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If you’re planning a trip to Romania, chances are Bucharest is on your itinerary – and for good reason.
When we planned our own adventure through the country (mostly focused on a road trip through Transylvania), we knew we had to set aside time for Romania’s brilliant capital. Even though you can fly directly into Transylvania via Brasov or Cluj-Napoca, skipping Bucharest felt like a mistake.
Often called the ‘Little Paris’ of Eastern Europe, thanks to its wide boulevards and elegant architecture, Bucharest still flies under the radar compared to other European capitals. In fact, while Paris or Rome welcome tens of millions of tourists each year, Bucharest attracts around 3 million annually (albeit this is a number that’s steadily growing).
For us, the decision to visit was sealed after meeting a friend whose own family was from Bucharest. She described a city of contrasts: modern cafes next to cobbled streets, and leafy parks overshadowed by a darker, communist past.
Our own time there more than lived up to our expectations. We wandered through bustling Sunday flea markets, sampled traditional Romanian dishes like ‘ciorba de burta’ (tripe soup) and soaked up the city’s intriguing atmosphere.
So, is Bucharest worth visiting? In my opinion – absolutely.
Whether you’re planning a quick weekend break in Bucharest or a longer stay, this guide to top things to do in Bucharest covers it all: the best attractions, must-try foods, hidden gems and where to find those unexpectedly hipster hangouts.
So, go grab those cheap flights, find yourself a great hotel and enjoy all that this Eastern European gem has to offer.
Is Bucharest Cheap?
One of the many draws of visiting Bucharest often comes down to the fact that it’s (apparently) a great budget break.
Now, while I would say it’s definitely cheap compared to Western Europe, or even Eastern European capitals such as Prague or Budapest, it’s not dirt cheap; a stereotype often made of these cities.
Instead, I’d probably just say it’s ‘affordable’ – not the sort of place that’s going to blow the bank (hello, Norway), but not a place that you can visit with £50 and arrive home with change.
Having looked back at my Monzo spending during our own time in the city, the average prices looked a bit like this:
- A meal at a mid-range restaurant: £9-10 per person.
- Local beer: £3
- Coffee at a nice cafe: £2.50
- Metro and bus tickets: around 50p per ride
- Taxi or Bolt ride across the city: £4–£6
In terms of cheap hotels in Bucharest, we stayed in the Continental Forum, which cost us £90 a night for a double room (not bad). If you’re on a real budget, however, you can get a budget hostel for around £9-£10 per night.
Our flights to Bucharest were actually more expensive than I was expecting and cost us £240 return with Wizzair (including hold luggage).
Overall, Bucharest is very affordable, but don’t expect it to be bargain-basement cheap (not like Uzbekistan).
Is Bucharest Safe to Visit?
During our two days in Bucharest (and as a group of female travellers), we felt pretty comfortable and safe.
Like any major European capital, it’s always wise to stay alert, keep an eye on your belongings and avoid deserted streets at night. Petty crimes like pickpocketing can happen, but violent crime is relatively rare.
Having spoken to our tour guides, we discovered that most find Bucharest a welcoming and low-stress city – with lots of friendly and helpful locals. However, there are perhaps some areas to avoid, such as Calea Grivitei at night, alongside Termini Station, Via Giolitti and Via Marsala. The Ferentari neighbourhood is also well worth avoiding, although it’s very unlikely you’d find yourself walking that way.
Sticking to the busier areas, such as the Old Town (Lipscani) and University Square is normally best.
Taxis and rideshare apps like Bolt are widely used and reliable in Bucharest (we used them plenty) and are probably a better alternative to more traditional taxi drivers who (we were told), will often take visitors the long way round.
Public transport is also safe, affordable and easy to navigate.
In short, while it’s always smart to take basic precautions, Bucharest is considered safe for tourists, offering peace of mind as you wander its pretty streets.
When is the Best Time to Visit Bucharest?
If you’re planning two days in Bucharest (or more) and are wondering when is the best time to visit, I can highly recommend autumn.
We visited Bucharest in October and the city looked absolutely gorgeous.
Far from being shrouded in dark skies or a bleak, grey atmosphere – Bucharest looked dazzling in the autumn colours. Every day we enjoyed blue skies, temperatures of around 22 degrees and cosy, fresher evenings.
Bucharest’s parks, like Cismigiu Gardens and Herastrau Park looked stunning, and were basked in a golden glow while walking through piles of fallen leaves and acorns. It also meant that while it was a little unseasonably warm, we could enjoy the city without coats – all while still being able to tuck into seasonal foods, such as pumpkin soup.
Autumn also falls outside the peak tourist season (summer time), so you’ll find smaller lines at museums, cafes and attractions.
Another great time to visit Bucharest is over Easter, especially if you’re interested in traditional Romanian traditions. Our guide told us that during this time, locals attend midnight church services on Holy Saturday, while holding candles to symbolise the Resurrection. Following the service, families then gather for festive meals featuring traditional dishes such as lamb, surrounded by beautiful painted eggs.
One lovely custom is ‘egg tapping’, when friends and family gently knock dyed eggs together while exchanging a greeting. Churches, including the Romanian Patriarchal Cathedral, also host special services and processions – giving visitors the chance to observe the spiritual side of Romanian life.
Temperatures during Spring in Bucharest usually range from 10 to 19 degrees (but do be prepared for a bit of rain).
While you might be wondering if Christmas is a good time to visit Bucharest, I would actually suggest you just use the city just as a base – and explore the Christmas markets in nearby Transylvania, particularly Brasov and Sibiu. As snow falls on the mountains surrounding this region, these fairytale cities deliver a far more magical and wholesome experience than the large Christmas markets of Bucharest.
How Many Days Do You Need in Bucharest?
We spent two nights in Bucharest, using the city as both the start and end point of our broader Transylvanian road trip. This gave us roughly 2.5 days to explore the city, which, in all honesty, felt more than enough.
Our days were fairly intensive – we walked for hours on end, covering much of the city on foot. We joined a guided tour of Bucharest, which meant we were moving from sight to sight with very little downtime. This pace allowed us to tick off nearly all the main historical sites, from the grand boulevards to iconic landmarks.
Looking back, however, I’d definitely slow down the pace and focus on quality over quantity. Some of the more modern Communist-era buildings and attractions aren’t that appealing, so they’re probably worth skipping unless you’re particularly interested in that aspect of the city’s history.
I’d instead spend more time wandering the charming Old Town, enjoying the city’s leafy parks, browsing the flea markets and soaking up the atmosphere in its countless cozy cafes. A relaxed itinerary like this allows you to really experience Bucharest, rather than rushing from one sight to the next.
I’d therefore say that 2–3 days is the perfect amount of time in Bucharest. It’s long enough to see the highlights, but short enough to leave you wanting more of the city’s relaxed, vibrant charm.
Is Bucharest Worth Visiting? A List of the Best Things to do in Bucharest
Planning a long weekend in Bucharest? I’ve got you – here’s a list of some of the unmissable things to see and do in Bucharest for first time visitors.
1. Explore Bucharest’s Historic Landmarks
Palace of the Parliament (World’s Heaviest Building)
When you arrive in Bucharest, people will immediately suggest you visit its enormous, monolith of a building: its Palace of the Parliament.
Dutifully, and as part of our guided tour of Bucharest, we headed over to it ready to explore.
Towering over the city, this colossal building is officially the heaviest in the world and the second largest administrative building after the Pentagon (impressive stuff).
Walking up to its entrance, the sheer scale of the building is surreal. Built in the 1980s under dictator Nicolae Ceausescu, the palace (tragically) swallowed up an entire chunk of Bucharest’s historic neighbourhoods, all to make room for its for its marble halls, crystal chandeliers and endless corridors.
Almost everything inside (and outside) of the building was made in Romania – from Transylvanian marble to locally crafted wood, crystal and even the plush carpets that stretch wall to wall. The building’s numbers are staggering – including the fact it boasts nearly 500 chandeliers. Construction began in 1984 thanks to tens of thousands of workers, yet parts of the palace remain unfinished (even today).
This enormous building stood empty long after Ceausescu’s death, before it was decided it should be reopened to curious visitors (although you have to book onto a guided tour to see inside).
Now – if I am honest – I did find this building quite boring. Every room looks almost identical – chandelier, marble, the odd chair and a desk. The facts surrounding the building are impressive, but other than that it’s pretty dry, uninspiring sort of place – and we were shattered after walking corridor after identical corridor.
I think it’s still worth a visit, but if you’re short on time – don’t put it top of your list.
Explore Bucharest’s Old Town (Central Vechi)
Now, one area we did love – and much prefer to the Palace of the Parliament – was Bucharest’s beautiful old town.
Bucharest’s Old Town, or Centrul Vechi, is where the city shows off its wonderfully rich history. Although today its cobbled streets are filled with cosy cafes, lively bars and some great independent shops, if you look closely, the city’s history peeks out all over the place.
The heart of it all is Lipscani Street, which was once the city’s main trading hub where merchants from across Europe arrived to sell their wares. As you wander through the meandering alleyways that deviate off this street, you’ll stumble across the ornate Stavropoleos Monastery, the grand entrance of the National Bank of Romania and the ruins of the Old Princely Court – once home to everyone’s favourite Romanian – Vlad the Impaler.
We absolutely loved wandering this area of Bucharest – especially as we spotted the cities many cats lazing amongst the centuries old monasteries.
Export Bucharest’s Beautiful Churches
Definitely one of the best things to do in Bucharest is to soak up the atmosphere inside its ancient churches. This is exactly how we started our own tour of the city – one sunny Sunday morning as hymns rung out throughout the city.
Indeed, Bucharest might be known for its grand boulevards and communist-era architecture, but some of its most beautiful treasures are its old churches, tucked quietly between busy streets and modern buildings.
Many of these date back to the 17th and 18th centuries, and feature delicate frescoes, carved wooden doors and tiny, sanctuary-esque courtyards.
Patriarchal Cathedral on Dealul Mitropoliei Hill offers amazing sweeping views and a glimpse into the spiritual heart of Romania. Smaller gems like Antim Monastery and Kretzulescu Church are also worth popping by – and tell their own story of surviving earthquakes, wars and Ceausescu’s urban redesign.
Definitely also visit St Anthony’s Church – which is considered the oldest standing church in the city – thought to have been there since the 16th century. Free to enter, it’s worth visiting just to see the stunning frescos and Neo-Gothic architecture.
Stepping inside these churches feels like stepping back in time – and we absolutely loved the peaceful environment and sense of tradition, echoing the country’s Roman Orthodox history.
Ceausescu’s Villa
If Ceausescu is your thing, why not pay a visit to his villa.
Officially known as the Primaverii Palace, this mansion offers a rare glimpse into the opulent lifestyle of Romania’s former dictator (and his wife).
Nestled on one of Bucharest’s most exclusive streets, the villa is a stark contrast to the austerity experienced by many Romanians during his regime. Inside, you’ll find lavish rooms adorned with gold-plated fixtures, luxurious furnishings and an impressive collection of artworks.
The villa also features a private cinema in the basement, a tropical greenhouse and an indoor pool decorated entirely in blue mosaic tiles (which, admittedly, is very pretty). The mansion also has a meticulously landscaped garden where peacocks roam freely, which all adds to the slightly surreal atmosphere.
Guided tours here (you can’t wander about alone) provide insights into Ceausescu’s personal life, offering a fascinating juxtaposition to the public persona he maintained.
We genuinely enjoyed this tour (much more than the Palace of the Parliament) and loved seeing some of the vintage clothes his wife wore, which are still hanging up in their wardrobe.
2. Explore’s Bucharest’s Beautiful Parks
One of the best things to do in Bucharest is to definitely visit its gorgeous parks – bathed in dappled light, filled with ponds and lakes, and often featuring bustling flea markets.
Before our own short break to Bucharest, I definitely did not appreciate how green this city is – however, its sprawling parks make for the perfect escape from the urban buzz of the city centre.
Our own guide provided us with the below list on the best parks to visit in Bucharest (seasonally):
1. Herastrau Park – (now officially King Michael I Park) is at its best in summer, when you can rent a boat on the lake or stroll along shaded paths while enjoying outdoor concerts and cafes.
2. Cismigiu Gardens come alive in the spring, with vibrant flowerbeds and fountains, which create a romantic, almost fairytale atmosphere.
3. Carol Park is stunning in autumn (when we visited) when golden leaves frame its grand monuments and the Roman-style amphitheater is at its best.
4. For a quieter, local vibe, Tineretului Park is perfect year-round, especially in mild weather, when families picnic and joggers take over the winding trails.
3. Rummage Through Bucharest’s Flea Markets
One unmissable thing to do in Bucharest is to spend a lazy morning perusing its fantastically eclectic flea markets.
The city’s biggest flea market is its ‘Bazaar of Memories‘ – filled with every single item you can imagine. From old vinyls to Soviet memorabilia, decades old tools to kids’ toys, it’s all here – in one big, chaotic market. Featuring over 500 different sellers, it’s huge and eclectic and for thrifters like myself, irresistible.
The Bazaar of Memories is open every Thursday between 5:30 to 13:30, and every weekend between 6:00 to 14:00 (Saturday & Sunday). It can be found on Timisoara Boulevard, close to Drumul Tabarei park.
Another flea market in Bucharest worth visiting is Targul Vitae – which is a blend of both an antiques market and filled with everyday vendors (e.g. fruit and veg). It also happens to be enormous. It has over 5,000 different sellers and takes place every Sunday, from 7am – 2.30pm on the Splaiul Unirii.
Initially, it can look a bit dodgy – with second hand car dealers near the entrance and a heavy police presence, but don’t be deterred. Keep heading inwards and you’ll find some incredible stalls filled with unexpected treasures.
4. Enjoy Bucharest’s Cafe Culture
We love nothing more than exploring a city by moving slowly from one coffee shop to another – ideally on a cosy autumnal day, or as the rain comes down.
Thankfully for us, Bucharest is a city where coffee culture thrives – offering a mix of super cosy hideaways and trendy spots.
A few places we visited and loved included Origo, found in the Old Town. We popped here for meticulously brewed coffee (they know their stuff when it comes to a Cup of Joe) and loved its minimalist interior. Steam Coffee Co. are also aficionados when it comes to coffee and worth a visit if you want your espresso strong.
For a more bohemian vibe, M60 offers great coffee alongside a super creative atmosphere – and it often hosts local artists and live music.
Our guide also quickly showed us Simbio – which has a gorgeous courtyard and garden (and amazing pastries). Come here on a cold autumn morning and enjoy the dappled light and bird song.
Other coffee shops and cafes in Bucharest worth visiting include:
Sloane Coffee – nestled in the Dorobanti district, Sloane Coffee is a cosy cafe – mainly filled with locals (so you know you’ve found a good spot).
Mabo Cafe – located near Piata Romana, Mabo Cafe has a great artistic setting and a variety of speciality coffees.
5. Enjoy Some of the Romania’s Best Restaurants
Another top thing to do in Bucharest is, of course, to enjoy its fantastic culinary scene.
If you’re visiting, I’d definitely try and immerse yourself in traditional Romanian cuisine, if you can. Before our own trip, I really wasn’t sure what I’d make of Romanian food – imagining vats of cabbage soup or dense, venison dishes.
However, I was (genuinely) surprised by just how much I enjoyed its authentic fare, largely thanks to the city’s fantastic restaurants.
A few stand out places we visited include Kaiamo – a fine dining (and Michelin star) experience that has been celebrated by many a travel guide. This takes your standard Romanian grub and adds a modern twist, resulting in truly delicious and inventive dishes (be warned – make sure you book a couple of months ahead if you want a seat at the table).
For a taste of Bucharest in the 1800s, book a table at Hanu’ lui Manuc. Designed to replicate the ‘caravanserai’ that would have once filled Bucharest (roadside inns), this homely spot offers incredible traditional Romanian food (seemingly medieval themed), including Romanian Traditional ‘Bulz’ (bacon, cheese and polenta) and Ram Pastrami.
Another cosy place for dinner in Bucharest is Vatra. With its original 1920s decor still intact, this is a great spot to come to enjoy traditional Beef Soured Soup, Soured Cabbage Rolls and Pork Schnitzel.
6. Visit Revolution Square
While one of my top things to do in Bucharest is to explore its more medieval history – you can’t visit this city and not pay witness to its more modern upheavals.
A city of revolutions, revolts and dramatic rebellions, Bucharest is where one of the most infamous moments in modern history occurred. It’s where Ceausescu’s communist regime was overthrown, one cold December day in 1989, in the middle of what is now known as Revolution Square.
As Ceausescu stood on a balcony overlooking the square, giving what would be his final speech, crowds began to gather – finally at breaking point after years of forced austerity and starvation. The dictator and his wife fled, only to be captured and executed on Christmas Day – just 3 days later.
Standing in the square today and you’ll find it framed by imposing landmarks: the former Communist Party headquarters, the Romanian Athenaeum and the Royal Palace. The modern memorial to the Revolution rises at its centre – and is a constant reminder of the courage it took to reshape Romania’s future.
The square is easily walkable from University Square or via the Piata Romana metro station, and it’s a great starting point for exploring central Bucharest. Once you’ve had your fill of this slice of modern history, walk to the nearby Calea Victoriei boulevard, to enjoy its lovely cafes and museums.
7. Visit Therme Bucharest Spa
Now, when you visit Bucharest, the world and his aunt will be advising you head to the Therme Bucharest.
A viral sensation on social media, the Therme Bucharest is not only very cheap, but offers a labyrinth of different experiences – from a David Attenborough inspired sauna, to an outdoor bar and lazy river.
Divided into three distinct zones: The Palm, The Elysium and The Galaxy, the spa certainly offers a dizzying number of activities, places to relax and indeed play (if you love queuing for a water slide).
However, and all this said, our own experience of visiting Therme Bucharest was not a good one.
We visited during the school break and found the spa overwhelmingly crowded – loungers, saunas and even infrared beds were overrun, with long queues and little breathing room.
This congestion extended to treatments (sold out by opening time), bathrooms (few in number and frequently closed), and dining (delicious, but served after excruciating delays). In the end, the place that promised relaxation honestly felt more like a chaotic amusement park.
Of course, if you’re visiting outside of peak hours, or in the evening – you may well find it genuinely is a haven of tranquility. But, prepare yourself for the crowds and keep your expectations low.
An Honest Review of the Therme Bucharest (2025)
8. Visit Bucharest’s Famous Bookstore: Carturesti Carusel
Now, there’s nothing I love more when visiting a new city than perusing its bookstores.
Thankfully, Bucharest has a particularly famous one of its own – the beautiful Carturesti Carusel (meaning ‘Carousel of Light’).
We visited this iconic building late one night – as it shone and sparkled in the dark autumn evening. Tucked away on the historic Lipscani Street, the store is housed within a beautifully restored 19th-century building and covers a whopping six floors, featuring sweeping white balconies, spiral staircases and light-soaked atriums.
The shelves are filled with thousands of titles (in both Romanian and English) and it’s a great place to find contemporary Romanian literature, literary classics and cute gifts. It even has a rooftop bistro – the perfect place to sit with a book and a coffee, overlooking the city’s Old Town.
9. Visit Bucharest’s Tiny Bakery: Patiseria Amzei
This tiny bakery is a great lesson to not judge a book by its cover.
Sharing space with a small convenience store, this bakery is quite literally a hole in the wall – but what a bakery it is.
You can usually find it thanks to the long snaking queue that’s found outside – and it offers the best pastries in all of Bucharest. This is a great place to sample some traditional Romanian delicacies, including their merdenele cu branza (feta filled pastries) and chocolate corn.
You’ll find it at Strada Piata Amzei 10.
10. Relax at Artichoke Social House
Bucharest isn’t all communist high rises or medieval churches, it also has a very cool, hipster vibe.
Artichoke Social House, a little like Bucharest’s answer to an affordable Soho House, is a great place to come for both a turmeric latter by day, or a negroni by night. As evening falls, the House often puts on great art exhibitions – dedicated to Eastern European artists, and it’s a fantastic place to relax after a wander around the nearby National Art Museum.
Final Thoughts: Is Bucharest Worth Visiting?
So, to complete this list of the top things to do in Bucharest, my final thoughts – is this Eastern European capital really worth visiting?
In my opinion, absolutely yes. In fact, I enjoyed it more than many of Europe’s other big-hitters, including Paris, Berlin and Vienna.
For me, what made Bucharest stand out was its mix of gritty history and surprising elegance: grand boulevards alongside quirky street art, and communist-era blocks next to Belle Epoque streets. Add to that its buzzing cafe culture, budget dining and easy access to Transylvania, and you have a city that feels both authentic and refreshingly unspoilt.
From my own experience, Bucharest offers what I think is the perfect balance of culture, charm and adventure – and it’s a place I’d return to in a heartbeat.