🇷🇴 Romania
Bucharest travel guide
Bucharest is Romania's chaotic and charming capital, nicknamed "Little Paris of the East" for its Belle Époque architecture and grand boulevards. The city presents stark contrasts: ornate French-style villas next to brutalist Communist blocks, including the massive Palace of Parliament. Excellent nightlife, hip cafés, and gateway to Transylvania.
Language
Romanian (English growing)
Currency
Romanian Leu (RON)
Timezone
EET (GMT+2) / EEST (GMT+3 summer)
Best time
April to October
Budget/day
€40-90
When to visit
Jan
-5°C to 2°C
Feb
-3°C to 5°C
Mar
0°C to 12°C
Apr
7°C to 18°C
May
12°C to 24°C
Jun
15°C to 28°C
Jul
17°C to 31°C
Aug
17°C to 31°C
Sep
12°C to 25°C
Oct
7°C to 17°C
Nov
2°C to 10°C
Dec
-2°C to 4°C
Safety
safeBucharest requires moderate vigilance. Petty theft, particularly around Gara de Nord railway station and Calea Victoriei tourist areas, is the main risk. Keep bags close in crowds, be alert around ATMs, and use Uber (widely available) rather than hailing street taxis. Most areas are safe during the day.
Women travellers
Reasonably safe. Some taxi scams — use Bolt or Uber. Pickpockets in crowded areas.
Culture & etiquette
- + Tour Palace of Parliament
- + Explore Old Town nightlife
- + Visit Village Museum
- + Walk Calea Victoriei
- - Don't use random taxis
- - Don't skip the contrasts
- - Don't overlook architecture
- - Don't exchange at airport
Food to try
Mici/Mititei
Grilled minced meat rolls
Sarmale
Cabbage rolls
Ciorbă de burtă
Tripe soup
Mămăligă
Polenta
Papanași
Fried donuts with cream
Țuică
Plum brandy
Hidden gems
Details are indicative and may change. Verify visa, safety, and entry requirements before travel.