a lovely, free place to relax in the centre of Bucharest, especially pleasant in spring blossom and autumn colour. Combine it with a walk through the surrounding historic centre. Bring a book, rent a boat, or just wander the romantic paths.
Don't miss
- The central lake (boating in summer, skating in winter)
- Romantic winding paths and shaded alleys
- The Writers' Rotunda of literary busts
- Flowerbeds, old trees, and quiet corners
- A free green escape in central Bucharest
Tickets & tours
Ways to visit Cismigiu Parc
You don't need a tour to visit — entry is free. A tour is worth it if you want transport, a guide, or to combine Cismigiu Parc with nearby sights in one day. That's what these do well.
Cheapest way inWalking Tour- Delightful Bucharest (Highlights, Stories, Sights)4.9★ · 193 travelers~2 hoursFree cancellationFrom$22 per personSee dates →
Best full dayBucharest to Dracula Castle, Peles Castle and Brasov Guided Tour4.5★ · 3,227 travelers~12 hoursFree cancellationFrom$31 per personSee dates →
Private & flexibleDracula's Tomb and Mogosoaia Palace, Private Tour from Bucharest5★ · 13 travelers4–5 hoursFree cancellationFrom$92 per personSee dates →Good for
How travelers rate it
Know before you go
- Rent a rowboat on the lake in summer (or skate in winter).
- It's free and central, a relaxing break amid sightseeing.
- Look for the Writers' Rotunda busts of Romanian literary figures.
- Loveliest in spring blossom and autumn colour.
A bit of history
Laid out in the 1840s–50s by German landscape architect Carl Meyer on the site of former lakes and gardens, Cișmigiu was Bucharest's first modern public park and remains its oldest and most cherished green space, in the heart of the historic centre.
Common questions
What is Cișmigiu Gardens?
Bucharest's oldest and most beloved public park, a romantic 19th-century landscaped garden in the city centre with a lake, winding paths, and old trees, a favourite local green escape.
Can I go boating?
Yes, you can rent rowboats on the central lake in summer, and the lake is used for skating in winter.
Is it free?
Yes, the park is free; only boat rental costs money.
When's the best time to visit?
Spring for blossom and autumn for colour are loveliest, summer for boating, but it's a pleasant stroll any time.
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