Bucharest Union Square (Piața Unirii)

The basics

Bucharest’s Union Square is a unique attraction—though it’s not as sprawling of a green space as other parks, the high-tech fountain show makes it a can’t-miss destination in the summer. These 44 fountains perform for just as many minutes, creating “water screens” that showcase video and laser projections; they’ve also earned the Guinness World Record title for “longest choreographed fountain system in the world.”

The show is free, so expect crowds to gather well before it starts at night on the weekends. The square is also quite picturesque during the day, so it’s worth a stroll from the city’s Old Town while you’re sightseeing.

Things to know before you go

• You don’t need a ticket or to formally “enter” to view the fountain show.

• A public bathroom is in the southwest corner of the square.

• Pets are allowed in the park, but must be leashed.

How to get there

Union Square is centrally located, just south of Bucharest’s Old Town. The easiest way to get there is via metro, bus, or tram, all of which have stops labeled Piața Unirii. You can also walk from the Old Town area to Union Square by following Bulevardul Ion C. Brătianu south.

When to get there

The fountain shows only take place during the warmer months on Friday, Saturday, and Sunday nights, so plan your visit according to the schedule. Another special time to see the square is during the holidays, since the city decorates a large Christmas tree to celebrate the season.

More fountains flowing around Bucharest

Bucharest is a lovely city for fountain finding, with many old and new water features scattered just outside the Old Town neighborhood. George Cantacuzino's Fountain in Parcul Carol was sculpted in the late 1800s. "Romniceanu" Fountain in Parcul Romniceanu also has colored lighting features at night. The Fountain of Universitate, though seemingly peaceful, marks the site where revolutionary demonstrations and protests took place.