Your guide to Bucharest
Bucharest 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 trip to Bucharest. Book a tour in advance to avoid the lines. It’s still a functional government building, 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 from Bucharest. 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 |
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
Old Town (Centru Vechi)
Wander the Old Town’s cobbled streets where history awaits at every turn. Stop by Vlad the Impaler’s former home in the Old Princely Court, and enjoy a coffee at one of Lipscani’s outdoor cafes. With the sheer number of monuments, eateries and entertainment venues here, it’s one of the best areas to stay in Bucharest for first-time visitors.
Good for: History, nightlife, dining
Dorobanti
Modernist mansions meet 19th-century villas along Dorobanti’s magnolia-lined streets. This is the best neighbourhood to stay in Bucharest if you’re a discerning foodie who wants to sample the city’s high life. Look out for fine dining restaurants, luxury boutiques and craft cocktail bars. Come spring and early summer, the honeysuckle bushes bloom, attracting butterflies.
Good for: Mansions, boutiques, fine dining
Cotroceni
Home to the Cotroceni Palace and the Bucharest Botanical Gardens, Cotroceni is where to stay in Bucharest if you want a calm base away from the crowds. Quiet and residential, it’s also one of the city’s oldest neighbourhoods, with 19th-century villas and linden tree-framed boulevards adding to its charm.
Good for: Quiet streets, history, botanic gardens
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
Visiting Bucharest on a budget 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.
Get ready for Bucharest
Budget
From restaurant deals to sprawling parks and free attractions, there are plenty of ways to cut costs on a budget trip to Bucharest. Expect to pay around 58 Romanian lei for an inexpensive meal. A domestic beer or cup of coffee will cost you as little as 15 lei. Need to catch a taxi? Short rides in the city usually run about 15 lei.
Day trips from Bucharest
A couple of hours north by train is the majestic Peles Castle, the former summer residence of the Romanian royal family. Closer to the city, Mogosoaia Palace is a beautiful example of Brâncovenesc architecture. Craving mountain adventures? The Transfagarasan region is more than three hours away — but the drive is breathtaking.
Getting around Bucharest
Hop on one of the four Metro lines or buy a rechargeable Activ card from any RATB kiosk to ride the city’s buses, trolleys and trams. Driving in Bucharest can be a challenge, so we recommend getting around on foot or by public transport when possible. Rideshare apps like Uber are also available.
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