Bucharest holidays
Dubbed the ‘Paris of the East’, Romania’s cosmopolitan capital is equal parts elegant and edgy. The best holidays in Bucharest capture the city somewhere in the middle. Here you’ll find Orthodox churches on the same street as Belle Epoque villas and monuments to dictators alongside flashy cocktail bars. From world-class museums and neoclassical palaces to sprawling parks and a quietly emerging cafe culture, see how Bucharest is inspiring a new kind of Romanian rhapsody.
Bucharest holiday highlights
Heavy history
The world’s heaviest building, the colossal Palace of Parliament, was the brainchild of former dictator Nicolae Ceausescu. Opulent architecture and more than 1,000 rooms make it a must-see during any holiday to Bucharest. Book a tour in advance to avoid the lines. It’s still a functional government building though, so bring a valid ID and be prepared to go through security.
Local spirits
Raise a glass of ‘tuica’ on your city break in Bucharest. A strong brandy made from fermented plums, Romania’s national drink is traditionally sipped before a meal, guaranteeing to kickstart your appetite. Try it at Caru’ cu bere — a favourite restaurant with locals and tourists. Or buy a bottle at Obor Market, known for its artisanal goods.
Transylvanian tours
Uncover the legend behind Bram Stoker’s ‘Dracula’ with a visit to the medieval Bran Castle. Perched high on a cliff, the castle’s turrets, 19th-century antiques and forest views make it a worthy day trip during a Bucharest holiday. Book a guided bus tour in advance or travel here by train and taxi if you prefer to visit solo.
Bucharest: Know before you go
Language
Romanian
Currency
Romanian leu
Time zone
UTC+2 (EET) and UTC+3 (EEST)
High season
July – August
Low season
January – February
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Find the best time to go to Bucharest
Weather in Bucharest
March – May: Temperatures warm up in April, reaching around 18°C by May. With pleasant weather and spring blooms in parks like Bucharest Botanical Gardens, it’s a perfect time to explore the city.
June – August: Summer brings warm, sunny days, with highs of 29°C in July and August. Balmy evenings set the scene for enjoying the city’s al fresco bars and nightlife.
September – November: Autumn is mostly cool and dry. September and October offer milder temperatures, while November ushers in colder days.
December – February: Winter sees the mercury dip below freezing. But Bucharest has plenty of places to warm up, from cosy teahouses to third-wave coffee shops to traditional Romanian restaurants.
Events in Bucharest
Summer Well (August): Set in the scenic Ştirbey Estate, just 40 minutes from Bucharest, this festival is a must for music lovers. Past lineups have featured Florence + the Machine, Arctic Monkeys and Snow Patrol.
George Enescu Festival (August to September): This biennial event brings world-class orchestras to Bucharest. Expect a packed programme of concerts across stunning venues like the Romanian Athenaeum and Grand Palace Hall.
Street Delivery (October): Arthur Verona Street transforms into a lively pedestrian zone for several days. Enjoy theatre performances, interactive art, workshops and more.
Spotlight Festival (October): The city’s iconic buildings become canvases for spectacular light shows and video projections at this multi-day festival.
The best neighbourhoods in Bucharest
Things to do in Bucharest
Family friendly things to do
With parks, museums and excursions to enjoy, you’ll find heaps of family-friendly things to do in Bucharest. Unleash the kids’ curiosity at the interactive Museum of Senses or hire a rowing boat for an afternoon of outdoor fun on King Michael I Park’s lake. The Therme wellness centre is great for all ages, with spas, pools and water slides to entertain the whole crew.
Shopping
Make time to go shopping in Bucharest’s many malls, including AFI Palace Cotroceni and Baneasa Shopping City. For something more folksy, you’ll find traditional crafts at Bucur Obor. Don’t miss Carturesti Carusel, surely one of the most beautiful bookstores in the world, with its own bistro and art gallery.
Take in the culture
Bucharest is a cultural behemoth, with museums and monuments galore. Step back in time at the Village Museum, or dive into the city’s dictatorial past at the House of Ceausescu. With the Arch of Triumph symbolising Romania’s unity, a kaleidoscope of art-filled churches and an array of architecture, the cultural attractions in Bucharest don’t disappoint.
Nightlife
The nightlife in Bucharest vibrates with jazz dens, rooftop lounges and glamorous clubs. Explore the pedestrianised streets lined with beer houses and lively bars around Lipscani. Hit the stylish wineries in upscale Dorobanti and Calea Floreasca for an elegant night out on the town.
Places to eat
The city’s food scene has flourished in recent years with an array of restaurants in Bucharest to suit all tastes. Head to Hanul lui Manuc (the city’s oldest inn) for traditional Romanian fare, or treat yourself to Black Sea fish and local wines in Dorobanti’s swanky bistros. Prefer a casual bite? Visit Obor Market for street food, like ‘covrigi’ (pretzels) and ‘gogoshi’ (deep-fried doughnuts).
Free things to do
Planning a cheap holiday to Bucharest is easy. Enjoy a scenic walk through Cismigiu Gardens and admire the monuments around Revolution Square. Certain museums offer free admission days monthly, so time your visit accordingly. If you’re an art lover, exploring the city’s murals along Piata Romana is one of the best free things to do in Bucharest.
Plan your holiday to Bucharest
FAQs about Bucharest holidays
Plan your Bucharest holiday for January and you'll be there when conditions are at their coolest. -9ºC (16ºF) is as cold as it gets.
During your trip to Bucharest, you'll be using the Romanian Leu (RON) for all your spending. You may want to carry a mix of cards and cash for more flexibility when paying.
Your city break in Bucharest can differ in price based on anything from your travel dates to where you stay. To find a great deal on Bucharest flights and hotels, stay flexible with your plans and look out for discounts and sales.
With an average rainfall of 10 cm, June is the rainiest month to go on a Bucharest holiday. When the weather turns, head indoors and enjoy the city's galleries, shops, museums and more.
Romanian is the language you'll encounter most often while on your city break in Bucharest.
Museum of the Palace of the Parliament and Old Town just scratch the surface of what this city has to offer. Look up all the things to do in Bucharest and find out why it should be your next stop.
The city’s winters are frosty and summers verge on sweltering. For the perfect combination of warm weather and fewer crowds, we recommend timing your Bucharest holiday for late spring.
August is the warmest month in Bucharest, with temperatures peaking at 33ºC (91ºF).
You can easily check off your sightseeing to-do list with a long weekend in Bucharest. If you’re planning on taking day trips or spending a full day at the Therme wellness centre, however, we recommend extending your trip to four or five days.
Spending a holiday in Bucharest is safe, but as in all major cities, common sense is advised. Pickpockets are known to operate on public transport and in tourist hotspots. Keep your belongings close and stay aware of your surroundings though, and you should have a stress-free time.
More holiday inspiration
How to get cheap last-minute flights
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How to search for multi-city flights on Skyscanner
Plan your holiday to Bucharest
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