Bucharest 3-Day Travel Guide – What to See and Do in the Capital of Romania

The capital of the still relatively unknown and somewhat obscure Romania, a country whose stereotypes and prejudices stand in stark contrast to its huge tourism potential, Bucharest is quite different from any other city or town in the nation. A world away from the colorful façades, medieval castles and lush hills of Transylvania, Bucharest is a sprawling, gritty metropolis, boasting some of Europe’s most vibrant nightlife.

Once hailed as the “Paris of the East”, Bucharest suffered quite a lot under Ceausescu’s authoritarian rule, as the dictator had much of the city’s historic center and classical architecture demolished to give way to the dull, monochromatic apartment blocks and broad avenues that were so popular in communist regimes. Yet, amidst all this transformation, Bucharest still has a few things going for it, like its small Old Town, countless ancient byzantine churches and world-class public parks.

That being said, we invite you to have a look at our Bucharest 3-day travel guide and discover the best the city has to offer, including hotels, restaurants, tips to avoid tourist scams and even a detailed list with everything you must see and do in Bucharest in 3 days.

Bucharest 3-Day Travel Guide

How to get to Bucharest – Flights from the UK

Considering this is the largest and most important city in Romania, it comes as no surprise that the nation’s capital is served by the country’s biggest air hub: the Henri Coandă International Airport (also known as Bucharest-Otopeni).

As such, if you’re traveling from the UK, it is possible to fly directly to Bucharest from London-Heathrow (British Airways and TAROM), London-Gatwick (Wizz Air), London-Luton (Wizz Air), London-Stansted (Ryanair), Manchester (Ryanair), Edinburgh (Ryanair), Bristol (Ryanair), Birmingham (Ryanair and Wizz Air), Glasgow (Wizz Air), Liverpool (Wizz Air) and Leeds/Bradford (Wizz Air and Ryanair).

How many days do I need to visit Bucharest?

While the highlights of Bucharest can be comfortably explored in just 2 days, the capital provides a very limited experience of what Romania really has in store for tourists. As such, it’s highly recommended to add an extra day to at least get a little taste of Transylvania in Brasov.

Moreover, and since you’ll be flying to the other side of the European continent anyway, it might be worth extending your stay and exploring other gems of Transylvania, such as the towns of Sibiu, Sighisoara, Targu Mures or Alba Iulia, the cities of Cluj-Napoca and Timisoara, or the medieval castles of Bran (the Dracula Castle), Peles and Corvin. Aside from the most famous Romanian region, visitors may also explore the Danube Delta or, if your visit falls during the Summer months, the beaches along the Black Sea coast in Constanta.

Bucharest 3-day travel guide – Best time to visit the city

Considering the city is located in Eastern Europe, Spring, Summer and Fall are definitely the most sought-after months when it comes to booking a trip to Bucharest, with the period between May and September standing out as the most researched. However, keep in mind Summers can be unbearably hot in Bucharest, and the prices will be a tad higher when compared to the rest of the year (though still fairly affordable). As such, and unless you’re planning to visit the Black Sea coast as well, avoid July and August.

That said, if extreme temperatures aren’t really your thing, then definitely go for the shoulder-seasons (Spring and Fall), when the weather tends to be pleasant and mild.

Documents needed for your trip to Bucharest

Since Romania is part of the EU, British citizens do not need a visa to visit. You’ll just need your passport, which must have been issued within the last 10 years and remain valid for at least 6 months from the date of your trip.

However, keep in mind that starting in 2025, British passengers will need to apply for ETIAS in order to enter any EU country.

Bucharest 3-day travel guide – Withdrawals, banking fees and travel budget

With the Romanian Leu (RON) as the country’s official currency, any withdrawal using a UK bank card might incur in the payment of several different fees. Besides the percentual fee referring to the currency conversion, some UK banks may also charge a flat commission for withdrawals made outside the UK. In some instances, you may well end up paying 5%-6% of your original withdrawal in banking fees.

On the other hand, exchanging money before your trip is not a viable solution either. Besides not being any cheaper, it’s also not safe or wise to carry so much money on you during your trip. As such, we recommend using the services of online banking fintech companies such as Revolut, N26 or Monzo.

Although each have their own limitations and fees, they allow you to withdraw a certain amount in foreign currency without any fees involved. And even after that threshold is reached, costs are much smaller when compared to traditional banks. Keep in mind, though, this does not apply to fees issued by local banks for withdrawals made with foreign cards. Be that as it may, a message will always pop up every time there is a fee per withdrawal, so you will never be caught unaware. Sign up for Revolut for free >> to get 3 months of Premium.

It’s also worth mentioning that, much like other EU capitals, electronic payments are the norm in Bucharest, so you won’t have to worry too much about withdrawing money. Be that as it may, many small businesses still prefer cash, so always make sure to have at least some lei on you. Here are a few banks that currently do not charge any fees for withdrawals using foreign credit/debit cards (as per the day this post was published):

• CEC Bank
• ING Bank
• Banca Transilvania
• Banca Comerciala Romana

On the other hand, if you prefer to take cash and exchange your money in Romania, here are four exchange offices we can recommend in Bucharest:

• Global BIZ Amanet – several locations
• Tavex Aur & Valută – several locations
• Select Exchange – several locations
• Marie Exchange International – next to Piata Unirii

Bucharest 3-day travel guide – Common scams and frauds

Despite the negative reputation the country acquired in the 90s after the fall of the communist, when society fell into a controlled chaos, Romania’s steady development over the past two decades has transformed it into an extremely safe destination. In fact, if we take a look at the Global Peace Index, Romania actually ranks above countries with a tremendous number of tourist arrivals, such as Spain, Italy, France, the UK, Greece or the US. At the moment, strolling through Bucharest may even be safer and feel more comfortable than doing the same thing in some of Europe’s major destinations like Paris, Rome or Barcelona.

However, and much like you would do in any other big city, using your common-sense is key. That means no taxis whose drivers refuse to start the meter, no accepting help from strangers when you’re using an ATM or trying to buy metro tickets and always keeping an eye out for your stuff when you’re walking through busy areas (especially around Gare de Nord). To sum up: don’t do anything you wouldn’t feel comfortable doing anywhere else! Also, regarding money, remember to always double-check the rates with multiple providers to make sure you’re getting a fair deal if you choose to exchange money in Bucharest.

On a completely different note, and although things have been changing, Bucharest is still very much associated sex tourism, meaning it’s extremely easy to come across brothels or strip clubs. While this in itself poses no issue, the situation becomes way more tense when unsuspecting tourists are taken advantage of and, after a drink or two with the ladies, find themselves confronted with an exorbitant bill to pay. And don’t bother trying to reason, since the bouncers will be happy to “convince” you to settle the tab.

Finally, one can’t write about safety in Bucharest without acknowledging the huge Roma community in the city. After all, this one big stereotype everyone seems to have about Romania. While it’s true that many gypsies can be seen begging on the streets of Bucharest, the truth is that most people from the community live entirely “normal” lives, like pretty much every other European citizen. Plus, if you’re approached by any beggars (Roma or otherwise), all it takes is a “no, thank you” (“nu, merci”) for them to leave you alone.

Where to sleep in Bucharest – Hotels and Accommodation

If you’re looking out for a place to stay on our Bucharest 3-day travel guide then we got you covered!

Considered one of the cheapest capitals in all of Europe, Bucharest is an affordable destination for most Western-European visitors. Although food and energy prices have been on the rise over the past couple of years – a global phenomenon – accommodation rates are still far away from the ludicrous heights they have reached in other places.

As for the best areas to stay in Bucharest, our recommendation is pretty straightforward. Given the abundance of options and affordable prices, your best bet is to stay in the Old Town, close to the city’s main attractions and to plenty of restaurants, cafes and bars (so as long as don’t mind the noise). Plus, public transportation is great. On the other hand, if you prefer cheaper room rates without leaving the city center, consider the area around Piata Unirii, a short walk away from the aforementioned Old Town. Lastly, if you’re all about peace and tranquility, you can head north to the district of Floreasca, close to several different parks and to some of the best and most luxurious restaurants in Bucharest.

That being said, here are a few hotel options which have passed our value-for-money test:

• Hostel – Hostel Sport Bucharest
• € – The Embassy Nord
• €€ – JN Boutique House
• €€€ – Moxy Bucharest Old Town
• €€€€ – The Marmorosch Bucharest

Bucharest 3-Day Travel Guide – Transportation between Bucharest Airport and the city center

Located just 10 km away from the downtown area, in the small suburb of Otopeni (hence the alternative name) the best way to travel between Bucharest’s airport and the city center is by using line 783 of the local bus system. The stop is located on ground 0 and the service runs between 06h00 and 23h00, with a new vehicle leaving every 15/30 minutes, depending on the time of the day. This line runs its course at Piata Unirii, a short walk away from the Old Town. As for tickets, these cost 8.50 lei round-trip and can be bought from the automatic machines located at the bus stop. Alternatively, you may simply scan your contactless bank card and the total amount will be automatically deducted from your balance. Lastly, since the bus is often affected by traffic congestion, expect the trip to take between 45 to 60 minutes.

Alternatively, you can go for the train instead, as the airport is served by its very own railway station. In this case, it takes only 25 minutes (no stops) to get to Gare de Nord. However, it might end up taking even longer than the bus, since you’ll then need to transfer to the metro in order to get to the Old Town. Besides, though still quite affordable, tickets are also more expensive (8 lei one-way). As for running times, trains operate 24/7, but waiting times average on 40 minutes (up to 90 minutes on night services).

Bucharest 3-Day Travel Guide – Public transportation

Although Bucharest is a pretty spread-out city, the historic center is very compact, meaning you can walk everywhere. That said, in order to explore the public parks in the northern districts, visit the House of Ceausescu or snap the classic photo at Arcul de Triumf, it will be much more comfortable (and less time-consuming) if you use public transportation.

Luckily, commuters in the Romanian capital can make use of its efficient metro system and its vast network of buses and trams, so it’s worth gathering some key information about Bucharest’s public transportation system.

Bucharest Metro – Maps, Tickets and Times

Made up of 5 different lines spread across over 60 stations/stops, the metro system in Bucharest is essential to the city’s urban mobility, even if it’s not particularly useful from a tourist standpoint for those exclusively exploring the Old Town. Still, it provides a quick and easy way to get to the north of the city and to the main train station. Plus, the system is integrated into Google Maps, meaning the platform will provide you with real-time information on which line to take and where to catch it to reach your destination.

As for running times, the metro operates every day between 05h00 and 23h30, with waiting times ranging between 5 and 15 minutes.

Regular tickets will set you back 3,00 lei and are valid for 90 minutes upon validation. You can also buy strips of 10 tickets for 25,00 lei. Please keep in mind that regular metro tickets don’t allow passengers to transfer to different platforms (such as the bus or the tram). In that case, you’d need a “METROREX-S.T.B.” ticket, which you can buy for 5,00 lei. You can buy tickets from automatic machines or sales booths inside any metro station, or you may simply scan your contactless bank card and use it as a ticket, with the fare getting automatically deducted from your account at the end of your journey. However, the latter method may not be available for every metro line, so you might as well download the 24pay app and get a digital ticket on your phone.

That being said, if you plan on using the metro frequently, it’s worth looking into the daily and multi-day options available:

• 24-hour Pass: 8,00 lei
• 72-hour Pass: 20,00 lei
• Weekly Pass: 30,00 lei

Bucharest 3-day Travel Guide – Free walking tours

While in Bucharest, you have the option to explore the city with a free walking tour. These tours, led by local guides or tour companies, offer guided visits to the historic center, sharing intriguing stories about each place and providing valuable cultural context. Even though these tours are technically free, it’s customary to show appreciation for the guide’s efforts by leaving a tip at the end. In Bucharest, a reasonable minimum tip would be around 15 lei.

That being said, here are a few companies that run free walking tours in Bucharest:

• Bucharest Free Tours
• Bucharest by Foot
• Walkabout Free Tour Bucharest

Bucharest 3-day Travel Guide – Hidden Treasures

With 3 days in Bucharest, and even if you count-out the day you’ll spend visiting Brasov (in Transylvania), you’ll still have enough time to cover the city’s main highlights, while at the same time getting to check some lesser-known places – both in the city center and on the outskirts.

That being said, and because we believe a good traveler must always be able to explore beyond the obvious, we wanted to add a few more obscure places to your list of things to see and do in Bucharest in 3 days:

Carturesti Carusel: Although its status as a “hidden treasure” can be up for debate by now, the truth is that many visitors are still surprised to discover that Bucharest is home to one of the most beautiful bookstores in the world.

New St. George Church: Often overshadowed by the more popular Stavropoleos Church, this place of worship, which has been built, destroyed and renovated many times over, boasts one of the most colorful, vivid interiors you will ever see!

Macca-Vilacrosse Passage: Despite being located in the Old Town, it’s easy to miss this charming commercial arcade linking Eugeniu Carada and Victoriei streets. The gallery itself is quite beautiful, though its currently occupied by touristy restaurants you should avoid.

Pasajul Victoria: Dubbed the “Umbrella Street”, this is the Romanian version of a trend that has spread all across Europe (with notable examples in Águeda, London or Dublin). Beyond its “instagrammable” appeal, this was actually a pretty smart way to breathe new life into a once neglected, dirty, old street.

Fabrica: Perfect for those wishing to steer off-the-beaten-path, this cultural hub was created inside an old sock factory. While maintaining its industrial and semi-decrepit charm, the space is now bustling with bars, restaurants, clubs, art galleries and graffiti murals.

Bucharest 3-Day Travel Guide – What to See and Do in 72 Hours

Since Bucharest’ essentials can be visited in just 2 days, I highly recommend taking the remaining 24 hours for a well-deserved day trip to Brasov, one of the prettiest and most important towns in Transylvania. That being said, you’ll get to explore the Old Town of Bucharest, take a tour of the second largest building in the world (after the Pentagon, in the US), visit some of the city’s greatest public parks, marvel at the grandest remains of Parisian architecture, find out more about the Communist legacy and stuff your face with insane amounts of sarmale and mamaliga.

Without further ado, here’s what to see and do in Bucharest in 3 days:

Bucharest 3-Day Travel Guide – Day 1: The Old Town

Upon your arrival in Bucharest, your first day in the city will be dedicated to exploring the historic center and the Old Town, a small quarter housing some of the most iconic landmarks in the Romanian capital. Sadly, the Old Town represents only a fraction of the city’s rich historical and cultural heritage, since the former dictator Ceausescu – in one of its many megalomaniac tyrades  – ordered the destruction of approximately 7 square kilometers to make way for apartment blocks and government buildings. To make matters worse, the surviving quarters was then left neglected for years, with only recent efforts in the past decade to restore and revitalize the Old Town. Today, though, the district has never looked better, boasting plenty of ancient churches, classical buildings, vibrant bars and restaurants, with heavily restricted road traffic. However, before delving into the historic quarter, start your day with a stroll through the Cismigiu Gardens. After all, Bucharest is known for its magnificent parks, and this one is both the most central and the oldest in the entire city.

Then, is finally time to enter the Old Town through the Macca-Vilacrosse Passage. Despite being located in the most touristy part of the city, it’s easy to miss this charming commercial arcade linking Eugeniu Carada and Victoriei streets. The gallery itself is quite beautiful, though its currently occupied by touristy restaurants you should avoid. Afterwards, pay a visit to Stavropoleos Church, one of the most famous sites in Bucharest. Though tiny and somewhat modest from the outside, the interiors of this orthodox church are nothing short of extraordinary, as the walls and ceilings are completely covered in intricate, highly detailed paintings. Just down the street, near the iconic restaurant Caru’ cu Bere, you can snap that classic photo that seems to be featured in every single guide of the city, featuring the façade of Palatul CEC peeking behind the rows of classical buildings. Parallel to this lane, walking down Lipscani Street is also a must, as this is considered the Old Town’s main thoroughfare. Lined with renovated buildings, this cobblestone street is home to the magnificent Carturesti Carusel. Although its status as a “hidden treasure” can be up for debate by now, the truth is that many visitors are still surprised to discover that Bucharest is home to one of the most beautiful bookstores in the world. At the end of Lipscani, we also suggest entering New St. George Church. Often overshadowed by the more popular Stavropoleos Church, this place of worship, which has been built, destroyed and renovated many times over, boasts one of the most colorful, vivid interiors you will ever see!

Before leaving the Old Town, don’t forget to check out Curtea Veche, an archaeological site featuring the ruins of the former palace where Wallachian princes once resided – an illustrious list containing the name of the legendary Vlad, the Impaler. Venturing outside the historic quarter, you can then witness first-hand the gray, Lego-like apartment blocks that were built on what was then part of the Old Town, with the sprawling Unirii Square at the center of it all. This “new” district, originally called Civic Center, was built in the 1980’s according to Ceausescu’s communist ideals. However, there is one construction that perfectly portrays the former dictator’s narcissistic and pompous vision – a building that would infamously become one of Bucharest’s most recognizable symbols. I’m obviously referring to the Palace of the Parliament (60 lei), the second largest building in the world, only behind the Pentagon in Washington DC. Composed of more than 3000 rooms and with a total area of 300.000 square meters, a substantial part of the Old Town (along with several public parks, schools, factories, shops and churches) had to be destroyed to make way for the tyrannous building. Naturally, the end result is a prime example of architectural terrorism, symbolizing the very worst of authoritarianism and personality cult applied to aesthetics.

First day wrap-up:

• Cismigiu Gardens
• Old Town of Bucharest
  • Macca-Vilacrosse Passage
  • Stavropoleos Church
  • Palatul CEC
  • Lipscani Street
  • Carturesti Carusel
  • New St. George Church
  • Curtea Veche
• Unirii Square
• Palace of the Parliament

Where to eat in Bucharest – Best restaurants in the Old Town (and near the Parliament)

• Caru’ cu bere (Romanian traditional)
• Hanu’ lui Manuc (Romanian traditional)
• Restaurant Bucătărașul (Romanian traditional)
• Hanu’ Berarilor Casa Oprea Soare (Romanian traditional)
• Lacrimi și Sfinți (Romanian traditional)
• La Mahala (Romanian traditional)
• Souvlaki Station (Greek)
• Champions Sports Bar (pub/varied)

Bucharest 3-Day Travel Guide – Day 2: Calea Victoriei and Herastrau Park

Now that you’ve visited the Old Town of Bucharest, your second day will be spent exploring the districts further north, where you’ll come across several quarters of classic buildings, many influenced by French architecture, that were at the base of the Romanian capital’s old nickname of “Paris of the East”. As such, a significant part of your itinerary will take you along Calea Victoriei, Bucharest’s main boulevard, where visitors can find some of the most significant architectural remnants from pre-Communist Romania. However, your first stop of the day will be Pasajul Victoria, dubbed the “Umbrella Street”. As you might have already guessed by its name, this is the Romanian version of a trend that has spread all across Europe (with notable examples in Águeda, London or Dublin). Beyond its “instagrammable” appeal, this was actually a pretty smart way to breathe new life into a once neglected, dirty, old street. Continuing northward, you’ll eventually reach Revolution Square, marking the site where Ceausescu’s communist regime fell, with the dictator and his wife (one of the country’s most hated historical figures) fleeing by helicopter. Besides its importance as a symbol of freedom and rebellion, the square is also home to the Royal Palace (now the National Museum of Art of Romania), the Central University Library, the Memorial of Rebirth and, more importantly, to the Romanian Athenaeum (10 lei for a guided tour), a 19th century concert hall boasting magnificent interiors akin to the most extraordinary opera houses in the world.

At the end of Calea Victoriei, you’ll walk for a few more kilometers north (or take the metro) until you come across the Arcul de Triumf, a triumphal arch originally built to celebrate the country’s independence, and later repurposed to honor the Romanian soldiers killed in WWI. At the back of the monument, you can find one of the entrances to Herastrau Park, the biggest green space in Bucharest and Europe’s largest urban park. Besides the big lake (where you can rent rowboats in the summer), an open-air theater, an amusement park and a Japanese-style garden, the park is also home to the Dimitrie Gusti National Village (30 lei), an open-air museum seeking to replicate a traditional Romanian village. Despite the concept, all the buildings are actually original, brought here from every single corner of the country. Finally, if time permits, we recommend capping off your day with a tour of the House of Ceausescu (65 lei). Having served as the private residence of the former dictator for almost 25 years, you can visit the facilities and see the family’s lavish lifestyle, at a time when common Romanian citizens were going through severe economic hardships. A tale as old as time when it comes to any dictatorship and totalitarian regime, despite of its ideological inclinations.

Second day wrap-up:

• Victoriei Street
  • Pasajul Victoria
  • Revolution Square
  • Royal Palace (National Museum of Art of Romania)
  • Central University Library
  • Memorial of Rebirth
  • Romanian Athenaeum
• Arcul de Triumf
• Herastrau Park
• Dimitrie Gusti National Village Museum
• House of Ceausescu

Where to eat in Bucharest – Best restaurants in Piata Romana, Dorobanti e Aviatorilor

• Zexe Zahana (Romanian traditional)
• La Ceaunu’ Crăpat (Romanian traditional)
• Old Kitchen (Hungarian)
• Sharkia (Lebanese)
• Chimichanga Bucharest (Mexican)
• Trattoria Mezzaluna (Italian)
• The Millenial Burger Victoriei (hamburgers)
• Biblioteca Herăstrău (pizzas, hamburgers and salads)
• Ginger Sushi Bar & Lounge (sushi)
• Ciorbarie (local soups)

Bucharest 3-Day Travel Guide – Day 3: Day Trip to Brasov, Transylvania

Since two days are enough to experience the highlights of Bucharest, you should make the most of your last day in the country by taking a day trip and having a little taste of the world-famous Transylvania, by far the region with the most tourism potential in Romania. However, be warned: you’ll definitely be yearning for more by the end of the day! That said, although there are several noteworthy options, if you prefer to tackle this day trip independently, we suggest going for Brasov as your destination. After all, besides standing as one of the most beautiful and historically important towns in Transylvania, it’s also conveniently connected to Bucharest by train, with a travel time of just 2h30. You can purchase your tickets online for 59 lei one-way.

As soon as your train arrives in Brasov, head straight to the historic center, a medieval district – partially surrounded by ancient walls – and home to the city’s main tourist attractions. As such, and in order for you to get a better hold of what lies in store, we recommend starting with a visit to the White Tower and the Black Tower, two bastions of the city’s fortifications offering panoramic views of the Old Town against the backdrop of the region’s lush hills. Then, you’ll head down and venture into the heart of the city, an idyllic paradise of narrow cobblestone streets and colorful façades, much like the Old Towns you’d find in historic cities all across Germany, Austria and Switzerland (and also Czechia, Poland, Hungary and the Baltics). That’s certainly not a coincidence, as the city was populated and ruled over by Transylvanian Saxons, one of the many Germanic “tribes” who got sent to different parts of the empires they were a part of. These peoples were usually given specific economic and developmental tasks, and received special benefits in return. Smacked right in the middle of the Old Town, every visitor should make sure to set foot in Council Square, one of the most charming pedestrian squares in Europe and Brasov’s most popular tourist site.

Still inside the city walls, it’s very much worth visiting the Black Church (20 lei), the city’s most famous building and one of the biggest Gothic churches in Eastern Europe (whose tower can be seen from pretty much anywhere in the Old Town); Strada Sforii, one of the narrowest streets you’ll ever come across; and the Beth Israel Synagogue, the main hub for Brasov’s once thriving Jewish community. While exiting the Old Town, you should walk through Catherine Gate, the only surviving medieval gate. Outside the ancient walls, we recommend taking a quick stroll through the District of Schei, where native Romanians were allowed to live while only Saxons could reside in the Old Town. Here, visit Saint Nicholas Church, the oldest Orthodox church in Romania, before finishing your day trip with a ride on the Tampa Cable Car (30 lei round-trip). By now, you will surely have noticed the giant sign spelling “BRASOV” (Hollywood style) lurking from atop Tampa Mountain. That billboard is located right next to the cable car station, and marks the viewpoint with the most breathtaking panorama of the Old Town and, if I may, one of the best views in all of Transylvania.

NOTE: If you’d like to visit as many places as possible on a day trip and don’t mind waiving some of the decision-making, there are countless organized tours leaving from Bucharest that can take you not only to Brasov, but also to Bran Castle (Dracula’s Castle) and Peles Castle. While it’s true your experience in Brasov will be slightly more superficial, at least you’ll get to see a bit more of Transylvania.

Third day wrap-up:

• Brasov
  • White Tower and Black Tower (viewpoints)
  • Council Square
  • Black Church
  • Strada Sforii
  • Beth Israel Synagogue
  • Catherine Gate
  • Schei District
  • Saint Nicholas Church
  • Tampa Mountain (cable car and viewpoint)

Where to eat in Transylvania – Best restaurants in Brasov

• La Ceaun – Michael Weiss (Romanian/Saxon traditional)
• Sergiana (Romanian/Saxon traditional)
• Casa Tudor (Romanian/Saxon traditional)
• Casa Romaneasca (Romanian/Saxon traditional)
• Pilvax (Hungarian)
• Cucinino (Italian)
• Pizzeria Della Nonna (pizza)
• Old Jack (hamburgers)
• Berăria Poftă sau Foame (beerhouse/varied)
• Cartofisserie (chips)

Got more than 3 days in Bucharest? Then you might want to check out the best day trips from the city

Bran Castle: Promoted as “Dracula’s Castle”, this is one of the most popular places in all of Romania. However, this is all part of a marketing strategy, since there seems to be no conclusive proof the that Vlad (the Impaler), the historical figure that inspired Bram Stoker’s legendary character, has ever been here.

Peles Castle: Although not nearly as famous as its counterpart in Bran, Peles Castle is arguably the most beautiful in Romania. Perfectly featured into the lush landscape of the Carpathian Mountains, very close to Sinaia, this palace was commissioned in the late 19th century by the first King of the dynasty that would later fall to communist revolutionaries.

Constanta: A great choice if you happen to visit Bucharest in the Summer, Constanta is the main Romanian city located along the Black Sea coast. While the city does have its moments, you’ll be better off taking a quick stroll through the Old Town and catching a glimpse of the iconic Constanta Casino, before setting out to visit some of the region’s finest beaches, such as Corbu Beach, Vadu Beach or Mamaia Beach.

Sibiu: Known as the “city where houses have eyes”, due to the peculiar shape of the windows adorning the rooftops of the town’s historic houses, Sibiu ranks among Transylvania’s most charming destinations. Part of the trifecta of must-visit towns/cities in the region – alongside Brasov and Sighisoara – this a long, yet rewarding, day trip.

Veliko Tarnovo: While you’re in the region anyway, why not visiting two countries instead of just one? Located 180 km from Bucharest, Veliko Tarnovo stands as Bulgaria’s medieval and historical capital. Due to its imposing fortress, which once housed the rulers of the ancient empire, the town came to be known as the “City of the Tsars”, and is currently one of the country’s most picturesque destinations.