Grigore Antipa Museum of Natural History, Bucharest (must see)

The Grigore Antipa Museum of Natural History is recognized as one of the best natural history museums in Europe. Its magnificent collection, which includes even dinosaur skeletons, is enough to keep both kids and their parents occupied all day. The museum also offers a variety of workshops, interactive displays, 3D films, artificial caves, as well as a wealth of animal and plant life typical of Romania.

The museum's building also deserves mentioning. It was constructed in 1908 at the request of Grigore Antipa, renowned Romanian naturalist, who ran the museum up until his death in 1944. The design was done by engineer Mihail Rocco who took into account all of Antipa's suggestions. The beautiful facade was crafted by architect Gregory Cerchez, decorated with sculptures representing natural history and a bronze eagle on top.

Over the century, the building has withstood several earthquakes. Not long ago, it was closed for an almost three year renovation prior to reopening in 2011. Romanian billionaire, George Iaciu, contributed to the museum's collection by donating 37 artifacts including an artificial life-size copy of an elephant head.