Why Visit Bucharest?
Bucharest surprises as Romania's energetic capital where Belle Époque architecture earned it 'Little Paris' nickname, Ceaușescu's colossal Palace of Parliament dominates skylines as world's heaviest building, and Old Town (Lipscani) buzzes with ruin bars and live music until dawn. This Balkan metropolis (pop. 1.8 million) wears contrasts proudly—French-style boulevards lined with crumbling mansions, communist-era blocks beside Art Nouveau gems, and Orthodox churches squeezed between modern malls.
The Palace of Parliament (RON 100/$22 book ahead) overwhelms with 1,100 rooms, 12 stories, and 330,000 m² making it second-largest administrative building globally—guided tours reveal marble excess and Ceaușescu's megalomania. Yet Bucharest's charm hides in details: Revolution Square where 1989 uprising toppled communism, Cișmigiu Gardens' romantic lake, and Calea Victoriei's mix of palaces and bookshops. The Old Town transformed from decrepit to hip—cobblestone Lipscani throngs with terraces, Carturesti Carusel bookshop occupies restored 19th-century building, and Control Club hosts underground concerts.
Museums span Village Museum preserving rural architecture to National Art Museum's Romanian masters. Food scene celebrates mici (grilled sausages), sarmale (cabbage rolls), and cozonac sweet bread—Caru' cu Bere's Art Nouveau interior serves traditional fare since 1879. Nightlife rivals Budapest—cheap beer (RON 10/$2), clubs open til 6am, and terasa culture means outdoor drinking year-round with heaters.
Day trips reach Dracula's Bran Castle (3hr), Brașov medieval town, and Snagov Monastery. Visit April-June or September-October for 15-25°C weather. With dirt-cheap prices ($32–$54/day possible), English-speaking youth, gritty authenticity, and zero pretension, Bucharest delivers raw Eastern European energy.
What to Do
Communist Legacy & History
Palace of Parliament
World's heaviest building and second-largest administrative building (after Pentagon). Tours around 60–80 RON (prices vary by tour type), BOOK AHEAD online. Guided tours 1–2 hours show marble excess—1,100 rooms, 12 stories, 330,000 m². Ceaușescu's megalomania on display. Various tour types (standard best). Photo ID required. Morning tours less crowded.
Revolution Square
Where 1989 uprising toppled communism. Memorials mark December 1989 events—bullet holes still visible on buildings. FREE to visit. Communist-era architecture surrounds square. Walk from University Square (metro stop) north. Combine with nearby museums. Evening atmospheric with lit buildings.
Village Museum (Muzeul Satului)
Open-air museum preserving traditional Romanian rural architecture—windmills, wooden churches, farmhouses from all regions. Entry 30 RON (~$6) for adults, with reduced prices for pensioners and students. Beautiful park setting. Takes 2 hours to explore properly. Best morning (9–11am) or late afternoon. Near Herastrău Park—combine visits. Peaceful escape from city chaos.
Old Town & Nightlife
Lipscani Old Town
Historic center transformed into party zone. Cobblestone streets lined with bars, terraces, clubs. Carturesti Carusel bookshop (stunning 19th-century building—FREE to browse). Hanul lui Manuc (oldest inn, now restaurant). Nightlife rages until 6am—cheap beer (RON 10/$2). Best evening 6pm–late. Safe but watch belongings.
Calea Victoriei Boulevard
Main artery with Belle Époque architecture. Walk from University Square to Victoriei Square—palaces, Romanian Athenaeum (concert hall), Revolution Square, CEC Palace (stunning). FREE to stroll. Shops, cafés line the street. Take 1–2 hours at leisure pace. Best afternoon (3–5pm) with café stops.
Parks & Local Life
Herastrău Park & Lake
Massive green space with lake, paths, and boat rentals. FREE entry. Locals jog, picnic, and row boats. Adjacent to upscale Primăverii neighborhood. Visit Village Museum same trip. Good Sunday afternoon—families out. Escape city's concrete. About 4km from city center.
Caru' cu Bere & Traditional Food
Iconic Art Nouveau restaurant since 1879—ornate interior, live music, traditional food. Mici (grilled sausages), sarmale (cabbage rolls), cozonac (sweet bread). Touristy but gorgeous. Book ahead for dinner. More authentic: La Mama restaurant or local markets. Terasa culture means outdoor drinking year-round (heaters provided).
Cișmigiu Gardens
Central park with romantic lake and rowboat rentals (summer). FREE. Quieter than Herastrău. Families feed ducks, couples stroll paths. Beautiful autumn colors. Winter ice skating on lake. Perfect rest between Old Town and Palace of Parliament visits. Locals' favorite green space.
Gallery
Travel Information
Getting There
- Airports: OTP
Best Time to Visit
April, May, June, September, October
Climate: Moderate
Weather by Month
| Month | High | Low | Rainy days | Condition |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| January | 6°C | -3°C | 1 | Good |
| February | 10°C | 0°C | 9 | Good |
| March | 14°C | 3°C | 8 | Good |
| April | 19°C | 6°C | 3 | Excellent (best) |
| May | 22°C | 12°C | 12 | Excellent (best) |
| June | 26°C | 16°C | 18 | Excellent (best) |
| July | 30°C | 19°C | 7 | Good |
| August | 31°C | 20°C | 1 | Good |
| September | 27°C | 16°C | 3 | Excellent (best) |
| October | 20°C | 11°C | 11 | Excellent (best) |
| November | 10°C | 3°C | 2 | Good |
| December | 7°C | 2°C | 8 | Good |
Weather data: Open-Meteo Archive (2020-2024) • Open-Meteo.com (CC BY 4.0) • Historical avg. 2020–2024
Budget
Excludes flights
Visa Requirements
Schengen Area
💡 🌍 Traveler Tip (November 2025): Best time to visit: April, May, June, September, October.
Practical Information
Getting There
Henri Coandă Airport (OTP) is 16km north. Bus 783 to center costs RON 7/$2 (45 min). Express train to Gara de Nord RON 7/$2 (15 min). Taxis RON 50-70/$11–$15 (use Bolt/Uber to avoid scams). Buses connect regional cities. Trains from Budapest (12hr), Sofia (12hr), though buses often better.
Getting Around
Bucharest metro single journey 5 RON (~$1); a 24-hour pass is 8–12 RON depending on product. Buses/trams have similar pricing when using the same cards. Buy magnetic cards from stations. Bolt and Uber widely used and cheap (RON 15-30/$3–$6 typical trips). Center walkable but spread out. Avoid official taxis—negotiate or use apps. Traffic chaotic, sidewalks poor—watch your step.
Money & Payments
Romanian Leu (RON). Exchange $1 ≈ RON $51 ≈ RON $5os sometimes accepted but change in lei. ATMs plentiful—avoid Euronet. Cards accepted in hotels and restaurants. Carry cash for markets and small shops. Tipping: 10% expected in restaurants. Very affordable prices.
Language
Romanian is official (Latin-based). English spoken by younger people and in tourist areas. Older generation may only speak Romanian or French. Signs often Romanian-only. Learning basic phrases helpful: Mulțumesc (thanks), Vă rog (please). Friendly locals help tourists.
Cultural Tips
Terasa culture: outdoor drinking year-round with heaters. Old Town: party zone, noisy until 6am. Food: try mici, sarmale, cozonac. Beer: Ursus, Timișoreana local brands. Communist history: Palace of Parliament shows excess, Revolution Square marks 1989 uprising. Stray dogs: mostly cleared but some remain. Traffic: chaotic, look both ways. Dress casual. Remove shoes in homes. Bargaining not common except flea markets. Smoking common in bars. Orthodox churches: modest dress, women cover heads.
Perfect 2-Day Bucharest Itinerary
Day 1: Historic Center
Day 2: Culture & Parks
Where to Stay in Bucharest
Old Town (Lipscani)
Best for: Nightlife, bars, restaurants, hotels, cobblestones, tourist hub, party central
Calea Victoriei/Center
Best for: Belle Époque architecture, museums, shopping, elegant, walkable, historic
Herastrău/North
Best for: Parks, upscale, residential, embassy area, quieter, green spaces
Universitate
Best for: Student area, budget eats, theaters, central hub, university energy
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