Planning a solo trip to Bucharest, Romania? Here’s everything you need to know for your visit:
QUICK FACTS
- Capital and highest populated city of Romania (2.1 million residents).
- Known worldwide for good food and for its unique and diverse architecture.
- Not the home of Count Dracula (vampire enthusiasts should visit Transylvania!)
- Nicknames: Little Paris, Paris of the East.
PRACTICAL INFORMATION
- Currency: Romanian Leu (RON).
– While some places accept Euros, it’s better to use Romanian Lei (RON) for most transactions. ATMs are widely available, and many businesses accept credit cards. - Spoken languages: Romanian (English and French also widely spoken)
- Best time to visit: from March to June and from September to November (gets very hot in July/August).
- Arriving via airport:
– airport train (Henri Coanda Expres) is 6 RON
– the airport express bus (783) is 7.5 RON
– taxi is 25 RON.
- Emergency phone number: 112
WHERE TO STAY
- Best Bucharest hostel for solo travelers: Mil Pasos (clean, safe, and extremely friendly owners that will help you make the most of your city experience).
- The Unirii area is the most convenient area to stay, as many points of interest are close by. This area is also well connected with the public transport in the city (Metro and buses).
GETTING AROUND
- Bucharest has an extensive Metro network, which is arguably the most convenient way to get around. A single Metro trip costs 3 RON, while a 10-trip card costs 25 RON.
- The public transport system (RATB) consists of buses, trams, and trolleys. It is the cheapest way to travel, but not the most comfortable. A rechargeable electronic card (Activ Card) must be bought for travel on the RATB. This card costs 2.6 RON, while a single trip costs 1.3 RON.
- Common tickets for both Metro and RATB are available. A ticket valid on all means of transports costs 5 RON and is valid for 60 minutes.
- The Bucharest City Tour hop-on-hop-off bus is a convenient way for tourists to see major attractions. A 24-hour pass costs around 45 RON.
- Taxi is another popular mean of transport, though not as convenient as the Metro. All registered taxis in Bucharest are yellow (watch out for unmarked and unmetered taxis). Fares range from 1.39 RON/km (minimum) to 2.8-3.5 RON/km, depending on the company. Taxis can be ordered at AutoCobalcescu (+40219451), Taxi 2000 (+40219494) and Taxi Grant (+40219433).
- As an alternative to taxis, Uber is now available in Bucharest (as well as in most major Romanian cities).
- While cars can be rented in Bucharest, this is not recommended due to the chaotic traffic. Car rental firms can be found at the airport.
- In the spring and summer you can rent bikes. These will be most readily available in the Piata Romana, Universitate and Unirii areas.
BUCHAREST NIGHTLIFE
- Drinking age is 18, last call is 4 AM.
- Hip/local scene: bars, clubs and restaurants in the Centrul Vechi area (directions).
- College crowd: bars and clubs in the Regie area (directions).
- Posh scene: lounges/clubs and restaurants in the Floreasca area (directions).
- Great pubs and bars in Bucharest for solo travelers: Hop Hooligans Taproom, Hangar by Ground Zero, Grivița Pub&Grill (great beer with delicious food), Beer O’Clock, and Zeppelin Pub.
- Although the Centrul Vechi area is notorious for its clubs and bars, avoid drinking or making loud noises after 1 AM on the street. The police is vigilant.
UNIQUE LANDMARKS TO VISIT
- The Palace of Parliament is probably the most known landmark of Bucharest. Built by Romania’s infamous dictator Nicolae Ceausescu, it is the large civilian-used building in the world, the heaviest building in the world and the largest by volume. It offers great views of the city.
- The Arch of Triumph (Arcul de Triumf) is located in the north area of the city. The Carpathian Mountains can be seen from the top.
- The Village Museum (Muzeul Satului) is the most visited museum in Romania. Located in a local park, it contains traditional houses, churches, and mills from every corner of Romania. A great place for taking photos and learning about local traditions.
- Revolution Square is one of the most important open areas in Bucharest, and is the setting of the 1989 Romanian Revolution. Here you can find the Romanian National Art Museum, the Romanian Athenaeum, Carol I’s statue and the University’s Library Building (all of them are architectural monuments).
- Carturesti Carusel, a stunning six-story bookstore in a restored 19th-century building, is worth a visit for its architecture and extensive book collection.
INTERESTING WALKS
- Note: watch out for stray dogs while walking in Bucharest – they can get aggressive!
- A walk on the Calea Victoriei is a must, especially in the area between B-dul Dacia and Piata Natiunilor Unite.
- A night-time walk on Lipscani Street is pleasant. You can find lots of places to grab a bite to eat.
- Go for a morning walk or run through Herastrau Park, the largest park in Bucharest.
- Consider taking a Communist-era tour to learn about Bucharest’s recent history. Many companies offer these for around 100-150 RON.
WHERE TO EAT
- Delicious local dishes to try: “sarmale” (cabbage rolls), “mămăligă” (polenta), and “cozonac” (sweet bread).
- Popular street foods: “mici” (grilled meat rolls) and “covrigi” (Romanian pretzels).
- Great restaurants that locals love: Le Bab ($$$), NOUA Bucătărie Românească, Beautyfood ($$), Ivan Pescar & Scrumbia Bar ($$), Terasa Obor ($ – the real Bucharest experience!)
- Where to find good cheap eats: available all over town, especially in the Piata Romana area. Shawarma/kebab stands are the most common. Good bagels, chips and wursts (sausages) can also be found easily.
- Tipping waiters and taxi drivers is common in Romania. In general, a good tip is 10-15% for a good service.
- Visit Obor Market or the outdoor Sensorial Market for authentic local food and produce, as well as handmade crafts
LOCAL WISDOM
- Even in the summer, bring a sweater or a light jacket with you. Weather is very unpredictable in Bucharest.
- Free Wi-Fi is widely available in cafes, restaurants, and some public spaces.
- Etiquette: it is polite to greet people with “Bună ziua” (Good afternoon) during the day.
- Do not give money to beggars or street hawkers.
- Dangerous areas: While Bucharest is generally safe, be cautious of pickpockets in crowded areas and on public transportation.
- At night, avoid the Pantelimon, Rahova and Ferentari areas.
Recommended trip duration: 1-2 days