Bucharest
Bucharest Travel Guide
Bucharest is the capital city and largest city of Romania, located in southern Romania on the Dâmbovița River. It has an officially estimated population of 1.76 million residents. Bucharest is the most prosperous city in Romania and the richest capital and city in the region. Bucharest is a bustling metropolis known for its wide, tree-lined boulevards, Belle Epoque buildings, and vibrant culture which attracts visitors from around the world.
Things To Know Before Going To Bucharest
- The Palace of the Parliament is the second-largest administrative and also the heaviest building in the world.
- Bucharest is full of hidden gems, from independent cafes and art galleries to quirky museums and vintage shops.
- The city is a foodie paradise, with a wide range of restaurants serving everything from traditional Romanian cuisine to international fare.
- Bucharest is a city with a rich history, dating back over 500 years. There are many historical sites to explore.
- Bucharest is a green city with many parks and gardens. These are great places to relax, have a picnic, or go for a walk.
- Calea Victoriei, Bucharest's oldest street, was originally paved with oak beams in 1692.
- Mosquitoes can be a nuisance, especially near the Dâmbovița River, so bringing insect repellent is recommended.
Where Is Bucharest?
Bucharest is situated in southeastern Romania, on the banks of the Dâmbovița River, less than 60 km north of the Danube River and the Bulgarian border.
Where To Stay In Bucharest?
Here is a table of the key tourist areas in Bucharest and what they offer:
District | Best For | Best Attractions | Average Trip Cost |
Old Town | Historic sights, nightlife, dining | Old Princely Court, Stavropoleos Church, Lipscani Street | Moderate |
Victoriei Street | Sightseeing, shopping, dining | Palace of the Parliament, National Museum of Art, Revolution Square | Moderate to High |
Herastrau Park | Nature, relaxation | Herastrau Park, Dimitrie Gusti National Village Museum | Low to Moderate |
Lipscani District | Historic architecture, nightlife, dining | Hanul lui Manuc, Caru' cu Bere, Stavropoleos Church | Moderate |
Sector 1 | Museums, art galleries | Grigore Antipa Natural History Museum, Museum of the Romanian Peasant | Moderate |
Sector 6 | Residential, parks | Cismigiu Gardens, Botanical Garden | Low to Moderate |
Best Hotels In Bucharest
Bucharest hotels offer a blend of luxury and convenience, providing exceptional services and amenities for your trip to be more comfortable. Even though luxury hotels in Bucharest may make you break the bank, they will be worth every penny thanks to their services. However, there are always mid-range and budget hotels in Bucharest to enhance your days and make your city tour seamless. Tailored for everyone, finding what kind of accommodation you want won’t be as hard as you think. Now, here are some of the best hotels in Bucharest we recommend and why:
Hotel | District | Affordability | Why to Stay There? |
JW Marriott Bucharest Grand Hotel | Victoriei Street | Luxury | - Prestigious 5-star hotel in the heart of Bucharest - Offers luxurious accommodations, fine dining, and excellent amenities like a spa and indoor pool - Convenient location near major attractions like the Palace of the Parliament |
Athenee Palace Hilton Bucharest | Old Town | Luxury | - Historic 5-star hotel with elegant, traditional decor - Excellent location in the Old Town, walking distance to top sights - Renowned for its high-quality service and amenities |
Park Inn by Radisson Bucharest | Sector 1 | Mid-Range | - Modern 4-star hotel with comfortable, well-equipped rooms - Great value for money in a central location - Amenities include a restaurant, bar, fitness center, and indoor pool |
Hotel Ancor | Pipera | Budget | - Affordable 3-star hotel in the Pipera business district - Simple but clean accommodations, good for business travelers or those on a tight budget - Close to shopping malls and just 7km from the city center |
Epoque Hotel - Relais & Châteaux | Cismigiu | Luxury | - Upscale 5-star boutique hotel in a quiet, leafy neighborhood - Elegant, historic building with beautifully appointed rooms - Excellent service and amenities like a spa and gourmet restaurant |
Hilton Garden Inn Bucharest Old Town | Old Town | Mid-Range | - Modern 4-star hotel in the heart of the Old Town - Walking distance to top attractions like the National Theater - Amenities include a fitness center, restaurant, and free WiFi |
Radisson Blu Hotel Bucharest | Victoriei Street | Luxury | - Iconic 5-star hotel on the famous Calea Victoriei boulevard - Luxurious accommodations and excellent facilities including multiple restaurants, a spa, and an indoor pool - Ideal location for sightseeing and business |
Hotel Cismigiu | Cismigiu | Mid-Range | - 4-star hotel overlooking the beautiful Cismigiu Gardens - Charming, historic building with modern, comfortable rooms - Great base for exploring the city's green spaces and cultural attractions |
Otopeni Airport Hotel | Near Airport | Mid-Range | - Convenient 4-star hotel just 5 minutes from Henri Coandă International Airport - Ideal for early/late flights or transit passengers - Offers shuttle service, restaurant, and comfortable, soundproofed rooms |
Best Bucharest Attractions
- Old Town (Centrul Vechi): Bucharest’s historic center with cobblestone streets, lively bars, cafes, and restaurants.
- Palace of the Parliament: Massive communist-era building, the second largest administrative building in the world.
- Romanian Athenaeum: stunning neoclassical concert hall and home of the George Enescuu Philharmonic.
- Herastrau Park: large park surrounding a lake, with walking/biking paths, playgrounds, and museums.
- National Museum of Romanian History: traces Romanian history from ancient times to the present day.
- Arch of Triumph: The Triumphal Arch was built in 1922 to commemorate Romania’s WWI heroes.
- Cotroceni Palace: official residence of the Romanian President, with guided tours available.
- Grigore Antpa National Museum of Natural History: one of the largest natural history museums in Europe.
Is Bucharest Safe For Tourists?
Bucharest is generally a safe destination for tourists. However, visitors should be cautious of petty theft, especially in crowded areas like public transport, train stations, and around tourist attractions. If you travel alone is suggested to stick to well-lit, populated areas at night. Be aware of common scams like pickpocketing, overpriced taxi fares, or people offering to exchange money on the street.
Is Bucharest Expensive To Visit?
Bucharest is a budget-friendly destination compared to many European cities. For a budget-friendly traveler, a daily spending of $30-$60 per person. Those seeking a more comfortable or luxurious experience can expect to spend $60 - $120 per person per day.
Currency Of Bucharest, Romania
The official currency in Bucharest and throughout Romania is the Romanian Leu (RON). the Lue is subdivided into 100 Bani. visitors can exchange foreign currency for Romanian Lei at banks, exchange offices, and hotels.
Language Spoken In Bucharest, Romanian
The official language of Romania is Romanian. While Romanian is dominant, Bucharest is home to several minority language communities like Hungarian, Romani, Ukrainian, and German. English is widely spoken as a second language, especially among the younger and more educated segments of the population.
How Many Days Are Enough To Visit Bucharest?
Spending 2-3 days in Bucharest is an ideal period to see the city’s top sights and a day trip to nearby attractions like Sangov Monastery or Bran Castle.
What To Do In Bucharest?
- Explore the Palace of the Parliament
- Wander through Bucharest’s Old Town
- Visit the Village Museum
- Relax in Herastrau Park
- Discover the city's diverse architecture, from Neoclassical to Communist-era buildings.
- See a performance at the Romanian Athenaeum
- Go on a Communist Tour
- Enjoy Bucherat’s nightlife
- Take a day trip to Sinaia
- Explore the Danube Delta
- Discover hidden gems located in every corner of the city
- Try local cuisines
When Is The Best Time To Stay In Bucharest?
the best time to visit Bucharest depends on your preferences. If you prefer pleasant weather and fewer crowds, spring or autumn are ideal. If you're on a budget and don't mind the cold, winter is a good option. And if you want to experience Bucharest's vibrant nightlife and cultural scene, summer is the best time to go.
Season | Temperature (°C/°F) | Activities | Rates | Crowd |
Spring (April-May) | 10-20°C (50-68°F) | Blooming parks, outdoor cafes, festivals like the Bucharest International Film Festival | Moderate, lower than peak season | Fewer crowds than in summer |
Summer (June-August) | 20-35°C (68-95°F) | Outdoor concerts, festivals, thermal spas, boat rides | Higher for accommodation and flights | Busier with more tourists |
Fall (September-November) | 5-20°C (41-68°F) | Colorful fall foliage, classical music festivals, cozy cafes | Moderate, lower than summer | Fewer tourists than in peak season |
Winter (December-March) | -5 to 5°C (23-41°F) | Christmas markets, indoor attractions, ice skating | Lower for accommodation and flights | Fewer tourists and some attractions have reduced hours |
What To Pack For Bucharest Trip?
- Comfortable walking shoes
- Lightweight, breathable clothing for summer months
- Layers and a light jacket for spring, fall, and winter
- Swimsuit for you who plan to visit thermal spas
- Nicer outfit for dining out at upscale restaurants
- Passport and travel documents
- Travel insurance documents
- Local currency and credit/debit cards
- Sunscreen and sunglasses
- Hot or umbrella for sun/rain protection
- Water bottle
- Lightweight backpack or purse
- Portable charger
- Guidebook or map of Bucharest
Bucharest Cuisine
- Mici (Mititei): Grilled skinless sausages, a national dish of Romania
- Sarmale: Minced meat wrapped in cabbage or vine leaves
- Mămăligă: Polenta-like cornmeal porridge, often served with cheese and sour cream
- Ciorbă: Hearty Romanian soups, such as ciorbă rădăuțeană (sour beef and vegetable soup)
- Papanași: Fried dough pastries, sometimes filled with cheese or jam
Is Bucharest Good For Nightlife?
Bucharest’s nightlife caters to diverse tastes, from raucous Old Town bars to refined cocktail lounges and high-energy nightclubs. Here are the key details about the nightlife scene in Bucharest:
- Vibrant nightlife in Old Town: it is the epicenter of Bucharest’s nightlife, with bars, clubs, and pubs.
- Rooftop Bars: Bucharest has several trendy rooftop bars with city views, such as NOMAD Skybar, Linea/Closer to the Moon, and Pura Vida Sky Bar.
- Nightclubs: Clubs like Bamboo, Loft, and Fratelli Studios attract crowds and feature high-end decor, bottle service, and popular DJs.
- Craft Cocktail Lounges: Bucharest has a growing craft cocktail scene, with lounges like Interbelic, Botanist, and Puro offering innovative mixology.
- Live Music: the city has a lively live music scene, with venues like Control, Expriat, and Green Hours hosting concerts and performances across genres.