The 15 Best Things to Do in Bucharest for First-time Visitors
Are you wondering what the best things to do in Bucharest for first-time visitors? Maybe you've been to Bucharest but want new ideas of fun places to explore. Either way, you've come to the right place!
This city has a ton to offer from delicious brunch spots to some of the world's best thermal baths. While many cities in Eastern Europe can't quite compare to cities like Barcelona or Rome, there is plenty of beauty to be explored, and reasons for visiting Bucharest.
The capital of Romania is home to some really cool attractions, as well as plenty of history and culture. We started and finished our three month Eastern European tour here, so got to experience quite a bit, as well as learn the best things to do in Bucharest, what to eat, and how to best get around.
In this article we are going to share everything there is to know for visiting this city for the first time, and things to do in Bucharest for first-time visitors and locals alike.
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📍 Where is Bucharest in Romania?
Bucharest is located in the south of Romania, close to the border of Bulgaria. Located inland, it is about 220 kilometers from the coast of the Black Sea. Romania is located in Eastern Europe, north of Bulgaria, east of Serbia and Hungary, south of Ukraine, and west of Moldova.
Bucharest is located in the south of Romania.
How to Get to Bucharest, Romania
Bucharest is a pretty well connected city to the rest of Romania, as well as the surrounding countries. Here are the different options for visiting Bucharest.
✈️ Flying into Bucharest
Bucharest has an international airport that is located just 20 minutes north of the city center. Domestic cities that fly directly to Bucharest include Baia Mare, Cluj Napoca, Iasi, Oradea, Satu Mare, Suceava, and Timisoara.
Other European cities that fly direct to Bucharest include Alghero, Alicante, Amsterdam, Antalya, Athens, Barcelona, Bari, Beauvais, Belgrade, Billund, Birmingham, Bologna, Brussels, Budapest, Castellon, Chisinau, Copenhagen, Dortmund, Dublin, Dusseldorf, Eindhoven, Frankfurt, Genoa, Istanbul, Liverpool, London, Luxembourg, Madrid, Mallorca, Malta, Marseille, Milan Bergamo & Malpensa, Munich, Naples, Nice, Nuremberg, Oslo, Paris, Pescara, Rome, Santander, Sevilla, Sofia, Stockholm, Stuttgart, Thessaloniki, Torino, Treviso, Warsaw, Valencia, Vienna, and Zurich.
Other international cities that operate to Bucharest include Dubai, Doha, Hurghada, and Tel Aviv.
Flight Tip: Using Skyscanner you can check the calendar to see which are the cheapest dates for flying to Bucharest.
Search for a flight to Bucharest:
🚆 Taking the Train to Bucharest
Another great option to get to Bucharest is by train. The main station is right in the center, and connects to many different domestic and international destinations.
We used the train to get from Bucharest to Budapest, and had an overnight route. We suggest upgrading to having bed for long journeys, and to make sure to bring plenty of food and drinks, as our train did not have a cafe or restaurant onboard.
It's also important to buy your tickets in advance, as there is limited seating, and prices tend to get more expensive when getting them the last minute.
🚗 Driving to Bucharest
When we did our three month road trip through the Balkans we actually decided to rent a car in Bucharest, starting and finishing our road trip there.
We found that driving through the Balkans and Carpathians was pretty seamless, and crossing borders never gave us any issues or took too long. So if you are planning on visiting from a nearby country, it could definitely be worth it to drive, especially as you can explore plenty of great spots along the way.
🚐 Other Options for Visiting Bucharest
If you're not keen on renting a car, and also can't find a super cheap flight or train ticket to Bucharest, then there are other options! One of them is to take a bus.
This is definitely the most affordable way to travel in Eastern Europe, and there are plenty of bus routes that connect to Bucharest from the surrounding major cities.
🚙 Bla Bla Car to Bucharest
Another great option for visiting Bucharest is to take a Bla Bla Car. This is a popular carpooling app that is used widely throughout Europe. It's great because you can search for your route and see which drivers are doing the trip, and at which times.
Often times Bla Bla Car is even cheaper than taking a bus, is more comfortable, and can be a fun opportunity to make a friend along the way. Additionally, you're helping someone pay for the gas used on their trip- win win!
🚌 Buses to Bucharest
Want to prebook a bus to Bucharest? Here are a few options:
Bucharest has plenty of flights around Europe, and the airport is just 20 km from the center.
Entry Requirements for Romania
When it comes to traveling somewhere new, it's important to make sure you know the requirements of entry. Here's all you need to know for visiting Romania.
🛂 Visa Requirements for Romania
For traveling in Europe, it can get pretty tricky with the Schengen Zone, European Union, Etc. Luckily Romania falls outside the Schengen Zone, so it's a great place to visit if you've already expired your time in the other European countries.
Many countries can enter Romania visa free for up to 90 days, the majority being from the Americas and Europe. There are however some countries that need to obtain a visa to enter Romania, if they don't have a Schengen Visa. Most of these are countries in Africa and Asia, and the full list can be found on the official website.
Local Adjustments for Bucharest, Romania
Whenever you travel there are things that you may forget about, that could be different from the place you are coming from. Here are a few of the local adjustments to have in mind while traveling to Bucharest, Romania.
🗣 Language in Bucharest
The official language in Bucharest is Romanian. Unlike the nearby Balkan countries, this is the only country in Eastern Europe that has a Latin-based language.
Romanian has a lot of similarities with languages such as Spanish and Italian. So if you speak one of these then you'll probably be able to pick up a bit of Romanian, as well as understand the basics of signs and menus.
🇬🇧 Do They Speak English in Bucharest?
There are plenty of people in Bucharest that do speak English, but if you are from a country that speaks one of the latin-based languages then you may want to try to communicate in your own language over English.
💶 What is the Best Currency to Use in Bucharest?
The currency used in Romania is the Lei. Currently (November 2024) 1 USD or 1 Euro is equal to about 4.5 Romanian Lei.
💳 Do I Need Cash in Bucharest?
In Bucharest you can use credit card for most restaurants, and many hotels. However, we do suggest taking out some cash at an ATM for smaller mom and pop shops, tipping, street vendors, and if you're staying at a budget hostel.
🔌 What Adapter Do I Need for Bucharest?
Romania uses the same plug types as the rest of Europe, which are types C & F. The standard voltage in Romania is 230 V and a standard frequency of 50 Hz. If you are from the US, make sure to buy an energy converter to ensure your electronics can safely be plugged in there.
🚰 Is the Tap Water in Romania Drinkable?
The tap water in Bucharest is not completely safe to drink, and it is advised to drink bottled water.
Many restaurants will give you bottled water when you order water, as this is typical throughout most of Europe. I personally still drank tap water without any problem, but my local friends did say it's better not to do so.
💸 Romanian Tipping Culture
The tipping culture in Romania varies depending on the service. We suggest tipping 10% on meals for standard service, and a bit more for great service.
This is because servers don't make high salaries, and tipping is very typical in restaurants. Services such as salons we suggest 10-15%, and taxis and hotel staff you can leave 5-10 lei to appreciate their service.
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The Best Things to Do in Bucharest for First-time Visitors
Now is the fun part- what to do in Bucharest on your trip! This city can be explored within a few days, but has plenty to offer. Here are the best things to do in Bucharest for first-time visitors.
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❣️ Roam the Old Town
One of the things that we love about traveling in Europe is that the majority of cities have a blend of modern and old. The old town in Bucharest is small and quaint.
We suggest spending some time to simply wander the cobblestone streets and admire the beautiful architecture of the buildings, interact with locals, and check out the shops and restaurants.
The Old Town is the most fun area of Bucharest to explore.
Want to do a tour around the city of Bucharest? Here are a few options:
🏤 Admire the Stunning Architecture
While you're exploring the old town, you'll notice there is some amazing architecture. But there are so many gorgeous buildings scattered around Romania's capital to see! Grab a scooter or put on your walking shoes and simply scope out the beautiful buildings around you.
Bucharest has such beautiful architecture to discover.
🏰 Check Out the CEC Palace
Another cool building to check out in Bucharest is the CEC Palace, which is so beautiful that you can even find couples taking wedding pictures there!
The CEC Palace is right in the heart of the old town.
🏫 Visit the Palace of the Parliament
Also known as the people's house, The Palace of the Parliament is the seat of the Romanian Parliament. It is actually known to be the heaviest building in the world, weighing a little more than 4 billion kg! Not only that, but it is the second biggest office building in the world after the Pentagon.
This massive building is definitely one of the things to do in Bucharest when it comes to sightseeing. The grand structure can be appreciated from down a long road with fountains and gardens in the middle.
The People's Parliament weighs more than 4 billion kg!
🏛 Check Out the Romanian Athenaeum
Wondering what to do in Bucharest for culture and art? Well, the Romanian Athenaeum is a gorgeous theater and concert hall in the center of the city that we highly recommend visiting.
It's beautiful both inside and out, and truly a pleasure for those that love photography. Also, if you get the chance make sure to check out what shows are playing during your stay!
The Romanian Atheneaum is stunning inside and out.
🎭 Visit the National Theater
If you're looking for a fun and local activity, then make sure to check out one of the shows at the Theater. Not only do they have plenty of great shows, but the interior is just gorgeous!
The National Theater is so beautiful inside.
💃🏻 Bonus: The National Theater Statue
Another thing we loved about coming to the national theater is the fun statue located right outside of it!
The statue outside the national theater is super fun.
⛪️ Stop by Stavropoleos Monastery Church
Right in the heart of the old town is a beautiful monastery that you can check out. With detailed architecture and a quaint garden area, this place is definitely worth popping in for a few minutes.
This is one of the top spots to check out in the old town of Bucharest..
🇷🇴 Admire the Arcul de Triumf
When people think of the Arc of Triumph, they automatically think of Paris. But did you know that there is also one that is almost identical in Romania? Right in the north of the city center you can find this beautiful monument, making you really feel like you've teleported to Paris!
🌳 Explore King Mihai Park
While you're checking out the Arcul de Triumf, you can also explore the great park right next to it. King Mihai park is a great place to enjoy open green spaces as well as the Japanese gardens inside.
This isn't a huge highlight, so we wouldn't include this for the absolutely best things to do in Bucharest for first-time visitors. However, if you want a relaxing day you can have a nice picnic here.
Another great thing that you can do is take the ferry around the lake, or dine on the lake. It is super cheap, and rides last about an hour giving you beautiful views of the entire park.
The ferry gives you great views of the entire park.
⛲️ Watch the Bucharest Fountain Show
Located between Alba Iulia Square and Constitution Square is a huge area of 44 beautiful fountains. If you happen to be traveling to Bucharest between the months of May and October, you can witness the magical show that is held. Every weekend there are dancing water displays which have music, lights & 3D projections.
This incredible show is amongst one of the best things to do in Bucharest for first-time visitors, and should be at the top of your list!
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📚 Check Out the Beautiful Bookstore Cărturești Carusel
Right in the heart of Bucharest is one of the most beautiful book stores you'll ever see. With winding white staircases and a well-lit two story building, this place is definitely worth popping in for a quick browse.
This beautiful bookstore is located in the heart of the old town.
❣️ Revolution Square
Want to learn about some intense Romanian History? Well, Revolution Square is one of the most historically significant spots in the country.
Formerly known as Palace Square, this is where Romanians would gather to listen to Ceaușescu's speeches, until it became a place of revolution. This building is where Ceaușescu and his wife fled via helicopter on December 22nd, 1989 (the day I was born!).
This is one of the most historically significant buildings in Romania.
🚶🏻♀️ Meander Through the "Pasajuls"
Pasajul actually refers to small streets, but there are a few that are definitely worth taking a walk down. Another thing that we noticed is that there are a couple that are "indoor passageways" which have bars and restaurants lined up inside. Here are some of the Pasajuls to check out.
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Pasajul Victoria
If you're looking for what to do in Bucharest for great photo spots, then this is definitely one for the Instagram. This adorable street has colorful umbrellas covering it, making it great to take a stroll down.
Pasajul Victoria îs full of colorful umbrellas.
Pasajul Englez
This is another of the pasajuls to check out if you're into photography. Just one street over from Pasajul Victoria, this grungy alley is complemented by its high arched window ceiling above it.
Pasajul Wilacross-Macca
This is one of the unique pasajuls that we mentioned that has bars inside. Pasajul Wilacross-Macca connects two streets with an indoor area that hosts a number of bars, specifically hookah spots. Crowded and loud, this is a fun way to soak up some of the city vibes of Bucharest.
These indoor passageways have restaurants and bars tucked inside them.
🧛🏻♂️ Take a Day Trip to Transylvania
Some of the best things to do in Bucharest for first-time visitors are just outside the city of Bucharest. Transylvania is a short ride away from the capital, and is home to gorgeous castles and quaint towns.
There are plenty of tours that you can take to see the highlights on a day trip. Here are a few different ones that you can choose from:
🧖🏻♀️ Relax at Therme Bucharest
We saved the best for last for the best things to do in Bucharest for first-time visitors, because we are seriously obsessed with this place.
Therme Bucharest may just be one of the best spas in the world. It is so much more than just some saunas and baths. It is a full experience, and you could easily spend an entire day there.
There are so many great activities at Terme di Bucarest.
This complex has everything from giant pools with revolving doors, to whirlpools, infrared light beds, hydromassage beds, and even a waterpark!
There are over 40 activities that go all day long with special seminars and experiences by experts, as well as themed saunas- one of them even being a movie theater! A full beach club and various eateries are two other things that make Therme Bucharest a place you easily spend days at.
This insanely awesome spot is equipped to entertain all ages, and is extremely affordable. Unlike many spas around the world, this is somewhere where all budgets can enjoy, and escape the busyness of Bucharest city. Therme is definitely one of the best things to do in Bucharest for first-time visitors, and should not be missed!
Moving Around Bucharest, Romania
Now let's check out what to do in Bucharest for transportation. We actually rented our car in Bucharest at the end of our stay, so we got to experience all different types of transportation throughout the city. Here are the different options for getting around.
🚶🏻♀️ Is Bucharest Walkable?
If you're looking to experience just the best things to do in Bucharest for first-time visitors, then you can do so by foot! However, there are some beautiful neighborhoods in the north of the city, and plenty of places to explore outside the city center that you'll want transportation for.
🚌 Public Transportation in Bucharest
Bucharest has plenty of trolleybuses and trams that can take you around the city for extremely cheap, as well as 4 metro lines. They run from 5 am to 11 pm, and tickets need to be purchased by loading a transportation card.
The two different types are the Multipu and Activ cards, which can be purchased at RATB kiosks at many stations and bus stops.
🚕 Private Transportation in Bucharest
If you want to get around a bit faster, you can either call a taxi, or get a Bolt, which is a popular app used for ride sharing (like Uber). Another option is grabbing a scooter.
This is personally one of our favorites, as it's a fun way to get around and explore places that aren't necessarily walking distance.
There are plenty of options for public transportation in Bucharest.
🚗 Renting a Car in Bucharest
For our three month road trip we rented our car in Bucharest, and had an amazing experience!
While you don't necessarily need a car for everywhere in Bucharest, it is really helpful having one to go from one end of the city to another, and definitely for reaching all of the amazing day trip locations that the area has to offer.
Rent a car in Bucharest:
Local Food & Drink in Bucharest
One of the best parts of traveling somewhere new is trying out the cuisine, and one of the best things to do in Bucharest for first-timers is to dive into the amazing food & drink scene of the city!
Being that Bucharest is the capital, it also has quite a few unique spots to eat. We're here to share both our favorite spots to eat, and some must try dishes for when you are visiting Bucharest, Romania.
🥩 What is Traditional Food in Bucharest? Must-Try Romanian Dishes
Now that you know how to get around to experience the best things to do in Bucharest for first-time visitors, we're going to share some of the local cuisine to try.
This cuisine of Romania is quite hearty, and has a lot of sour cream, cheese, and meats. Here are some of the must try Romanian dishes to have while in Bucharest.
- Sarmale: cabbage rolls
- Mici: minced meat sausages
- Ciorba: traditional soup
- Mamaliga: Romanian polenta
- Papanasi: traditional Romanian dessert
- Tuica: the national drink of Romania
🍴 Our Favorite Restaurants in Bucharest
When it comes to food in the Carpathians, some of our best meals were in Bucharest, especially when it comes to the brunch options! Here are some of our favorite restaurants Bucharest to try:
- Restaurant Hanu lui Manuc: traditional restaurant with live music
- Caru' cu Bere: stunning upscale eatery in the heart of Bucharest
- Il Peccato: Italian restaurant with delcious fish options
- Frudisiac: cozy cafe with a community style table
- Fior di Latte: high end restaurant with a sophisticated style and incredible menu
- Maison des Crepes: a cute cafe with all things crepe
- Grand Cafe Van Gogh: a cute art inspired cafe (more for the aesthetic)
- Bistro Acuarela: fresh dishes in a garden setting
- Brewery H: massive hall with local beers, concerts, and big events
While we've just included small lists of the highlights for the food & drink in Bucharest here, we've actually made a food Bucharest Food and Drink Guide so you can know where to go and what to order while eating out in Romania's capital.
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Where to Stay in Bucharest
Our favorite area to stay in Bucharest is the Old Town, as this is where you can find the the majority of the best things to do in Bucharest for first-time visitors.
Another great area is Primăverii. This is perfect for those that want a more luxury stay. This is the more upscale area of the city, which has fine dining and boutique shopping.
Want to book a place in the Old Town? Simply refer to the map below:
Looking to stay in Primăverii? Just check the map for the different accommodation options:
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Is Bucharest Safe?
We heard a lot of bad things when it came to safety in Eastern Europe, and are so happy to say that most of those things were not true at all, especially in Romania!
🌚 Is it Safe to Walk Around Bucharest at Night?
We really found Bucharest to be a very safe city, and didn't have any issues walking around solo or at night. Of course being a capital city you'll always want to pay attention to your belongings, as pickpocketing can be common anywhere with high populations.
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Other Things to Know About Visiting Bucharest, Romania
Now that you know the best things to do in Bucharest for first-time visitors, how to get around, and the options to get there, let's discuss some final details! Here are a few other things to know about visiting the capital of Romania.
📆 What is the Best Month to Visit Bucharest?
We personally think that the end of spring and beginning of fall is the best time to visit Bucharest for perfect weather. We went in early May and it was still pretty chilly at night, but June is definitely a great month to visit, as well as September, when the heat isn't as intense.
If you plan on visiting the beautiful nature outside of Bucharest, these are also great months as they aren't quite peak season, but all the snow on the mountains will have melted.
The best time to visit Bucharest is in June or September.
☀️ Weather & Packing for a Trip to Bucharest, Romania
Bucharest experiences all 4 seasons, so it gets very hot in the summer, and very cold in the winter. Depending on the time of year will of course depend on how you should pack for you trip. We definitely suggest having layers, as even in May it was cold at night.
No matter what time you plan on visiting though, make sure to bring a bathing suit! The thermal baths are amongst the best things to do in Bucharest for first-time visitors, and are definitely something you won't want to miss out on. The best part? They can be appreciated all year round!
🎒 Packing List for Bucharest, Romania
- Reusable Water Bottle (we use this water bottle from Cafago because it holds the temperature)
- Flip Flops for the baths (we personally always get Havaiana flip flops, as they are comfy and long lasting)
- Bathing Suit for the baths
- Towel for the baths
- Comfortable shoes for exploring
- Nice clothes to go out in
- Zippered Bag or Backpack - take a look at these backpacks for travelers!
- Power Bank (we use Anker power banks, as they are super long lasting and sturdy)
- Travel Adapter (we use Insignia travel adapters as they are affordable and reliable)
- Camera (we use the Sony A7Riii)
- Standard Lens (we use the Sony GM 24-70)
- Wide Lens to capture great panoramas and the buikdings (we use the Sony GM 14 F1.8)
- Tripod to get pictures while no one is around (We use the JOBY Rangepod Tripod)
- Travel toiletries (our favorites are from Sheer Alternatives because they're all natural and 100ml)
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🤔 Is Bucharest Good to Travel to?
There are so many great things to do in Bucharest, Romania, making it a great place to spend a few days. While many locals will say that Bucharest is their least favorite part of the country, we definitely think it deserves a visit.
Bucharest has so many stunning places to visit.
⏳ How Many Days Do You Need in Bucharest?
If you want to experience all of the best things to do in Bucharest for first-time visitors, you'll need at least a weekend.
You'll need at least two days for exploring the city itself, and a full day for the baths. Bucharest also makes for a great place to rent a car and explore some other great places nearby! You can easily spend 4-5 days enjoying Bucharest and some of its day trips.
Bucharest deserves a couple of days.
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