Romania is perhaps one of the most underrated countries in southeastern Europe. With a little bit dark recent history and even more prejudices and stereotypes around, it Romania is still one of those countries where tourism is not crowding and where is still possible to experience the real culture of the country, and that’s one of the main reasons to visit it now.

Its capital, Bucharest is certainly worth to visit during your Romania trip and it will be most probably your entry point, especially if you are reaching by plain from any of the connecting airports.

Certainly, Bucharest it’s not the average European capital, with lots of tourists, massive lines to get to that museum or big groups walking around everywhere you go. Bucharest is still keeping a very local charm and a beauty that it’s not easy to see, at first sight, let’s be honest, it’s not the prettiest city, but the culture, history and especially its people will catch your heart.

This was my second time in the city and this time it was together with Experience Bucharest, a private project made by Romanians who love tourism and their country and they are organizing trips to promote and show Romania to the world through Social Media.

Best things to do in Bucharest

Spend some time in the Old Town

Bucharest was called the “Little Paris” for many years, not only for the architectural similarities but also due to the facts the locals were actually using French to greet each other, you can still hear some French words in Bucharest being used daily.

The area of the Old Town was one of the few in the city keeping its cobbled streets and preserving the old buildings, and today is one of the most popular areas and also my favorite, hosting some of the best restaurants, bars, and cafés in a small area.

Don’t miss the Pura Vida Sky Bar, it’s having one of the best views of the Old Town and its location is just perfect. If you are on a budget this is also a hostel (Check their rates here on Booking.com at no extra cost for you, plus you help me getting a small commission to keep running this blog)

The Nomad Skybar is one of my favorites, beautifully decorated and with a great menu, their service is perfect and attentive and the views of the Old Town sunsets are also great!

 

Visit the Historic Churches

– The Stavropoleos Church and Monastery

This beautiful church was built in 1724 by a monk from Greece, from the village of Ostanitza near Albania. The structure mixes styles from the brancoverno period and when it was built it was as a two/tier inn, who then had attached the church and the monastery. This was usual in that time, so the monastery could be economically supported by the hotel income.  The architect kept the style of the 18th century in the courtyard and monastery that was built in the 20th century.

Today in the Courtyard you will find a glimpse of the past and there are located the tombs and in the church and the monastery are Icons and representations from the Orthodox Church, you will see baroque and medieval decorations in stone and wood. These Icons in the Stravropoleos Church are preserved better than in any other church in Romania.

Inside this orthodox church, you will find the Christ Pantocrator, the name of the image on the dome inside the church. Each image located in the interior has meaning and represents different moments of the life of Jesus and in the main image, you can see Christ on the right as well as the protectors of the church, and the Virgin Mary on the left.

Today the Monastery is still working as its name says and there are 6 sisters living in the monastery.

But it also has a small museum with relics from the 17th century, including Frescoes, objects, the throne of the ruler of that time, Icons painted in the glass, and more than 500 Manuscripts used by church musicians. It’s a testimony of a different and very interesting form of music writing, they look like Arabic lyrics, but they are musical notes that the sisters can read even today.

. The Old Court Church (1554) Biserica Sfântul Anton

It’s considered the oldest one preserved in its original form in Bucharest. It was dedicated to the rulers of the capital when they moved from another city to Bucharest.

The patio was attacked many times because the enemies always wanted to destroy it as they were keeping the most valuable objects inside.

In each attack they stole valuables, so today there’s not much left and due to this there are very few valuable objects left in the museum. They are mainly religious objects of the Orthodox Church and you should try not to miss the center frescoes on the altar, they are originals.

– The Romanian Patriarchal Cathedral

The cathedral does not look like one as it was the monastery church and between the 18th and 19th century, the cathedral suffered many changes.  In 1715 was the largest intervention and enlarged the church. The original plan was to build a new Cathedral, but in the end, three churches were modified and united into one.

 

Visiting the Romanian Atheneu

The Atheneu in Bucharest is one of the most beautiful buildings and one most Romanians are very aware of it. It was built with the help of citizens donations through a campaign asking “Give one Leu for the Athenaeum”.

It was inaugurated in 1888 and from the outside, this place looks very interesting and promising, but once you get inside your breath will be cut by its beauty!

I was absolutely surprised by this place not many people visit. It’s the right place to go for a concert for as cheap as 3€ or just enjoy the colorful and shiny interior of this building.

More details at   fge.org.ro

Take a walk to the Arcul de Triumf

There’s no Paris without the Arc de Triomphe, right? In Bucharest they have a replica of the famous one at the Champs-Elysees, the actual version of it was built in 1936 to celebrate the victories of Romania in the WWI.

The Arcul de Triumf is a beautiful 27 meters tall construction and when you look closer you see the details in the marble made by the sculptors working on this piece.

It can be visited on very special occasions and as we were part of an organized trip with #ExperienceBucharest we were invited to go up to the terrace!

Get impressed by the size of the Parliament

The building of the Parliament in Bucharest is the second largest administrative building in the world, first is the Pentagon.

It was built between 1984 and 1989 during Nicolae Ceausescu dictatorship and initially called “The Socialism Victory”, after the end of this period, this building with 1100 rooms, 30 saloons, 4 restaurants, 3 libraries, and a concert hall,  it’s been hosting The Senate, The Chamber of Deputies, the Constitutional Court, the Contemporary Art Museum, you can have a coffee with a great view on its terrace!

Enjoy a quiet morning at Bellu Cemetery

It might sound creepy for some people but I love to visit cemeteries everywhere I go. It feels like an important part of the history is there and they are usually beautiful and quiet places to take a walk and get a calm moment in big cities.

The Bellu Cemetery is having 28.000 square meters and it’s the biggest in Bucharest. It’s organized in 3 main sections where are found academics,  writers, and artists. Go to visit and know more about this fascinating place with lots of stories about the real and the other world.

 

Get a boat ride at Herăstrău Lake

The Herăstrău Park One of the very lovely places in Bucharest to get closer to nature and take a walk, or even better a boat ride in the lake.

 

Take that Instagram shot at Pasajul Victoria and Vilacrosse

A little glimpse of Paris (there’s an exact copy of this passage in Taksim Istanbul) in the Passajul Vilacrosse, it was part of a famous hotel that now hosts some cafes and stores.

If you keep walking through Calea Victoriei you will find this super Instagrammable spot with colorful umbrellas. I found this because it was very close to the Raddison Blue Hotel where I was staying at that time. (Check the rates and best offers)

 

Where to Stay in Bucharest

Something very nice about traveling in Romania is hotels in general and also in Bucharest are very affordable, they range from$7 – $783 per night suiting to every budget »» check availability and the best prices here

Luxury:
I stayed at the Radisson Blue and I highly recommend it!  The location is perfect, close to everything on a walking distance.
The rooms and bathrooms are big and the bed was very comfortable. Prices are starting at $120 and it’s having an 8.8 rating on Booking.com from other travelers.

Mid-range:
Hotel Venezia by Zeus International is a gorgeous old renovated hotel with a beautiful design and location in the city center.
With prices starting at $55 and an 8.0 rating on Booking.com (read reviews here), I’d recommend this hotel for travelers who want more privacy and they have more budget to afford a good place.

Budget:
Not only for the location but for the great bar at the rooftop, the Pura Vida is a good option for budget travelers. With prices starting at $9 and an 8.0 rating on Booking.com (read reviews here).

Airbnb operates really good in Bucharest, the average cost for a private room is $30 and you can even rent a whole flat for a bit more —> Are you new to Airbnb? Use our code and receive money for your first stay, we will get credit too 

 

Things to Know Before Visiting Bucharest

It’s hard to talk about Romania without speaking about the gypsies, more correctly called Roma or Romani.

There is a generalized bad reputation of this minority originated in India and spread all over the world for centuries. The Roma people in Romania is not small in number (they are the second-largest ethnic minority in Romania) and despite the bad image associated to them, related to crimes and poverty you see none of this in Romania.

Romania, including Bucharest, is very safe, even more than most of the Western European countries.

The Romanian Language

Traveling to Romania can be very pleasant and if you already speak Spanish or French, or any other language with Latin roots you will hear very familiar words, as the Romanian language is closely related to them.

If you speak English it will not be hard to communicate with most of the people especially in Bucharest, I found lots of Romanians speaks very good English.

Currency in Romania

Despite being part of the European Union, Romania doesn’t use the Euro as a currency, their own currency is the Romanian Leu or LEI. Don’t freak out when you see the price tags and you don’t see this word, what you will see in the prices tag is the word RON.

This currency difference is actually good for your pocket as the Lei is still making prices in Romania slightly cheaper than most European countries.

Don’t forget to try their unique chocolate filled with Ruhm, called RON, it was very famous during the communist times and now is back again with new flavors and versions. I took some as a souvenir and I was happy not everyone loved them so I could enjoy them all!

WiFi in Bucharest

One of my best memories on my first trip to Bucharest was to realize how fast is internet here! The WiFi in Bucharest is just flying and you can upload a Youtube video in seconds. Sound like any digital nomad paradise, uh?

Bucharest Public Transport

The public transportation system in Bucharest is combining buses, trams, and metro, running since 1979. It’s generally quick and easy to use and even connecting with the airport.

Keep in mind traffic can be VERY BAD in Bucharest, especially in rush hours, so keep this in mind when planning your journeys, especially connecting to the airport as a normal ride of 30 minutes can turn easily into more than two hours, it happened to me twice already!

Taxis are sadly a bit famous for the several scams some dishonest taxi drivers perform against tourists. They are also very cheap and a good way to move around, just be very aware, always ask for a working meter or a fixed tariff, or don’t stress at all and use Uber. (If you are not having an account start with my code and get free money for your first ride!)