Bucharest is a place of contrast. Its stately architecture tells a story of communist rule in both its glory and downfall. Beautiful neoclassical buildings stand next to dilapidated modernist apartment buildings.
Although Romania was never formally a part of the Soviet Union, like many of its neighbors, it’s still just getting its footing in the 21st century. We aren’t going to sit here and pretend that Bucharest is a bucket list destination. I found myself in Bucharest on a work trip. But for whatever reason you find you’re in this Eastern European capital, this guide will make it worth your while.
Bucharest gets the name “little Paris” because you’ll find the same Haussmann-style buildings and apartments with black mansard roofs as in Paris. Ok, enough talk about architecture, a walk around Bucharest will show you the charming mix-matched buildings I’m referring to.
But, first brunch
Before exploring the city, grab a bite to eat at Bread and Butter on Calea Victoreie. Bread and Butter is a cute cafe that serves delicious brunch dishes and specialty drinks. Try the Turkish eggs and choose one of their fun drinks (like the lavender lemonade pictured here) from their menu.
Take yourself on a walking tour of Bucharest
A stroll down Calea Victoreie will introduce you to the majority of Bucharest’s major landmarks. Along the way, you’ll find government buildings, parks, bars, and more. Read this guide for a detailed walking tour that will take you all around the city center.
Stop for a sweet treat at Velocita
Calea Victorieie is home to many restaurants, bars, and gelato shops. Velocita serves a bunch of delicious gelato flavors. When you walk in, you’ll pay for your gelato first, then pick your flavor. Pictured here is pistachio gelato.
Enjoy a traditional Romanian dinner at Caru’ cu bere
For over 140 years, Caru’ cu bere has been a fixture in Bucharest’s Old Town. It started as just a beer hall and now serves a range of delicious Romanian dishes. Caru’ cu bere is best known for its architecture and old-world interior, so try to get a table inside. It’s a big space so you can easily walk in.
What is Romanian food? It’s a lot of pork and polenta, which seems like it would be too heavy but it’s not. Try the mixed minced meat rolled in cabbage, known as sarmale, or the veal schnitzel.
For dessert, you have to try papanași. It’s like a doughnut with berry or cherry compote.
Other dinner spots
Caju
Caju is an upscale yet laid-back Mediterranean restaurant behind the Romanian Athenaeum in the city center. Joseph Hadad, the chef and owner of Caju, owns multiple well-known restaurants in Bucharest. His restaurants are influenced by North African cuisine and serve a variety of Mediterranean dishes from hummus to risotto.
Le Dome
Let’s cut to the chase: Le Dome is a tourist trap, but a good tourist trap nonetheless. It has the vibes of a clubstraurant but loud music is something you’ll find at many Romanian restaurants. (If it bothers you just ask to sit outside). Le Dome serves a variety of dishes with a focus on seafood and despite the gaudiness of the restaurant, the food is good.
After-dinner bar hopping
On Strada Ion Brezoianu is a collection of laid-back bars right outside of Old Town proper. Go bar hopping from spot to spot to be amongst locals. Here are two spots to stop at:
Noroom Taproom
Noroom Taproom gets its name because there is quite literally no room to sit inside. It’s a tiny, no-frills craft beer bar with sidewalk seating. There are a few other brewery-like bars nearby if you can’t snag a sidewalk seat.
Pâine și Vin
Believe it or not, Romania has some great wine. Pâine și Vin is a wine bar that serves plenty of Romanian wine plus pizza and light bites. If you like red wine try Feteasca Neagra, it’s a dry yet smooth Romanian red wine.
Other places in Bucharest to check out
The National Village Museum (Dimitrie Gusti)
If you want a taste of the Romanian countryside without leaving Bucharest, go to the National Village Museum. It’s an open-air museum in King Mihai I Park where houses and buildings from the Romanian countryside have been relocated and are on display for visitors to see. It’s about 6.60 USD for a ticket to the museum.
Obor Market
Visit Obor Market, one of the oldest and most popular outdoor markets in Bucharest, to buy handmade goods, produce, and sweet treats.
Where to stay
The best place to stay as a tourist is in Old Town. It’s very walkable and safe. I recommend staying at The Marmarousch. It’s a historic building that was formerly an influential bank in the 1800s, making it very charming. Their breakfast buffet is exceptionally good.
Even if you don’t stay in The Marmarousch, pay a visit to The Vault, a cocktail lounge in the building’s former bank vault. (You’ll want to make a reservation because it’s table service only and fills up fast, even on weeknights).
Beyond Bucharest: Carpathian Mountains
Outside of the capital city of Bucharest are the Carpathian Mountains. These mountains are home to the town of Transylvania, popularized by Dracula. If you have the time, definitely book a day tour from Bucharest or even stay in the mountains for a few days. Brașov is a popular town to stay in out there.
Currency
Romania is one of the seven non-Eurozone members, meaning they don’t use the Euro. Romania’s currency is the Romanian Leu (abbreviated as RON). 10 USD is about 45 RON, making Romania very affordable for foreigners. Most places accept credit cards with the exception of American Express.
Language
The official language of Romania is Romanian, but like any big city, many people speak English. Romanian is a Latin language so it sounds like Italian, Portuguese, and Spanish. If you can read any Latin language you’ll find it easy to decipher menus in Romanian.
Planning a trip to Romania? Drop your questions below in the comments!
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