Cișmigiu Gardens - Multi-colored flower clusters of Lantana camara.
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Cișmigiu Gardens

4.4
·40k reviews·București, Romania

Bucharest's oldest park, Cișmigiu Gardens, is a tranquil English-style oasis with a picturesque lake, lush greenery, and a beloved playground.

Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Social content

Social

From TikTok & Reddit

Best Time

Summer mornings

Beat the heat and crowds

CrowdLow
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Cișmigiu Gardens - Multi-colored flower clusters of Lantana camara.

Cișmigiu Gardens

Best Time

Summer mornings

Beat the heat and crowds

CrowdLow
Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Bucharest's oldest park, Cișmigiu Gardens, is a tranquil English-style oasis with a picturesque lake, lush greenery, and a beloved playground.

4.4
(40k reviews)

"A lovely park with shaded paths, a charming lake for boat rentals, and an epic playground for kids."

Vertical photo
TIP

Free Entry & Toilets

Enjoy this beautiful park for free! Basic, free toilets are available, though not always the cleanest. :toilet:

Affordable Boat Rentals

Pedalo boats are a steal at around 10 lei for 30 minutes, offering lovely lake views. :rowboat:

Third hero image

Highlights

Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

The Enchanting Lake

The Enchanting Lake

Central Lake

Rent a paddleboat or rowboat on the picturesque lake, surrounded by lush greenery and charming bridges.

Children's Paradise Playground

Children's Paradise Playground

North-West Area

An expansive and fun playground that keeps kids entertained for hours with various structures.

Tranquil Walking Paths

Tranquil Walking Paths

Throughout the park

Wander through shaded alleys, discover hidden benches, and enjoy the peaceful ambiance of this English-style garden.

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Embrace the Green Oasis

Cișmigiu Gardens is Bucharest's oldest park, offering a serene escape. It's free to enter and perfect for a leisurely stroll or a picnic. Arrive early to beat the crowds and enjoy the tranquility.

Seasonal Delights Await

The gardens transform with the seasons. Summer brings boat rentals on the lake, while winter offers ice skating. Check local listings for any special events or festivals happening during your visit.

Best Times

When
Summer mornings
Why
Beat the heat and crowds
Crowd
Low
When
Weekday afternoons
Why
Quieter atmosphere
Crowd
Medium
When
Winter weekends
Why
Ice skating fun
Crowd
High

Insider Tips

from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit

reddit.com

Visiting Bucharest for 8 days - advice on what to do

Free Entry & Toilets

Enjoy this beautiful park for free! Basic, free toilets are available, though not always the cleanest. :toilet:

Affordable Boat Rentals

Pedalo boats are a steal at around 10 lei for 30 minutes, offering lovely lake views. :rowboat:

Kid-Friendly Fun

The large playground is a huge hit with children, making it a great family outing. :child:

Relaxing Coffee Breaks

Several spots offer coffee, snacks, and ice cream with pleasant views of the lake. :coffee:

Tips

from all over the internet

Free Entry & Toilets

Enjoy this beautiful park for free! Basic, free toilets are available, though not always the cleanest. :toilet:

Affordable Boat Rentals

Pedalo boats are a steal at around 10 lei for 30 minutes, offering lovely lake views. :rowboat:

Kid-Friendly Fun

The large playground is a huge hit with children, making it a great family outing. :child:

Relaxing Coffee Breaks

Several spots offer coffee, snacks, and ice cream with pleasant views of the lake. :coffee:

What Travellers Say

4.4
(40k reviews)

Reviews Summary

Visitors consistently praise Cișmigiu Gardens as a beautiful, peaceful, and free oasis in the heart of Bucharest. Its well-maintained paths, charming lake with boat rentals, and excellent playground make it a hit for all ages. Some note that the public restrooms could be cleaner, but this is a minor point against the overall positive experience.

"This is a lovely park! Lots of shaded paths and benches. There’s a charming little waterfall with a little pond in the middle where you can rent paddle and row boats. There’s an epic playground for kids. There are a number of places where you can stop for a coffee, some food and snacks (including ice cream). Great spot to kill some time on a hot day."

Culinary Slut

"Really nice park. Went there a few times on my holiday. The pedalo was very reasonably priced at 10 lei (£1.70) for 30 mins. There was also a nice ice-cream/drinks cafe next to the pedalo office where we enjoyed some drinks overlooking the lake."

Thomas Cocks

"Good park.
Pretty big, many benches. Has places for kids to play, has quiet places to read book or meditate. Has places to have a drink or snack.
Free toilets area available, not the best quality, but better than nothing.
Long Lake."

Kyrylo Sulyma

What People Like

Beautiful green space
Free entry
Fun playground

What People Dislike

Restroom cleanliness

Frequently Asked Questions

🚇 🗺️ Getting There

Cișmigiu Gardens is conveniently located just a short walk from Bucharest's city center, making it easily accessible on foot. If you're coming from further afield, several bus and tram lines stop nearby. It's a very central location, so most people find it easy to reach. Reddit

Parking in the immediate vicinity can be challenging due to its central location. It's often best to use public transport or walk if you're staying nearby. If driving, look for paid parking garages in the surrounding streets. Reddit

Yes, cycling is a great way to reach the gardens. There are often bike racks available, and the park itself is pleasant for a leisurely ride, though be mindful of pedestrians. Reddit

🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry

No, Cișmigiu Gardens is completely free to enter! You can wander its paths and enjoy its beauty without any admission fee. Reddit

The gardens are generally open from early morning until late evening, allowing visitors to enjoy them throughout the day and into the night. Specific hours can vary slightly by season. Reddit

The playground within Cișmigiu Gardens is free to use for all visitors, making it a fantastic spot for families looking for affordable entertainment. Reddit

While many parks have leash rules, it's always best to check local signage upon arrival. Generally, well-behaved dogs on a leash are permitted in most Bucharest parks. Reddit

🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience

You can enjoy leisurely walks, rent paddleboats or rowboats on the lake (seasonal), relax on benches, have a picnic, and let children play in the large playground. In winter, the lake often freezes over for ice skating. Reddit+1

Yes, there are several kiosks and cafes within the park where you can purchase coffee, snacks, ice cream, and light refreshments. Reddit+1

The main paths are generally well-maintained and suitable for strollers and wheelchairs, offering a pleasant experience for visitors with mobility needs. Reddit

For a more peaceful experience, visit in the early morning or late afternoon. Summer evenings are also lovely, though it can get busier. Weekdays are generally less crowded than weekends. Reddit

Yes, there are public restrooms available within the park. While they are free to use, their condition can vary. Reddit

📸 📸 Photography

The lake with its boats and bridges, the charming waterfall, the flower gardens (especially in bloom), and the tree-lined paths offer beautiful photographic opportunities. The changing seasons also provide unique backdrops. Reddit

Absolutely! Spring and summer offer vibrant greenery and flowers. Autumn brings beautiful foliage colors, and winter can be magical with frost or snow, especially if the lake is frozen for skating. Reddit

For Different Travelers

Tailored advice for your travel style

👨‍👩‍👧 Families with Kids

Cișmigiu Gardens is a fantastic destination for families. The expansive playground is a major highlight, offering plenty of space and equipment to keep children entertained for hours. Reddit The park's large, open green spaces are perfect for running around or enjoying a picnic. Reddit In the summer, renting a paddleboat on the lake can be a fun and memorable activity for the whole family. Reddit Remember to bring snacks and drinks, though there are kiosks available. Reddit

🚶‍♀️ Solo Travelers & Couples

For solo travelers or couples seeking a peaceful retreat, Cișmigiu Gardens offers numerous shaded benches and quiet walking paths perfect for reading, meditating, or simply enjoying a moment of calm. Reddit The lake provides a romantic backdrop, especially during the warmer months when boat rentals are available. Reddit It's an ideal spot for a leisurely afternoon stroll or a quiet conversation away from the city's hustle and bustle. Reddit

💰 Budget Travelers

Cișmigiu Gardens is a dream for budget travelers as entry is completely free. Reddit You can spend hours exploring the beautiful grounds, enjoying the scenery, and utilizing the free playground without spending a single leu. Reddit Pack your own snacks and water to save even more, or enjoy affordable refreshments from the park's kiosks. Reddit

Deep Dives

In-depth insights and expert knowledge

A Stroll Through History

Cișmigiu Gardens, established in 1847, is Bucharest's oldest park and a testament to the city's evolving landscape. Designed in an English style, it was conceived by German landscape architect Carl Meyer. The park was built on what was once a marshy area, transformed into a beautiful green space for the public. Its creation was a significant step in urban development, providing a much-needed recreational area for the growing city. Reddit

The park features a central lake that is a focal point for many visitors. In warmer months, it's a hub for renting paddleboats and rowboats, offering a delightful way to experience the park from the water. This activity has been a popular pastime for generations, adding to the romantic charm of the gardens. Reddit

Beyond the lake, Cișmigiu Gardens boasts a variety of flora, shaded walking paths, and numerous benches perfect for quiet contemplation. It also includes a well-loved playground, making it a versatile destination for everyone from solo travelers seeking peace to families looking for fun. The park's enduring appeal lies in its ability to offer a tranquil escape within the bustling city. Reddit

Seasonal Transformations

Cișmigiu Gardens offers a different experience depending on the time of year you visit. During the spring, the park bursts into bloom with colorful flowers and fresh greenery, creating a vibrant and inviting atmosphere. It's an ideal time for leisurely walks and enjoying the awakening of nature. Reddit

Summer is perhaps the most popular season, with the lake coming alive with paddleboats and rowboats. The shaded paths provide welcome respite from the heat, and the park is a perfect spot for picnics and outdoor relaxation. The playground is also a major draw for families during this time. Reddit

As autumn arrives, the gardens transform into a spectacle of warm colors, with leaves turning shades of red, orange, and yellow. This creates a picturesque setting for photography and peaceful strolls. In winter, if temperatures drop sufficiently, the main lake often freezes over and is converted into an open-air ice skating rink, offering a unique and festive experience. Reddit

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