Bucharest, the capital city of Romania, is a bustling metropolis that encapsulates the essence of the country’s cultural and historical heritage. Known as the “Paris of the East,” Bucharest boasts a unique blend of architectural styles ranging from Gothic to Art Nouveau, providing a mesmerizing visual feast for visitors. From its iconic landmarks like the Palace of the Parliament to its charming old-town streets, Bucharest offers an immersive experience of Romanian culture.
One of the main draws of Bucharest is its rich history, which is evidenced in its numerous museums, monuments, and landmarks. The National Museum of Art of Romania, the Village Museum, and the Museum of the Romanian Peasant are just a few of the fascinating institutions that showcase the country’s cultural heritage. Additionally, visitors can explore the Old Town’s cobbled streets, which offer a glimpse into the city’s past and present.
Bucharest also has a dynamic cultural scene that includes theaters, music venues, and art galleries. The Romanian Athenaeum, an iconic concert hall in the city, hosts classical music concerts, while the National Theatre hosts a range of productions, including contemporary plays and ballet performances. Meanwhile, the city’s burgeoning street art scene offers a modern twist on Bucharest’s historical backdrop.
Bucharest is a must-visit destination for anyone seeking an immersive cultural experience. The city’s rich history, stunning architecture, and dynamic cultural scene provide a captivating glimpse into Romania’s past and present.
3 Days in Bucharest
Bucharest, the vibrant capital city of Romania, is a hidden gem waiting to be discovered. With its rich history, stunning architecture, and dynamic cultural scene, Bucharest is a must-visit destination for anyone seeking a unique and authentic travel experience. Here’s a suggested itinerary for spending three days in Bucharest:
Day 1: Discover the Old Town
Start your day by exploring the charming Old Town of Bucharest. The cobblestone streets, colorful buildings, and quaint cafes will transport you back in time. Visit the Stavropoleos Monastery, one of the oldest and most beautiful churches in the city. Take a stroll through the bustling Lipscani Street and browse the antique shops, bookstores, and art galleries. Enjoy a traditional Romanian lunch at Caru’ cu Bere, a historic restaurant with a stunning Art Nouveau interior.
In the afternoon, visit the Palace of the Parliament, one of the largest administrative buildings in the world. Take a guided tour to learn about the history and architecture of this impressive structure. End your day by watching the sunset over the Dambovita River from the rooftop terrace of the National Museum of Contemporary Art.
Day 2: Explore the Cultural Scene
Start your day by visiting the National Museum of Art of Romania, which houses an impressive collection of Romanian and European art. Next, head to the Romanian Athenaeum, an iconic concert hall in the heart of the city, and catch a classical music performance.
In the afternoon, visit the Museum of the Romanian Peasant, which showcases the traditional way of life and culture of rural Romania. Alternatively, explore the Palace of Culture in Iasi, a beautiful building that houses several museums, including the Museum of Ethnography and the Museum of History.
End your day by visiting the Carpathian Mountains and enjoying the natural beauty of the region. You can go hiking, mountain biking, or simply relax in one of the many thermal spas.
Day 3: Discover Bucharest’s Architecture
Start your day by visiting the Cotroceni Palace, the official residence of the President of Romania. Explore the palace’s beautiful gardens and the impressive collection of art and artifacts inside.
Next, visit the Arcul de Triumf, a triumphal arch that was built to commemorate Romania’s independence. Take a stroll through the Herastrau Park and visit the Village Museum, an open-air museum that showcases traditional Romanian houses and buildings.
In the afternoon, head to the Dimitrie Gusti National Village Museum, which houses an impressive collection of traditional houses and artifacts from all over Romania. End your day by enjoying a drink at one of the many rooftop bars in Bucharest, where you can take in the stunning views of the city at night.
Bucharest is a city that offers something for everyone. Whether you’re interested in history, architecture, or culture, you’ll find plenty to discover in this vibrant and fascinating city.
How to get to and around Bucharest
Bucharest, the capital city of Romania, is well connected by air, train, and bus. The Henri Coanda International Airport, also known as Otopeni Airport, is the main airport in Bucharest and is located about 18 km north of the city center. From the airport, you can take a taxi, bus, or train to reach the city center.
If you prefer to travel by train, Bucharest has two major train stations: Gara de Nord, which is the main train station and serves international and domestic destinations, and Gara de Baneasa, which serves mostly regional trains. Bucharest is also well connected by bus, with several bus companies operating routes to and from the city.
Once you arrive in Bucharest, there are several options for getting around the city. The metro system is an efficient and affordable way to travel around Bucharest, with four metro lines covering the city. The buses, trams, and trolleybuses are also a good option, with an extensive network of routes covering the city.
If you prefer to explore the city on foot, many of Bucharest’s main attractions are located within walking distance of each other, particularly in the Old Town area. Alternatively, you can rent a bike or take a bike tour of the city, which is a great way to see the sights while getting some exercise.
Taxis are also widely available in Bucharest, but be sure to use a reputable company and agree on the fare before starting your journey. Uber and Bolt are also available in the city.
In conclusion, Bucharest is a well-connected city with several options for getting around, including public transportation, walking, biking, and taxis. Choose the option that best suits your needs and preferences to make the most of your time in this fascinating city.
Places to stay in Bucharest
Bucharest, the capital city of Romania, offers a wide range of accommodation options to suit every budget and preference. Here are some suggestions for places to stay in Bucharest:
Grand Hotel Continental Bucharest – This luxurious 5-star hotel is located in the heart of the city, close to the Old Town and many of Bucharest’s main attractions. The hotel features beautifully decorated rooms, a spa, a fitness center, and several restaurants and bars.
InterContinental Bucharest – Another 5-star hotel located in the heart of the city, the InterContinental Bucharest offers stunning views of the city and is within walking distance of many of Bucharest’s main attractions. The hotel features modern rooms, a spa, a fitness center, and several restaurants and bars.
Athénée Palace Hilton Bucharest – This historic 5-star hotel is located in the city center, close to many of Bucharest’s main attractions. The hotel features elegant rooms, a spa, a fitness center, and several restaurants and bars.
Hotel Christina Plus – This modern 4-star hotel is located in the city center, close to the Old Town and many of Bucharest’s main attractions. The hotel features stylish rooms, a fitness center, and a rooftop terrace with panoramic views of the city.
Mercure Bucharest City Center – This centrally located 4-star hotel is within walking distance of many of Bucharest’s main attractions, including the Old Town and the Palace of the Parliament. The hotel features modern rooms, a fitness center, and a rooftop bar with stunning views of the city.
Little Bucharest Old Town Hostel – For budget-conscious travelers, this hostel is located in the heart of the Old Town and offers clean and comfortable dormitory-style rooms as well as private rooms at affordable prices.
Bucharest offers a wide range of accommodation options to suit every budget and preference, from luxurious 5-star hotels to budget-friendly hostels. Choose the option that best suits your needs and preferences to make the most of your time in this fascinating city.
What and where to eat in Bucharest
Bucharest, the vibrant capital city of Romania, offers a rich culinary scene with a wide range of traditional and modern cuisine. Here are some suggestions for what and where to eat in Bucharest:
- Sarmale – One of the most popular traditional dishes in Romania, Sarmale is made of cabbage rolls stuffed with a mix of ground pork, rice, and spices. Try it at La Mama restaurant, which is known for its traditional Romanian cuisine.
- Mici – Another traditional dish in Romania, Mici is a type of grilled sausage made of ground pork and beef, mixed with spices. Try it at Caru’ cu Bere, a historic restaurant in the Old Town known for its traditional Romanian food.
- Mamaliga – This traditional Romanian dish is similar to polenta and is often served as a side dish with meat or cheese. Try it at Hanu’ lui Manuc, a historic restaurant and inn that dates back to the 18th century.
- Covrigi – These twisted bread snacks are a popular street food in Bucharest and are often served with cheese or ham. Try them at Simigerie, a famous bakery in the Old Town.
- Papanasi – A traditional Romanian dessert made of fried dough, cottage cheese, and sour cream. Try it at La Pani, a pastry shop in the city center that offers a wide range of traditional Romanian desserts.
- Fusion cuisine – Bucharest also offers a vibrant fusion cuisine scene, with restaurants that blend traditional Romanian cuisine with modern flavors and techniques. Try Energiea, a popular restaurant in the city center that offers a fusion of Mediterranean and Romanian cuisine.
Bucharest offers a rich culinary scene with a wide range of traditional and modern cuisine. From Sarmale to fusion cuisine, there is something for every taste and budget. Try these dishes and restaurants to get a taste of Bucharest’s unique and diverse flavors.
Coworking in Bucharest
Bucharest, the capital city of Romania, is a bustling hub for entrepreneurs and digital nomads, with a growing number of coworking spaces that offer flexible workspaces and amenities for remote workers. Here are some of the best coworking spaces in Bucharest:
- TechHub Bucharest – TechHub is a global coworking community for tech startups and entrepreneurs, offering flexible workspace, mentorship, and networking opportunities. TechHub Bucharest is located in the city center and offers a vibrant community of tech professionals.
- Impact Hub Bucharest – Impact Hub is a global coworking network that focuses on social impact and sustainability. Impact Hub Bucharest is located in the heart of the city and offers flexible workspace, events, and programs that promote social entrepreneurship and innovation.
- Mindspace Bucharest – Mindspace is a global coworking network that offers premium workspace and amenities for remote workers. Mindspace Bucharest is located in the city center and offers a range of services, including a lounge area, meeting rooms, and networking events.
- Commons – Commons is a local coworking network with multiple locations in Bucharest, offering flexible workspace, events, and a community of entrepreneurs and remote workers. Commons has several locations across the city, including in the Old Town and in the trendy Floreasca area.
- Cluj Cowork – Cluj Cowork is a local coworking network with multiple locations in Bucharest, offering flexible workspace, networking opportunities, and a community of like-minded professionals. Cluj Cowork has several locations across the city, including in the trendy Herastrau area.
In conclusion, Bucharest offers a growing number of coworking spaces that cater to the needs of remote workers and entrepreneurs. Whether you’re looking for a vibrant community of tech professionals or a space that promotes social impact and sustainability, there is a coworking space in Bucharest that will suit your needs.