Cotroceni Palace stands on a hill west of the centre, on the site of a seventeenth-century monastery founded by Prince Șerban Cantacuzino. In the late nineteenth century it was rebuilt as a royal residence for the future King Ferdinand and Queen Marie, whose taste shaped many of its rooms, from heavy Germanic halls to Romanian-revival salons. Under communism it was used as a guest palace, and the monastery church was demolished in the 1980s. Since the 1990s part of the building has been the official seat of the Romanian presidency, while the rest forms the National Cotroceni Museum, with its royal apartments, furniture, decorative art and a rebuilt church. The Tiqets ticket includes fast-track entry and a guided tour in English of the courtyard and two floors.
How to visit: because this is a working presidential seat, all visits are guided and booked ahead. The Tiqets ticket covers fast-track entry with an English-speaking guide for about an hour; you show your phone voucher to the guide at the entrance on Șoseaua Cotroceni. Bring your passport or ID card, as security checks are standard at state buildings, and arrive early.
What is and is not included: the tour covers the inner courtyard and the first and second floors. The church, the cellars, the Hall of Honour and the medieval kitchen are not part of this ticket, and photography carries an extra fee.
Why go: it is far less visited than the Palace of the Parliament and gives a very different picture of Romania’s twentieth century, from royal family life to the present presidency. The botanical garden nearby makes a pleasant follow-up in good weather.
What to expect
The experience
A one-hour guided tour in English of the courtyard and two floors of the royal apartments and salons.
Best time
A weekday morning; book a slot at least a day ahead.
How long
About an hour, plus security.
Tips
Bring a passport or ID, arrive early, and budget for the photo fee if you want pictures.
Quick picks
- Best for
- History lovers who want royal Romania beyond the obvious sights.
- Families
- Best for older children with an interest in kings and queens.
- Couples
- A quieter palace visit, then lunch in the leafy Cotroceni district.
- Pair with
- Palace of the Parliament, Museum of Senses and Ceaușescu Mansion.
- Time needed
- About ninety minutes.
Good questions
Can you visit Cotroceni Palace?+
Yes, part of it is the National Cotroceni Museum, visited on guided tours booked in advance.
What does the Tiqets ticket include?+
Fast-track entry and an English guided tour of the inner courtyard and the first and second floors.
Is the church included?+
No, the church, cellars, Hall of Honour and medieval kitchen are not part of this ticket.
Can I take photos?+
Only by paying an extra photography fee on site.
Why is it called a presidential palace?+
Part of the building is the official seat of the President of Romania; the rest is the museum.
