Is Bucharest worth visiting in Romania?
The grand boulevards of the city remind me of Vienna or Barcelona..
However, the vibe of the city is unique in its own right.. And nightlife in the Balkans is always special.
Bucharest is definitely worth visiting!
If you are planning your next trip but are unsure if the Romanian capital is for you, then keep reading, as I have added the highlights of Bucharest, along with my favourite activities, and key information.
We visited in October and had a full weekend of beautiful Balkan sunshine, which made exploring the city an absolute pleasure.
Let’s start with the different aspects of Bucharest which make it appealing to international visitors.
Posing in front of a Romanian church in Bucharest.
Why visit Bucharest?
As with any Balkan nation, there is an element of mystery around Romania for tourists.
The modern artistic side of the city is juxtaposed by the historic mix of architectural styles to create a unique space to explore.
To learn history through its diverse architecture.
My comparison to other European capitals is a result of the different building styles, with the city actually gaining the nickname ‘Little Paris’ in the late 19th century due to its French architecture influence, including boulevards, and elegant exteriors to important buildings in the capital.
In contrast, there are also famous buildings which offer stark reminders of the communist regime in Bucharest, and most notably, the Palace of Parliament, which was commissioned by the dictator Nicolae Ceaușescu in 1984.
The Palace is the most significant example of ‘Project Bucharest’, which was Ceaușescu’s vision of a grandiose, with its buildings showcasing extreme power.
A Soviet style building in Bucharest.
To uncover the artistic expression of the city.
You don’t have to walk far in the Romanian capital to find beautiful expressions of art, whether to be one of the 60 museums, a quirky statue in the parks, or a colourful street covered in street art murals.
I kept uncovering new examples of art as my weekend progressed!
The meanings behind the art ranged from proud Romanian traditions and historical politics, to modern examples of visuals which offer a meaning of freedom and creativity.
My favourite Bucharest statue.
Party with the locals.
The nightlife scene in the Balkan region needs no introduction, with all of the cities having their own unique way of welcoming International visitors.
Bucharest offers a thriving nightlife scene, with a strong Eastern European vibe.
Underground clubs, rooftop bars, and local restaurants all contribute towards a very lively atmosphere in the pedestrianised Old Town area.
We found the Romanian capital to be very budget friendly and the beautiful weather for 8 months of the year makes outdoor dining and drinks a regular occurrence.
Head to Transylvania.
Many tourists head to Romania to experience a taste of Transylvania, and Bucharest is the gateway to the mythical region of the country.
Day trips to the famous Transylvanian castles are very popular with guests of the capital, along with regular train or bus connections to Brasov.
We enjoyed a day trip to Brasov, Peles Castle, and Bran Castle which was very memorable and educational. The autumn colours made the castles look spectacularly spooky.
One of the many proud statues in the Romanian capital.
When to visit Bucharest.
Bucharest can be a different experience depending on when you visit, with summer strolls in the park offering a completely different vibe to eating street food and drinking coffee at the Christmas markets.
Sunshine and warm temperatures can be enjoyed in the Romanian capital for around 8 months of the year, making the parks a very popular spot in the city.
Here is a break down of different vibes through the year:
Spring (March to May).
Average temperatures range between 15°C to 25°C.
The city’s parks like Herăstrău and Cişmigiu, are particularly beautiful during this season.
Spring is also a great time for outdoor cafes and exploring the Old Town with fewer crowds, as it is still warm enough to dine outside.
Summer (June to August).
Summer in Bucharest is warm and sunny, with temperatures often reaching between 25°C and 35°C.
The city’s nightlife is at its peak, with many festivals, concerts, and events taking place in the city.
Rooftop bars and outdoor dining are even more popular, however, it can get hot and the Old Town area can get busy, so be prepared for the heat and crowds.
The fountains of Unirii Square Park at Autumn time.
Autumn (September to November).
We visited in Autumn and it felt like an extended summer!
Autumn average temperatures range from 15°C to 25°C, and we definitely struck lucky with a really sunny weekend in October.
The city’s parks are colourful, and still very busy in the Autumn.
If you are heading from Bucharest to Transylvania, then the foliage around the famous castles is very unique!
Winter (December to February).
Winter temperatures often dip below freezing, especially in January and February. However, the city offers a festive charm during this season.
Christmas markets, ice skating rinks, and beautifully decorated streets make Bucharest a completely different experience compared to the spring and summer,
More visitors head to the city’s indoor attractions, such as museums and historical sites.
Christmas time.
Autumn time.
Is Bucharest safe?
We found Bucharest to feel safe at all times as we walked around the city, even late at night.
Bucharest has a reputation of a safe city with a relatively low crime rate compared to other European capitals, with violent crime being rare.
There was one minor incident with our taxi driver when we arrived via the airport, as he tried to overcharge us by a very large sum, however, any seasoned traveller would not fall for this scam.
Tourism plays a significant role in Bucharest's economy, particularly hospitality, so there is a lot of attention and investment that has gone into making the Old Town area a pedestrianised safe zone.
This has led to a very lively area with locals and tourists letting their hair down and having fun.
If you want to avoid the rare chance of danger, it's wise to avoid poorly lit or deserted areas at night and to keep your belongings secure to prevent pickpocketing, as with most cities.
The local markets in Bucharest.
Is Bucharest similar to other Balkan cities?
One similarity I noticed with Bucharest to other Balkans cities that I have visited is the mixture of historic influences on the architecture.
Within one street I noticed a Soviet style building, a state of the art modern museum, and communist era grandiose buildings. This reminded me of the many different influences in architecture in Dubrovnik which have been added through the various empires and centuries.
I found Bucharest to be on a bigger scale than the other Balkans cities I have visited.
Everything just feels grander, including the buildings, parks, and of course the Palace of Parliament is a building which wouldn’t look out of place in Vienna or Paris.
Bucharest has a strong political influence on the region which I could feel as I walked around the Piata Victoriei area of the Romanian capital.
In terms of modernity, Bucharest is years ahead of other important cities in the Balkans, and it actually feels as modern as major European cities now, with Tirana in Albania another city I have visited with rapid modernisation.
As with other Balkan capitals, Bucharest is renowned for it vibrant nightlife scene. There is something to suit all tastes in the Old Town area, and the partying goes in late into night!
The vibes are similar to Croatia and Bosnia.
Is Bucharest expensive?
As with other popular destinations in the Balkans, your spending money will go a long way in the Romanian capital.
Bucharest is one of Europe’s more affordable capitals, making it a great destination for budget-conscious travellers, with high-quality accommodations, dining, and entertainment at reasonable prices.
This allowed us to experience the best of the city for cheap, however, visiting in warmer months helps with this, as it opens up outdoor activities which are usually free or very cheap.
Here is a brief overview of approximate costs in the capital:
Accommodation.
These prices (per room) are based on central locations near the Old Town.
Hostels - £10-20 per night.
Mid-range hotels - £40-80 per night.
Luxury hotels - £100+ per night.
Dining.
This estimation is based on our experience in central Bucharest.
Street food - £2-5 for items like kebabs or pretzels.
Mid-range restaurants - £10-20 per person for a full meal, including drinks.
Coffee - £2-3 at cafes or parks.
Beer - £2-4 for a pint of local beer at central bars.
Relaxing in the sunshine.
Travel around the city.
We found that traversing Bucharest is cheap and very efficient.
Metro tickets - £0.60 for a single ride, or £2.50 for a day pass.
Buses/trams - £0.30 per ride.
Taxis/Uber - £5-10 for most trips within the city centre.
Activities.
Most entrance fees are cheap.
Museums - £2-10 for most museums.
Palace of the Parliament - £10-15 for a guided tour.
Walking tours/parks - Often free, and we paid a tip of £10-15.
The Old Town area is reasonably priced.
What to do in Bucharest.
I could live in Bucharest with the vibe and array of activities to enjoy, and here are a few reasons why I love the city.
Some of our favourite things to do were:
Visit the Old Town area.
This historic district of Bucharest, which is also known as Lipscani (Old Town) is the most popular spot for locals and tourists to enjoy nightlife in the Romanian capital.
We discovered about five or six pedestrianised cobbled stone streets lined with bars, restaurants, and takeaways food spots, with most of them offering outdoor seating in the street, making it ideal to people watch during the warm evenings.
We found this district to feel modern and cosmopolitan, as the locals cater for the International visitors.
Outdoor dining is a great option in the summer.
Enjoy some drinks in the themed bars.
There is every type of bar in the Old Town area, including rooftop bars, underground clubs, and traditional Romanian pubs.
I enjoyed the craft ale themed bars during our visit, with Beer Station providing a fun experience for us.
The decor is rustic, with wooden tables and beer-related memorabilia, which we found to be unique in the Old Town area. There is also a very extensive range of craft beer choices.
Enjoying a craft ale in the Old Town.
Relax in the parks.
For around eight months of the year, the parks in Bucharest are very popular for both locals and tourists.
The combination of green space, warm temperatures, and chilled vibe offer a free relaxing way to experience the Romanian way of life.
Herastrau Park is the largest one in the city, with a large lake, outdoor cafes and activities such as boat rental and cycling.
Cişmigiu Gardens was our favourite park as a result of its impressive fountain structure, and its close proximity to the Old Town.
When we were exploring it, the Bucharest marathon was taking lace around it, so it was fun watching that in a nice peaceful area.
The entrance to Unirii Square.
Visit the historical landmarks.
Although there is a modern vibe to Bucharest, it is also rich in history, with numerous landmarks that tell the story of the city's diverse past.
The Palace of the Parliament is the most famous, and is one of the world's largest administrative buildings and a symbol of Romania's communist era.
We didn’t enter inside the monumental building, but we rode around it on our hired e-scooters and it is grander than you can imagine. Official tours can be enjoyed if you want to explore its interior.
Other notable historical sites include Revolution Square, where the 1989 revolution unfolded, marking the end of dictatorship, along with the Romanian Athenaeum, a stunning concert hall and symbol of Romanian culture and resilience.
The impressive Palace of Parliament.
Offbeat activities in the Romanian capital.
On my travels I love to explore away from the tourist areas to enjoy offbeat activities, and Bucharest is filled with hidden gems, which we uncovered as we delved deeper into the subcultures of the modern capital city.
Renting an e-scooter is by far the best way of experiencing the following activities.
Urbex scene
Bucharest has a popular urban exploration scene for those interested in the city’s eerie communist past, as there are many abandoned, hidden, or often forgotten man-made structures in its urban area.
The rapid urbanisation of Bucharest has left many buildings in its wake which has created a unique situation in the city. Abandoned cinemas and factories are the most appealing spots for urban adventurers.
If you travel a little further out of the city, Fortul 13 Jilava is very popular to visit.
The former military fort turned prison is steeped in history, as It was used for political prisoners during Romania’s communist era.
Though it's partially in use today, parts of the fort remain abandoned and attracts urban explorers interested in its dark past.
Scooters are a great way to traverse the city.
A cool statue we found.
Enjoy the street art murals.
Although we enjoyed wandering around the Old Town area, when we ventured off the main streets, we found hidden passages filled with vibrant street art and murals.
Street art in Bucharest has risen in popularity since the fall of Nicolae Ceaușescu's regime in December 1989, as the city’s residents have expressed their freedom through colour and art.
Although it is technically illegal if the art is created without permission, the murals definitely add some character to the Romanian capital.
Sanctioned projects, festivals, and commissioned works do allow the locals some legal spaces to create graffiti murals.
We noticed art throughout the city!
A colourful mural we liked.
Bucharest : Street Art Walking Tour With A Guide.
If you want to enjoy a more structured exploration of the street art in the city, then an official street art tour is your best option.
The private tour guide will take you to the most popular spots in central Bucharest and explain the meaning behind the important mural messaging.
It is a fun way to learn about the recent history of Bucharest, and the feelings of the locals as the city becomes more modern.
Street art by the river.
How to get around Bucharest.
Bucharest is a moderately walkable city, but your experience will depend on which part of the city you're located. As we were staying near the Old Town, we were very close to most places we wanted to visit.
Here are your different options if you need to traverse the capital:
Metro.
We found Bucharest’s metro system to be very efficient and affordable.
It felt as though we reached our destination more swiftly than taking taxis with the traffic etc.
There are five lines (M1, M2, M3, M4, M5) that cover most of the city.
Bucharest metro runs from early morning until around 11:00 PM, and tickets can be purchased at kiosks in the stations.
You can save money by buying a day pass if you plan to travel frequently.
Buses and trams.
The city's buses and trams cover more distance to the city’s outskirts.
As with other European cities, tickets need to be validated upon boarding and can be purchased from RATB kiosks or through the official public transport app.
We noticed the overground public transport was crowded during rush hour.
Taxis and Uber.
Taxis are plentiful and relatively inexpensive in the city, as we constantly saw them trying to flag us down for business.
Uber is a better option if you want to book a specific time or pick up location.
Make sure you always check that the metre is running correctly in a taxi, or agree on a fare beforehand, as our taxi driver from the airport tried to overcharge us significantly.
Bike rental and e-scooters.
Renting a bike or an electric scooter is an eco-friendly way to explore Bucharest. Various apps offer bike and scooter rentals across the city.
Cars, buses, and other pedestrians treated us friendly as we traversed the city on e-scooters.
Walking.
Bucharest's city centre is pedestrian-friendly, and many of the main attractions, like the Old Town, the Palace of the Parliament, and the Romanian Athenaeum, are within walking distance of each other.
If you get lucky like we did with the weather, you will enjoy your leisurely strolls around the city.
Getting to the city from the airport.
From Henri Coandă International Airport, you can reach the city centre of Bucharest by taxi, airport shuttle, or the express bus line 783.
It comes down to convenience vs cost for most tourists, especially when it comes to carrying luggage.
The bus is the most economical option, while taxis or Uber services offer more efficiency.
Just make sure you agree on a fixed price before entering any taxi or Uber.
The Old Town area is pedestrianised.
Where to stay in Bucharest?
I recommend that you book your accommodation in the ‘Sector 3’ area of Bucharest, as it is located near to the Old Town (Lipscani District) which is thriving with dining and entertainment options through the day and night.
Most of the major attractions and popular tourist spots are within walking distance of Sector 3.
The sector’s central location also makes it much easier to connect to other parts of the city through the efficient public transport network.
Here is the hotel which I had an awesome time staying in:
We booked the deluxe king room in this highly rated hotel during our stay.
The room was very colourful, and really spacious, which along with the free mini bar, made the relaxation parts of our trip very pleasant and peaceful.
Having our own door code made us feel better when we arrived back at the hotel at a late hour after a short walk from the Old Town.
We enjoyed the fact that there are three quirky cafes within 25 yards of the hotel, so we tried a morning coffee in all three of them during our stay.
Azuko Bar & Coffee was our favourite.
This boutique hotel does sell out quickly in peak months, so check your dates now.
Sector 3 is a lovely area in Bucharest.
Is Bucharest better than Brasov?
A common question by International visitors to Romania is whether to visit Bucharest or Brasov.
Having visited the two Romanian cities on my trip, here is my verdict!
If you want urban and modern, then Bucharest should be your choice, as its fast paced life is more in line with other European cities.
You are guaranteed a lively night in the retro European style nightclubs in the capital, with International influences throughout the Old Town area.
If your trip to Romania is more of a cultural one, then Brasov offers a Transylvanian charm which Bucharest lacks.
The scenic Carpathian mountains, and picturesque Old Town compliment the locals’ slower way of life.
We feel as though we completed Brasov in just one day as it is only a small walkable city.
Both cities have their unique charm and attractions, so your choice will ultimately depend on what kind of experience you’re seeking in Romania.
My recommendation is a longer trip including both cities, along with a couple of the famous castles.
The centre of Brasov.
How about these Balkan spots?
Having travelled the Balkan region extensively, there is no doubt that Bucharest is one of my favourite cities, but here are some other awesome destinations in the Balkans you should also visit:
The Croatian cities of Zadar and Dubrovnik.
Both of Zadar and Dubrovnik gave me an authentic Croatian experience with both Old Towns feeling like a gateway into the ancient past of the coastal destinations.
My day exploring Dubrovnik included various scenes from the Games of Thrones, and in Zadar, the views of the Old Town from the top of the Bell Tower were surreal.
Both cities have beautiful nature nearby also, with Zadar being close to Krka National Park, and a day trip to Kravica Waterfalls in Bosnia being a very popular day trip from Dubrovnik.
Many tourists just enjoy relaxing by the Adriatic, and both cities have an abundance of secluded beaches.
Charming Mostar in Bosnia & Herzegovina.
One of my all time favourite travel destinations is Mostar, with the small Bosnian town capturing my heart when I visited in the summertime.
I love admiring street art in new destinations, and the story behind the Mostar graffiti art is unique and heartwarming, although tragic in equal measure.
The highlight of the town is the Stari Most which had to be rebuilt after its original one was destroyed in the way. It is. a great plcae to admire the Neretva river, along with the daring jumpers who do tricks as they jump the 20 metres into the water below.
The Montenegrin coast.
Kotor and Budva are two of the most popular places in Montenegro for International tourists.
Both cities are abundant with natural beauty, quirky Old Towns and some beautiful beaches.
Although Kotor doesn’t have the natural beaches that Budva has, it makes up for it with its vast bay, which is ideal for water sports, boat trips, and swimming.
The fortress hike in Kotor is my highlight, along with the Seven Bay Trail hiking trail to Sveti Stefan Island in Budva.
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