Bucharest Travel Guide

Why Bucharest?

Bucharest is one of Europe’s most underrated capitals. Often called the “Paris of the East” for its Belle Époque architecture, it’s a city of contrasts — grand boulevards sit alongside communist-era blocks, and trendy cafes hide in crumbling courtyards. It’s also astonishingly cheap. A weekend here costs a fraction of what you’d spend in Western Europe, and flights from the UK are remarkably affordable thanks to Wizz Air’s strong presence.

Getting There

Henri Coandă Airport (OTP) is served by Wizz Air, Ryanair, Blue Air, and TAROM from UK airports.

Cheapest months to fly: October to March (excluding Christmas). Returns under £25 from the UK are regularly available.

Most expensive periods: Summer (June-August) and Christmas/New Year, though even peak fares are reasonable.

Pro tip: Wizz Air dominates Bucharest routes with rock-bottom fares. Track Deal Scores on The Fair Finder — Bucharest flights frequently score 8 or above.

Best Time to Visit

April to June: Warm (18-28°C), parks in bloom, outdoor terraces open
September: Ideal — warm, fewer tourists, great prices
December: Christmas markets and festive atmosphere
Winter: Cold (-3 to 5°C) but extremely cheap, and the museums are crowd-free

Where to Stay

Budget: Hostels from 60 RON (£10)/night in the Old Town.

Mid-range: Boutique hotels in the Old Town or Cotroceni from 250-400 RON (£42-67)/night.

Splurge: Grand hotels on Calea Victoriei from 600 RON (£100)/night.

What to Do

Free & Cheap

Walk Calea Victoriei — Bucharest’s grandest boulevard, lined with museums and cafes
Explore the Old Town (Lipscani) — cobbled streets, restaurants, and nightlife
Herăstrău Park (King Michael I Park) — massive lakeside park, boat hire available
The Village Museum — open-air collection of traditional Romanian houses (30 RON/£5)
Revolution Square and the former Royal Palace

Worth Paying For

Palace of the Parliament (45 RON/£7.50) — the world’s heaviest building, absurdly vast
National Museum of Art (30 RON/£5)
Therme Bucharest (from 100 RON/£17) — massive thermal spa complex on the outskirts
Communist Bucharest walking tour (from 60 RON/£10)

Food & Drink

Romanian food is hearty, flavourful, and incredibly cheap. Bucharest also has a booming modern restaurant scene.

Mici (mititei): Grilled minced meat rolls — the national snack, from 15 RON (£2.50) for 5
Ciorbă de burtă: Tripe soup — sounds adventurous, tastes amazing, from 20 RON (£3.30)
Sarmale: Cabbage rolls stuffed with meat and rice, from 25 RON (£4.20)
Papanași: Fried doughnuts with sour cream and jam, 18 RON (£3)

Budget meal: A full meal at a local restaurant costs 35-55 RON (£6-9). Lunch menus (meniul zilei) at neighbourhood spots run 25-35 RON (£4-6).

Craft beer: Bucharest’s craft beer scene is exploding — pints from 12 RON (£2) at bars like Mojo or Ground Zero.

Day Trips

Snagov Monastery (40 min): Island monastery, alleged burial place of Vlad the Impaler
Sinaia (1.5 hours by train): Peleș Castle — one of Europe’s most beautiful, admission 50 RON (£8.40)
Brașov (2.5 hours by train): Medieval Transylvanian town with mountain views, train from 50 RON (£8.40) return
Bran Castle (3 hours): “Dracula’s Castle” — touristy but fun

Getting Around

Airport to centre: Express bus 783 (3.50 RON/£0.60, 40 min). Taxis cost 60-90 RON (£10-15) — only use official ones or Bolt.
Local transport: Day pass 8 RON (£1.35). The metro and buses cover the city well.
Bolt/Uber: Extremely cheap — most rides within the centre cost 10-20 RON (£1.70-3.30).

Money-Saving Tips

Fly Wizz Air midweek for the lowest fares — The Fair Finder’s Deal Score highlights the best Bucharest deals
Take the express bus from the airport, not a taxi — saves £10+
Eat meniul zilei (lunch menu) at local restaurants for a full meal under £5
Use Bolt for taxis — it’s cheaper and safer than hailing cabs on the street
Visit the Palace of the Parliament — it’s one of Europe’s most unique sights and costs just £7.50
Drink craft beer in the Old Town — prices are a fraction of Western Europe
Take the train to Brașov for a Transylvanian day trip — scenic and cheap