Bucharest FREE travel guide

Welcome to Bucharest!

From the airport OTP to the city you can take an Uber or Bolt. You also have taxi machines in the airport where you can order, however most of the drivers will say they only want cash.

There is also a train station right outside Arrivals that will take you to the North Train Station (Gara de Nord), the ride is about 25 minutes long and a ticket is 5.5 RON. Tickets can be bought in the train station.

Henri Coandă International Airport

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OTP is the main airport in Bucharest and the largest one in Romania.

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Where to stay

Bucharest offers a variety of accommodations. Here is my suggested list from budget friendly to luxury options.

Budget-friendly

Casa Mendeleev

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Casa Mendeleev is very close to the city center. You have subway station Universitate 10 minutes walking distance. The oldest park in Bucharest - Cismigiu - is also in walking distance.

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Amadeus Residence

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Amadeus residence is very nice apartment hotel close to downtown. They also have underground parking available.

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Trianon Hotel

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Located next to the oldest park in Bucharest, this hotel is 15-20 minutes away from Old Town. The closest subway station is 8 minutes away - Izvor,

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Pamper yourself

Hilton Garden Inn Bucharest Old Town

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This hotel is located right in the old part of Bucharest and very close to many tourist attractions.

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La Boheme

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La Boheme is located in a leafy courtyard, in a quiet section of the city but very close to the old town center.

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Luxury

The Marmorosch Bucharest, Autograph Collection

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This unique hotel is situated in an old bank and it has over 100 years of history. It holds a spa and inside pool. The bar is situated in the old bank's vault.

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InterContinental Athénée Palace Bucharest, an IHG Hotel

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This unique hotel is a combination of history and luxury. Access to the fitness center is free. However you will have to pay for the Spa services and the indoor pool.

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Radisson Blu Hotel, Bucharest

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Ideally located in the heart of Bucharest, on the well-known boulevard Calea Victoriei, that deeply imprints the history of the capital, Radisson Blu Hotel, Bucharest stands out f for its elegant appearance, modern design and luxury settings created for indulgence and comfort.

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Best places to visit

Victoriei Street (Calea Victoriei)

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One of the oldest and most beautiful streets of Bucharest, Calea Victoriei is the place where the city displays its elegant palaces, invites its inhabitants and visitors to the theater, museums and concerts. Explore this lively street and immerse yourself in the bustling atmosphere.

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Old Town

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The Old Town in Bucharest is the main nightlife hub of the city. In the daytime, the streets are full of cafes and restaurants where you can sit down, relax, and observe the world around but once the evening comes this is where the best parties in the city take place.

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Palace of Parliament

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This is probably the most impressive place you can visit in Bucharest and a testimony to Ceaușescu’s extravaganza. The Palace of Parliament (known also as the House of People) is the second largest administrative building in the world after Pentagon in the US. Make sure you book tickets in advance.

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Herastrau Park

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You can go for a walk in one of the largest parks in Bucharest. There are different activities that cat be done here like renting bikes, scooters, boats.

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"Dimitrie Gusti" National Village Museum

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In this open-air museum you can see 346 houses from all over Romania.

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Where to eat & drink

Romanian traditional food and drinks

Caru' cu bere

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This is the must-try restaurant for traditional food in Bucharest, located right in the heart of the city. I recommend you try the famous mici, peasant's platter, and anything in the Homemade section.

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Manuc's Inn

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Located in a historic building with traditional Romanian music and food. In the summertime the best place to eat is in their courtyard. You need to try the mici and sarmale with mamaliga.

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Scovergăria Micăi

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Scovergi is the perfect street food because you can eat it while on the go, and it is affordable, around 13 RON (~$2.7). They have different toppings sweet and salty that you can try from.

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Cheap/mid range

Le Bab Fried Chicken - Amzei

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One of the best fried chicken in Bucharest. It's also very conveniently located close to Victoriei street, one of the main streets in the city. Also the garlic-parmegian fries are a must.

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Arcade Cafe

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Most things in their menu are delicious but the ribs are a must. They are marinated in black beer and they will melt in your mouth. Make sure you give it a try in case you're in Old Town and ask to be seated in the back-patio.

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The Burgr Factory

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They specialize in hamburgers and they have a very large variety, including vegan options,

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JOURNEY-GARDEN

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The place has a lovely garden and plenty of delicious food choices. They also have rooms where you can play board-games with your friends.

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Fine Dining 

the ARTIST Restaurant

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This fine dining restaurant combines the Romanian seasonal products with quality products from around the world resulting in an explosion of flavors and aromas. Reservations need to be done in advance.

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Osho

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If you're in for a fine stake, Osho is the place.

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Isoletta

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Mostly Italian food, great selection of fish and seafood. The restaurant is located in Herastrau park, very close to the lake.

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Rooftop bars with scenic views (food&drinks)

Linea / Closer To The Moon

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Located downtown, Linea is the perfect place for the "golden hour" lovers, the sunset while having a drink on this rooftop is a must-do while in Bucharest. The food selection is also very good.

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Nor Sky Casual Restaurant

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This place offers a great view of the city from the 36th floor.

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18Lounge

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Great food, drinks and sometimes live music. This place offers a great view from the 18th floow.

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Getting around Bucharest

Bucharest is known for it's traffic clogged streets during the day but Uber/Bolt are recommended over taxi. Taxi drivers are known in Bucharest for overcharging or not not giving you change to larger bills. Especially around Old Town at night.

The quickest option to move around town is the subway (Metrou). A ride is 3 RON and you can tap and pay with your credit/debit card. Here is a map. 

Before you go

Currency

Currency in Romania is currently RON. You can find a lot of exchange places if you need to exchange other currencies.

Weather

Winters are cold so make sure you pack warm. Summers can be very hot and torrid.

Language

The official language is Romanian, but in Bucharest most people will speak English especially in the city center locations.

Power plugs

The standard in Romania is type C, 230 V.