Cotroceni Palace (Palatul Cotroceni)
Bulevardul Geniului, nr. 1, Bucharest, Wallachia, 060116
The Cotroceni Palace (Palatul Cotroceni) in Bucharest is home to the country’s president and houses 300 years of history. Visitors to the palace can explore royal bedrooms, ornate hallways, children’s nurseries, and an elaborate music hall. The site also includes the National Cotroceni Museum (book separately), comprised of over 20,000 artifacts. Both attractions are perfect for travelers seeking a more immersive look at Romania’s past.
The basics
The Cotroceni Palace and National Cotroceni Museum can be visited with separate advanced bookings. For the palace, a provided guided tour is compulsory. Most visits include tours of the palace, monastery, and church. For a more comprehensive experience, travelers may consider a private guided visit to the museum and palace. These excursions often include round-trip hotel transfers and admission.
Things to know before you go
It is mandatory to book a visit to the palace at least one day in advance.
Guests must show a valid passport or EU ID upon arrival.
The Cotroceni Palace (Palatul Cotroceni) is wheelchair accessible.
A visit to the National Museum must be booked separately.
How to get there
The Cotroceni Palace is 2.5 miles (4 kilometers) from the Palace of Parliament and 3.2 miles (5.1 kilometers) from Old Town. From Old Town, visitors can take the N110 or N115 bus to the palace. Private tours to the palace often include hotel pickup and drop-off from central Budapest.
When to get there
The Cotroceni Palace is open from morning to early evening, Tuesday to Sunday, and (like many Bucharest museums) closed on Monday. As a reservation is mandatory, guests can book a time that suits their personal sightseeing schedule. For the best availability, book as far in advance as possible.
Forty-five green acres just across the street
The Bucharest Botanical Garden (Grădina Botanică Dimitrie Brândză) is situated just opposite the palace and museum. Its meticulously landscaped gardens overflow with rare plants, waterfalls, stunning greenhouses, and an herbarium. Its modest entry fee and convenient location make it the perfect place to pass some time before or after your palace visit.
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