How Much Does Bucharest Cost? 2026 Budget Guide | Prices & Tips
Bucharest remains one of Europe's most affordable capitals, often drawing comparisons to a more budget-friendly version of Berlin or Budapest. While luxury experiences are available, travelers can enjoy the city on a solo budget of $38 / 165 lei to $451 / 1,952 lei per day depending on their preferred level of comfort. Costs are kept low by an incredibly efficient public transport system and a flourishing street food culture, though prices in the tourist-heavy Old Town (Centru Vechi) have risen in recent years. Visitors will find that their money goes significantly further here than in Western European hubs, particularly regarding high-quality dining and specialty coffee. Whether exploring the massive remnants of the communist era or the elegant Belle Époque architecture, the city offers high value for every tier of traveler.
Is Bucharest expensive to visit?
Bucharest is highly affordable—expect to spend $38–$451 / 165 lei–1,952 lei per day depending on your travel style.
On This Page
Daily Budget
How much to budget per person per day in Bucharest
$38
per person /day
$168
per person /day
$451
per person /day
Trip Costs by Duration
Total estimated costs per person, excluding flights
| Trip Costs by Duration | Budget | Mid-Range | Luxury |
|---|---|---|---|
| 3-Day Trip | $114 | $503 | $1,352 |
| 5-Day Trip | $191 | $838 | $2,254 |
| 7-Day Trip | $267 | $1,173 | $3,156 |
per person — Excludes international flights
Budget Buffer
Recommended contingency for unexpected expenses
It is wise to maintain a 15% buffer to account for the standard 10% restaurant service charge and potential surge pricing on ride-hailing apps during frequent afternoon rain showers. Additionally, keep small change for the $0.12 / 0.51 lei plastic bag tax at supermarkets if you do not carry a reusable tote.
How Does It Compare?
See how Bucharest stacks up against other popular destinations
What Things Cost
Real prices for common tourist expenses in Bucharest
Food & Drink (3)
| Item | Price |
|---|---|
| Traditional Meal (Mici with Mustard & Bread) Traditional grilled minced meat rolls. ~$10 / 45 lei in a sit-down restaurant. | $10 45 lei |
| Specialty Coffee (Cappuccino) Bucharest has one of the best specialty coffee scenes in Europe; prices in top cafes are around ~$4.12 / 18 lei. | $4.15 18 lei |
| Street Food Covrigi (Pretzel) The ultimate cheap snack. Look for 'Luca' or 'Matei' bakeries. | $0.69 3.01 lei |
Transport (4)
| Item | Price |
|---|---|
| Metro 24-hour Pass Valid for exactly 24 hours from the first validation. Only for the metro system. | $3.7 16 lei |
| Airport Train (Henri Coandă to Gara de Nord) The fastest way to the city center (~20-25 minutes). Runs 24/7. | $1.27 5.5 lei |
| Metropolitan Bus Trip (90 mins) Valid for 90 minutes across all STB surface transport (bus, tram, trolleybus). | $0.69 3.01 lei |
| Uber/Bolt Ride (5km City Trip) Ride-hailing is significantly safer and more reliable than street taxis. Prices surge during rain or rush hour. | $6.93 30 lei |
Accommodation (3)
| Item | Price |
|---|---|
| Dorm bed in central hostel (Antique Hostel) Located right on the edge of the Old Town. | $22 96 lei |
| Mid-range Hotel (NH Bucharest) Standard double room in a central 4-star location. | $112 485 lei |
| Luxury Hotel (The Marmorosch Bucharest) Housed in a former bank; the vault is now a bar. Prices fluctuate with events. | $260 1,126 lei |
Activities (2)
| Item | Price |
|---|---|
| Palace of Parliament Standard Tour Passport or ID is mandatory for entry. Tours must be booked 24h in advance. | $14 60 lei |
| Dimitrie Gusti National Village Museum Outdoor museum featuring original peasant houses from across Romania. | $6.93 30 lei |
Connectivity (1)
| Item | Price |
|---|---|
| Local Prepaid SIM Card (Vodafone/Orange) Usually includes massive data amounts (50GB+). | $8.09 35 lei |
Other (1)
| Item | Price |
|---|---|
| Cinema Ticket (IMAX/Standard) Movies are usually subtitled, not dubbed, which is great for tourists. | $9.25 40 lei |
Food & Dining
What to eat and what it costs
Dining in Bucharest offers an excellent balance of value and quality, with a traditional meal of mici and mustard costing around $10 / 45 lei in a sit-down setting. The city is also home to a world-class specialty coffee scene where a high-end cappuccino averages $4.15 / 18 lei. Budget-conscious travelers can rely on the ubiquitous 'covrigi' (pretzels) from bakeries like Luca, which serve as a filling snack for just $0.69 / 3.01 lei.
Cheap Eats
Where locals eat — real places, real prices
Luca Simigerie
$0.69–$3.47 / 3.01 lei–15 leiMultiple locations (Piata Romana, Universitate) · Bakery
Try the 'Luca' pretzel stuffed with ham and cheese for a ~$1.18 / 5.1 lei lunch.
La Mama
$8.09–$18 / 35 lei–80 leiAteneul Roman / Old Town · Local chain
Great place for consistent quality traditional Romanian food like 'Sarmale' (cabbage rolls).
Obor Market (Mici spot)
$1.15–$5.78 / 5 lei–25 leiObor · Street market
The most authentic 'mici' experience in the city; expect long lines on weekends.
Pizzerie Volante
$2.78–$5.78 / 12 lei–25 leiOld Town · Street food area
Perfect for a late-night snack after exploring Old Town bars.
Fabrica de Bere Bună
$4.63–$10 / 20 lei–45 leiCalea Victoriei · Local chain
Affordable local craft beer (Zăganu) in a trendy location.
Getting Around
Transport costs and the smartest ways to move
Getting around is remarkably inexpensive, especially with the airport train connecting Henri Coandă to Gara de Nord for just $1.27 / 5.5 lei. Within the city, a 90-minute metropolitan bus or tram ticket costs only $0.69 / 3.01 lei, while a 24-hour metro pass is available for $3.7 / 16 lei. For door-to-door service, ride-hailing apps like Uber or Bolt are safer than street taxis, typically costing $6.93 / 30 lei for a 5km city trip.
Accommodation Overview
The lodging landscape caters to all budgets, from social dorm beds at centrally located spots like Antique Hostel for $22 / 96 lei to mid-range 4-star hotels like NH Bucharest for $112 / 485 lei. For those looking to splurge, luxury stays in historic buildings like The Marmorosch Bucharest average $260 / 1,126 lei. The best value is often found in the areas of Cotroceni or near Calea Victoriei, which offer a mix of boutique charm and accessibility.
Accommodation Budget in Bucharest
Budget
Hostels, budget hotels, shared facilities
Mid-Range
3-star hotels, boutique stays, great locations
Luxury
5-star hotels, suites, premium amenities
💡 Prices vary by season. Book 2-3 months ahead for best rates.
Money-Saving Tips
Insider tricks to stretch your budget further
- 1 Eat at Obor Market for the most authentic and cheapest mici in the city, avoiding the marked-up prices of the Old Town.
- 2 Use the airport train for $1.27 / 5.5 lei instead of a taxi; it runs 24/7 and takes only 20–25 minutes to reach the central station.
- 3 Look for 'Luca' or 'Matei' bakeries for fresh covrigi and merdenele, which offer a quick lunch for under $1.77 / 7.65 lei.
- 4 Take advantage of the 90-minute transfer rule on STB surface transport—a single $0.69 / 3.01 lei ticket allows unlimited swaps between buses, trams, and trolleybuses.
- 5 Visit the Dimitrie Gusti National Village Museum for just $6.93 / 30 lei to see architecture from across Romania without leaving the city.
- 6 Walk the length of Calea Victoriei on weekends when parts of the street often become pedestrian-only zones, providing free entertainment and atmosphere.
- 7 Skip the expensive hotel breakfasts and visit one of the many specialty coffee shops where a premium coffee and pastry will cost significantly less.
- 8 Buy a local SIM card for $8.09 / 35 lei rather than using roaming; these typically include massive data amounts (50GB+) that are perfect for navigating.
- 9 Book the Palace of Parliament tour at least 24 hours in advance to secure the standard $14 / 60 lei rate and avoid disappointment.
- 10 Watch movies at a local cinema for $9.25 / 40 lei; unlike many European countries, Romania almost always uses subtitles rather than dubbing for English films.
Seasonal Pricing
When prices rise and fall throughout the year
Jun, Jul, Aug, Dec
+20-30%
Jan, Feb, Nov
-30-50%
May, Sep, Oct
Winter (Jan-Feb) can be brutally cold with temperatures dropping to -10°C (14°F), but hotel rates are at their lowest. May and September offer 20–24°C (68–75°F) weather with moderate pricing.
Events to Watch
- ● SAGA Festival (July): +40% hotel prices
- ● Christmas Markets (Dec): High demand for central hotels
Free Things to Do
The best experiences that cost absolutely nothing
- 1 Explore the Stavropoleos Monastery, an 18th-century Orthodox gem in the Old Town with a beautiful, free-to-enter courtyard.
- 2 Stroll through Cișmigiu Gardens, the city's oldest park, featuring lakes, monuments, and flower-lined paths.
- 3 Visit the Carturesti Carusel bookstore to admire its stunning spiral staircases and architecture (browsing is free).
- 4 Walk through the Pasajul Victoria, famously known as 'Umbrella Alley,' for a colorful photo opportunity.
- 5 Pay respects at the Carol Park Mausoleum and watch the changing of the guard at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier.
- 6 Wander through the Armenian Quarter to see eclectic, historic villas and hidden architectural details.
- 7 Attend the Bucharest Fountain Show (Simfonia Apei) at Piața Unirii, which is a free light and music performance on summer weekends.
- 8 Explore Herăstrău Park (King Mihai I Park), a massive green space surrounding a lake, perfect for a long walk.
- 9 Visit the Revolution Square to see the Memorial of Rebirth and learn about the city's 1989 history through the outdoor monuments.
- 10 Admire the exterior of the Romanian Athenaeum, one of the city's most iconic Belle Époque buildings.
- 11 Walk through the Macca-Vilacrosse Passage, a yellow-glass-roofed arcade filled with cafes and history.
- 12 Visit the Bellu Cemetery, often called the 'Père Lachaise of Bucharest,' to see elaborate funerary art and monuments of famous Romanians.
Worth the Splurge
Premium experiences that justify the price tag
Therme Bucharest (Elysium Access)
It is one of the largest wellness centers in Europe; the Elysium pass includes saunas and the infinity pool.
Tasting Menu at Kaiamo
Modern Romanian fine dining that uses local ingredients in experimental ways. ~$127 / 550 lei per person.
Private Guided Tour of the Ceaușescu Mansion
A fascinating look at the former dictator's lavish residence, including a gold-plated bathroom.
Popular Activities
Top-rated tours and experiences in Bucharest
Day Trip Costs
Popular day trips from Bucharest and what they cost
Sinaia (Peleș Castle)
$18 / 80 lei by train
$35 / 150 lei
$81 / 350 lei
Mogosoaia Palace
$1.39 / 6.01 lei by bus/train
$3.47 / 15 lei
$14 / 60 lei
Payment & Money
How to pay and what to know about money
Romanian Leu (RON)
1 $ ≈ 4.33 lei
Yes
Everywhere in the city, but carry cash for farmers markets, small 'Non-Stop' kiosks, and monasteries.
Standard 10% in restaurants. Small change (~$0.59–$1.18 / 2.55 lei–5.1 lei) is appreciated for couriers and housekeeping.
Use ATMs located inside bank branches (BCR, BRD, BT). Always decline the 'Dynamic Currency Conversion' (DCC) to avoid poor rates.
Connectivity
eSIM: $4.12–$11 for 1GB-5GB (opens in new tab)
Local SIM: $8.24 / 36 lei for 50GB+ data
WiFi: Excellent. Bucharest has some of the fastest internet speeds in the world; free wifi is standard in all cafes.
A local SIM from Orange or Vodafone is the best value, offering huge data buckets for under $12 / 51 lei.
Why you can trust this guide
35+ countries • 8 years analyzing travel data
Independent developer and travel data analyst based in Prague. 35+ countries visited across Europe and Asia, 8+ years analyzing flight routes, accommodation prices, and seasonal weather patterns.
- All neighborhoods verified by walking them
- Curated locations based on walkability & safety
- Real-time availability via live partner maps
- Prices based on Booking.com & Numbeo averages
Methodology: This guide combines on-the-ground neighborhood research, current hotel pricing data, and real traveler feedback to provide honest, actionable accommodation recommendations for Bucharest.
Updated: February 16, 2026
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