Pia葲a Unirii (Union Square), Bucharest (must see)
Union Square (Piata Unirii) stands as one of Bucharest鈥檚 central and busiest public spaces, both geographically and historically significant. Once the site of an old marketplace known as Great Square (Piata Mare), the square has undergone multiple transformations, especially during the communist period, when it was expanded and reshaped to accommodate grand boulevards and monumental architecture. Today, it serves as a major traffic hub, linking several important roads and metro lines, while anchoring visitors in the heart of the Romanian capital.
To the north of the square lies the grand Bulevardul Unirii, designed to mirror the Champs-脡lys茅es in Paris and lined with fountains that come to life during the summer with coordinated light and music shows. At its western edge, the imposing Unirea Shopping Center provides retail and dining options, while nearby green spaces and wide sidewalks make the square a common meeting point for locals and tourists alike. The square is also within walking distance of major landmarks such as the Palace of the Parliament and the Old Town (Lipscani), making it a convenient starting point for exploration.
Architecturally, Union Square reflects the city鈥檚 shifting identity鈥攆rom its utilitarian communist buildings to more recent commercial developments and restored historical facades. Though not always praised for its aesthetic cohesion, the square鈥檚 scale and energy offer a snapshot of Bucharest鈥檚 urban evolution. Whether you're using it as a transport junction, admiring the fountains, or simply people-watching, Union Square encapsulates the contrasts and momentum of modern-day Bucharest.
To the north of the square lies the grand Bulevardul Unirii, designed to mirror the Champs-脡lys茅es in Paris and lined with fountains that come to life during the summer with coordinated light and music shows. At its western edge, the imposing Unirea Shopping Center provides retail and dining options, while nearby green spaces and wide sidewalks make the square a common meeting point for locals and tourists alike. The square is also within walking distance of major landmarks such as the Palace of the Parliament and the Old Town (Lipscani), making it a convenient starting point for exploration.
Architecturally, Union Square reflects the city鈥檚 shifting identity鈥攆rom its utilitarian communist buildings to more recent commercial developments and restored historical facades. Though not always praised for its aesthetic cohesion, the square鈥檚 scale and energy offer a snapshot of Bucharest鈥檚 urban evolution. Whether you're using it as a transport junction, admiring the fountains, or simply people-watching, Union Square encapsulates the contrasts and momentum of modern-day Bucharest.
Want to visit this sight? Check out these Self-Guided Walking Tours in Bucharest. Alternatively, you can download the mobile app "黑料吃瓜网: Walks in 1K+ Cities" from Apple App Store or Google Play Store. The app turns your mobile device to a personal tour guide and it works offline, so no data plan is needed when traveling abroad.
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Pia葲a Unirii (Union Square) on Map
Sight Name: Pia葲a Unirii (Union Square)
Sight Location: Bucharest, Romania (See walking tours in Bucharest)
Sight Type: Attraction/Landmark
Guide(s) Containing This Sight:
Sight Location: Bucharest, Romania (See walking tours in Bucharest)
Sight Type: Attraction/Landmark
Guide(s) Containing This Sight:
Walking Tours in Bucharest, Romania
Create Your Own Walk in Bucharest
Creating your own self-guided walk in Bucharest is easy and fun. Choose the city attractions that you want to see and a walk route map will be created just for you. You can even set your hotel as the start point of the walk.
Old Town Walking Tour
The Historical Center of Bucharest, or the Old Town, as the locals habitually refer to it, is one of the most beloved and attractive areas in the Romanian capital. The neighborhood is really beautiful a place to visit, and you can walk into it pretty much from anywhere in central Bucharest. Ion Constantin Br膬tianu Boulevard crosses the historic heart of the city from Piata Universitate... view more
Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 1.9 Km or 1.2 Miles
Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 1.9 Km or 1.2 Miles
Bucharest Introduction Walking Tour
Bucharest, the capital and cultural center of Romania, is one of the largest cities in Southeastern Europe.
The name Bucure葯ti has an unverified origin. Tradition links it to the guy named Bucur, who (according to various legends) was either a prince, outlaw, fisherman, shepherd or a hunter. The Romanian word 鈥渂ucurie鈥� means joy (happiness), which in turn explains one of Bucharest's... view more
Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 3.7 Km or 2.3 Miles
The name Bucure葯ti has an unverified origin. Tradition links it to the guy named Bucur, who (according to various legends) was either a prince, outlaw, fisherman, shepherd or a hunter. The Romanian word 鈥渂ucurie鈥� means joy (happiness), which in turn explains one of Bucharest's... view more
Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 3.7 Km or 2.3 Miles
Useful Travel Guides for Planning Your Trip
16 Uniquely Romanian Things To Buy in Bucharest
Nicknamed "Little Paris", today's Bucharest is the capital of a vibrant European nation, known as Romania, with lots of history and great cultural heritage - spanning from centuries-old rural traditions to New Wave cinema. Keen on rustic stuff, Romanians carefully preserve their...