Romania

Bucharest

Bucharest: wide boulevards, Belle Époque charm, and a buzzing nightlife.

Local time: UTC+2
Population: 1.8M
Safety

Cost of a day

$$$$$

Moderate

Food$$$$$About $50 a day: light breakfast, cheap lunch, mid-range dinner
Stay$$$$$3-star hotel about $128 a night for two
Transport$$$$$About $3.3 a day: 4 public transit rides

Exchange rate

🇷🇴 RON =

Rates from 2026-10-23, refreshed monthly.

Getting in

OTPHenri Coanda International AirportMain international gateway, 16 km north of centre.

How	Cost	Time
Express bus 100Piața Unirii	3 lei	50-90 min
Runs 24/7, every 15-30 min; validate card on boarding.
TrainGara de Nord	check locally	30-40 min
Runs every 40 min; buy ticket at airport or online.
TaxiCity centre	61-65 lei	25-40 min
Order at official kiosks in arrivals; metered and card accepted.
Uber/BoltCity centre	60-120 lei	25-40 min
Dynamic pricing; pickup points may be outside terminal.

BBUBaneasa International AirportSecondary airport, 8 km north of centre; mainly Wizz Air and Ryanair.

How	Cost	Time
BusCity centre	3 lei	30-45 min
Check local routes; validate card.
TaxiCity centre	30-50 lei	15-25 min
Use metered taxi; ride apps also available.
Uber/BoltCity centre	30-60 lei	15-25 min
Dynamic pricing; may be cheaper than taxi.

Estimates, checked October 2026. Wikivoyage: Bucharest

Getting around

Metro for longer hops, walking in the centre, and Bolt or Uber at night.

Metro ★Four lines, frequent and cheap. Use a contactless card or an Activ card.
BusTrams and buses are extensive but crowded. Validate your card on boarding.
Taxi / ride apps ★Use kiosks at the airport for taxis. Uber and Bolt work well in the city.
Rental carTraffic is heavy at rush hour and parking is scarce in the centre. Skip it for city days.
WalkingThe centre is walkable. Bikes are available but bike lanes are limited.
TrainGara de Nord is the main station for day trips; check timetables on the day.
FerryNo ferry services in Bucharest.

Recommended stay★ 1 night (2 days)

One night suits you, covering Parliament Palace, the old town and Calea Victoriei in about a day.

Best for

CulturePalace, museums and the grand boulevards.
HistoryOld town lanes, churches and the Parliament.
FoodMarkets, taverns and long Romanian dinners.

Weather by month

4°-4°Jan🌧 8d

8°-1°Feb🌧 7d

12°2°Mar🌧 9d

18°7°Apr🌧 10d

22°12°May🌧 11d

27°17°Jun🌧 12d

30°19°Jul🌧 8d

30°19°Aug🌧 6d

25°14°Sep🌧 5d

18°8°Oct🌧 6d

11°4°Nov🌧 8d

7°0°Dec🌧 8d

Average daily high / low (°C), sea temperature and rainy days. Typical figures, not a forecast.

Climate

Continental climate: hot summers, cold winters, and rain spread through the year.

Best time: May, June and SeptemberWarm days around 22–27°C and long evenings. Ideal for walking the old town and parks.
Summer can be hotJuly and August reach about 30°C. Sightsee in the morning and evening; rest indoors at midday.
Winters are coldJanuary highs near 4°C and lows around -4°C. Bring a proper coat, hat and warm shoes.
Rain all yearExpect roughly 5–12 rain days each month. June is wettest; September is driest. A small umbrella helps.
Spring and autumn are mildApril, May and October are comfortable for walking, with highs of 18–22°C.
What to packLayers, a waterproof jacket and comfortable shoes for cobblestones; a warm coat for December to February.

Landmarks 18

Must-see · 8

1
Palace of the Parliament
The world's heaviest building and a monumental symbol of the communist era, with over 1,000 rooms and opulent interiors. Book a guided tour in advance (passport required) and go early to avoid crowds.
2
Old Town, Bucharest
The historic heart of the city, packed with cobbled streets, 19th-century buildings, and lively cafes and bars. Best explored on foot in the late afternoon or evening when the area comes alive.
3
Romanian Athenaeum
A stunning neoclassical concert hall with a famous domed ceiling and frescoes, home to the George Enescu Philharmonic. Check the schedule for concerts; otherwise visit during the day for a peek at the lobby.
4
Stavropoleos Monastery
A tiny, beautifully carved Orthodox church and monastery tucked away in the Old Town, known for its exquisite frescoes and peaceful courtyard. Dress modestly and visit early morning for quiet reflection.
5
Herastrau Park
Bucharest's largest park, with a lake, gardens, and the open-air Village Museum inside. Rent a boat or bike, and combine with a visit to the museum; go on a weekday for fewer crowds.
6
Village Museum
An open-air museum in Herastrau Park showcasing traditional Romanian rural architecture with original houses and churches. Allow at least two hours; wear comfortable shoes as paths are uneven.
7
Cărturești Carusel
A spectacular bookstore in a restored 19th-century building, often called the most beautiful in Europe. It's free to enter; visit on a weekday morning to avoid the Instagram crowds.
8
Revolution Square
The site of the 1989 revolution that ended communism, surrounded by important buildings like the former Royal Palace. Combine with a visit to the National Museum of Art nearby.

Cultural

Christian 2

Garden 1

Park 2

Museum 4

Old Town 1

Palace 1

Historical Square 1

Modern Architecture 1

Gate 1

Activities

Football Stadium 1

Bookstore 1

Amusement Park 1

Food 1

Day trips from Bucharest

Braşov · 2 h 46 by road

★★★☆☆ · Full day · 183 km from Bucharest

Direct trains run from Bucharest Gara de Nord in roughly 2.5 to 3 hours, and the old town is a 15-minute walk from the station.

Train2 h 31 · from $6-$21
Bus3 h 23
Car2 h 46 · taxi ≈ 460 RON

What to see

Council Square (Piata Sfatului)
Black Church
Străda Sforii, the narrowest street
Tampa Mountain cable car

2 landmark quests to check off here

Târgovişte · 1 h 41 by road

★★★☆☆ · Half day · 81 km from Bucharest

Frequent regional trains from Bucharest Gara de Nord take about 1.5 to 2 hours, and the historic centre is a short walk or taxi ride from the station.

Train1 h 43 · from $3-$10
Bus1 h 45 · from $3
Car1 h 41 · taxi ≈ 200 RON

What to see

Chindia Tower
Princely Court ruins
Curtea Domnească
Dâmbovița River promenade

Times and prices are typical one-way estimates (train and bus: Omio / Rome2Rio route data; taxi: local tariff × road distance, tolls extra). Exact prices are on the booking page.

Plans

Bucharest rewards visitors with grand architecture, leafy parks, and a lively café culture. Pick how long you have and what you enjoy most. Prices checked October 2026; ≈ marks estimates.

How long?

What do you enjoy most?

Day trip · Culture

One full day of Bucharest's grand sights, from the Athenaeum to the Old Town.

Tickets & tours: ≈ RON 60
Taxis: ≈ RON 43

Day 1

Boulevards, Athenaeum and the Old Town

Tickets ≈ RON 60 pp · taxis ≈ RON 43

Approximate route · map © OpenStreetMap contributors

1

10:00–10:45 · ≈ RON 10–20 visit when no rehearsal · concerts priced separately

Romanian Athenaeum Landmark quest

Visit hours depend on concerts. Check on the day.

Open Visit hours vary with the concert schedule · check on the day · Source
Taxi · 5 km · ≈ 19 min · ≈ RON 14
2

11:15–11:35 · Free to see from outside

The Triumphal Arch Landmark quest

A short taxi or metro ride up the boulevard. Best in clear weather.

Open Always visible · interior rarely open
Taxi · 7 km · ≈ 25 min · ≈ RON 19
3

13:00–14:00 · ≈ RON 35–60 a plate in a traditional restaurant

Sarmale (cabbage rolls) Landmark quest

Lunch in the Old Town. Cabbage rolls are on most menus.

Open Served at lunch and dinner in most Romanian restaurants
Taxi · 700 m · ≈ 7 min · ≈ RON 10
4

14:30–15:00 · Free · donations welcome

Stavropoleos Monastery Landmark quest

Small courtyard monastery. Quiet in the early afternoon.

Open Roughly daily 08:00–19:00 · check on the day
5

15:15–15:45 · Free to enter · café and books extra

Cărturești Carusel Landmark quest

Bookshop in a restored building. A few minutes on foot.

Open Roughly daily 10:00–22:00 · check on the day · Source
6

16:00–18:00 · Free to walk

Old Town (Lipscani) Landmark quest

Wander the Lipscani lanes. Bars get busy late evening.

Open Always open · bars busiest late evening

1 night · Culture ★ Recommended length

One tight day of Bucharest's grand sights, grouped by area so you walk less and see more.

Tickets & tours: ≈ RON 160
Taxis: ≈ RON 72

Day 1

Old Town lanes and the Athenaeum

Tickets ≈ RON 60 pp · taxis ≈ RON 30

Approximate route · map © OpenStreetMap contributors

1

09:30–12:00 · Free · tip the guide (≈ RON 40–60 is normal)

Free walking tour of the centre

Morning departure is best. Tip your guide at the end.

Open Usually one or two departures daily · check on the day
2

12:15–12:45 · Free · donations welcome

Stavropoleos Monastery Landmark quest

A quiet courtyard church, a few steps from the tour end.

Open Roughly daily 08:00–19:00 · check on the day
Taxi · 700 m · ≈ 7 min · ≈ RON 10
3

13:00–14:00 · ≈ RON 35–60 a plate in a traditional restaurant

Sarmale (cabbage rolls) Landmark quest

Lunch of cabbage rolls at a nearby Romanian tavern.

Open Served at lunch and dinner in most Romanian restaurants
Taxi · 772 m · ≈ 7 min · ≈ RON 10
4

14:30–15:00 · Free to enter · café and books extra

Cărturești Carusel Landmark quest

Bookshop in a restored building. Good for a coffee and a browse.

Open Roughly daily 10:00–22:00 · check on the day · Source
Taxi · 1153 m · ≈ 8 min · ≈ RON 10
5

16:00–16:45 · ≈ RON 10–20 visit when no rehearsal · concerts priced separately

Romanian Athenaeum Landmark quest

Visit hours follow the concert schedule, so check on the day. A short taxi or metro ride north.

Open Visit hours vary with the concert schedule · check on the day · Source

Day 2

Parliament, then a sunset view

Tickets ≈ RON 100 pp · taxis ≈ RON 42

Approximate route · map © OpenStreetMap contributors

1

10:00–11:30 · ≈ RON 60 standard tour · book ahead, prices vary by tour

Palace of the Parliament Landmark quest

Guided tours only. Book a day ahead and bring your passport.

Open Guided tours only, roughly daily 09:00–17:00 · check on the day · Source
Taxi · 7 km · ≈ 25 min · ≈ RON 20
2

12:00–12:30 · Match and tour prices vary · check on the day

Arena Națională Landmark quest

Look at the stadium from outside unless there is a match or a booked tour.

Open Only on match days or booked stadium tours · Source
Taxi · 3 km · ≈ 15 min · ≈ RON 10
3

13:00–14:00 · Free to browse · produce and cheese priced by weight

Obor Market

Lunch and snacks at Obor. Mornings on weekdays are liveliest.

Open Roughly daily 07:00–18:00 · check on the day
Taxi · 4 km · ≈ 17 min · ≈ RON 12
4

18:30–19:30 · ≈ RON 30–50 for a drink

InterContinental rooftop bar (viewpoint)

Rooftop bar for sunset. It usually opens late afternoon, so check on the day.

Open Rooftop bar usually opens late afternoon into night · check on the day

1 night · History ★ Recommended length

For first-timers who want the old lanes, the churches and the Parliament in one day.

Tickets & tours: ≈ RON 135
Taxis: ≈ RON 64

Day 1

Old Town history on foot

Tickets ≈ RON 45 pp · taxis ≈ RON 20

Approximate route · map © OpenStreetMap contributors

1

09:00–09:30 · Free · donations welcome

Stavropoleos Monastery Landmark quest

Go early, before the crowds. Roughly 08:00–19:00, check on the day.

Open Roughly daily 08:00–19:00 · check on the day
2

10:00–12:30 · Free · tip the guide (≈ RON 40–60 is normal)

Free walking tour of the centre

Covers the old centre and its history. Usually one or two departures daily.

Open Usually one or two departures daily · check on the day
Taxi · 786 m · ≈ 7 min · ≈ RON 10
3

13:00–14:00 · ≈ RON 35–60 a plate in a traditional restaurant

Sarmale (cabbage rolls) Landmark quest

Lunch stop in Lipscani.

Open Served at lunch and dinner in most Romanian restaurants
Taxi · 772 m · ≈ 7 min · ≈ RON 10
4

14:15–14:45 · Free to enter · café and books extra

Cărturești Carusel Landmark quest

Quick look at the bookshop in a historic building.

Open Roughly daily 10:00–22:00 · check on the day · Source
5

15:00–16:30 · Free to walk

Old Town (Lipscani) Landmark quest

Wander the lanes at your own pace. Bars get busy late evening.

Open Always open · bars busiest late evening

Day 2

Parliament and the north

Tickets ≈ RON 90 pp · taxis ≈ RON 44

Approximate route · map © OpenStreetMap contributors

1

09:30–11:00 · ≈ RON 60 standard tour · book ahead, prices vary by tour

Palace of the Parliament Landmark quest

Book a day ahead. Bring your passport for the tour.

Open Guided tours only, roughly daily 09:00–17:00 · check on the day · Source
Taxi · 6 km · ≈ 22 min · ≈ RON 16
2

11:30–12:30 · Free to browse · produce and cheese priced by weight

Obor Market

Obor Market for lunch and local produce. Weekday mornings are best.

Open Roughly daily 07:00–18:00 · check on the day
Taxi · 6 km · ≈ 23 min · ≈ RON 17
3

14:00–14:20 · Free to see from outside

The Triumphal Arch Landmark quest

Always visible from outside. The interior is rarely open.

Open Always visible · interior rarely open
Taxi · 456 m · ≈ 6 min · ≈ RON 10
4

15:00–17:00 · ≈ RON 20–30 · check on the day

Dimitrie Gusti National Village Museum

Open roughly Tue–Sun 09:00–17:00, so check on the day. Outdoor, so dress for weather.

Open Roughly Tue–Sun 09:00–17:00 · check on the day · Source

1 night · Food ★ Recommended length

A market morning, a long Romanian lunch and a rooftop drink to finish.

Tickets & tours: ≈ RON 145
Taxis: ≈ RON 66

Day 1

Market morning and Old Town eating

Tickets ≈ RON 45 pp · taxis ≈ RON 33

Approximate route · map © OpenStreetMap contributors

1

09:00–10:00 · Free to browse · produce and cheese priced by weight

Obor Market

Go early on a weekday. Cheese, produce and snacks to try.

Open Roughly daily 07:00–18:00 · check on the day
Taxi · 4 km · ≈ 17 min · ≈ RON 13
2

11:00–13:30 · Free · tip the guide (≈ RON 40–60 is normal)

Free walking tour of the centre

Walk off breakfast and learn the centre. Check departure times on the day.

Open Usually one or two departures daily · check on the day
Taxi · 786 m · ≈ 7 min · ≈ RON 10
3

13:30–14:30 · ≈ RON 35–60 a plate in a traditional restaurant

Sarmale (cabbage rolls) Landmark quest

Long lunch of cabbage rolls and a shared plate or two.

Open Served at lunch and dinner in most Romanian restaurants
Taxi · 772 m · ≈ 7 min · ≈ RON 10
4

15:00–15:30 · Free to enter · café and books extra

Cărturești Carusel Landmark quest

Coffee and a browse in the bookshop.

Open Roughly daily 10:00–22:00 · check on the day · Source
5

18:00–20:00 · Free to walk

Old Town (Lipscani) Landmark quest

Evening in Lipscani. Bars are busiest late, so pace yourself.

Open Always open · bars busiest late evening

Day 2

Parliament, park and a view

Tickets ≈ RON 100 pp · taxis ≈ RON 34

Approximate route · map © OpenStreetMap contributors

1

10:00–11:30 · ≈ RON 60 standard tour · book ahead, prices vary by tour

Palace of the Parliament Landmark quest

Book a day ahead. Bring your passport.

Open Guided tours only, roughly daily 09:00–17:00 · check on the day · Source
Taxi · 6 km · ≈ 24 min · ≈ RON 18
2

13:00–14:30 · Free · boat rental extra

Herăstrău Park and Lake

Walk the lake and grab a snack. Boats run in season, daytime only.

Open Park always open · boat rental daytime in season
Taxi · 5 km · ≈ 20 min · ≈ RON 15
3

17:30–18:30 · ≈ RON 30–50 for a drink

InterContinental rooftop bar (viewpoint)

Rooftop bar for sunset. Usually opens late afternoon, check on the day.

Open Rooftop bar usually opens late afternoon into night · check on the day

2 nights · Culture

First-timers who want the big sights, a concert hall and a bookshop in one easy loop.

Tickets & tours: ≈ RON 100
Taxis: ≈ RON 49

Day 1

Grand boulevards and the Athenaeum

Tickets ≈ RON 55 pp · taxis ≈ RON 29

Approximate route · map © OpenStreetMap contributors

1

10:00–10:45 · ≈ RON 10–20 visit when no rehearsal · concerts priced separately

Romanian Athenaeum Landmark quest

Visit hours follow the concert schedule, so check on the day.

Open Visit hours vary with the concert schedule · check on the day · Source
Taxi · 5 km · ≈ 19 min · ≈ RON 14
2

11:15–11:35 · Free to see from outside

The Triumphal Arch Landmark quest

A short walk up the boulevard. Interior rarely open, but the outside is the point.

Open Always visible · interior rarely open
Taxi · 5 km · ≈ 20 min · ≈ RON 15
3

17:30–18:30 · ≈ RON 30–50 for a drink

InterContinental rooftop bar (viewpoint)

Rooftop bar usually opens late afternoon. Go for sunset and check hours on the day.

Open Rooftop bar usually opens late afternoon into night · check on the day

Day 2

Old Town on foot

Tickets ≈ RON 45 pp · taxis ≈ RON 20

Approximate route · map © OpenStreetMap contributors

1

09:30–12:00 · Free · tip the guide (≈ RON 40–60 is normal)

Free walking tour of the centre

Usually one or two departures daily. Confirm the meeting point on the day.

Open Usually one or two departures daily · check on the day
2

12:15–12:45 · Free · donations welcome

Stavropoleos Monastery Landmark quest

Quiet courtyard, best before the afternoon crowds.

Open Roughly daily 08:00–19:00 · check on the day
Taxi · 700 m · ≈ 7 min · ≈ RON 10
3

13:00–14:00 · ≈ RON 35–60 a plate in a traditional restaurant

Sarmale (cabbage rolls) Landmark quest

Lunch of cabbage rolls at a Romanian restaurant nearby.

Open Served at lunch and dinner in most Romanian restaurants
Taxi · 772 m · ≈ 7 min · ≈ RON 10
4

14:30–15:00 · Free to enter · café and books extra

Cărturești Carusel Landmark quest

Bookshop in a restored building. Roughly open 10:00–22:00, check on the day.

Open Roughly daily 10:00–22:00 · check on the day · Source
5

15:15–17:15 · Free to walk

Old Town (Lipscani) Landmark quest

Wander the Lipscani lanes. Bars get busy late evening.

Open Always open · bars busiest late evening

2 nights · History

Visitors who want the Parliament, old churches and the story of the city.

Tickets & tours: ≈ RON 105
Taxis: ≈ RON 67

Day 1

Parliament and the civic centre

Tickets ≈ RON 60 pp · taxis ≈ RON 47

Approximate route · map © OpenStreetMap contributors

1

09:30–11:00 · ≈ RON 60 standard tour · book ahead, prices vary by tour

Palace of the Parliament Landmark quest

Guided tours only, roughly 09:00–17:00. Book a day ahead and bring ID.

Open Guided tours only, roughly daily 09:00–17:00 · check on the day · Source
Taxi · 7 km · ≈ 25 min · ≈ RON 20
2

12:00–13:30 · Match and tour prices vary · check on the day

Arena Națională Landmark quest

Only open on match days or booked stadium tours. Check before you go.

Open Only on match days or booked stadium tours · Source
Taxi · 3 km · ≈ 15 min · ≈ RON 10
3

14:00–15:00 · Free to browse · produce and cheese priced by weight

Obor Market

Obor Market for a cheap lunch. Roughly 07:00–18:00, best on weekdays.

Open Roughly daily 07:00–18:00 · check on the day
Taxi · 6 km · ≈ 22 min · ≈ RON 17
4

16:30–17:30 · Free to walk

Cotroceni neighbourhood walk

Late-afternoon walk through the leafy streets.

Open Always open

Day 2

Old Town history walk

Tickets ≈ RON 45 pp · taxis ≈ RON 20

Approximate route · map © OpenStreetMap contributors

1

09:30–12:00 · Free · tip the guide (≈ RON 40–60 is normal)

Free walking tour of the centre

Morning departure. Confirm times on the day.

Open Usually one or two departures daily · check on the day
2

12:15–12:45 · Free · donations welcome

Stavropoleos Monastery Landmark quest

Small monastery church with a carved courtyard.

Open Roughly daily 08:00–19:00 · check on the day
Taxi · 700 m · ≈ 7 min · ≈ RON 10
3

13:00–14:00 · ≈ RON 35–60 a plate in a traditional restaurant

Sarmale (cabbage rolls) Landmark quest

Lunch stop in Lipscani.

Open Served at lunch and dinner in most Romanian restaurants
Taxi · 842 m · ≈ 8 min · ≈ RON 10
4

14:30–16:30 · Free to walk

Old Town (Lipscani) Landmark quest

See the old lanes and merchant houses by daylight.

Open Always open · bars busiest late evening

2 nights · Food

Travellers who plan the day around markets, taverns and long dinners.

Tickets & tours: ≈ RON 130
Taxis: ≈ RON 59

Day 1

Market morning and Old Town evening

Tickets ≈ RON 45 pp · taxis ≈ RON 24

Approximate route · map © OpenStreetMap contributors

1

09:00–10:00 · Free to browse · produce and cheese priced by weight

Obor Market

Obor Market is best in the morning on weekdays. Bring cash for small stalls.

Open Roughly daily 07:00–18:00 · check on the day
Taxi · 5 km · ≈ 19 min · ≈ RON 14
2

12:30–13:30 · ≈ RON 35–60 a plate in a traditional restaurant

Sarmale (cabbage rolls) Landmark quest

Lunch of cabbage rolls, a Romanian staple.

Open Served at lunch and dinner in most Romanian restaurants
Taxi · 772 m · ≈ 7 min · ≈ RON 10
3

14:00–14:30 · Free to enter · café and books extra

Cărturești Carusel Landmark quest

Bookshop with a cafe upstairs. Roughly 10:00–22:00, check on the day.

Open Roughly daily 10:00–22:00 · check on the day · Source
4

18:00–20:00 · Free to walk

Old Town (Lipscani) Landmark quest

Dinner and drinks in Lipscani. Bars busiest late evening.

Open Always open · bars busiest late evening

Day 2

Park, village museum and a view

Tickets ≈ RON 85 pp · taxis ≈ RON 35

Approximate route · map © OpenStreetMap contributors

1

10:00–12:00 · ≈ RON 20–30 · check on the day

Dimitrie Gusti National Village Museum

Open-air museum, roughly Tue–Sun 09:00–17:00. Check on the day.

Open Roughly Tue–Sun 09:00–17:00 · check on the day · Source
Taxi · 412 m · ≈ 6 min · ≈ RON 10
2

12:30–14:00 · Free · boat rental extra

Herăstrău Park and Lake

Walk the lake shore or rent a boat in season.

Open Park always open · boat rental daytime in season
Taxi · 5 km · ≈ 19 min · ≈ RON 15
3

15:00–15:45 · ≈ RON 10–20 visit when no rehearsal · concerts priced separately

Romanian Athenaeum Landmark quest

Late-morning or afternoon visit depends on the concert schedule.

Open Visit hours vary with the concert schedule · check on the day · Source
Taxi · 333 m · ≈ 6 min · ≈ RON 10
4

17:30–18:30 · ≈ RON 30–50 for a drink

InterContinental rooftop bar (viewpoint)

Sunset drinks on the rooftop. Check opening hours on the day.

Open Rooftop bar usually opens late afternoon into night · check on the day

Swap in instead

Swap a city day for a train to Brașov or Sinaia; check timetables and buy tickets at Gara de Nord.
Add a half-day at the open-air Village Museum (Muzeul Satului) in Herăstrău park.
Slow down in Cișmigiu or Herăstrău park with a coffee and a walk instead of another museum.

Getting around

Metro: four lines, frequent and cheap; use contactless card or Activ card.
Trams and buses: extensive but crowded; validate card on boarding.
Taxis: use kiosks at airport; apps like Uber and Bolt work well.
Driving: traffic heavy at rush hour; parking scarce in centre.
Walking: centre is walkable; bikes available but bike lanes limited.
No ferry services in Bucharest.

Where to stay

Lipscani · ≈ RON 250–650 a night
The old town: bars, cafés and sights on your doorstep. Noisy at weekends, so ask for a back room.
Centru Civic · ≈ RON 220–550 a night
Next to the Palace of Parliament and the big boulevards. Quieter at night, good metro links.
Piața Victoriei · ≈ RON 280–700 a night
Central and calm, near the museums and parks. Easy metro and airport bus connections.
Gara de Nord · ≈ RON 180–450 a night
Cheapest beds and the main train station. Handy for day trips, but a 25–30 minute walk to the old town.

Food & drink

Try the classics: sarmale (stuffed cabbage rolls), mici (grilled sausages) and ciorbă (sour soup).
Look for a 'bistro' or 'cramă' lunch menu; a two-course set lunch is often good value.
Obor market is the place for cheese, produce and cheap local snacks; go in the morning.
Vegetarian and vegan spots are growing fast in the centre; check menus before you go.
Prices vary widely. Check the bill and confirm service charges in touristy old-town places.

Tips

You must book a guided tour in advance to enter the Palace of the Parliament
The Old Town (Centrul Vechi) is almost entirely dedicated to energetic bars, clubs, and restaurants
Use ride-hailing apps instead of street taxis to avoid being overcharged
Internet speeds in cafes and hotels are famously among the fastest in Europe
Tap water is technically safe, but locals generally prefer to drink bottled water

Sources for prices and hours

Taxi costs are estimates from straight-line distance and the metered fare. Map positions are approximate.

Tours & activities

Take this tour to unlock 1 landmark quest

Palace of the Parliament

Skip the ticket line with a reserved slot
Learn the history of the communist-era palace
4,118 reviews · 4.3 rating

Entry includedGuided tour

Palace of Parliament Tickets and Guide

GetYourGuide · ★ 4.3 (4,118)

$37View tour

Take this tour to unlock 3 landmark quests

Old Town, Bucharest

Stavropoleos Monastery

Revolution Square

Walk the historic core with a local guide
See key squares and churches on foot
2,044 reviews · 4.9 rating

Top ratedSmall group

City Highlights Guided Walking Tour

GetYourGuide · ★ 4.9 (2,044)

$25View tour

Take this tour to unlock 2 landmark quests

Revolution Square

Palace of the Parliament

Trace the story of communism in Bucharest
See landmarks of the 1989 revolution
1,187 reviews · 4.9 rating

Top ratedHistory focus

Communism and History Guided City Walking Tour

GetYourGuide · ★ 4.9 (1,187)

$23View tour

Take this tour to unlock 1 landmark quest

Old Town, Bucharest

Bar-hop through Old Town venues
Meet other travelers with a guide
778 reviews · 4.6 rating

NightlifeLocal bars

Weekend Pub Crawl Through Old Town Bars & Clubs

GetYourGuide · ★ 4.6 (778)

$24View tour

Take this tour to unlock 1 landmark quest

Old Town, Bucharest

Hear Dracula and local legends
Explore Old Town after dark
522 reviews · 4.8 rating

Evening walkStorytelling

Ghosts, Dracula & Romanian Myths Walking Tour

GetYourGuide · ★ 4.8 (522)

$34View tour

Souvenirs

Horezu pottery bowl

RON 50–1501 small bowl · estimate

This is traditional Romanian folk pottery from the town of Horezu. Its hand-painted designs are a well-known part of Romania's craft heritage.

Where: My Romanian Store, central Bucharest

Check that the piece is signed by the artist.

Traditional Romanian embroidered blouse (ie)

RON 250–7001 cotton blouse · estimate

The ie is the classic embroidered blouse worn in Romanian folk dress. Its patterned embroidery varies by region and is a common keepsake from Bucharest.

Where: My Romanian Store

Hand embroidery costs much more than machine embroidery, so ask which one you are buying.

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eSIM

Get an eSIM for BucharestStay connected in Romania from day one · Airalo

1 GB3 days$4 USDSelect plan →5 GB30 days$11 USDSelect plan →10 GB30 days$18 USDSelect plan →

Compare all 5 plans · choose data and duration

Check that your phone supports eSIM and is carrier-unlocked. Data-use estimates are a guide; verify coverage, activation rules and the final price on Airalo.

Luggage storage

Store your bags in BucharestDrop luggage at nearby shops and hotels · Bounce

Cost of a day

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Getting in

Getting around

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Climate

Landmarks 18

Must-see · 8

Palace of the Parliament

Old Town, Bucharest

Romanian Athenaeum

Stavropoleos Monastery

Herastrau Park

Village Museum

Cărturești Carusel

Revolution Square

Cultural

Christian 2

Garden 1

Park 2

Museum 4

Old Town 1

Palace 1

Historical Square 1

Modern Architecture 1

Gate 1

Activities

Football Stadium 1

Bookstore 1

Amusement Park 1

Food 1

Day trips from Bucharest

Braşov · 2 h 46 by road

What to see

Târgovişte · 1 h 41 by road

What to see

Plans

Romanian Athenaeum Landmark quest

The Triumphal Arch Landmark quest

Sarmale (cabbage rolls) Landmark quest

Stavropoleos Monastery Landmark quest

Cărturești Carusel Landmark quest

Old Town (Lipscani) Landmark quest

Palace of the Parliament Landmark quest

Obor Market

Sarmale (cabbage rolls) Landmark quest

Free walking tour of the centre

Stavropoleos Monastery Landmark quest

Obor Market

Cotroceni neighbourhood walk

Sarmale (cabbage rolls) Landmark quest

Cărturești Carusel Landmark quest

Old Town (Lipscani) Landmark quest

Free walking tour of the centre

Stavropoleos Monastery Landmark quest

Sarmale (cabbage rolls) Landmark quest

Cărturești Carusel Landmark quest

Romanian Athenaeum Landmark quest

Palace of the Parliament Landmark quest

Arena Națională Landmark quest

Obor Market

InterContinental rooftop bar (viewpoint)

Stavropoleos Monastery Landmark quest

Free walking tour of the centre

Sarmale (cabbage rolls) Landmark quest

Cărturești Carusel Landmark quest

Old Town (Lipscani) Landmark quest

Palace of the Parliament Landmark quest

Obor Market

The Triumphal Arch Landmark quest

Dimitrie Gusti National Village Museum

Obor Market

Free walking tour of the centre

Sarmale (cabbage rolls) Landmark quest

Cărturești Carusel Landmark quest

Old Town (Lipscani) Landmark quest

Palace of the Parliament Landmark quest

Herăstrău Park and Lake

InterContinental rooftop bar (viewpoint)

Romanian Athenaeum Landmark quest