Herăstrău Park, renamed King Michael I Park but still known to everyone by its old name, is the green lung of northern Bucharest. It covers about two hundred hectares around Lake Herăstrău, and its paths, lawns and waterfront terraces are where the city goes to walk, run, cycle and sit by the water. The park is free and open around the clock, though restaurants and boat rentals keep their own hours, which vary by season. You can go boating, kayaking and fishing on the lake, rent a bike, and find skate areas, playgrounds and an adventure park with trails. Features worth looking for include Michael Jackson Alley, which was inaugurated in 2009, the Summer Theatre, Caryatids Alley, a Japanese garden and Rose Island, which is planted with many varieties of rose. The Dimitrie Gusti Village Museum lies on the shore and is a major sight in its own right, and the park often hosts concerts, craft fairs and open-air exhibitions. It is a place for a long, slow afternoon and a welcome contrast with the stone streets of the centre.
How to visit
The park is at Șoseaua Pavel Kiseleff, on the northern side of the centre, and it is easy to reach by metro: take line M2 to Aviatorilor, the nearest station. Several bus lines and tram 41 also serve the area, and the Arcul de Triumf stop is about six minutes’ walk from the park’s main entrance.
Entry is free, so you can come and go as you please, and the size of the park means you can easily spend a whole day here. If you want to go on the water, check the current boat rental times, since services vary by season and day.
What to expect
Herăstrău is a big, informal city park rather than a formal garden. In spring and early summer the roses and blossom are the highlight, April and May are known for flowers, and September and October bring autumn colour. Summer mornings and evenings are the most comfortable times for walking. Weekends are busy with families, joggers and cyclists, so weekdays are quieter. Bring water and sun protection in summer, and wear comfortable shoes, because the park’s paths are long and the lakeshore loops add up quickly.
Making the most of it
Combine the park with the Village Museum and the Grigore Antipa Museum, which are on its edge, for a full day in the north of the city. Hire a bike or take a boat if you want to cover more of the lake, or stroll the shoreline and stop for a drink at a waterfront terrace.
The Arcul de Triumf is close enough to include on the same walk. For a lighter plan, it is a good place to recover after a heavy sightseeing day, or to watch the city at its most relaxed, away from traffic and tour groups.
Check the weather before you set out, as the park is open and exposed, with little shelter if a storm arrives. A picnic from a nearby shop is a cheap and pleasant way to eat, and the lakeside benches are among the best places in the city to read or watch the boats.
What to expect
The experience
A self-guided visit to a very large city park around a lake, with boating, cycling, gardens and the Village Museum on its shore.
Best time
Spring for roses and blossom, autumn for colour, and summer mornings and evenings for comfort.
How long
Two to four hours, or a full day with the museums on its edge.
Tips
Take metro line M2 to Aviatorilor, check boat rental times by season, and visit on a weekday for the quietest paths.
Quick picks
- Best for
- Walkers, families and anyone who needs green space after the Old Town.
- Families
- Excellent: playgrounds, an adventure park, boating and wide paths.
- Couples
- A relaxed lakeside stroll, especially at golden hour.
- Pair with
- The National Village Museum, the Antipa Museum and the Arcul de Triumf.
- Time needed
- Two to four hours.
Good questions
Is Herăstrău Park free?+
Yes, entry is free and the park is open around the clock. Some facilities, such as boat rentals and restaurants, have their own hours.
What is King Michael I Park?+
The same place: Herăstrău Park was renamed King Michael I Park, though many locals still use the old name.
How do I get there?+
By metro line M2 to Aviatorilor, by tram 41 or by several bus lines. The Arcul de Triumf stop is about six minutes’ walk away.
What can I do on the lake?+
You can go boating, kayaking and fishing, and bike rentals are available in the park.
What is the best season?+
Spring and autumn are best, with flowers in April and May and autumn colour in September and October; summer mornings and evenings are also pleasant.
