My Unforgettable Bucharest Adventure

When I decided to visit Bucharest, I didn't know what to expect. Often overshadowed by other European capitals, Romania's largest city turned out to be one of the most fascinating places I've ever explored. Here's everything you need to know about my 5-day adventure!

Why Visit Bucharest?

Bucharest, nicknamed the "Paris of the East," offers:

• 🏛️ Stunning architecture blending Communist-era buildings with Belle Époque masterpieces
• 🍽️ Incredible food scene with traditional Romanian cuisine
• 💰 Extremely affordable prices compared to Western Europe
• 🎭 Rich cultural heritage and vibrant nightlife
• 🌳 Beautiful parks and green spaces

My 5-Day Itinerary

Day 1: Old Town & Historic Center

I started my journey in Lipscani, the heart of Bucharest's Old Town. The cobblestone streets are lined with:

1. Historic churches
2. Charming cafes
3. Trendy bars and restaurants
4. Artisan shops

The area truly comes alive at night with live music and bustling terraces.

"Bucharest surprised me at every corner. The Old Town feels like stepping back in time while being completely modern." - My journal entry, Day 1

Day 2: Palace of Parliament

This was the highlight of my trip! The Palace of Parliament is:

• The 2nd largest administrative building in the world
• Built with 1 million cubic meters of marble
• Home to over 3,000 rooms
• A testament to Communist-era grandeur

Pro tip: Book your tour online in advance to avoid long queues!

Day 3: Museums & Culture

I dedicated this day to exploring Bucharest's incredible museums:

• 🏛️ National Museum of Art of Romania - Romanian and European art collections
• 🏰 Village Museum - Open-air museum with traditional Romanian houses
• 📚 Romanian Athenaeum - Stunning concert hall and architectural gem

Day 4: Parks & Nature

After days of sightseeing, I needed some green space. Bucharest has amazing parks:

Herăstrău Park is the largest and most popular, where I:

• Rented a boat on the lake
• Visited the Dimitrie Gusti National Village Museum
• Enjoyed a picnic by the water

Day 5: Food Tour & Shopping

My final day was dedicated to experiencing Romanian cuisine and picking up souvenirs.

Budget Breakdown

Here's exactly how much I spent during my 5-day trip:

Note: These are approximate costs based on mid-range travel style (2026 prices).

Must-Try Romanian Foods

I fell in love with Romanian cuisine! Here are my top picks:

1. Sarmale (Stuffed Cabbage Rolls)

Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

Cabbage leaves stuffed with spiced meat and rice, served with sour cream and polenta. Pure comfort food!

2. Mici (Grilled Minced Meat Rolls)

Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐

Perfect with mustard and fresh bread. A Romanian barbecue staple!

3. Papanași (Fried Doughnuts)

Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

Dessert heaven! Fried doughnuts topped with sour cream and jam.

Quick Facts About Bucharest

Population: ~2 million
Currency: Romanian Leu (RON)
Language: Romanian
Best time to visit: May-September
Average temperature: 10°C (winter) to 25°C (summer)
Airport: Henri Coandă International (OTP)

Transportation Tips

Getting Around:

Metro Lines Overview:

• M1 (Yellow): Connects the airport to city center
• M2 (Blue): Covers major tourist attractions
• M3 (Red): Goes to the northern districts
• M4 (Green): Newest line, very modern

My Top 10 Bucharest Highlights

1. ✅ Palace of Parliament tour
2. ✅ Old Town nightlife
3. ✅ Romanian Athenaeum concert
4. ✅ Stavropoleos Monastery
5. ✅ Caru' cu Bere restaurant
6. ✅ Herăstrău Park picnic
7. ✅ Village Museum
8. ✅ Revolution Square
9. ✅ Carturesti Carusel bookstore
10. ✅ Arcul de Triumf

Practical Information

Safety

⚠️ Safety Level: Generally safe city

• Keep valuables secure in crowded areas
• Use licensed taxis or Uber
• Avoid dark alleys at night
• Emergency number: 112

Money Matters

💶 Currency Tips:

• 1 EUR ≈ 5 RON (2026 rate)
• ATMs widely available
• Cards accepted in most places
• Keep some cash for small vendors

Language

🗣️ Communication:

• English widely spoken in tourist areas
• Learn basic Romanian phrases:
  • Bună = Hello
  • Mulțumesc = Thank you
  • Cât costă? = How much?
  • Vă rog = Please

Accommodation Recommendations

Weather Guide

🌤️ Spring (Mar-May): 10-20°C - Perfect for sightseeing
☀️ Summer (Jun-Aug): 20-30°C - Hot, busy tourist season
🍂 Autumn (Sep-Nov): 10-20°C - Beautiful foliage
❄️ Winter (Dec-Feb): -5-5°C - Cold, but charming Christmas markets

Final Thoughts

Bucharest exceeded all my expectations! It's a city of contrasts - where:

• Communist architecture meets Belle Époque elegance
• Traditional culture blends with modern innovation
• Affordable prices don't compromise quality
• Hidden gems wait around every corner

Would I Recommend Bucharest?

Absolutely! 10/10 🌟

Whether you're a history buff, foodie, party-goer, or budget traveler, Bucharest has something for everyone.

Useful Resources

• 🌐 Official Tourism Website
• 🗺️ Bucharest Metro Map
• 🎫 Book Palace of Parliament Tours
• 📱 Recommended Apps: Uber, Google Maps, XE Currency

Got Questions?

Feel free to reach out! I'm happy to share more tips about my Bucharest adventure. Have you been to Romania? Share your experiences in the comments below! 👇

Last updated: January 2026 Featured image: Bucharest skyline at sunset

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