Tineretului Park — known in Romanian as Parcul Tineretului or Youth Park — is one of the largest parks in Bucharest and the main green space for the southern part of the city. It covers 94 hectares in Sector 4 and was designed by architect Valentin Donose, with construction finishing in 1974. On a typical weekend day the park draws close to 8,000 visitors.
It sits just south of Piața Unirii and is easy to reach from the city center. The park has a large lake, wide paths for cycling and running, a lakeside restaurant terrace, an I’Velo bike rental station and a full children’s fun fair area.
Practical Information
- Entry: Free
- Size: 94 hectares
- Lake: Natural groundwater fed, 13 hectares, 3 km long, up to 2.2 m deep. Swimming not allowed
- Bike rental: I’Velo station at the north entrance near Tineretului metro
- Dogs: Allowed on leash
- Nearest metro: Tineretului (M2) — north entrance / Eroii Revoluției (M2) — west entrance
- Recommended visit time: 2 to 3 hours for a casual visit. Half a day if you add the children’s fun fair and a lakeside lunch
How to Get to Tineretului Park
The closest metro station to the main north entrance is Tineretului on line M2. You exit directly at the park. From Piața Unirii, it is one stop.
The Eroii Revoluției station on line M2 serves the western side of the park and is useful if you are coming from that direction.
If you are just arriving in Bucharest, check our guide on getting from Bucharest Airport to the city center first.
Coming by car, here are the closest parking options:
| Parking | Total Spots | Directions |
|---|---|---|
| World Class Parking | 32 | Get directions |
| Malciu Vasile Parking | 60 | Get directions |
| Mimo Salon Parking | 40 | Get directions |
| Lunclas Auto Parking | 30 | Get directions |
What’s Inside Tineretului Park
The Lake
Lake Tineretului covers 13 hectares with a maximum length of 3 km, a width of 500 meters and a maximum depth of 2.2 meters. The lake has three islands, two of which are connected to the shore by small bridges. Swimming is not allowed in the lake — signs are posted along the shore.
The lake is also a good spot for birdwatching. Rare bird species stop here during migrations and in the cold season, making it one of the quieter corners of the park away from the main paths.
Running and Cycling
Tineretului is one of the best parks in Bucharest for running and cycling. The wide paths around the lake give you a natural loop of about 3 km. The terrain is not completely flat — there are slopes and stairs in parts of the park which work well if you want to add some intensity to your run.
The main central boulevard through the park is wide enough that cyclists, inline skaters, families with strollers and runners all use it at the same time without getting in each other’s way. The park also connects directly to Parcul Lumea Copiilor next door which has a dedicated track, though that area is popular with children so treat it as a shared space.
I’Velo Bike Rental
There is an I’Velo bike sharing station at the park entrance near the Tineretului metro stop. Download the I’Velo app on iOS or Android, register, add your card details and scan the QR code on any available bike. Return it to any I’Velo station when done. Check ivelo.ro for current pricing.
Sala Polivalentă
Tineretului Park contains the Sala Polivalentă, one of Bucharest’s largest multi-purpose halls, used for concerts and indoor sporting events. It sits inside the park and is easy to spot from the main paths. Check the venue’s schedule if you want to combine a park visit with an event.
Orășelul Copiilor — Children’s Fun Fair
The south-east corner of the park is a children’s area called Orășelul Copiilor (Children’s Mini-town) with fairground rides, small rollercoasters and other fun rides for all ages. There is a mini train that takes people around the park. This area makes Tineretului one of the better parks in Bucharest for families with younger children.
Food and Drinks in the Park
There are several restaurants and terraces inside Tineretului Park, mostly clustered around the lake area.
Cafeneaua de Vară a Actorilor is the main lakeside terrace, sitting right above the water with outdoor seating and a full food and drinks menu. It is one of the better spots in the park for a sit-down lunch or afternoon drink with a lake view.
There are also additional restaurant options around the park — you can find them at these locations: Restaurant 1 and Restaurant 2 and Restaurant 3. Snack kiosks and drinks stands are also placed throughout the park.
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes. Tineretului Park is free to enter. You only pay for specific activities like bike rental or rides in the Orășelul Copiilor children’s area.
No. Swimming is not allowed in Lake Tineretului. Signs are posted along the lake shore. The lake is used for leisure boats and birdwatching only.
Yes. The park has wide paved paths and a natural loop of about 3 km around the lake. The terrain includes some slopes and stairs which work well for a varied run. The paths are shared with cyclists and walkers.
Yes. The park has a dedicated children’s fun fair area called Orășelul Copiilor in the south-east corner with rides, rollercoasters and a mini train. There are also several playgrounds and open green spaces throughout the park.
Tineretului Park is safe during the day and early evening. The main paths are busy with locals, families and cyclists throughout the day. Stick to lit paths if you visit after dark.
