Bucharest City Guide

Welcome to Bucharest!

How to get around:

👣 - Bucharest is a walkable city. If you're able, give it a try. If you need alternatives, take a look below. 

🚗- Download Uber or Bolt (usually cheaper). Do yourself a favor and do not hire a taxi. Want a luxury ride? Try BlackCab.

🛴 - Uber, Bolt, or Splash provide the most scooters

🚎 - Wanna try public transportation? Skip the miming at the ticket office and use the 24Pay app to pay for your fares for the trams, buses, and trolleys. 

🚇 - The metro is safe and easy to use as long as its close to where you are and where you're going. You can buy tickets through the electronic kiosks (there are multiple language options), a window with a live person, or just tap your contactless card on the stile. The latter is available in 9 stations but will be installed in all stations fairly soon. 

Where to Stay

Hotel options for every budget

The Marmorosch Bucharest, Autograph Collection

@debbieroams

Previously a bank, this building recently went a three year renovation that pays tribute to its Art Deco and Art Nouveau heritage. This hotel boasts each of its 217 rooms feature high ceilings, large windows, and an interwar design. Don't forget to grab a drink at The Vault bar and sip your gold. 🍸🪙

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Radisson Blu

@debbieroams

Centrally located, the Radisson Blu is located closely to a ton of action. It has everything you need including a gym, spa, and outdoor pool. Visiting local friend and family in the warmer months? They can get a day pass to enjoy the pool with you.

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Leonardo Hotel Bucharest City Center

@debbieroams

In the middle of the action and still within your budget. The Leonardo Hotel Bucharest City Center is within easy walking distance of the main attractions such as the Royal Palace, the Romanian Atheneum, and the National Museum of Art.

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Bedsy Hostel

@debbieroams

Having clean surroundings and friendly owners can make your stay much more enjoyable. This highly rated hostel is great for budget accommodation.

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Culture and History

The Royal Palace of Bucharest

@debbieroams

Let this monumental building take you back in time to when Romania had a monarchy. It was the official residence of the Royal Family until King Michael's forced abdication in 1947. The Palace also houses the National Art Museum. Check their website for current events and performances.

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MNAC – Muzeul Național de Artă Contemporană al României

@debbieroams

Modern art museum with a cozy cafe in the back. It's nestled in a nice neighborhood with parks and other must-see spots within walking distance. A great spot for a casual date, friendly meetup, or solo stroll.

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Palace of Parliament

@debbieroams

🏅 All the medals for this big boy! This hunk of marble wins top prize for being the most expensive administrative building, 3rd largest administrative building in the world, and the world's heaviest! It sinks 6mm each year. Also, watch the TopGear episode for a look at the basement levels that are not open to the public. 🤫 *ID card or Passport required to tour.

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Primaverii Palace (House of Ceauşescu)

@debbieroams

It's name translates to "Spring Palace" in English. This is the not-so-humble abode of Romania's former dictator, Nicolae Ceaușescu. Do the tour for all the juicy details on the family drama 🫢

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Shopping

Cărturești Carusel

@debbieroams

You know those IG- famous stairs? It's here. They also have a wide selection of books, games, and art supplies. Oh, and a coffee shop at the very top of the stairs. 

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Obor Market

@debbieroams

Grab some cheap local produce from Bucharest's oldest farmer's market. After that, head on outside to try the mici (little grilled sausages) with mustard and a cold beer - just as the locals do!

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Flori de IE - Ie Romaneasca

@debbieroams

Shop for souvenirs you'll actually use! This shop sells clothing for women, men, and children that incorporate traditional embroidery styles in modern silhouettes. Traditional dress is also available.

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Traditional Romanian Cuisine

Popular dishes to try are mici ("meech", little sausages), ciorba ("chorbah") which is a sour soup with many varieties, sarmale ("sar-mah-leh"). For dessert, you can't go wrong with donut holes and jam, locally known as papanasi ("papanash"). Cozonac is a sweet bread that is popular around the holidays but you can find them year-round.

Vatra Restaurant

@debbieroams

Fancy a traditional dinner and show? From 7:30 pm onwards on the weekends, performers showcase traditional Romanian dances and outfits. Reservations are recommended for weekend dinners.

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Hanu' lui Manuc

@debbieroams

Everyone's favorite spot for traditional Romanian food and dance. Located in the Old Town, Hanu lui Manuc is the oldest Inn in Bucharest. Today, dining areas are in the central courtyard and along the halls of the inn. Join them on the weekends when they have live evening performances.  They can book up two weeks in advance so call ahead!

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Caru' cu bere

@debbieroams

Founded in 1899 by Nicolae Mircea, a brewer from Transylvania, Caru' cu bere is the oldest standing beer house. They serve breakfast, lunch, and dinner. Reservations are recommended for dinner on weekends. Don't forget to try the house beer! 🍻

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Vegan and Vegetarian Options

Rawdia

@debbieroams

Vegan friendly bites that are delicious and satisfying. Don't forget to try their desserts. 👌

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Sara Green

@debbieroams

A tried and true vegan bistro. 🥬

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Plantini One Herastrau Plaza

@debbieroams

A cozy brunch spot for everyone with options for vegans and vegetarians. Plus a health store in case you forget you want to stock up on healthy snacks. There's another location that's just a health food store near Piata Obor.

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Arome

@debbieroams

Arome translates to flavors in English and that's exactly what you'll get in this garden escape. Vegan and vegetarian dishes that are healthy and flavorful!

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Bistro Raw & Vegan

@debbieroams

Well, it says it all in the name! This bistro is small with just a few tables but satisfies with its friendly customer service and surprisingly delicious food.

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Sublimmme - Restaurant Vegan si cofetarie vegana

@debbieroams

A casual spot for a vegan lunch, snack and dessert. One of the first in Bucharest to offer plant based burgers. Be sure to check out the dessert menu 🍰

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Beans&Dots Specialty Coffee Shop & Concept Store

@debbieroams

Cool little spot in downtown. This building hosts multiple businesses but also a coffee shop, bar, and sometimes craft fairs where local small business owners showcase their wares.

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