Private Tour
The Dark Side of Bucharest - Private Tour
Overview
Available languages
3 hours 30 minutes
Mobile ticket
This is a private tour that takes you beyond Bucharest’s well-known landmarks and into areas rarely shown to visitors.
Discover another side of Bucharest on an eye-opening journey through the neighborhoods of Ferentari and Rahova.
This tour offers a unique chance to gain deeper insight into the city’s social fabric, history, and culture.
You will explore two of Bucharest’s most talked-about districts, learn about the people who live there, and better understand the challenges they face as well as their resilience.
You will also have the opportunity to engage with locals and hear their stories firsthand.
To conclude, we will take you to a distinctive village on the outskirts of Bucharest, known for its impressive, lavishly designed mansions built by members of the local Roma community.
Additional Info
Public transportation options are available nearby
Suitable for all physical fitness levels
We visit in Bucharest: Strada Zăbrăuţului 5; Aleea Iacob Andrei 11; Aleea Livezilor; Strada Pucheni 1; Strada Amurgului 4; Rahova Penitentiary Strada Adrian 4; Village with gypsy palaces Strada Principală Nr. 353A, Sintești
Dress as simply as possible, without jewelry, without expensive items!
Cancellation Policy
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
What‘s Included
Private transportation
Hotel pick-up and drop-off in Bucharest area
Air-conditioned vehicle
Meeting and Pickup
Pickup points
Select a pickup point
What To Expect
The worst famous neighborhood in Bucharest, the place with the lowest standard of living in the Romanian capital.
The neighborhood where most gypsies live, there was also a feared penitentiary.
Options
Private tour in English
Only your group will participa
Pickup included
Reviews
19 reviews
Total reviews and rating from Viator & Tripadvisor
A trip not to be missed
pinkyperkyLONDON,
Nov 18, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00A fabulous tour of “ behind the scenes” with our fabulous tour guide, Laura . It was a real experience to see a different side to Bucharest including housing , every day life and the markets. Learnt a great deal about the “ Romana Gypsies”. Great contrast between how the poor and wealthy live
The real Bucharest!
Allison S,
Nov 3, 2025
- Review from Viator
5.00What a thorough and comprehensive tour of some of the lesser-known parts of Bucharest. Our tour guide (Sebastian) was so knowledgeable and had a good sense of humor as well! We learned so much in just a few hours and felt safe even in some of the rougher areas. We got to walk through markets as well and see the hustle and bustle of local living. Highly recommend!
Informative round around Bucharest and surroundings
N0stalgisk,
Oct 28, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00A very educational trip. My guide was engaging, sympathetic and very informative. It was clear that he cared both about the themes, the people and his country. I was very uncertain about what I enrolled in, but after this trip I have learned so much about Romania and Bucharest, and appreciate the country even more now. The car was clean and comfortable, the guide's English was perfect and the trip was arranged in a very good way. If I come back to Bucharest with friends I will definitely take this trip again.
Bucarest
Matteo B,
Aug 16, 2025
- Review from Viator
5.00Nice tour in the “dark side” of Bucharest. Our guide (Bogdan) was so nice and tell us a lot about the story of Bucharest.
A Tour That Challenges, Not Comforts: Seeing the City Through Unfiltered Layers
V7403UTirinat,
Jun 30, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00This tour was unlike anything I’ve done before—challenging, complex, and at times emotionally heavy, but all the more valuable for that. The Poor Neighborhoods, Prison, and Gypsy Castles Private Tour offered a side of the city that most people don’t see, and frankly, many don’t want to. But that’s exactly why I’m glad I took it. The guide didn’t sugarcoat anything. From the lingering weight of the prison system to the visible economic struggle in some of the neighborhoods, the experience forced me to confront realities that sit beneath the surface of daily life here. It wasn’t comfortable—but it wasn’t meant to be. I appreciated that the tour wasn’t about poverty voyeurism. Instead, it was about understanding systems, histories, and the human stories that often go unheard. The visit to the Gypsy Castles was especially striking. The buildings were extravagant, surreal even—but layered with cultural meaning, pride, and complexity. I left with more questions than answers, which I think is a sign of a good tour. It didn’t tie things up in a neat narrative. It invited me to think harder, to let go of assumptions, and to listen. This isn’t a light or easy experience, but it’s a meaningful one. It stayed with me long after it ended, and it reminded me why I travel in the first place—not just to see beautiful places, but to confront the contradictions, beauty, and tensions that make them real.
Amazing, thrilling and eye opening tour. Dont miss this!
445waterp,
May 20, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00We booked this tour not knowing what we'd expect, but we're so happy we did. Sebastian teached us a lot and was very calm, just the guy you need for this kind of tour. There were definitely some thrilling moments but we wouldn't have wanted to miss it. We even talked to some of the locals and ate some local food. Amazing experience. Don't miss this! It gives you a whole new perspective on things.
Seeing what's real,
Gary P,
Apr 27, 2025
- Review from Viator
5.00The guy who does this, is a very enjoyable person to spend a few hours with. You will see things you don't normally see, have great conversation. Highly recommend
Fun and entertaining, worth seeing
garypL4954YW,
Apr 26, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00I had enjoyable time, just landed, this was my first tour, and it was very entertaining. I would recommend with 2 thumbs up. I got history, I got logistics, I even got a little good political debate, but don't fret I don't think that would be the norm. I started. You will see many sights you probably will never see otherwise. Do the tour and learn some interesting and fun filled facts. 2 thumbs up
Great and educational!
Melvin N,
Oct 30, 2024
- Review from Viator
5.00A very interesting tour for those who want to see more of Bucharest, outside the tourist area. Bucharest is more than just the center and this way you can get to know the life of the locals. Please note that you should always respect the situation and not just take pictures and videos whenever you want. Catalin was a fantastic and very nice guide who could clearly explain everything and tell you about the history of the gypsies and he takes you through the neighborhoods of Rahova and Ferentari and the village of Sintesti. He is always up for a joke, can talk nicely and is a nice person. He also clearly indicates what is and is not possible during the tour. A large part of the tour is done by vehicle, but there are also parts that are done on foot such as the flower market, the local market and some places where the locals live in Rahova. In short, a must and also very educational! I was very impressed!
Not your average tour 🏚️🏘️
Derek M,
Aug 19, 2024
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00You won’t see many pictures on the reviews because you do not want these people to see you recording them. You will manage to snag one here & there. Get hidden video glasses ahead of time if you can. The tour was as historic as it was thrilling. My tour guide Nico was friendly and knowledgeable. The underworld has an exotic intrigue that you won’t find at Disneyland. You will be privileged to see the lifestyle of old Eastern Europe and it will be an experience few have ever witnessed. Nico grew up in these areas so he knows how to keep everyone safe.
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