It is time to finally gather all the articles I published about Bucharest, Romania’s capital, and then put some extra meat on the bone for a full, practical guide to the city. Here’s what you will learn:
- My unfiltered opinion about the city
- Getting to Bucharest & how to get around
- Where to stay
- Things to do & see (including itineraries)
- Food & eating out
- Living in Bucharest & expat life
- Travel tips, practical info, and all the resources you need to fully understand the city.
A Few Starting Thoughts
Bucharest is a city that always manages to surprise, no matter how much you think you know it. There’s always something waiting to be discovered here, a city that’s at the same time chaotic and completely streamlined, huge and fast-paced and with relaxing parks and spots, perfect and imperfect.
In the end, Bucharest is so much more than the cliches and the jokes and even the reality you know.
Yes, you’ll find a wild mix of architecture, and you’ll hear people complain about the traffic and the noise and the pollution and the crowds, but this city is bursting with energy, stories, and contradictions.
There are trendy cafes, food markets, art galleries, and plenty of unexpected green corners (or even huge parks) to relax in.
Bucharest, Romania’s capital city, is the place where you will find some of the best restaurants in the country, amazing music festivals and art events, quirky museums, a huge music and creative scene, and a pace of life that can be both frantic and oddly relaxed – sometimes all in the same day.
Bucharest is perfect for anyone who wants to see the real Romania. It has friendly locals, it is more affordable than many other European capitals, and it offers that “big city” vibe that many want, without the polished, touristy feel of other similar cities.
Now, let’s see how you can better prepare for visiting it or living here!
Getting to Bucharest & how to get around
Bucharest has one main airport: Henri Coandă (Otopeni), well connected to the city by bus, train, and taxi. Here are a few quick guides for getting around to other places:
- How to Get from Bucharest to Sofia
- How to Get from Bucharest to Budapest
- Bucharest to Timisoara – How to Get There
Getting around: The metro is clean, fast, and safe. Buses, trams, and trolleybuses cover most of the city. Uber and Bolt are easy to use and affordable. Learn more:
Where to stay in Bucharest
Bucharest has options for every budget, from luxury hotels to hostels and Airbnbs.
If you want to be close to everything, choose the city center (Old Town, Universitate, Piata Romana).
Useful articles for picking a great hotel:
- Best Cheap Hotels in Bucharest Close to the City Center
- Best Hotels in Bucharest near the Airport
- Best Hotels in Bucharest Close to the Train Station (Gara de Nord)
Best areas/neighborhoods in Bucharest
Things to do & see
There are tons of activities and places to see, and I have various articles dedicated to many of them – but there’s still a bunch left to cover. Until then, here’s what you should read:
- Top 10 Things to Do in Bucharest
- Bucharest Old Town Guide
- Short History of Bucharest
- Therme Bucharest – The Ultimate Spa Experience
If you want more:
- Bucharest Weekend Break: Itinerary & Tips
- Visiting the Palace of Parliament in Bucharest
- Neversea Kapital Festival
Food & eating out
Bucharest has a great food scene, offering everything from traditional Romanian dishes to international cuisine. Prices are lower than in most EU capitals, and if search well, there are plenty of amazing experiences to be had. Here are the articles you should read:
Living in Bucharest & expat life
Bucharest isn’t for everyone (if you’re a regular reader, you know I couldn’t adapt to living there), but for many expats and digital nomads, it’s a surprisingly good base: affordable, lively, and well connected both with other cities in the country, as well as the rest of the world (mainly Europe). Here’s what you need to know:
- Living in Bucharest: Pros & Cons
- Where to Retire to in Romania: Bucharest
- Best Cities to Live in Romania
- Budapest vs. Bucharest: Which One to Choose?
- How to Get Your Registration Certificate (EU & EEA citizens)
- How to Get a Residence Permit (non-EU citizens)
If you’re curious about the negatives, read my article: This Is How Bucharest Manages to Disappoint Me.
Travel tips & practical info
A few more things you’ll want to know before your trip or move here, even if the articles themselves are valid for the entire country:
- Can You Drink the Tap Water in Bucharest?
- How Much Money Should You Budget for Your Vacation in Romania?
- Is Romania a Third World Country?
- Finding a Job in Romania: How Difficult Is It?
- Is Romania LGBTQ+ Friendly?
- Living in Romania as a Foreigner: What Is It Like?
- How Much Money Do You Need as an International Student in Romania
- Cost of Living in Romania
- Salaries in Romania (usually higher than the average here)
Pin it for later!
If there are any specific things you would like to have me to write about Bucharest, please let me know by commenting below. There are so many things to do here that I don’t really know what to prioritize – knowing what YOU want to read would help a lot.
Want to see how Bucharest compares to other Romanian cities?
Check out my full Practical Guide to Transylvania or browse the rest of Romania Experience.
Bucharest might not be love at first sight for everyone, but if you give it a chance, you’ll uncover layers of history, hospitality, affordability, and vibrant culture. Whether you’re planning a short trip or a long-term move, I hope this guide helps you make the most of Romania’s capital.