An up and coming European hotspot, Bucharest is the perfect getaway for those with a smaller budget – but who still want a good time.
Romantic sights, countless museums and plenty of foodie spots, there is something for absolutely everyone in the Romanian capital.
Location: Bucharest, Southern Romania
Language: Romanian
Population of city: 9 Million
Nearest airport: Bucharest Otopeni (also known as Henri Coandă International Airport).
Main train/bus station(s): Bucharest Gara de Nord Station
Best time to visit? All year round, but nicest in Autumn and Spring. Extremes of temperature in Winter/Summer can make it less pleasant.
Budget level? £
Best for: History/museums, Old Town, Nightlife, Romantic Escape, Budget friendly
How long should I go for?
Slower trains in and out of the city mean that it’s well worth allowing 2 nights as a minimum. You can easily explore the old town in a day, but discovering more of the city is well worth it if you have time.
Getting there
Bucharest has limited rail connections to the rest of Central Europe. Most people arrive on the night train from Budapest or the faster train from Brasov. Heading South, there are regular services to Sofia (via Ruse) and onwards to Thessaloniki and Athens in Greece.
The largest administrative building on the planet, you’ll be in awe at the sight of this unmistakable palace.
Yes, there are more palaces. This one was built in 1900 and looks rather grand – its the headquarters of the CEC Bank.
This Neo-Gothic building is home to stained glass, mosaics and carved wooden panels.. as well as some really great food!
As well as being a very walkable and bike-friendly city, Bucharest is also well serviced by public transport. There are buses, trams, metro and Uber also operates in the city, so you should have no problem getting about.
Quaint “old town” (although not actually all that old!) area with many shops and bars. Plenty of good spots for a drink, as well as lots of picturesque architecture.
Huge district heading North from the Old Town. Here you’ll find Parcul Cismigiu, the Roman Amphitheatre, Natural History Museum and George Enescu Museum.
The district around the Palace of Parliament – also home to the Romanian National Museum.
An area south of the city centre, taking in Radu Voda Monastery, Parcul Tineretului and Vacaresti Natural Park.
National museum containing exhibits on Romania’s National Treasury and Greek gold.
Synagogue of Bucharest, with exhibits on Romanian Jewish life and culture.
Exhibitions from Medieval times to the modern day. Representations of Western, Islamic and Asian art.
