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About Bucharest
Bucharest sits on the Dambovita river in the Wallachian plain in southern Romania. It became the capital of Wallachia in 1659 and of modern Romania in 1862. The compact historic core, around Calea Victoriei, Revolution Square and the pedestrian Old Town (Centrul Vechi), holds the Romanian Athenaeum, the Royal Palace, Stavropoleos Monastery and Manuc's Inn, while the Palace of the Parliament, among the largest administrative buildings in the world, dominates the south-west. North of the centre, Kiseleff Boulevard links the Arch of Triumph, the Antipa and Peasant museums, the open-air Village Museum and Herastrau Park. A four-line metro, buses, trams and ride-hailing make it easy to get around, and prices are low by Western European standards. Palaces such as Mogosoaia and Cotroceni, plus day trips to Sinaia, Brasov and Snagov, round out a stay.
- Capital
- Bucharest
- Largest city
- Bucharest
- Population
- ~1.7 million (city); ~2.3 million (metro area)
- Languages
- Romanian
- Currency
- Romanian Leu (RON)
- Time zone
- EET/EEST (UTC+2/+3)
Explore Bucharest by topic
Jump straight to the experience you're planning.
Best places to visit in Bucharest
The 25 destinations our editors recommend — from iconic landmarks to under-the-radar finds.
Old Town (Centrul Vechi) and Strada Lipscani
Curtea Veche (Old Princely Court)
Romanian Athenaeum (Ateneul Roman)
Dimitrie Gusti National Village Museum
Herastrau Park (King Michael I Park)
Recommended itineraries
Pick a length, follow the route. Each itinerary balances headline sights with breathing room.
5-Day Bucharest Explorer
- Day 1Arrive in Bucharest, explore city center
- Day 2Visit top attractions and museums
- Day 3Day trip to nearby highlights
- Day 4Local markets and hidden gems
- Day 5Final sightseeing, departure
7-Day Classic Bucharest
- Days 1-2Bucharest city highlights
- Days 3-4Regional exploration
- Days 5-6Cultural immersion and local experiences
- Day 7Return and departure
14-Day Ultimate Bucharest
- Days 1-3Bucharest comprehensive city tour
- Days 4-6Northern region exploration
- Days 7-9Eastern highlights
- Days 10-12Southern attractions
- Days 13-14Return to Bucharest, departure
Where to stay in Bucharest
Three tiers, every traveller covered — from cost-conscious to flagship hotels.
Budget 230 RON (about $50 USD)
Hostels, budget hotels, and guesthouses offer affordable stays without sacrificing experience.
Mid-range 600 RON (about $130 USD)
Boutique hotels and well-located accommodations provide comfort and convenience at reasonable prices.
Luxury 1,600+ RON (about $350+ USD)
World-class resorts and premium hotels deliver unforgettable experiences.
InterContinental Athénée Palace Bucharest
Historic 1914 grand hotel beside the Romanian Athenaeum and Revolution Square, formerly the Athénée Palace Hilton, with a 22nd-floor spa and pool.
Check rates on Booking.comJW Marriott Bucharest Grand Hotel
Large five-star hotel a few minutes' walk from the Palace of Parliament, with a spa, indoor pool and several restaurants.
Check rates on Booking.comThe Marmorosch Bucharest, Autograph Collection
Restored 1923 neoclassical bank building on the edge of the Old Town, a short walk from Lipscani's restaurants and bars.
Check rates on Booking.comEpoque Hotel
Boutique 17-room Relais & Châteaux property on a quiet side street close to Cișmigiu Gardens, with a garden terrace and restaurant.
Check rates on Booking.comWhere to eat in Bucharest
Cafés, neighbourhood gems, and tasting menus worth the table reservation.
Caru' cu Bere
Hanu' lui Manuc
Lacrimi si Sfinti
Crama Domneasca
La Mama (Delavrancea)
Casa Doina
Book a food tour in Bucharest We may earn a commission from bookings made through this link.
Getting around Bucharest
Bucharest is a large, flat, sprawling city. The five-line Metrorex metro is the fastest way across it, STB surface transport (buses, trams, trolleybuses) covers the rest, and Bolt or Uber taxis are cheap enough to be the default at night. Two airports serve the capital: Henri Coandă (OTP) at Otopeni, linked to Gara de Nord by a 20-minute CFR Călători train, and Aurel Vlaicu (Băneasa, BBU), which handles mainly business and general aviation. Gara de Nord is the national rail hub for trips to Brașov, Sinaia, Constanța and beyond. A rental car is useful only for day trips outside the city.
Budget breakdown
Daily spend by tier in RON, broken out by category.
| Category | Budget | Mid-range | Luxury |
|---|---|---|---|
| Accommodation | 90 RON (about $20 USD) for a hostel dorm bed | 340 RON (about $74 USD) for a central 3-4 star double | 950 RON (about $205 USD) and up for a 5-star room |
| Food (per day) | 70 RON (about $15 USD) | 150 RON (about $33 USD) | 400 RON (about $87 USD) |
| Transportation | 20 RON (about $4 USD) | 40 RON (about $9 USD) | 100 RON (about $22 USD) |
| Activities | 50 RON (about $11 USD) | 70 RON (about $15 USD) | 150 RON (about $33 USD) |
| Daily total | 230 RON (about $50 USD) | 600 RON (about $130 USD) | 1,600+ RON (about $350+ USD) |
Best time to visit Bucharest
Weather through the year in Bucharest
Best time Shoulder Worth avoiding
Average daytime temperature in °C. Figures are for Bucharest.
Spring and early autumn bring mild 15-25 C (59-77 F) days ideal for walking, parks and terraces.
Summer is hot but lively, with outdoor terraces and festivals; winter is cold but cheaper, with Christmas markets in Piata Constitutiei and Piata Universitatii.
Essential travel tips
- Buy a prepaid Orange, Vodafone or Digi SIM or use an eSIM; mobile coverage is strong and data is cheap
- Pay with a card in most places, but carry some lei for small kiosks and public toilets
- Tipping 10% in restaurants is standard when service is not included
- Try sarmale, mici, ciorba de burta and papanasi at a traditional restaurant
- Many museums close on Monday and Tuesday, so check hours before going
- Book the Palace of the Parliament tour in advance and bring a passport
Safety information
Bucharest is generally safe for visitors; the main risk is petty theft. Pickpockets work the metro, trams, bus 783 from the airport, the Gara de Nord area and crowded Old Town streets, so carry bags in front and keep phones out of back pockets
Use ride-hailing apps (Bolt, Uber, FreeNow) instead of hailing taxis on the street. Look at the price in the app before you ride; drivers at Gara de Nord, Henri Coanda Airport and in the Old Town have been known to overcharge
Stray dogs are still present in some districts, especially around industrial areas, parks and railway land. Do not approach or feed them; if a dog barks, stand still and walk away slowly. For a bite, go to a hospital at once for rabies treatment and call 112
Bucharest has the highest earthquake risk in Romania. In an earthquake, drop, cover under sturdy furniture or against an inside wall, and leave buildings only after shaking stops. Learn the exits of the accommodation on arrival
Old Town (Lipscani) bars sometimes add hidden charges or push tourists into overpriced drinks. Check the printed menu prices, never accept a drink without prices, and ask for an itemised bill (nota de plata) before paying
Traffic is heavy and drivers often do not yield at crosswalks. Cross only at lights, watch for cars turning across the pedestrian signal, and be careful of cyclists and e-scooters on pavements
Winter can bring ice and heavy snow from December to February, and summer heat can reach 35-40 degrees C in July and August. Carry water and avoid midday sun in summer; wear shoes with grip in winter
Keep your passport or ID card with you; Romanian police may ask for ID. Keep a photo copy in your phone and the original in the hotel safe when not needed
Frequently asked questions
Do I need a visa to visit Bucharest?
Romania is in the EU and the Schengen area. EU citizens need only a national ID card or passport; visitors from the US, UK, Canada, Australia and many other countries may stay visa-free for up to 90 days in any 180-day period. Requirements vary by nationality, so check mae.ro before travelling.
What currency is used in Bucharest?
The Romanian leu (RON). This guide uses 1 USD = about 4.6 RON, so 100 RON is about $22. Cards are accepted almost everywhere, but carry some lei for small purchases.
How many days do you need in Bucharest?
Two to three days cover the main sights: the Palace of the Parliament, the Old Town, Calea Victoriei, the Village Museum and Herastrau Park. Add a day for a trip to Sinaia, Brasov or Mogosoaia Palace.
How do I get from Henri Coanda Airport to the city centre?
Take the direct train from the airport to Gara de Nord (about 20-25 minutes), express bus 783 to Piata Unirii, or a Bolt or Uber ride (about 17 km, roughly 20-30 minutes). Check cfrcalatori.ro and stb.ro for current schedules and fares.
Is Bucharest safe for solo travellers?
Yes. Violent crime against tourists is rare. Watch for pickpockets on crowded metro lines and at Gara de Nord, use Bolt or Uber instead of street taxis, and check bills in Old Town bars. The emergency number is 112.
Explore Bucharest by city
The cities below have their own guides — hotels, attractions and where to eat, in depth.