About Bucharest

Intrigue, fascination, wonder, three words which offer a glimpse into the aura surrounding Bucharest, the capital of Romania. This is a stylish, bustling, and dynamic metropolis that can truly surprise the first-time, cosmopolitan visitor. During the interwar period, the city was nicknamed the "Paris of the East." However, today's cityscape is largely dominated by the typical socialist architecture, the result of dictator Nicolae Ceausescu's savage redevelopment plans during the 1980s. Yet, despite this bleak period, Bucharest emerged, Phoenix-like, from the ashes of her past glory to reclaim her rightful stature. Having survived two world wars, the Communist dictatorship, and several earthquakes, today this self-sufficient and proud city has completely reinvented itself. Significantly remodelled during the nineteenth century, Bucharest juxtaposes lifestyles and traditions that cannot but enrapture the discerning traveller. Hidden among a tangle of concrete, apartment blocks are wonderful art nouveau buildings, great museums, ancient churches, lush parks, lakes, and elegant boulevards. Bucharest's culinary scene is equally worth getting excited about. Moreover, the city has very few contenders in the region concerning nightlife, the vibrant and long parties of which should not be missed. Much of Bucharest's uniqueness lies hidden from plain sight and waits to be discovered by the patient and curious visitor. Artsy garden oases, tucked behind crumbling facades, and colorful cafes holding their own mysterious charm will certainly make you fall in love with this city!

Public Transport System

Bucharest's transport services consists of public transport, taxis and car sharing services. Public transport is made up of buses , trams, light rail, trolleybuses and the underground transport- the subway.In order to ride on the public transport one needs to buy an Activ(green) or Multiplu(blue) magnetic card(3.70 lei) in advance which is available at the RATB kiosks,found next to major bus and tram stops. For the Metro one needs to have either a specific metro card or an integrated metro+bus/tram/trolley bus card .Trips cost 1.30 lei each and the minimum amount of credit you can buy is 5 lei. The Activ card can be refilled and used by multiple people. The best option would be to take a top up of 50 lei and have a separate card for the metro.

Cleanliness and Efficiency

Cleanliness: Medium, Efficiency: Medium

Mode & Cost of Transports

Taxi services such as Meridian, Speed Taxi, Cristaxi, Taxi 2,000, Cobalcescu and Pelicanul man the roads of Bucharest. The tariff starts at around RON 1.39 per km up to 3.50 per km. Uber and Taxify offer ride sharing trips. Black cab, Taxi Bucuresti and Elegance Taxi offer premium services. Black Cab charges a flat rate of RON 70.

An Active or Multiple card costs 3.70 lei. Individual trips cost 1.30 lei each. A trip on the Bucharest subway would cost 2.5 lei. A pass for a week would cost 25 lei and unlimited trips the entire week.

Basic Items & Cost

Name Price
Water Bottle USD 1.69
Cup of Coffee USD 1.90
Milk Carton Pack USD 1.06
Rice/Kg USD 1.06
White Bread USD 0.42
Eggs (12) USD 2.11
Combo Meal USD 4.22
Fine Dining USD 25.34
Bottle of Coke or Pepsi USD 1.27
Domestic Beer USD 1.69
Imported Beer USD 2.11
Bottle of Wine USD 4.22
Cigarettes (20 Pack) USD 3.59
Taxi ( 1 km ) USD 0.42
Ticket in local transport (Single way). USD 0.21
Rent ( One Bed Room) USD 366.01

Do’s:

  • It would be helpful to learn a few basic phrases and words in the local language, especially if one needs to deal with government officials, shopkeepers, and vendors.
  • Use the services of a bank when withdrawing or exchanging money.
  • Try to find out in advance the price of fares, especially cabs, as chances of being cheated cannot be ruled out.
  • Try to mingle with the locals as much as possible; it is a great way to get to know the place and its culture.
  • Try to visit the countryside and enjoy the natural beauty which abounds everywhere.
  • Beware of old currency, which can still be found in circulation though it is no longer a legal tender.
  • For making calls, phone cards are available at post offices or dedicated kiosks. Another option is a Romanian SIM card, though voice and text fees can be higher.
  • It is customary to leave a 10% tip at restaurants.

Don’t:

  • Talk about Communism;
  • Take any unregistered taxis; also check the price of the fare before getting in a taxi;
  • Be too friendly with street children; chances are you’ll be pickpocketed.

Night Life

Clubbing, gambling, dancing, karaoke-bar singing, strip clubs, and erotic entertainment parlors make Bucharest a genuine and very popular holiday destination. The "Clubber's Paradise" will never disappoint. The city actually comes to life with a throbbing, energetic pulse at 9:00 p.m. Being much more affordable than other neighboring countries, Bucharest's nightlife swears by its "last man standing" policy and thus, party animals should look no further. Lipscani is an all-time favorite of night owls. With no licensing hours, the bars and pubs are open very late into the night. It is advisable to book in advance at established joints to avoid any disappointments. Bucharest's modern capitalist look can be easily glimpsed in its swanky bars and pubs.  Opportunities to grab a bite to eat abound as heavy clubbing can make one extremely hungry. For street food, it is advisable to pay in cash.

Must See

  • Private, custom tours with traditional meals;
  •  Take one of the many walking tours of Bucharest;
  •  Kids can have lots of fun at the Cismigiu Park;
  •  Nightlife is vibrant and extremely entertaining;
  •  Attend concerts at the Athenaeum;
  •  Savor local cuisine at the Caru'cu Bere or Hanu' Berarilor Casa Oprea Soare;
  •  Walk down the tree-lined boulevards;
  •  Indulge in modern and contemporary art at the National Museum of Art, H'art gallery, Zorzini Gallery, and Galateca Gallery; 
  •  Don't miss the Carturesti Carusel Bookstore;
  •  For souvenir shoppers the Old City offers plenty of options; 
  • Go to local clubs, such as La Muse and Mojo.

Experiences

Bucharest has activities for everyone, ranging from historical buildings and landmarks to theme parks, museums, nocturnal parties, and day trips.

  • Stroll and relax in the refreshing sylvan splendor of innumerable parks;
  • Dracula's Castle expedition;
  • Child-friendly activities and tours;
  • Beer tours;
  • Nightlife entertainment, especially in the Lipscani neighborhood;
  • Shop at the sprawling malls;
  • Buy souvenirs and the latest designer clothes at concept stores;
  • Walking and biking tours;
  • Water sports;
  • Eat at the numerous food courts all over town.

Activities

Constanta, Vadu Beach, Plaja Gostinu, Therme Spa Complex, Plaja Sulina
Beach
Zoo Baneasa, It is about 15 km from the city center
Zoo
Strada Vadul Moldovei 4, Bucuresti 077190
Sinaia Ski Resort, It is about 150 km from the city center
Ski
Prahova Valley resorts
Palace Casino, It is 2.9 km from the city center
Casino
calea Victoreie 133 Bucuresti 010071
All-In Poker Club, It is 3.3 km from the city center
Casino
Bulevardul Ion c. Bratianu 29-33, Bucuresti 030167
Diplomatic Golf Course, It is 7.8 km from the city center
Golf
Nr. 2 B, Soseaua Bucuresti, Ploiesti 2B 077190
Queen Casino, It is 2.2 km from the city center
Casino
Calea Dorobanti 5-7, Bucuresti 030167
Any Weather Entertainments, It is 1.5 km from the city center
Golf
Strada franceza 60, Bucuresti 030167
Predeal, It is about 150 km from the city center
Ski
Resort can be easily reached from Bucharest by train or by car
Poiana Brasov, It is about 180 km from the city center Bucharest
Ski
20 minutes by car from the city of Brasov
Art Safari, It is 1.7 km from the city center
Safari
Dacai-Romania Palace
Stejaril Golf Driving Range, It is about 12 km from the city center
Golf
Stejarii Golf Driving Range, Strada Jandarmeriei 14A, Bucharest 013896, Romania
Plaja Corbu, It is about 255 km from the city center of Bucharest
Beach
Close to Mamaia and Navodari Resorts
Constanta, Vadu Beach, Plaja Gostinu, Therme Spa Complex, Plaja Sulina
Beach
Plaja Vadu, It is about 484 km from the city center Bucharest
Beach
One hour drive from Constanta
Plaja Agigea , It is about 230 km from the Bucharest city center
Beach
Near the village of Agigea
Golf Room, It is 3.5 km from the city center
Golf
Calea Floreasca 111-113, Bucuresti
Grand Casino, It is 2.8 km from the city center
Casino
Calea 13 Septembrie 90, In incinta hotelului Marriott, Bucuresti 061165
Plaja Gostinu, It is about 70 km from the city center, Bucharest
Beach
A short drive away from Bucharest

Shopping

No data available
  • Bead Jewelry;
  •  Hand-Painted Easter Eggs;
  • Romanian Wines & the famous, hard liquor called Tuica;
  • Horezu Ceramics;
  • Glass Painted Icons;
  • Oltenia Carpets and Rugs;
  •  Traditional clothing and footwear;
  •  Gerovital Cosmetics;
  • Walnut Jam, Honey, Cheeses, Biscuits, Crackers;
  • Reghin Musical Instruments;
  •  Romanian New Cinema;
  • Leather Goods;
  • Scarves and handmade jewelry.

Official Language

Romanian

Other Language

Hungarian, Romani, Ukrainian, ... Read more

Spoken Language

Romanian. Note that Italian, F... Read more

Currency

Leu (RON)

Population

1.96 (Millions)

Weather Icon

Weather

Light Rain 5.24°C

Clock Icon

TimeZone

19:34 PM (GMT +02:00)

 

Ambulance Icon

Ambulance

 

Police Icon

Police

 

Electric socket

Type F
Type F ( 220 V 50 Hz)
Airplane Icon

Airport Name / IATA Code

Henri Coanda International Airport - OTP

Airport Name / IATA Code

Baneasa International Airport - BBU

Best time to visit

In April, May, September, and October, the weather is rather warm, making it a wonderful time to visit. Albeit quite hot, the summer (June, July, and August) is ideal for travel in both seaside and mountain areas.

Moderate time to visit

March, April, September, and October, when weather is fairly pleasant.

Worst time to visit

November, December, January, and February, i.e., the late autumn and winter months, when weather is rainy or cold with abundant snowfall especially in mountain areas. Snowstorms are common in December.

Taxi

Start Tariff: RON 1.70

1 Km. Tariff: RON 1.70

1 Hour Waiting Tariff: RON 16.90

Available service

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Monthly Average Temperature & Rainfall

Local Services in Bucharest (Contact directly)

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