Bucharest Botanical Garden

Bucharest Botanical Garden: Visiting Hours, Tickets, and Your Complete Guide to Bucharest’s Historical Green Oasis

Date: 14/06/2025

Introduction

Nestled in Bucharest’s historic Cotroceni district, the Bucharest Botanical Garden—officially titled Grădina Botanică “Dimitrie Brândză”—is a living testament to Romania’s botanical heritage, scientific evolution, and cultural resilience. Since its founding in 1860, the garden has grown into an expansive, 17.5 to 18.2-hectare sanctuary, boasting over 10,000 plant species from Romania and across the globe. Whether you are a nature enthusiast, a history buff, or a traveler seeking tranquility amid the city’s bustle, this guide details everything you need to plan your visit: from rich historical context and main attractions to up-to-date visiting hours, ticket prices, and travel tips (Bucharest Botanical Garden - Official Site; skia.one.ro).

Botanical Garden in Bucharest, Romania with lush green trees and pathways

Liriodendron tulipifera tree with tulip-shaped leaves in Bucharest Botanical Garden

Page of Adevărul newspaper announcing Botanical Garden Park inauguration in Bucharest, June 1935

Main entrance of Bucharest Botanical Garden with ornate iron gate and green plants

View of the Bucharest Botanical Garden with lush greenery and floral displays

Lush green plants and tall trees in Bucharest Botanical Garden under clear blue sky

Bucharest Botanical Garden main entrance with walkway and green plants

Bucharest Botanical Garden main entrance with greenery and clear blue sky

Scenic lake in Bucharest Botanical Garden with surrounding greenery and a blue sky

Section of medicinal plants with neatly trimmed hedges at Bucharest Botanical Garden

Bucharest Botanical Garden greenhouse with lush green plants

Scenic view of Bucharest Botanical Garden with lush greenery and vibrant flowers

Lake at Bucharest Botanical Garden with lush green trees and a clear blue sky

Bucharest Botanical Garden lush green trees and pathways under clear blue sky

Scenic alley in Bucharest Botanical Garden with lush greenery and towering trees

Bucharest Botanical Garden with lush greenery and historic greenhouse

Lake in autumn at Bucharest Botanical Garden with colorful fall foliage and calm water reflection

Pathway in Bucharest Botanical Garden surrounded by greenery and trees

Bucharest Botanical Garden with green plants and trees on a sunny day

Scenic lake in Bucharest Botanical Garden with lush greenery and calm water

Italian Garden at Bucharest Botanical Garden with lush greenery and flowering plants

Italian Garden at Bucharest Botanical Garden with vibrant flowers and lush greenery

Historical Overview

Origins and Foundation

The garden’s foundations were laid in 1860 by Dr. Carol Davila, initially serving as a resource for medical and pharmaceutical studies (Bucharest Botanical Garden - Official Site). Under the directorship of botanist Dimitrie Brândză (from 1874), the garden was relocated in 1884 to its current site and expanded. The present layout was crafted by Belgian landscape architect Louis Fuchs, who balanced scientific organization with aesthetic appeal (Romanian Academy - Dimitrie Brândză; culturewhiz.org).

Architectural and Scientific Development

Key features include the Victorian-era greenhouse, completed in 1891, which supports the cultivation of rare and exotic plants. The garden’s herbarium, established alongside the greenhouse, remains an invaluable resource for Romanian and Balkan botanical research (Bucharest Botanical Garden History).

Wartime Resilience and Modernization

Despite significant damage during both World Wars—especially the devastating 1944 bombing—the garden was restored and continued to thrive. The postwar era saw the addition of thematic sections such as the Japanese Garden and Mediterranean sector, as well as modern upgrades like computerized plant databases and advanced horticultural methods (Romania Insider - Bucharest Botanical Garden; Visit Bucharest - Botanical Garden).

Main Attractions and Layout

Thematic Sectors

The garden is divided into eleven key sectors, each offering unique experiences:

Decorative Sector: Vibrant beds of annuals, perennials, and ornamental shrubs.
Old Greenhouse: A historic iron-and-glass structure, home to tropical and exotic plants; open on select days and requires a separate ticket (bucharest-travel.com).
Exhibition Greenhouses: Cover 2,500+ square meters, showcasing tropical, subtropical, and carnivorous species in immersive settings (visitbucharest.today).
Rosarium (Rose Garden): Around 130 rose varieties bloom from late spring to autumn.
Grandma’s Garden: Replicates traditional Romanian village gardens with vegetables, medicinal herbs, and fruit trees.
Carpathian Mountains Sector: Features alpine flora and shaded paths under native conifers.
Mediterranean Sector: Displays 100+ species adapted to southern climates.
Italian Garden: Classical geometric beds and a central water basin with aquatic flora.
Rare and Endemic Plants: Focuses on threatened Romanian species, with educational signage (travelromania.net).
Lake and Water Features: Picturesque lake with weeping willows, waterfowl, and aquatic plants.
Botanical Museum: Opened in 1978, houses preserved plants, seeds, and botanical illustrations (visitbucharest.today).

Practical Visitor Information

Visiting Hours

Spring–Summer (April–October): 08:00 or 09:00–20:00
Autumn–Winter (November–March): 08:00 or 09:00–17:00/18:00
Greenhouses: Generally open Tuesday, Thursday, Friday 10:00–15:00; weekends 09:00–13:00. The Botanical Museum may occasionally close for renovations (Bucharest Travel Guide).
Holidays: Closed on major public holidays.

Note: Check the official website for up-to-date hours before visiting.

Tickets

Adults: 10 RON
Students/Seniors: 5 RON (with valid ID)
Children under 7: Free
Greenhouse Entry: Separate fee (approx. 15 RON)
Discounts: For groups, students of the University of Bucharest, and certain professionals (cazarebucuresti.ro).

Accessibility and Facilities

Most main paths are accessible by wheelchair or stroller.
Benches and shaded areas abound.
Educational signage is provided in Romanian and English.
Cafés offer coffee, beer, and seasonal drinks near the Italian Garden (Bucharest Travel Guide).
Restrooms and drinking fountains are available.

How to Get There

Public Transport: Metro (Eroilor or Politehnica stations), bus, or tram. Eroilor station is a 15-minute walk away.
Parking: Limited; public transport is recommended.
Main Entrance: Șoseaua Cotroceni, near Cotroceni Palace.

Seasonal Highlights

Spring: Blooming snowdrops, magnolias, cherry blossoms, irises, and roses (Romania Experience).
Summer: Lush greenery, peak rose blooms, shaded walks.
Autumn: Vivid foliage and late-flowering perennials.
Winter: Greenhouse visits and a cozy bar with mulled wine (Bucharest Travel Guide).

Events, Tours, and Educational Programs

Annual Events: Tulip Festival, Orchid Exhibition, plant fairs, bonsai shows, and cultural festivals (visitbucharest.today).
Guided Tours: Available on weekends and by advance arrangement, ideal for school groups and enthusiasts.
Workshops: Special programs for children, families, and botanical hobbyists.

Nearby Historical and Cultural Attractions

Cotroceni Palace: Historic royal residence with guided tours.
National Museum of Romanian History: A short journey away, ideal for culture lovers.
Carol Park: Expansive urban park with monuments and walking paths.

Visitor Tips

Allocate 1–2 hours for a thorough visit.
Visit early on weekdays for a quieter experience.
Bring a book or journal for relaxation.
Combine your visit with nearby historical sites.
Photography is permitted throughout the garden.
Respect all signage and avoid picking plants.

FAQs

Q: What are the current visiting hours?
A: Typically 08:00/09:00–20:00 (April–October), 08:00/09:00–17:00/18:00 (November–March). Greenhouse hours may differ.

Q: How much are tickets?
A: Standard adult entry is 10 RON, with reduced rates for students, seniors, and children.

Q: Are pets permitted?
A: Pets are generally not allowed to protect the collections.

Q: Is the garden accessible for wheelchair users?
A: Most main paths and facilities are accessible.

Q: Can I buy tickets online?
A: Online ticketing may be available; check the official website.

Summary

The Bucharest Botanical Garden is both a scientific institution and a beloved public green space. Its diverse plant collections, historic structures, and educational programs make it a must-visit for anyone in Bucharest. Affordable entry, accessible facilities, and proximity to major historical sites further enhance its appeal.

Before visiting, always consult the latest updates regarding opening hours and ticketing. For more tips, guided tours, and cultural events, download the Audiala app and follow official social media channels.

Sources

For high-quality visuals, include photographs of landmark sectors such as the Old Greenhouse, Rosarium, and the lake with weeping willows. Alt tags and image optimization should be prepared for digital publication.