Herăstrău Park

Herăstrău Park Visiting Hours, Tickets, and Guide in Bucharest

Date: 14/06/2025

Introduction: History and Significance

Herăstrău Park, officially named King Michael I Park (Parcul Regele Mihai I), is the largest and most iconic urban green space in Bucharest. Located in the northern part of the city, the park covers approximately 187 hectares, with the 74-hectare Herăstrău Lake as its centerpiece. Opened in 1936 on reclaimed marshland, Herăstrău Park stands as a testament to Bucharest’s interwar modernization and civic pride. It seamlessly blends natural landscapes, historical monuments, and modern recreational facilities, making it a must-visit destination for both locals and tourists.

Home to the Dimitrie Gusti National Village Museum—one of Europe’s largest open-air ethnographic museums—the park offers a window into Romania’s rural traditions. Herăstrău Park’s tree-lined paths, gardens, and cultural landmarks, such as the Japanese Garden, Roses Island, and Elisabeta Palace, reflect the city’s rich heritage and ongoing commitment to community well-being. Its strategic location near major boulevards and the Aviatorilor metro station, coupled with accessible facilities, ensures a welcoming environment year-round.

Rosebushes alley in Herăstrău Park, Bucharest with Monument of the founding fathers of the European Union

Park Layout & Main Entrances

Herăstrău Park is bordered by the prestigious Aviatorilor and Kiseleff neighborhoods. The park’s design features a harmonious mix of wooded areas, open lawns, and recreational zones, all encircling the picturesque Herăstrău Lake. The 6-kilometer lakeside path is popular for jogging and cycling (thecrazytourist.com).

Main Entrances

Charles de Gaulle Entrance: Located at Piața Charles de Gaulle, adjacent to Aviatorilor metro station (M2 line). This is the park’s most prominent entrance, featuring a Charles de Gaulle statue and nearby bike rental services (blog.olalahomes.com).
Arcul de Triumf Entrance: Situated near the Arch of Triumph on Șoseaua Kiseleff. This entrance is convenient for car visitors, provides access to the Village Museum, and is near Elisabeta Palace (bucharest-travel.com).

Additional entrances on Șoseaua Nordului and near Casa Presei Libere provide quieter access points. All major entrances are wheelchair accessible.

Visiting Hours, Tickets & Accessibility

Park Hours: Herăstrău Park is generally open daily from 6:00 AM to 10:00 PM, with some entrances accessible 24/7. Check specific facility schedules for details.
Admission: Entry to the park grounds is free. Ticketed attractions within the park include:
- Dimitrie Gusti National Village Museum: Open daily (except Mondays), with tickets priced around 10–15 RON for adults and discounts for students and seniors.
- Other Facilities: Fees may apply for the aquarium, adventure park, and boat rentals.
Accessibility: The park features paved paths, accessible restrooms, and ramps at key locations, making it suitable for visitors with mobility needs. Aviatorilor metro station and multiple bus lines provide easy public transport access.

Key Attractions

Herăstrău Lake

The expansive lake is a focal point for recreational activities, including rowing, pedal boating, and scenic lakeside walks. Swimming is not permitted. Boat rentals are seasonal and available near the Hard Rock Cafe (thecrazytourist.com).

Dimitrie Gusti National Village Museum

This renowned open-air museum spans 10–14 hectares and showcases over 300 rural buildings from across Romania, offering insight into the nation’s folk culture (gpsmycity.com).

Japanese Garden

A tranquil retreat established in 1998, the Japanese Garden is famed for springtime cherry blossoms and traditional landscaping. The best time to visit is April (bucharest-travel.com).

Roses Island (Insula Trandafirilor)

Accessible by bridges, Roses Island features vibrant gardens and statues honoring the founding fathers of the European Union (blog.olalahomes.com).

Elisabeta Palace

This royal residence, built in 1936, is the official home of the Romanian royal family. While not open to the public, its striking architecture is visible from various points in the park (nomadicniko.com).

Sculptures & Monuments

Herăstrău Park features numerous statues and memorials, including those of Charles de Gaulle, Constantin Brâncuși, William Shakespeare, Michael Jackson, and the Prometheus statue (bucharest-travel.com).

Family & Recreational Facilities

The park boasts modern playgrounds, tennis courts, a miniature train, adventure park, and bike/boat rentals, catering to families and active visitors alike (totredus.ro).

Dining & Nightlife

Herăstrău Park offers diverse dining options, from lakeside cafes to the popular Hard Rock Cafe and H Beer House. In summer, terraces and clubs create a lively evening scene (lonelyplanet.com).

Seasonal Events

Concerts, theater performances, craft fairs, and cultural festivals enliven the park, especially in warmer months, often held on Roses Island or near the main entrances (bucharest-travel.com).

Activities & Facilities

Walking, Jogging, and Cycling

The park’s 6-kilometer perimeter path is ideal for joggers, walkers, and cyclists, with bike rentals available at main entrances.

Boating and Water Sports

From spring to autumn, visitors can enjoy rowboats, pedal boats, and kayaks on the lake.

Family Activities

Adventure parks, playgrounds, and the educational aquarium cater to children and families.

Cultural Events

Seasonal open-air concerts, folk festivals, and art exhibitions are regularly hosted. Guided tours of the Village Museum are available for deeper cultural immersion.

Practical Amenities

Clean public restrooms at main entrances and popular spots
Shaded benches and rest areas throughout the park
Free Wi-Fi in select cafes
Well-marked picnic zones

Nearby Landmarks & Attractions

Arcul de Triumf: Celebrates Romania’s WWI role, located just south of the park (bucharestcityhall.ro).
Kiseleff Road: Museum row, with the National Museum of the Romanian Peasant, Grigore Antipa National Museum of Natural History, and the Museum of Geology nearby.
Piata Charles de Gaulle: Southern entrance, surrounded by modern offices, hotels, and the Aviatorilor metro station.
Cotroceni Palace & Botanical Garden: Presidential residence and lush gardens within a short drive (cotroceni.ro).
Lipscani District (Old Town): Bucharest’s historic nightlife and shopping area, accessible by metro.

Visitor Tips & Travel Information

Best Time to Visit: Spring and early autumn for mild weather and cherry blossoms.
Getting There: Aviatorilor metro station (M2 line) is the most convenient. Buses and trams also serve the park.
What to Bring: Comfortable shoes, camera, sun protection, and water.
Duration: Allow 2–4 hours for a thorough visit.
Safety: The park is safe and family-friendly; observe standard precautions after dark.
Pets: Allowed but must be kept on a leash.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q: Is there an entrance fee?
A: General park access is free. Certain attractions, like the Village Museum and aquarium, require tickets.

Q: What are the park’s opening hours?
A: The park is open daily from 6:00 AM to 10:00 PM; some entrances and paths are open 24/7.

Q: How do I get there by public transport?
A: Aviatorilor metro station is closest; multiple bus lines also serve the park.

Q: Are guided tours available?
A: Yes, especially at the Village Museum and during seasonal events.

Q: Is the park accessible for wheelchair users?
A: Yes, paved paths and accessible restrooms are available.

Q: Can I rent bikes or boats?
A: Yes, both are available seasonally.

Visuals and Media

For a deeper virtual experience, explore interactive maps and high-quality images on the official Herăstrău Park website and Bucharest tourism portals. Virtual tours and galleries highlight seasonal events, lake views, and cultural attractions.

Useful Links and Resources

Conclusion

Herăstrău Park (King Michael I Park) is a cornerstone of Bucharest’s urban landscape, offering a harmonious blend of nature, recreation, and culture. Its extensive grounds, rich history, and accessible amenities make it a year-round favorite for families, tourists, and locals. Whether you’re seeking cultural enrichment at the Village Museum, relaxation by the lake, or lively events and dining, Herăstrău Park delivers a uniquely Bucharest experience.

Stay updated on visiting hours, events, and travel tips by downloading the Audiala app. For more inspiration and detailed planning, refer to the official park website and the Bucharest tourism portal.

Herăstrău Park is an essential part of any Bucharest itinerary—immerse yourself in its beauty, history, and vibrant community spirit.