King Mihai I Park, still widely known as Herăstrău, is Bucharest’s grandest green space, wrapped around a broad lake in the north of the city. Long promenades, willow-lined shores and views towards the business district give it the feel of both a lively city park and a genuine escape from traffic.
Created in the 1930s after marshland was drained, the park has long been a favourite gathering place for Bucharest residents. It was renamed in 2017 in honour of King Michael I, Romania’s last monarch, though the old name remains firmly in everyday use. On its western edge, the open-air Dimitrie Gusti National Village Museum adds another reason to visit, with historic houses and farm buildings brought here from across Romania.
Come for a lakeside walk, hire a boat when seasonal rentals are operating, or settle into one of the terraces near the water. Aviatorilor metro station is convenient for the southern entrances; arrive early for quieter paths, especially at weekends. The Village Museum has a separate entrance and admission fee, so allow extra time if you plan to explore it.