Bucharest City: Visit a One Of A Kind Capital

Diana Condrea
Diana Condrea
I'm a tour guide and amateur photographer. You can also find me on LinkedIn

Located on the Eastern European Union border, Bucharest is even today a city of contrasts. Romania’s capital is unique beyond the usual travel stereotypes. With its eclectic, noisy charm and mixed Western-Balkan atmosphere, Bucharest is one of Europe’s most interesting destinations.

Old Town Bucharest

Lipscani Street,  Old Town Bucharest


Make the best of your time and opt for a guided tour of the capital.

We selected tours with excellent quality and free cancellation for your peace of mind.

Bucharest tours

A bit of history

We open our Bucharest travel guide with some history since this is key for its authenticity.
Bucharest was first mentioned in a document issued in 1459 by the legendary prince Vlad the Impaler. Enjoying a key location on the commercial route that linked the Ottoman Empire with Central Europe, Bucharest developed rapidly. Two hundred years later it became the capital of Southern Romania, a historical province that united with neighboring Moldavia in 1859. This new state entity formed the backbone of future Romania, a young country that only gained independence in 1877.
Bucharest Travel Guide

Statue of Roman Emperor Trajan, the National Museum of History

However, Bucharest City lived its most intense transformation in the 20th century. In the first decades, monumental sites and a thriving social life transformed it into a modern Eastern European capital. Nonetheless, the heavy bombing from WW2 and the decades of communism changed it entirely. Today, it’s impossible to discover its story or understand its often confusing look without considering its communist history.

Stavropoleos Monastery

Stavropoleos Monastery

Your essential Bucharest travel guide

Bucharest is Romania’s most visited city. Take your pick from historical and cultural attractions, attend art shows, and concerts, and discover its off-the-beaten-track attractions and local life. 

Read also Best Things to Do in Bucharest for First-Time Visitors

Choral-Temple

The Choral Temple

If you only have a weekend, start with the Old Town and Victoriei Avenue. Also, include the World Record Palace of the Parliament and the former house of dictator Nicolae Ceausescu.

Don’t miss the open-air Village Museum and the National Museum of History, two of the many interesting museums in Bucharest. If you have more time, visit the Museum of Art Collections or smaller places like the Storck Museum.

Palace of the Parliament Bucharest Travel Guide

The Palace of the Parliament

Bucharest City offers a memorable experience. It’s an original destination, modern yet traditional, luxurious yet poor, glossy yet casual, and full of parties but with churches around every corner.

Read also Our Top Reasons to Visit Bucharest As Soon As Possible

Getting to Bucharest

Late April to early November is the best time to visit. Be aware of possible heat waves in July and August.

The fastest way to get to Bucharest is by flying directly to Henri Coanda Airport. There is a direct train to the railway station Gara de Nord or you can take the 783 shuttle bus to the city center.

Check here the schedule and routes.

Public transportation

The subway is the fastest and simplest way to travel across Bucharest. Check all the subway routes here.

Where to stay in Bucharest City

We hand-picked some of our favorite places to stay in Bucharest.

If you prefer a central hotel, try Hilton Garden Inn Bucharest, Mansion Boutique Hotel, Grand Boutique Hotel, and Grand Hotel Continental. Check also Epoque Hotel, Cismigiu Hotel, and Marmorosch Hotel.

If you prefer apartments, we suggest University Central, Bucharest Residence, Diana’s Flat, and Studio Old Town.

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