Bucharest may still be a city finding its feet after decades of hardship and destruction under the communist regime, which was overturned in December 1989. But don’t let that put you off. It has a buzzing nightlife with an abundance of bars, restaurants and clubs staying open until dawn. During daylight hours, just walking along the streets means stumbling across wonderful architecture – from neo-classical and gothic churches to famous landmarks including the Arcul de Triumf (modelled on its French counterpart) and The National Museum of Art.
I’ll be honest, there are many things to do in Bucharest, and a weekend wasn’t enough for us to explore the city’s full potential. We didn’t even have time to go shopping in Unirea Shopping Centre or venture to the outskirts to explore the castles and countryside that surround this fascinating city.
It also didn’t help that on our first night, a blizzard hit and about three inches of snow settled on the ground. The conditions made it difficult for us to get out and about on foot. We were there celebrating a friend’s birthday and despite some challenging February weather – including that blizzard on our first night – we absolutely loved it.
Find out why Bucharest is worth visiting here.
Quick Bucharest highlights
Best time to visit: April to October for warm weather and outdoor terraces, though winter has its own atmospheric charm
Top attractions: Palace of Parliament, Old Town (Lipscani), Stavropoleos Church, Caru’ cu Bere
Budget: £40-60 per day for mid-range travel (accommodation, meals, attractions)
How long: 2-3 days for the city centre, add extra for castle day trips
Getting around: Metro is cheap and efficient, Uber/Bolt for convenience, walking for the Old Town
Where to stay in Bucharest
Choosing the right neighbourhood makes all the difference to your Bucharest experience. Here’s what you need to know about the best areas and my hotel recommendations.
Old Town (Lipscani) is where most first-time visitors stay, and for good reason. You’re in the beating heart of the city with restaurants, bars and major sights all within walking distance. The atmosphere is electric, especially at night – though that does mean it gets noisy. If you’re a light sleeper, you might want to look elsewhere.
Calea Victoriei offers a more refined experience. This elegant boulevard is lined with beautiful Belle Epoque architecture, upscale shops and museums. It’s quieter than Old Town but still central enough that you can walk everywhere. This is where we stayed, and I loved having a peaceful base while being just minutes from the action.
Piața Unirii sits between Old Town and the Palace of Parliament. It’s well-connected by metro and slightly cheaper than staying right in Lipscani, while still being only a 10-minute walk from the buzzing nightlife and restaurants.
Where we stayed
Sarroglia Hotel sits just off Calea Victoriei in a brilliant location. The rooms are comfortable without being flashy, but what really stood out was the staff. Our receptionist recommended dining at Vatra (see below), which became one of our favourite meals of the trip – and that level of local knowledge is invaluable. £60-80 per night.
Other great hotels
For luxury, InterContinental Athénée Palace dominates Revolution Square with its grand 1914 facade. The location is unbeatable – opposite the Romanian Athenaeum and a five-minute walk to Old Town. From £120 per night.
If you want something special, The Marmorosch Bucharest is housed in a stunning former bank building with original 1920s Art Deco details. The rooftop bar has spectacular city views. £150+ per night but worth it for the interiors alone.
For mid-range, Moxy Bucharest Old Town brings a funky, younger vibe with a ground floor bar that buzzes at night. You’re a two-minute walk from Stavropoleos Church. From £55 per night.
Budget travellers should look at Ibis Styles Bucharest City Center for consistent quality at £45-55 per night, or Old Town Boutique Apartments for self-catering options around £40-50 per night.
The best things to do in Bucharest
Despite the cold weather, we still managed to make the most of our weekend in Bucharest and packed as much in as possible. I won’t pretend to be an expert, but what I definitely am is someone who had a riotously good time in a fascinating city that’s now one of the destinations to visit in Europe.
Here are some of my highlights from our Bucharest adventure.
The Palace of Parliament
The Palace of Parliament is the second-largest building in the whole world – and you feel it the moment you approach. This massive structure is also a constant reminder to the Romanian people of the communist regime under dictator Nicolae Ceaușescu and his blinding ambition for urban development.
Ceaușescu bulldozed a fifth of Bucharest’s historic centre to build what he ironically called ‘The People’s House’, crippling the economy with its extravagance and opulence. Not only is it probably the most controversial building in the country, it causes much disdain among the Romanian people. But nevertheless, understanding its history is essential to understanding modern Romania, which is why I think it should be on every visitor’s list.
We took a two-hour guided tour, though we only saw a minuscule area of the Palace – around five per cent. Our guide explained that the building has 2,500 chandeliers, 1,100 rooms, one million cubic metres of marble, and curtains weighing two tonnes threaded with real gold. Walking through room after enormous room, each more lavish than the last, you begin to understand the sheer scale of Ceaușescu’s megalomania.
Practical details: Adults 40 lei (£7), children under 7 free. March-October: 9am-5pm, November-February: 10am-4pm. Bring your passport – it’s required for entry.
Explore the Old Town (Lipscani)
Bucharest’s Old Town is where the city’s heart beats loudest. Founded in the 14th century, this was the main merchant district until World War Two, and you can still see that history in the architecture.
The cobblestone streets are lined with neo-baroque and neo-classical buildings, now housing everything from traditional Romanian restaurants to hipster coffee shops. Yes, it’s become quite touristy – wall-to-wall bars and souvenir shops in places – but if you visit early in the morning before the crowds arrive, you can still feel the authentic atmosphere.
Lipscani Street forms the main artery, but don’t stick to it. Wander down the side streets where you’ll find hidden gems. Pasajul Macca-Vilacrosse is a gorgeous yellow-glass covered arcade filled with cafes – perfect for a coffee break when your feet need a rest from the cobblestones.
The Old Town is compact enough to explore on foot in a couple of hours, though we found ourselves returning again and again, discovering new corners each time.
Stavropoleos Church
This charming church dating back to 1724 is probably one of my favourite places in Bucharest. Wandering through the busy Lipscani Old Town, you suddenly come upon this tiny building with a peaceful courtyard filled with ancient tombstones.
The architecture is stunning – a combination of Romanian, Oriental, Byzantine and late Italian Renaissance influences known as Brâncovenesc style. Step inside and you’re surrounded by ornate wooden details and intricate frescoes covering every surface.
What I loved most was the courtyard. Despite being surrounded by much larger buildings and just metres from bustling streets packed with tourists, it feels like a peaceful oasis where you can catch your breath and appreciate the craftsmanship.
Practical details: 8am-7pm daily, free entry. Gets crowded mid-morning – visit early or late afternoon for a quieter experience.
Revolution Square
Today, Revolution Square houses the Senate Building, but standing there in the snow, I couldn’t help thinking about what happened on 21 December 1989. This square witnessed Ceaușescu’s final moments in power. It was here, at the balcony of the former Communist Party Headquarters, that he stared in disbelief as the people gathered below turned on him. He fled the angry crowd in his helicopter, only to be captured outside the city a few hours later.
When we visited, the square was empty and snow-covered, with the Memorial of Rebirth – built to commemorate the Romanian revolution – looming above us. Despite the memorial’s unpopularity with locals (many find it ugly), I’m glad we saw it. Understanding this moment in history helps you understand the Bucharest you see today.
Also around the square: the beautiful Romanian Athenaeum, the Athénée Palace Hotel (opened in 1914, it was a notorious spy den in the years leading up to World War Two), and the University of Bucharest.
The Romanian Athenaeum
This 1888 concert hall is one of Bucharest’s most beautiful buildings. Designed by French architect Albert Galleron, it was financed almost entirely with money donated by the general public – you’ll see ‘Give one leu for the Athenée!’ inscribed on the facade.
The circular foyer is breathtaking with its marble columns, gold-adorned chandeliers and winding spiral staircases. The main auditorium has plush red seats and ornate wall frescoes. Even if you don’t attend a concert, you can visit for just £3 (cash only at the door).
If you’re lucky enough to be in Bucharest when the George Enescu Philharmonic Orchestra is performing, grab tickets. The acoustics are incredible.
The National Museum of Art
Romania’s largest art collection is housed inside the splendid former Royal Palace, first built in 1812. The building alone is worth seeing – grand staircases and ornate halls that give you a glimpse into how Romanian royalty once lived.
The museum has three main collections: ancient and medieval Romanian art, modern Romanian painting, and European art featuring works by Rembrandt, Monet and El Greco. While the European gallery is impressive, I found myself drawn to the Romanian modern art section. It’s rare to see such a comprehensive collection outside Romania, and it offers fascinating insight into the country’s artistic heritage.
Practical details: Calea Victoriei 49-53. Wed/Thu/Fri 10am-6pm, Sat/Sun 11am-7pm. Closed Mon/Tue. 15 lei (£2.50). Allow 2-3 hours.
Kretzulescu Church
Nestled amongst the grand buildings in Revolution Square, this small red-brick Orthodox church is easy to walk past without noticing. Built in 1722 in the Brâncovenesc architectural style, it’s tiny compared to its neighbours, which is part of its charm.
Step inside and you’ll find beautiful frescoes painted around 1860 by the famous Romanian artist Gheorghe Tattarescu. The church remains an active place of worship, so be respectful if you visit during services. The intimate scale makes it feel more personal than some of Bucharest’s grander churches.
Cărturești Carusel bookshop
Now one of Bucharest’s most Instagram-famous spots – and deservedly so. Housed in a beautifully restored 19th-century building, this four-storey bookshop is absolutely stunning.
The carousel staircase spirals through the centre, surrounded by white-painted shelves filled with books. Natural light floods in from the skylight above. There’s a cafe at the top where you can sit with a coffee and just absorb the architecture.
What surprises visitors is the extensive English-language section – you can actually buy books you can read, not just photograph the beautiful space. The top floor bistro serves excellent coffee and cakes.
Practical details: Strada Lipscani 55. 10am-10pm daily. Free to browse. Coffee from 15 lei (£2.50).
Cișmigiu Gardens
Bucharest’s oldest downtown park offers a peaceful escape from the city streets. Dating back to 1847, Cișmigiu Gardens still retains much of its original landscaping, with shaded paths winding through formal gardens and wilder, more romantic areas.
On warm days, locals flock here to walk the pathways, relax on benches, or hire a paddle boat to explore the central lake. In summer, families picnic, couples row boats, and students read under trees. We visited in winter, so the lake was frozen, but even then it was lovely to see how Bucharesteans use this space.
There’s something special about seeing authentic local life rather than tourist attractions. Grab an ice cream from one of the vendors, find a bench, and just watch the world go by.
Practical details: West of Calea Victoriei. Open dawn to dusk. Free entry. Boat hire in summer costs around 20 lei per hour. Gets crowded on sunny weekends.
Arcul de Triumf
Bucharest’s answer to Paris Arc de Triomphe was built in 1922 to commemorate Romania’s World War One victory. While not as colossal as its French counterpart at 27 metres tall, Bucharest’s arch has its own character.
What I appreciated is that the surrounding area is less chaotic than the Parisian roundabout, making it easier to actually appreciate the structure and take photos without dodging traffic. The arch sits at a quieter intersection in the northern part of the city.
Worth a stop if you’re heading to Herăstrău Park or the Village Museum.
Museum of Senses
This interactive museum is perfect if you’re travelling with kids or just fancy something different from historical sites and churches. The Museum of Senses features optical illusions, infinity rooms, and hands-on exhibits that play with your perception.
From 2D spaces that look 3D in photos to rooms that make you appear giant or tiny, it’s genuinely fun for adults, too. Every corner is Instagram-worthy, though it can get busy with people posing for photos.
The only downside is the location – about 30 minutes from the city centre, so budget for a taxi there and back.
Practical details: Strada Băiculești 29. 10am-10pm daily. Adults 45 lei (£7.50), children 35 lei (£6). Allow 60-90 minutes.
Village Museum (Muzeul Satului)
This open-air museum brings traditional Romanian village life to Bucharest with over 300 authentic buildings transported from villages across the country. Wooden churches, traditional farmhouses, windmills, watermills – each one furnished with period items.
What makes it special is walking between these different village sections, each representing a different region and time period. The museum spreads across a large park, so wear comfortable shoes – there’s quite a bit of walking involved.
It’s particularly lovely in good weather when you can take your time wandering. The museum offers a fascinating contrast to Bucharest’s urban architecture and communist-era buildings.
Practical details: Șoseaua Pavel Dimitrievici Kiseleff 28-30. 9am-5pm (winter) or 9am-7pm (summer). Closed Mondays. 20 lei (£3.50).
Therme Bucharest
Europe’s largest indoor spa complex opened in 2016, about 20 minutes from the city centre. Therme features multiple pools, waterslides, saunas, and wellness areas spread across three zones: The Palm (adults-only), Galaxy (family area with waterslides), and Elysium (premium wellness).
The outdoor pools are magical at sunset – floating in warm water with a cocktail while watching the sky turn pink is genuinely special. At £17-43 for full-day access depending on which zones you choose, it’s excellent value compared to similar spas in Western Europe.
Fair warning: it gets very crowded on weekends and holidays. Visit on a weekday afternoon for the best experience.
Practical details: Calea Bucureștilor 1K, Balotești. 10am-11pm daily. Galaxy zone 100-130 lei (£17-22), all zones 150-260 lei (£25-43). Book online. Bring flip-flops and towel or rent there.
Herăstrău Park
This is Bucharest’s largest green space, surrounding a huge lake in the northern part of the city. It’s where locals come to jog, cycle, or simply escape the urban bustle for a few hours.
You can hire boats to explore the lake, cycle the paths (bike hire available), or find a bench and people-watch. During the summer, the park hosts outdoor concerts and events. There are several cafes dotted around if you want to make an afternoon of it.
The park connects to the Village Museum, so you can easily combine both in one trip.
Practical details: Northern Bucharest. Free entry. Open 24 hours but best during daylight. Boat hire in summer from 25 lei per hour.
National Bank of Romania building
While you can’t tour inside without pre-booking (and slots are very limited), the National Bank building on Lipscani Street is worth seeing from the outside. Designed by the same French architect who created the Romanian Athenaeum, this is possibly the grandest building in the Old Town.
The neoclassical facade dominates the street, and when lit up at night, it’s particularly impressive. If you’re wandering the Old Town with your camera, make sure to include this.
Where to eat and drink in Bucharest
Caru’ cu Bere
This 1879 brewery is a Bucharest institution. We struggled to get a table for dinner but managed to squeeze in for a late lunch. Walking through the revolving doors, we were transported into another era.
The ornate Belle Epoque surroundings took my breath away – vaulted ceilings decorated with intricate patterns, stained glass windows, and carved wooden details everywhere you look. The atmosphere is lively and warm, packed with both locals and tourists.
The menu is extensive with traditional Romanian dishes like mutton stew, pork knuckle, and sarmale (stuffed cabbage rolls). The drinks selection features different beers, all brewed on-site or locally.
We were particularly touched when our waiter, discovering it was our friend’s birthday, brought out some bubbles for a toast and the biggest apple strudel cake I’d ever seen. We had lots of fun, and even though the food wasn’t quite as appetising as it first looked, this Bucharest institution should absolutely be on your hit list.
Details: Strada Stavropoleos 5. 10am-midnight Mon-Thu, 10am-2am Fri-Sat. Mains 45-75 lei (£7-12). Booking essential. Very loud – not ideal for intimate conversations.
Hanu’ lui Manuc
Stepping through the entrance of Hanu’ lui Manuc feels like discovering a secret courtyard in the heart of the Old Town. This isn’t just a restaurant – it’s Bucharest’s oldest operating inn, built in 1808 as a caravanserai for Armenian merchant Emanuel Mârzaian.
The moment you walk into the vast courtyard, surrounded by wooden galleries and balconies on all sides, you understand why this place has survived over two centuries. It’s atmospheric in a way that’s hard to describe – somewhere between a medieval merchant’s stopover and a festive village square.
We visited on a Friday evening when the live traditional music filled the courtyard. The wooden tables were packed with both locals celebrating and tourists soaking up the atmosphere. Our waiter navigated the crowds with practised ease, somehow remembering everyone’s orders without writing anything down.
The menu showcases all the Romanian classics. The sarmale (cabbage rolls stuffed with pork and rice) arrived steaming hot with a generous dollop of sour cream, while the mici (grilled meat rolls) were smoky and perfectly seasoned. Portions are substantial – we learned quickly that ordering too much is an easy mistake to make here.
What makes Hanu’ lui Manuc special isn’t just the food or the setting, but the sense of history. This courtyard hosted the preliminary negotiations for the Treaty of Bucharest in 1812. It’s been a theatre, a town hall meeting place, and a gathering spot for revolutionaries. Today, it’s simply a wonderful place to eat traditional Romanian food while musicians play and the evening unfolds around you.
Practical details: Strada Franceză 62-64, Old Town. Open Mon-Thu & Sun 10am-midnight, Fri-Sat 10am-2am. Booking recommended for weekend evenings. Expect to pay around 60-80 lei (£10-13) per person for a main course. The courtyard is magical in good weather, but there’s plenty of covered seating too.
Vatra
While tourists flock to the Old Town restaurants, locals quietly make their way to Vatra, tucked on a residential street near Cișmigiu Gardens. And they’re onto something.
Walking in, you’re immediately surrounded by warmth – both from the traditional Transylvanian textiles covering the walls and from the genuinely welcoming staff. The dining room feels like stepping into a mountain cabin, with wooden furniture, hand-woven fabrics, and shelves displaying traditional ceramics.
We came here based on the hotel’s recommendation, and within minutes of sitting down, we understood why they had insisted we book a table. This is authentic Romanian cooking without any touristy pretence.
The schnitzel here is legendary – and I don’t use that word lightly. Perfectly golden, impossibly tender, served amazing chips. We ordered them to share and spent the entire meal debating whether we should have got two portions. The chips are hand-cut, perfectly crispy on the outside and fluffy inside, seasoned with just the right amount of salt.
But it’s not just about the schnitzel. The papanași (Romanian fried doughnuts with sour cream and jam) are made fresh to order, arriving warm and light, nothing like the heavy versions you sometimes find elsewhere.
The location, just a short walk from Cișmigiu Park, makes it perfect for a post-stroll dinner. It’s close enough to the Old Town to be convenient (about 10 minutes on foot), but far enough removed to feel like you’ve discovered something the tour groups haven’t found yet.
Practical details: Strada Actor Ion Brezoianu 19, near Cișmigiu Gardens. Open daily 12pm-11:30pm. Booking strongly recommended – it fills up quickly, especially on weekends. Mains around 40-60 lei (£7-10). The restaurant accepts cards. A 10-minute walk from Old Town, or a quick taxi ride if you prefer.
Bucharest nightlife
Bucharest has earned its reputation as one of Eastern Europe’s party capitals. The Old Town comes alive after dark, with bars and clubs staying open until 5-6am on weekends.
The atmosphere is energetic and welcoming, mixing locals and tourists. Entry is often free or cheap, and drinks are incredibly affordable – cocktails 25-40 lei (£4-7), beer 15-25 lei (£2-4). Many venues feature live music, DJ sets, or themed nights.
Thursday through Saturday are the big nights out. For something more sophisticated, rooftop bars offer spectacular views with craft cocktails.
Practical information
Getting to and around Bucharest
From the airport: Express Bus 783 runs every 15 minutes to Piața Unirii for 7 lei (£1.20). Takes 40-50 minutes. Uber and Bolt work well in Bucharest and are often cheaper and more reliable than traditional taxis.
Metro: Cheap, clean and efficient. Single tickets 3 lei (50p), 10-journey card 20 lei (£3.50). Doesn’t cover Old Town itself but gets you close – Piața Unirii is the nearest station.
Taxis: Try to agree on a price before you set off, or insist on using the meter if using local yellow taxis. Or use Uber or Bolt – prices are fixed upfront, no negotiation needed, and you can see the route.
Walking: Old Town, Calea Victoriei, and Revolution Square are all easily walkable.
When to visit
Best: April to October for warm weather and outdoor terraces. Summer (June-Aug) gets hot (35°C) but feels most vibrant. Spring/autumn (April-May, Sept-Oct) give pleasant 15-25°C without peak crowds.
Winter: Can be harsh. When I visited in February, we had a blizzard with temperatures well below freezing. It’s atmospheric with snow-covered streets, fewer tourists and lower prices. But pack serious layers and decent shoes.
Budget
Accommodation: Budget £30-50, mid-range £60-90, luxury £120+
Food/drink: Coffee £2-3, casual meal £6-10, mid-range restaurant £10-18, beer £2-4
Attractions: Many churches free, museums £2.50-£4, Palace tour £14
Transport: Metro 50p, Uber across city £3-6
Daily budget: Backpacker £35-50, mid-range £60-90, luxury £150+
Bucharest offers incredible value compared to Paris, London or Rome.
Day trips from Bucharest
Bran Castle (Dracula’s Castle) sits 2.5 hours from Bucharest. While Bram Stoker never visited Romania and Vlad the Impaler had only tenuous connections to this castle, it’s still atmospheric. The mountain setting is spectacular. Combine with Brașov’s medieval Old Town and Peles Castle. Tours £30-60.
Peleș Castle near Sinaia is often called Europe’s most beautiful castle. This Neo-Renaissance masterpiece has jaw-droppingly ornate interiors – 160 rooms with German stained glass, Murano chandeliers, and ebony and ivory furniture.
Transylvania full-day tours combine Bran Castle, Peleș Castle, and Brașov. Long day (12+ hours) but you see three highlights, through GetYourGuide or Viator.
Frequently asked questions
Is Bucharest worth visiting?
Absolutely. Bucharest surprised me in the best way. It’s not classically beautiful like Paris or Rome, but it has character, fascinating history, fantastic food, and incredibly affordable prices. The mix of Belle Epoque architecture, communist buildings, and modern developments creates a unique atmosphere you won’t find elsewhere.
How many days do you need?
2-3 days is ideal for the main city highlights. Add 1-2 extra days for castle day trips. We saw quite a lot in a long weekend, though we could have easily spent longer.
Is Bucharest safe?
Yes, generally safe. Violent crime against tourists is rare. Main issues are pickpockets in crowded areas and taxi scams (use Uber/Bolt). We walked around at night without problems, even in Old Town’s busy nightlife district.
What’s the best area to stay?
Old Town for first-timers wanting action (gets noisy). Calea Victoriei for a refined, quieter atmosphere while staying central. Piața Unirii for good value and metro connections, 10 minutes from Old Town.
Do you need to speak Romanian?
No, you can get by with English in tourist areas, hotels, and restaurants. Young Romanians generally speak good English. Learning basic phrases like “mulțumesc” (thank you) is appreciated and gets smiles.
What’s the nightlife like?
Bucharest has a reputation as one of Eastern Europe’s party capitals. Old Town fills with bars and clubs open until 5-6am at weekends. Entry often free, drinks cheap (cocktails £4-7, beer £2-4), and there’s a venue for every taste. Thursday through Saturday are big nights.
Last thoughts
Despite the February blizzard and taxi shenanigans, Bucharest won us over completely. It’s a city that doesn’t try too hard to impress – beauty is in the details, the stories, the contrast between old and new.
The food scene alone is worth the trip. Where else can you eat traditional Romanian cuisine in a 1879 brewery, explore stunning Orthodox churches, and experience fantastic nightlife, all without spending more than £50 for the entire day?
Bucharest isn’t trying to be Paris or Berlin. It’s confidently itself – a bit rough around the edges, full of contradictions, surprisingly affordable, and utterly fascinating. If you’re looking for an authentic European city break that hasn’t been polished for tourists, book those flights.
Have you been to Bucharest? What were your highlights? Let me know in the comments below.
Looks like an intersting capital to visit, in every season !
I think I would like to go back in Summer… I think it would have a much different vibe. At least then we could enjoy the parks and greenery!
My parents are going to Bucharest in June. I will forward this post to them as I think it will be very useful for them to read. Thanks.
Oh, that’s great. I am so glad that this will be of use to someone! Hope your parents enjoy and I’ll be interested to know what they think!
Glad to hear your friend gets better -what an accident!
Thanks so much for the tips! I bookmark it – save it as my guide list when about to visit Bucharest. The snows make the city look pretty 😉
It was really, really scary. We were all quite shaken! The city is definitely edgy. I wouldn’t call it beautiful, but so interesting. Hope you get to go there one day!
Wow I’m so sorry about your friend but glad she is ok. Your trip sounds amazing though and the food is pretty interesting! Turkey testicles would’ve been something I would be boasting to my friends hahaha!! Really enjoyed your post. Too bad I skipped Bucharest when I went to Eastern Europe with my mom. She was scared of vampires (haha!!).
Yes, it was awful, but thankfully she was ok. You never think to look up when walking in a city! Yep, the turley testicles were pretty awful but at least I tried and we took lots of photos but it looked like an olive! So no one believed us! ha ha!
Sounds like you had a good time, I hope your friend is alright now! This reminds me I need to revisit the Palace of Parliament, I want to do the full tour that includes a view from the rooftop and a tour of the basement, but I’m waiting for warmer days. 😀
She fine now, thanks for asking. A little scar which is fading! The tour was interesting, although the guide didn’t speak very loudly! I had to stand very close to him! And the balcony was shut because of the bad weather which was a shame!
Ting, THIS is why you’re my favourite travel read! What a fab post which makes me want to jump on a plane and visit this weekend! (Not going to happen btw, but still, you get my point.) Those eateries look amazing. Glad to hear that your friend is ok – scary that these things can happen in an instant. (P.S. Please do link up some of your fab travel posts at my #ShareTheJoy link up every Monday x)
Thanks Michelle, that’s lovely to read… means a great deal from a fab blogger such as yourself! I will definitely pop over for a link up… I didn’t realise travel posts counted, but I suppose they are all very joyful! 🙂 x
Oh god they really were awful. We pretending we were on some Buchtucker Trial!
Thanks Hanne, I really do hope you get to visit it one day!
I have never been to Bucharest but you’ve definitely made me want to visit! Caru’ cu Bere sounds like such a nice restaurant! Great tip about the taxis.
I was thinking of you today! I was thinking that if theres a travel group in Tots100 you’d be number 1! This is an awesome trip again. So in-depth. Thanks for sharing =) #sharewithme
You are so lovely Merlinda, really. That’s such a nice thing to say.
Wow love all the amazing photos and great tips here in Bucharest. Looks like you all made the most of it. Great trip to remember. Thank you so much for linking up to Share With Me #sharewithme
Thanks Jenny, it was a great trip apart from the falling ice. But we all came home intact 🙂
We spent 4 days in Budapest last year and really that wasn’t long enough either there was so much to see and do both in Buda and Pest. Am interested to read your recommendations too – we went in April and it was a little warmer but looks very pretty in the snow!
It was pretty, but very cold! Thanks so much for stopping by. Sorry the Comment Luv issue keeps popping up. I have no idea why…
Thanks for the tips (I love how organized this is)! I think I’ll plan my trip for the summer though–no blizzards for me, thanks 🙂
Yes, I have a feeling that wandering around the city in the sunshine will be a much nicer experience. Hope you have a wonderful time.
It’s not on my list but that’s probably my loss. I just don’t have the time 🙁 Thanks for the great guide 🙂
Bucharest wouldn’t have been on my list either but for my friends. Glad I experienced it, but the weather was hideous back in February when we went!
I’d love to visit Bucharest! Definitely next on my list of places in Europe to go, along with Vienna and Barcelona!
Thanks for sharing
I like the way you described the things you can do in Bucharest, where you can go eat, drink and visit. Also, as you did not include anything about accommodation, I recommend you try http://www.luxapartments.ro, low prices and great apartments!
Hey! Thank you for the great article for winter Bucharest! We were planning some trips with friends, probably a long-weekend or something. We will be like 3 (or 4) travelling to otp airport and probably booking some hostel room somewhere in the city centre. But I was really confused with airport trasnfers… How can we get easily and safe into the city? Are transfer services like them good http://bucharesttransfer.com/? Or taxis? are they reliable? Could you tell me some info about public transport? Thanks a lot!
Sorry I can’t comment on public transport because we just got cabs – including from the airport. You just have to make sure you agree the price before they set off.