Whether you live in Bucharest or you’re just passing through, sometimes you just need a breather — literally and figuratively. Luckily, the city is surrounded by places close enough to avoid wasting half your weekend in traffic, yet different enough to make you feel like you’ve truly escaped.

Here are seven places you’ll want to return to, whether you’re after nature, relaxation, or a bit of authentic history:

1. Therme – closer to the tropics than it looks

Just 10 minutes from the airport and 30 from the city center, Therme doesn’t really need an introduction. But in case you’ve dismissed it as just a fancy pool, it’s worth seeing it for what it really is: a massive thermal spa, with geothermally heated water, themed saunas, child-free zones, and even a small tropical garden under glass and steam. It’s not the place to do things — it’s the place to stop doing them altogether, in the best possible way.

2. Mogoșoaia Palace – quiet aristocracy, 30 minutes from the noise

If you’re looking for a contrast to the city’s rush, Mogoșoaia delivers. The Brâncovenesc-style palace is beautifully restored, and the surrounding park is ideal for slow walks, relaxed picnics, or reading in the shade. It’s not impressive in the Instagrammable, overdone kind of way — its charm is subtle and lasting.

3. Edenland Park – structured adrenaline at the edge of the woods

Tucked away in the Balotești forest, Edenland is for those who want action without chaos. There are treetop trails for all levels (yes, even for adults), long zip lines, paintball, archery, mini-golf, and even cozy treehouse cabins if you want to stay overnight. It’s an adventure park that actually runs smoothly — clean, well managed, and with enough variety even for people who just want to sip coffee among the trees.

4. Snagov Monastery – a legend on a lake

Built on a small island in the middle of Lake Snagov, this monastery feels like something out of a forgotten chapter of history. Local legend claims Vlad the Impaler is buried here — and even though that’s still up for debate, the place has its own quiet energy. You can reach it by boat from Snagov Sat, and even without the myths, it’s worth the trip for the heavy silence and peaceful view.

5. Chitila Dendrological Park – quiet nature, without the road trip

You don’t always need to go deep into the countryside to find green space that feels real. Chitila Dendrological Park is only 20–25 minutes from Bucharest, but once you're there, it’s surprisingly calm. The park combines a large variety of trees (some rare), wide walking paths, lakeside views, and that quiet suburb feel that makes time slow down. It’s not wild or spectacular — it’s simply pleasant, clean, and peaceful. A great choice if you want to reconnect with nature without packing a bag. 

6. Greaca Domain – wine, soft hills, and a view worth every story

Roughly an hour and a half south of the city, in Giurgiu county, Greaca Domain offers a refreshing mix: local wines, peaceful hill scenery, a pool with a view, and — if you stick around until evening — a sunset over the vineyard that makes the whole trip feel shorter. Whether you go for lunch, a lazy swim, or a quiet weekend, the place knows how to slow you down, gently.

7. Comana Natural Park – the slow version of a real reset

If what you need is to stop, breathe, and not do much at all, Comana Park has exactly that. Walks along the water, reed-filled landscapes, the scent of still water (in a good, poetic kind of way), and the sense that time is finally moving at your pace. It’s the kind of place where turning off your phone feels natural — and not like a challenge.