Bucharest is in the south-east of Romania, and while it’s a great place to visit any time of the year, the Spring and Autumn generally have the best weather and fewer crowds.
A long weekend, or three nights/four days is the perfect amount of time to sample what Bucharest has to offer. There’s a lot to do and see in the city, and if you’re wondering what to do in Bucharest when you arrive, then check out my itinerary below!
Day 1
Afternoon Sightseeing
- Biserica Sfântul Nicolae Șelari – Start your day with a visit to the Church of St. Nicholas Șelari. This quiet little church has the most beautiful architecture, and a really peaceful vibe.
- Carturesti Carusel – Plan to spend some time at the Carturesti Carusel bookstore – it has four floors full of books, gifts, and also a little cafe at the top. Grab a coffee, soak up the atmosphere, and study the cool architecture too. The basement floor is the most interesting in my opinion, with lots of books and merch from various popular franchises like Harry Potter, and a whole section dedicated to Japanese manga and other related books.
- Stavropoleos Monastery Church – It doesn’t look like much when you’re walking past it, but definitely plan to visit the Stavropoleos Monastery Church. The inside is decorated with beautifully detailed wooden carvings, and the courtyard outside is something special too.
Dinner
- Caru’ cu Bere: One of Bucharest’s most recommended restaurants for a reason. Tuck in to traditional Romanian dishes in the themed historic setting of Caru’ cu Bere, and if you time it right, you can watch some traditional dances as well. I can recommend the Oven Roast Duck Leg, and also the Zacuscă (vegetable dip) is incredible!
Day 2
Breakfast
- Grand Café Van Gogh: Grab a quick breakfast at Grand Café Van Gogh. Inspired by the artist, the decor is charming, and the pastries delicious.
Morning Sightseeing
- Revolution Square: After breakfast, head to Revolution Square, a significant location in Romania’s history. Explore the surrounding monuments and architecture while learning about the events that took place during the 1989 Revolution.
- National Museum of Art of Romania: The National Museum of Art of Romania is worth a visit, with a large collection of European and Romanian art ranging from medieval to modern times. There are some truly beautiful pieces to explore here.
Lunch
- Excalibur: It’s a little tacky, but huge fun. Have lunch at the medieval-style Excalibur restaurant, which offers really hearty food and a tavern atmosphere. They offer unique merch to take home as well!
Afternoon Sightseeing
- St. Nicholas Church: The Russian St. Nicholas Church is a striking building, and like the other churches in this list, deserves a quick visit to soak in the beautiful interior and peaceful atmosphere.
- Strada Hanul cu Tei: Stroll down Strada Hanul cu Tei, a narrow cobblestone street in the Old Town known for its art galleries and charming atmosphere. I picked up a beautiful vintage pearl necklace here, and managed to get a discount for paying in cash.
- Pasajul Macca-Vilacrosse: Walk through Pasajul Macca-Vilacrosse, a covered passageway featuring shops, cafés, and interesting architecture. Stop for a drink and watch the world go by for a while.
- CEC Palace: Snap a picture of the CEC Palace, with its distinctive dome and pompous architecture.
Day 3
Breakfast
- Hanu’ lui Manuc: Make sure to reserve a spot for a traditional Romanian breakfast at Hanu’ lui Manuc, one of Bucharest’s oldest inns. Gaze out onto its gorgeous courtyard while tucking into Papanasi (fried doughnuts served with sour cream and jam).
Morning Sightseeing
- Parliament (Palace of the Parliament): One of the best things you can do when visiting Bucharest is taking a tour of the incredible Palace of the Parliament. It’s one of the largest administrative buildings in the world, and you’re led through a large part of its ridiculously grandiose rooms and halls. The tour guide also tells you a lot of the history behind the building, and its genuinely fascinating.
Afternoon Sightseeing
- Cimitirul Bellu: After your visit to the Parliament, head to Cimitirul Bellu, Bucharest’s most famous cemetery. It’s a really interesting place to explore, with ornate grave and tombstones; just ensure you remain respectful.
Dinner
- Linea / Closer to the Moon: End your day with dinner at Linea / Closer to the Moon, a rooftop bar with incredible views out over the city. The best time to go is when the sun is setting, where you’ll get some lovely shots from the rooftop.
Where to stay in Bucharest
We stayed in the Moxy Bucharest Old Town, which is right in the old town of Bucharest. The room was a good size, with a modern shower and decor, and priced at around €94 a night.
How to get from Bucharest airport into town
The cheapest way to get into the city centre of Bucharest from the airport is Express Line 783 bus, which runs 24/7. It’s a slower option than a taxi, with the journey lasting up to an hour, but is convenient and cheap at only €2 one-way.
Catch the bus outside of the Arrivals entrance, purchasing your ticket (and return ticket at the same time, if you choose) at the ticket machine by the doors. Validate your ticket at the orange box when you board the bus.
You can catch a taxi from the left pathway on the first-floor exit (follow the signs). They cost between €10-15 for a ride into town, and the journey takes around 20 minutes, but make sure you order a cab from the yellow self-serve machines and get a printed ticket with the details of the car, to avoid being ripped off.
How to use public transport in Bucharest
Running from around 04:30 to 22:50, Bucharest has a well connected bus and tram network. You can purchase a transport card from an STB street kiosk for less than a euro, and then load it with credit to use. A single trip, lasting up to 90 minutes, costs around €0.60.
There is also a subway network in Bucharest, open from around 05:00 to 23:30, which consists of 5 lines – M1, M2, M3, M4 and M5. Purchase a card in the subway station and charge it with credit to ride the lines. A single trip costs €0.60, but you can purchase either a fixed number of trips (i.e. 10 trips for €5) or a pass enabling you to unlimited trips in a set time period (i.e. 24 hours pass for €1.60).
You cannot use the subway card on the above-ground network, and vice-versa.
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