About
Bucharest is a city that cannot be understood at first glance. There is not a single postcard of history — Belle Époque ruins, huge communist blocks, a few buildings still dilapidated, new glass towers stand side by side. The nickname "Little Paris" was born in the early 1900s, after Ceaușescu bulldozed the center of the city and replaced it with the People's Palace. This contrast is still vivid: you turn one street and see the Belle Époque façade, then turn the other and hit a socialist apartment block.
One of the cheapest capitals in Eastern Europe. A dinner costs 15-20 EUR, a beer costs 2.5 EUR, a taxi within the city costs 5-7 EUR. It is significantly more affordable than Prague and Budapest, competing with Tbilisi. Thanks to this price advantage, Bucharest's underground scene has grown into one of the strongest in Europe over the last decade — Tale of Us, Solomun, Maceo Plex puts Bucharest on the same list as Berlin.
Therme Bucharest is the city's secret weapon. One of the largest thermal complexes in Europe, you enter 36°C water under the palm trees, it is snowing outside. Justification alone for a semester break.
Brașov and Bran Castle (Dracula legend) are a permanent part of the seven-day visit to Bucharest. The train takes 2.5 hours, costs 14 EUR, you pass through the Transylvanian hills and arrive at the medieval town. This combination — capital + Transylvania + thermal — you cannot find in any other European city.
The food is spicy, filling, meat-based. Mici (minced meat meatballs), spirale (vine leaf stuffing), mămăligă (corn porridge), ciorbă (sour soup) classics. It is not so foreign to the Turkish palate — Ottoman traces are still present in the cuisine. Wine is cheap and good: Cotnari, Murfatlar, Recaș region wines. Țuică (plum raki) is a local treat.
When to Go
Bucharest experiences harsh continental climate. Summers are hot (exceeds 35°C), winters are cold (-10°C), spring and autumn are short but beautiful.
| Period |
Weather (daytime) |
Density |
Otel Fiyatı |
Notes |
| January-February |
-5 / 3° |
Low |
Low |
It's cold, but Therme is in full season; serene after christmas |
| March |
2 / 12° |
Low |
Low |
The beginning of spring, the parks are waking up |
| April |
7 / 18° |
Medium |
Medium |
Ideal start; Orthodox Easter atmosphere |
| May |
12 / 23° |
Medium |
Medium |
Best month; Eden Garden opens |
| June |
16 / 27° |
Medium-High |
Medium |
Street Food Festival; long days |
| July |
18 / 30° |
High |
Medium-High |
Hot; The days are sweltering, the nights are wonderful |
| August |
18 / 30° |
High |
High |
Summer Well, Enescu (biennial); Getting a hotel without air conditioning |
| September |
13 / 24° |
Medium-High |
Medium |
Second best period; Enescu Festival final |
| October |
8 / 17° |
Medium |
Low-Medium |
Autumn colors, parks are golden |
| November |
3 / 9° |
Low |
Low |
End of season, cheap flights |
| December |
-1 / 4° |
Medium-High |
Medium |
Christmas market in front of the People's Palace; Therme + snow combination |
Our general recommendation is May-June and September. Winter is also good for the Therme experience — it enhances the contrast. Escape the summer for a Brașov and Bran day-trip, a rainless spring/autumn day is ideal.
How to get there
Bucharest's main airport, Henri Coandă International Airport (OTP), is 17 km north of the city centre. Its old name was "Otopeni" and it is still called that.
Flights from Türkiye:
| Exit |
Duration |
Airline |
| Istanbul (IST) - OTP |
1 hour 35 min |
THY (3-4 flights per day) |
| Istanbul (SAW) - OTP |
1 hour 40 min |
Pegasus, Wizz Air (2-3 flights per day) |
| Ankara (ESB) - OTP |
1 hour 50 min |
THY (3-4 flights per week) |
If you buy early from Wizz Air and Pegasus, it costs 50-100 EUR round trip. One of the most convenient routes in Europe.
From airport to city:
- 783 Express Bus: 40-50 min, Piața Unirii (center), 8.4 RON (~1.7 EUR, round trip). The cheapest and most practical.
- Train: 20 min from Otopeni Station to Bucharest Northern Station, 4 RON (~0.8 EUR). Check train schedules — they are sparse.
- Bolt/Uber: 25-40 min, 60-100 RON (~12-20 EUR). Most comfortable.
- Taxi: Get a boarding coupon from the vending machines at the main terminal (price is per hour), definitely take a street taxi — astronomical prices.
Our recommendation is Bolt — cheap and honest in Bucharest.
Train option: Sofia 10 hours, Belgrade 14 hours, Budapest 16 hours — Romanian train is below European standards, plane is always more logical.
Urban Transportation
Bucharest's public transport is operated by STB (Societatea de Transport București).
Metro: 4 lines (M1-M4). The M2 trunk line cuts through the city along the north-south axis. Frequency 4-6 minutes, working hours 05:00 - 23:30. Single ticket 3 RON (~0.6 EUR), 10-pack 25 RON (~5 EUR). Buy it from vending machines at metro stations.
Tram and bus: Dense network. Multi-disposable card 4 RON (~0.8 EUR, 2 trips). More practical STB 24 ore (24 hour) card — 8 RON (~1.6 EUR), all inclusive.
Bolt/Uber: Urban distance 15-30 RON (~3-6 EUR). The option you will use the most. Bolt is slightly cheaper, Uber matches faster.
Walking: The Lipscani-Calea Victoriei-Athenaeum-Piaţa Revoluţiei axis is completely walkable. 25 minutes walking distance from Lipscani to the People's Palace. Transportation is needed for Therme and Herastrau.
Otopeni transfer: Even if you're not traveling within the city, buy a Bolt for this route — practical and cheap.
Accommodation Regions
Bucharest is not compact, but the days vary depending on the location of the hotel.
- Lipscani / Old City (Sector 3): Nightlife, restaurants, history all together. Ideal for short holidays. It can be noisy on weekends, ask for a room overlooking the inner courtyard.
- Calea Victoriei / Athenaeum surroundings (Sector 1): Luxury and Belle Époque atmosphere. Hotel prices are high but best location for architecture and walking. Suitable for romantic getaways.
- Piața Romană / Universitate (Sector 1-2): Young, local, cafe-bar dense neighborhood. For a bohemian stay. Easy access to everywhere by metro.
- Herastrau / Aviatorilor (Sector 1, north): Quiet, green, Belle Époque villas. 10 minutes to the city center. For a more comfortable holiday.
- Otopeni / airport surroundings: For transit or Therme-oriented stay only. It's far from the city, we don't recommend it.
What we do not recommend: Inner parts of Sectors 5 and 6 — between squalid apartment blocks, secluded at night, not touristy.
Budget Plan
Bucharest is noticeably cheaper among European capitals. In the same category as Sofia, slightly cheaper than Budapest.
| Budget Style |
Accommodation |
Food |
Activity/Transportation |
Total (2 people/3 days) |
| Economic (hostel/2* hotel, street food) |
120 EUR |
70 EUR |
60 EUR |
~250 EUR |
| Moderate (3-4* hotel Lipscani, mixed) |
280 EUR |
130 EUR |
100 EUR |
~510 EUR |
| Comfort (4-5* boutique Calea Victoriei) |
550 EUR |
220 EUR |
150 EUR |
~920 EUR |
| Luxury (InterContinental, Athénée Palace) |
1.300 EUR+ |
400 EUR+ |
220 EUR |
~1.900 EUR+ |
Practical items: Espresso 10-15 RON (~2-3 EUR), mici portion 20-30 RON (~4-6 EUR), beer 10-15 RON (~2-3 EUR), Therme whole area 169 RON (~34 EUR), metro single ticket 3 RON (~0.6 EUR), Bolt city 15-30 RON (~3-6 EUR). EUR), Bran castle tour (day) 200-300 RON (~40-60 EUR), Braşov train ticket 70 RON (~14 EUR).
Practical Tips
Currency: Romania is a member of the EU but does not use the Euro — its currency is the Leu (RON, plural: Lei). 1 EUR ≈ 5 RON. There may be people who accept Euro in touristic places, but the exchange rate is bad, use RON. Cards are accepted everywhere, except small stalls. If the ATM offers "conversion", reject it.
Water: Bucharest's tap water is drinkable, but taste is a matter of preference. Bottled water 3 RON.
Scam warning: Street taxi legend at the airport (buy Bolt), "beautiful girl inviting to the bar" classic in Lipscani (don't go), Otopeni exchange offices (bad exchange rate, bank or city centre). In general, Bucharest is safe, but be wary of minor vicissitudes.
Dogs: In the 2000s the streets of Bucharest were full of stray dogs, the situation has largely resolved but you can still come across them in some areas. They're not aggressive, but keep your distance.
Language: Romanian is of Latin origin (close to Italian), you can pick up a few basic words. "Mulțumesc" (thanks), "Bună" (hello), "La revedere" (see you). The younger generation speaks English, French also works for the elderly.
Schengen 2024: Romania will be included in the air and sea borders part of Schengen as of March 2024. The land border is not Schengen yet. A Schengen visa is required for a Turkish ordinary passport — the same Schengen visa as your entry visa for Hungary is also valid in Romania.
Type of payment: 10% standard in the restaurant. Asking “do you want to add a tip” is not common when paying by card — cash tip is preferred. You can add it to the Bolt driver from the application.
Travel Guide with Children
Bucharest may be considered child-friendly among European capitals — Therme alone may be the reason kids come to the country.
Recommendations by Age Group
0-3 years: Herastrau Park is stroller friendly and has playgrounds. The Village Museum is open air and offers space for running. Therme's "Family" section has small pools suitable for children under the age of 3.
4-7 years: The Therme Galaxy section with slides is children's favorite. Grădina Zoologică București (Zoo) in Băneasa, large and modernized. Țăndărică Puppet Theater performs children's shows on the weekend.
8-12 years old: The People's Palace tour is a little long for children, but the huge place has a great impact. Antipa Natural History Museum attracts attention with dinosaur skeletons and interactive exhibitions. It's fun to rent a kayak in Cişmigiu Park.
Ages 13+: Bran Castle (Dracula) is this age group's favorite — the legend is strong. Escape rooms are common and cheap in Bucharest. Of course, Eden Garden is not a nightclub, but there is an open-air cinema and events during the summer months.
Top 5 Kid-Friendly Activities
Therme Bucharest Galaxy — 10 slides, wading pool, lazy river. A day passes easily here.
Village Museum (Muzeul Satului) — Open air, real village houses, wooden churches. Children can enter houses and play.
Herastrau Park + boat — Paddles on the lake, playgrounds around. There is a mini-train tour.
Bran Castle day-trip — For ages 12+, the combination of Dracula and the castle is unforgettable.
Antipa Natural History Museum — Interactive dinosaur exhibition and mineral section in Şosea Kiseleff.
Practical Information
- Baby stroller: The city center is flat but the sidewalks may be neglected. Most metro stations have elevators, but not all.
- Children's menu: Available in most restaurants. Mămăligă, pancakes, mititei suitable for little ones.
- Ticket discounts: In museums, children under the age of 7 are generally free, ages 7-18 are half price. Discounts for children under 11 at Therme.
- Toilet: No problems in shopping malls and museums. Paid toilets in parks cost 2-3 RON.
Warnings
- It can be difficult outside during the summer months when the daytime exceeds 35°C, shade and water are a must.
- Lipscani is not suitable for children at night, wander around during the day.
- Hot pools in Therme are prohibited for children under the age of 12 — Stay at Galaxy.
- Braşov-Bran trains are long and can be tiring with young children.
Local Label and Culture Notes
Romanians are generally welcoming and warm — a mix of Balkan and Latin character. They are mostly neutral or positive towards the Turks; The Ottoman period lasted 400 years, but this history is more of an academic matter and does not affect daily relations.
Greeting: Handshake is standard, two cheek kisses between intimates (like France). "Bună ziua" (good day, formal) or "Salut" (greeting, cordial).
Restaurant rules: You can pass and sit down before the waiter comes to the table. To request an account, ask "Nota, vă rog". Table sharing is not common — no waiting in crowded restaurants.
Tip: 10% standard. The waiter brings the bill, payment is made, then you leave the tip in cash. There is generally no type box on the card slip.
Greeting call: Bucharest people ask old acquaintances "ce mai faci?" He asks (how are you), really waiting for an answer. There is no "how are you, how are you?" like in Türkiye, a short real answer is enough.
Church etiquette: In Orthodox churches, you can cover your head (for women), shorts are prohibited for men. In active monasteries like Stavropoleos, ask for permission to photograph, do not enter during the service, or remain silent.
Gypsy/Rome debate: 3-5% of the Romanian population is of Romani descent, social tension still exists. Don't bring this up with a local, it's a sensitive matter.
Țuică tradition: Plum raki (țuică) is a local treat. It's not rude to refuse, but it's polite to take a sip and say cheers. "Noroc" (cheers) is the right word.
FAQ
How many days to visit Bucharest?
Three days is enough to see the city center — People's Palace, Lipscani, Athenaeum, Therme. Five days is ideal: you can add a Braşov day-trip to this period. One week full package: Bucharest + Brașov + Bran Castle + full day in Therme + festivals. If you came with your Schengen visa, you still do not need to stay here for more than a week, you can go to Sibiu or Klüj.
Is a Schengen visa required?
Yes for Turkish ordinary passport — Romania will be included in the air-sea section of Schengen from 2024. The multiple-entry Schengen visa you received from Hungary, Greece or another Schengen country is valid in Romania. Special/service/diplomatic passport visa-free, 90 days in 180 days. Details are on the Visa Guide page.
How to get to Bran Castle?
Two ways: (1) Direct day tour from Bucharest — 200-300 RON, leaving in the morning and returning in the evening, by bus. Available from GetYourGuide, Viator or local agencies. (2) Bucharest → Braşov train (2.5-3 hours) + Braşov-Bran bus (50 min). If you stay one night in Brașov and go to Bran the next day, it will be more comfortable and you will see Brașov as well. Entrance to the castle alone is 70 leg.
Is Dracula real?
Bram Stoker, who wrote the novel, has never been to Romania or seen Bran Castle — he just looked at Romanian castle drawings while researching the book. Historical Dracula, namely Vlad Țepeș (Vlad the Impaler) 15th century Wallachian prince, fought against the Ottomans and is famous for impaling prisoners. He may have never lived in Bran and was only a brief captive. Still, the myths and the architecture of the castle make the tourist experience impressive.
Is Therme Bucharest really worth it?
Definitely. One of the largest thermal complexes in Europe, you can easily spend a day inside. It has three sections: Galaxy (slides), Palm (thermal relaxation), Elysium (adult sauna). All area ticket 169 lej (~34 EUR), Galaxy single 89 lej. 17 km from the city center, Bolt 50 leg. Especially in winter — 36°C under palm trees, snow outside — you won't find it anywhere else.
Is Bucharest safe?
Medium-high security in European standards. Violent crime is very low, there is pickpocketing and fraud (Lipscani, metro rush hours). At night, the area around Lipscani is tourist-heavy and safe, while the inner parts of Sector 5/6 are not inviting at night. Use Bolt, don't hail a street taxi.
Does Romania use the Euro?
No — it is a member of the EU but has not adopted the Euro, its currency is Leu (RON, plural Lei). 1 EUR ≈ 5 RON. They accept Euros at the hotel and some of Lipscani's tourist attractions, but the exchange rate is bad. Use RON or pay by card.
How is Bucharest nightlife?
Lipscani is touristy and fun, but the "real" Bucharest night is in the underground scene - venues such as Eden Garden, Guesthouse, Control Club host electronic music nights that rival Berlin. DJs such as Tale of Us, Solomun, Maceo Plex come regularly. Ticket 80-150 lej, drink 15-30 lej — very cheap by European standards.
