Grădina Cișmigiu

The oldest public garden in Bucharest, Cișmigiu, is a romantic oasis in the very heart of the city, a few steps from busy boulevards. Laid out in the mid-19th century by the German landscape architect Carl Meyer on the site of former public fountains — the cișmele that gave it its name — the garden combines winding English-style paths with a central lake, bridges, pavilions and century-old plane trees. Here locals come to stroll, feed the ducks, play chess at shaded tables, row on the lake in summer and skate in winter.

The Writers' Rotunda, with busts of great Romanian authors, and the small stone bridges add to its charm. Every season gives it a different character, from magnolias in spring to russet leaves in autumn. Admission is free; check the schedule for boat rentals.