When you say “promenade,” your mind instantly pictures a spectacular shoreline, waves gently breaking, and a breeze caressing your face. Bucharest, a city without access to the sea or a major river, seems condemned to the absence of such an emblematic place. And yet, there is one location that could fulfill this role: Lacul Morii. With a bit of urban vision and a coherent strategy, this forgotten corner of the Capital could become what Bucharest has lacked for too long – a waterfront promenade, a true urban boardwalk.

A delayed promise

Lacul Morii is a sleeping giant. Built in the 1980s as part of a flood protection project, it remained for decades a gray area on the city's map, a space that seemed to have everything needed to become spectacular but was never treated as a priority. With a perimeter of almost 7 kilometers and a vast water surface, the lake has all the features of a modern promenade: panoramic views, tranquility, and potential for water sports and recreation. And yet, until recently, it was more of a no-man’s land—empty, isolated, and in many places, left in disrepair.

In recent years, however, authorities have started to focus on this part of the city. Walkways have been paved, benches and public lighting installed, and the area has slowly become more attractive for Bucharest residents eager for a breath of fresh air. But the question remains: is it enough?

What makes a real promenade?

An urban promenade is not just a simple walkway by the water. Cities that understand the importance of such spaces—like Paris, with the banks of the Seine, or London, with South Bank—have transformed their promenades into landmarks of urban identity. They envisioned them as vibrant places where people don’t just take walks but experience the city in a new way. Restaurants, cafes, art galleries, bike lanes, concert and festival venues—all of these could turn Lacul Morii into a real destination, not just a weekend option for a few joggers and cyclists.

An uncertain future

Although there have been promises and projects, few have truly materialized. There is talk of transforming the island in the lake into a cultural and concert venue, installing docks for water sports, and creating an integrated system of pedestrian paths and bike lanes connecting the area to the rest of the city. But, as in many other cases in Bucharest, there is always a significant gap between plans and reality.

One thing is certain: Bucharest residents need such a place. A city so crowded and suffocated by concrete can only find balance through open, airy spaces, where water becomes a source of relaxation rather than just an ignored backdrop. Lacul Morii has the potential to be this urban promenade, but without a clear strategy and serious investment, it will remain just a beautiful dream.

Can Bucharest build its own promenade? Or will we once again be left with a half-baked solution? The answer depends on how much we truly want to enjoy our city.