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Welcome to Romania! After exploring many of Western Europe’s well-known countries, I added some Eastern European countries to my bucket list. Romania was at the very top of this list for a few years, and I was thrilled to check it off last October when I visited Bucharest and Transylvania. I also visited Krakow, Poland during this trip — which you can read all about here! Today’s travel guide is going to cover everything you need to know about visiting this fascinating southeastern European country, including a detailed itinerary for spending 2 days in Bucharest, Romania.
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Don’t have time to read the full guide about Bucharest? Want to visit Transylvania from Bucharest? This is the number one recommended full day tour to visit the Transylvanian region from Bucharest. You’ll tour 2 castles, visit the town of Brasov, and enjoy the countryside before returning to Bucharest on this 12 hour tour.
Know Before You Go: Romania Edition
Romania is a country located in southeastern Europe. It’s capital is Bucharest! Romania has had a turbulent history with the Soviet Union and was under communist rule until 1989. After gaining its independence, the country has been a member of NATO since 2004 and a member of the EU since 2007.
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Here’s some essential information you need to know before planning any trip to the country of Romania.
Language
Romanian people derive from the Roman Empire! Both the Latin roots of the Romanian language, a Romance language, and the Eastern Christian Orthodox faith of the country are a mixture of previous Roman and Dacian cultures. Since Bucharest is the modern capital city, many people here speak English, although Romanian is the country’s official language. Hungarian is the only other language of Romania that is spoken by more than one million people. Some also speak French since Romania is known as the “Paris of the East”.
Currency
The Romanian Leu is the currency of Romania. Taxi drivers will accept US Dollars or Euros, but most stores in Romania will only accept Lei, so I recommend converting some cash upon arrival! Cash is king in Eastern Europe, although credit cards will be widely accepted as well.
Weather (Best Time Of Year To Visit Bucharest, Romania)
Romania experiences all 4 seasons and has a temperate climate. The summer months can get quite warm here, and the winter brings along below freezing temperatures and snowfalls are common. The snow does transform Bucharest into a picturesque winter wonderland, if you’re open to visiting during the off-season!
As with most other European cities, the best time of year to visit is April, May, June, September, or October. Prices will be lower during these shoulder seasons and the temperature is perfect! I visited last October and found myself wearing short sleeve shirts, skirts, and dresses… I didn’t even need a jacket.
Wi-Fi / Phone Service
Bucharest is a major European city, so you will have access to high-speed WiFi within most hotels and some cafes. Your phone service will cover your stay. I always recommend TMobile’s Magenta plan to my readers!
Transportation (Airport In Bucharest, Romania)
The country is bordered by Ukraine, Moldova, Bulgaria, Serbia, and Hungary, and also touches part of the Black Sea. The center of the country, known as the Transylvanian Basin, is surrounded by the Carpathian Mountains.
The most common way to get to Bucharest is via plane. Most international flights to Romania arrive at Bucharest’s Henri Coandă International Airport, also known as the Otopeni Airport.
There aren’t any direct flights to Romania between North America or Southeast Asia, so you’ll have to fly to another major European city first. From there, you can fly budget airlines such as Wizz Air, Blue Air, Ryan Air, or major carriers including Air France, British Airlines, and Lufthansa into Bucharest. Romania’s national carrier for domestic flights is called Tarom.
The main train station in Bucharest is Bucharest Nord, also known as Gara de Nord. Once you’re in Bucharest, the main sights are all walkable!
Water
Upon doing research on this topic for my own trip, I got mixed results online about the safety of the tap water in Romania. Overall, the consensus is it’s safe for showering and brushing your teeth, but I would stick to bottled water for drinking!
Best Area To Stay In Bucharest
Bucharest is quite affordable compared to other European countries, so you could easily find a 4- or 5-star hotel for less than $200 USD per night. My friend Bri and I stayed in an apartment next to the iconic Romanian Athenaeum and Victoriei Boulevard — which is the best area to stay in Bucharest. This location was FANTASTIC! It was a stones throw away from several iconic statues, museums, and sights, walkable to tour pick up spots, and also walkable to the Old Town area. Since we only spent 2 days in Bucharest, it was key to have a central location. If you aren’t interested in staying in a local apartment (it was difficult to find the entrance), I would recommend these hotels in the same area:
Radisson Blu Hotel
Located in the heart of Bucharest, on well-known boulevard Calea Victoriei, Radisson Blu Hotel, Bucharest stands out for its elegant appearance, modern design and luxury settings. The hotel offers the largest room inventory with different room categories and services, a shopping area, a variety of restaurants and bars, and a luxurious spa.
Radisson Blu Hotel, Bucharest is 984 ft away from the Concert Hall of the Romanian Atheneum and steps away from discovering the beauty of the National Art Museum. The nearest metro station is located 1640 ft from the hotel and Henri Coandă International Airport (OTP) is 11 miles away.
InterContinental Athenee Palace Bucharest
Set in the heart of Bucharest, InterContinental Athénée Palace Bucharest offers accommodations in one of the city’s iconic buildings, located next to the Atheneum. Complimentary access to the 24-hour fitness center is available. InterContinental Athénée Palace Bucharest has free WiFi in the entire hotel. The fitness center is fully equipped, and the health club consists of an indoor pool, a hot tub, a steam bath and a sauna.
The hotel’s spacious guest rooms and suites offer views of the city or the hotel courtyard. Guests that book Club Lounge access have access to the Club Lounge, including complimentary tea, coffee and snacks, and evening beverages.
2 Days In Bucharest: The Highlights
Now that you know the basics for visiting Romania, let’s dive into the itinerary for 2 days in Bucharest!
Bucharest, Romania Itinerary: Day One
Morning
Coffee At Origo
Bucharest is known as the “City of Joy” and the “City of Contrast” due to the huge contrast between the Communist and more historic buildings. Begin your day with breakfast in your hotel or wander the modern streets of Bucharest for a coffee. Origo has been voted by locals as the best place in terms of speciality coffee.
Old Town Walking Tour
Once you’re fueled, I would book a walking tour of Old Town! 2-3 hour walking tours are the best way to get acquainted with a new place, and since the history in Bucharest is so fascinating, this really is a must. Most begin around Calea Victoriei, one of Bucharest’s oldest streets. From Origo, you’ll pass the CEC Palace which is one of the most Instagrammable in Bucharest.
On your tour, you’ll learn that a monarchy ruled in Romania until the Communist regime, which ended in 1989 with a bloody revolution. You’ll also learn more about the architecture in the city. Aside from the places built during the Communist regime, the city has been inspired by Paris for its architecture, and is sometimes called “Little Paris“.
Sights to see include: Stavropoleos Monastery, Lipscani Street in Bucharest’s Old Town, Revolution Square, the Palace of Parliament, and the Russian Orthodox Church of St. Nicholas. You will also most likely visit a bar for a shot of the local liquor.
Afternoon
Lunch At Manuc’s Inn
For lunch, I would walk back to the heart of Old Town and eat at Hanu’Lui Manuc Restaurant. This place is also known as Manuc’s Inn, and is one of the oldest inns in the city. Its main restaurant serves authentic Romanian food, and is known for its expansive back courtyard. If it’s a nice day, definitely dine outside!
Visit Cărturești Carusel
After lunch, walk over to Cărturești Carusel, which means the “Carousel of Light” and is also known as Carousel Cafe in English. This cafe, library, and bookstore is located right in the heart of Old Town and is probably my #1 recommendation for Bucharest.
Pro-tip: This place can get PACKED so visit in the mornings or late at night. It’s open until 10 pm during the week and midnight on weekends.
This place as built in 1903 by a wealthy family of Greek bankers, but was turned into a general store during the Communist regime and was later abandoned. The grandson of the banker fought in court for 24 years to have the building back, and finally took possession of the decaying building in 2007, turning it into the bookstore we know and love today.
This building is known as one of the most beautiful bookstores in the world. There are three floors to browse, and a teahouse on the top floor that sells goodies and offers views of the entire bookstore below.
Night (Best Bars In Bucharest)
Dinner At The Beer Wagon
For dinner tonight, head to Caru’ cu bere-Bucuresti, or “the beer wagon” in English. This is by far the most famous restaurant in the city. It’s been around for over 130 years and is well-known world-wide. It gets PACKED, so I would stop by earlier in the day to make a reservation if you can. You can also try booking online. This place has a huge menu of local food and live music. Plus, it is absolutely beautiful — it is covered with wood paneling and stained glass windows.
True Social Club
This is a bit of a long day, buttttt you are only spending 2 days in Bucharest! Time to rally and experience the world-famous nightlife of the city! Head to True Social Club. True Club is located in Bucharest’s Old City and is known for its music (it’s also called the House of Live Music). Here you can find karaoke nights, live bands, concerts, DJs, and cocktail parties. They serve tasty, craft cocktails as well! This place is one of the best bars in Bucharest.
Bucharest, Romania Itinerary: Day Two
Morning
Grand Café Van Gogh
Another top-rated cafe in Bucharest. Located right next to the iconic Carousel Cafe, this restaurant is beautiful. It has classic-style architecture, is filled with art, and offers a terrace for brunch. This cafe opens at 8 am daily but also offers global dishes for lunch and dinner, along with coffee and wine. If you opt for a more casual cafe for breakfast, I would come here for lunch after your Parliament tour!
Palace Of Parliament Tour
Most walking tours will end near Revolution Square. The Palace of Parliament is the 2nd biggest administrative building in the world, after the Pentagon in DC. It’s highly recommended to tour the inside, so if you’re up for another hour or two of history… check out the interior today! You may have seen this building on the city walking tour. However, it’s worth it to revisit and enjoy another tour this morning.
Afternoon
Shop In Old Town
Now that you’ve done the main tours in Bucharest, I would just stroll through Old Town and explore the city this afternoon! Since prices are more affordable here than other major European capitals, I would do some souvenir shopping!
Visit The Village Museum
Additionally, you could make your way over to the Village Museum, which is located north of Bucharest. This open-air museum features 300+ buildings from around Romania, including picturesque barns, homes, churches, and mills. This is another great place to purchase souvenirs!
Pro-tip: You’ll have to ride the metro to get here, unless you want to take a Bucharest City Tour that includes a visit to the Village Museum! This 4 hour tour includes stops at all of the above locations, plus the museum!
The museum is located in Herăstrău Park, Bucharest’s largest park, so stroll through here as well! And don’t forget your camera to snap some pics of the nearby lake, local flowers, river, open-air theater, and amusement park.
Night (+ More Bucharest Bars)
Dinner At Aveforchetta
This place isn’t necessarily “famous”, however, my friend Bri found it and it was SO GOOD! The interior has the coolest decor… picture: live plants, neon signs, and cool light fixtures. It also has a great cocktail menu and delicious entrees. This is an Italian restaurant so if you want a break from Romanian food during your 2 days in Bucharest, COME HERE!
Cocktails At Oficiul 1
Bucharest bars are world famous. Wrap up your 2 days in Bucharest with one of the best cocktails you’ll ever have. Official 1 is a speakeasy located around the corner from the Italian restaurant (like a 3 minute walk). It’s a bit hidden and hard to find, but look for an unassuming door from the sidewalk. The inside is all colorful and has a very modern bar. There are two floors with a DJ, although this place is a bit small. We loved it here!
Pro-tip: Want more than just one cocktail? Consider booking a Bucharest bar crawl! These pub crawls will guide you to several local bars, speakeasies, and clubs, so you can visit several places in one night. Plus, you’ll be safer in a group and can meet new friends!
That brings us to the end of this guide covering 2 days in Bucharest! I hope this itinerary inspires you to visit this beautiful city. I loved my time here, and was also so happy to visit the Transylvania region during this trip, which you can read about in my next blog post about traveling from Bucharest to Transylvania. See you there!
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