Must Dos in Bucharest

1. Learn some Romanian: If you speak Italian, Spanish, French or any other Romance language, you’ll most likely be able to understand quite a bit of the local language. Our phrase book will help you with the necessities to impress the locals with your excellent Romanian language skills.

2. Pastry, pastry, pastry: Romanians have a weakness for soft, freshly baked goods, and there’s no shortage of bakeries around. Treat yourself to some covrigi (pretzels) or a Dobrogeana (cheese pie) at least once a day.

3. Rent a bike: Bucharest is pretty big, so why not hop on a bike and explore the city on two wheels? As long as you steer away from cycling on the main roads and stick to the many parks, it’s a fun way to get around.

4. See Arcul de Triumf: Bucharest was once known as “Little Paris”, and nothing illustrates that better than “Arcul de Triumf”, a replica of the famous Arc de Triomphe in the French capital.

5. Visit the Palace of Parliament: Fun fact: it’s reputedly the heaviest civilian administrative building in the world.

6. Admire the street art: Roaming the streets of Bucharest, you’ll find many cool murals. Strada Arthur Verona is a good starting point.

7. Try Sarmale: Tasty cabbage rolls with pork, slow cooked in a clay pot served with polenta.

8. Most #Instagrammable places:

📚 Carturesti Carusel was always meant to be more than a book shop. With its beautiful spiral staircase, white columns, colourful bookshelves and lots of light, this photo will get you all the likes.

🌿 The Botanical Garden, especially in Spring or Summer, is a great place to spend your morning or afternoon. Looking to take super nice photos to add to your Bucharest memory book? Then don’t miss a visit.

🏛️ The architecture in Bucharest will most likely catch your eye and there’s no better place to admire its diversity than taking a walk on Calea Victoriei (Victoriei Street). You’ll get to see the Romanian Athenaeum, the Royal Palace (currently the National Art Museum of Romania), plus many other unique historical buildings. Tip: you’ll also find many restaurants and cafes, if you want to stop for a quick bite or grab a coffee to go on your walk.

Off the beaten path

🍃 Day trip

Trust us, it’s worth adding at least one more day to your Bucharest itinerary for this: a day trip to Dracula’s castle! Located right in the heart of the stunning landscape of Transylvania, many operators organise day tours to the famous Bran Castle. They are great value for money and are much more comfortable than organising the trip yourself if you have limited time. Book well ahead.

Phrasebook