Bucharest: A Comprehensive Guide

Bucharest is the capital city of Romania and one of the most interesting places to visit in Eastern Europe. With impressive historical monuments, bustling nightlife, and delightful cultural attractions, Bucharest is a destination that’s rich with traveler appeal. Whether you’re simply looking for a weekend getaway or enjoying an extended stay, Bucharest has plenty to offer. In this guide, you’ll find all the information you need to plan your trip to Bucharest and make your stay in this amazing city a memorable one.

Where is Bucharest?

Bucharest is located along the banks of the Dâmbovița River in Southeast Romania. It sits at the same latitude as much of Italy, but its altitude, at an average of 144m (472ft) above sea level, is slightly higher. The city is located close to the Bulgarian border, with the Black Sea just 176km away. Bucharest is Romania’s capital city with a population of more than 1.9 million people.

How do you get around Bucharest?

Getting around Bucharest isn’t too difficult, particularly if you use public transportation. The public transportation system is rather efficient and consists of a network of buses, trams, and trolleys. There are also minibuses called “maxitaxies” which have fixed routes and fares. You can also opt for taxi services, which are quite affordable if you use one of the licensed providers such as the ones recommended by Romania Experience. Driving in Bucharest can be challenging due to heavy traffic and narrow streets, so it’s best to rely on public transportation for most trips.

What are the best neighborhoods in Bucharest?

Bucharest is made up of 6 districts. Each district offers something a bit different and whether you’re looking for a bustling nightlife, historic attractions, or just a quiet area to explore – there are plenty of great neighbourhoods to choose from in Bucharest.

For visitors, the two most popular districts are Old Town (Centrul Vechi) and Lipscani. Both are located in the heart of the city and offer plenty of cultural attractions such as museums, art galleries, churches and plenty of restaurants and nightlife venues.

More modern spots include Victorei and Dorobanti, which offer plenty of restaurants and chic shops. It’s also relatively easy to get around these neighbourhoods given their close proximity to public transportation hubs.

In terms of residential neighbourhoods, Baneasa and Drumul Taberior have plenty to offer in terms of green spaces and less touristy attractions such as markets and local parks. The best part about these neighbourhoods is that they are still relatively close to the city centre and some historical attractions such as parks and museums, so even if you’re staying there you won’t miss out on all that Bucharest has to offer.

What are must-see things in Bucharest?

There’s no shortage of things to do in Bucharest. The city is filled with world-famous attractions such as the Palace of Parliament, Cismigiu Gardens and Bran Castle – also known as Dracula’s Castle. There’s also an abundance of art galleries, museums and cultural attractions to explore. Here are some of the must-see places when in Bucharest:

1) Palace of Parliament

The Palace of Parliament is an iconic landmark in Bucharest and one of the largest administrative buildings in the world. It was built under former communist leader Nicolae Ceaușescu and today it houses both chambers of the Romanian Parliament. Visitors can take guided tours to explore this huge building which also houses several museums showcasing Romanian culture and history.

2) Romanian Athenaeum

This beautiful building is often referred to as “the symbol of Romania’s cultural life” and was inaugurated in 1888 by King Carol I. It’s now home to the George Enescu Philharmonic Orchestra and other international events such as classical music concerts, theatre performances, film screenings and art exhibitions.

3) Village Museum

The Village Museum is located in Herastrau Park and it opened in 1936. It showcases traditional Romanian rural architecture with more than 300 authentic houses, churches and other objects from various regions being displayed here. The museum also features some recreations of traditional scenes depicting various aspects of rural life.

4) Old Town (Centrul Vechi)

Old Town (Centrul Vechi) is a bustling area filled with bars, restaurants, clubs and galleries. It’s a great neighbourhood for an evening stroll or for trying a traditional Romanian meal at one of its many restaurants. While here make sure to visit Manuc’s Inn – an old inn from 1808 that today serves as a pub and restaurant popular with both locals and tourists alike according to Pro Tourisme Bucuresti.

Conclusion

Overall, Bucharest is filled with cultural attractions and sights that are worth exploring. Its vibrant neighbourhoods offer plenty for visitors to explore in terms of nightlife, historical sites, cultural experiences and unique attractions that you won’t find anywhere else. And with its convenient transportation system, Getting around isn’t too difficult either – making it easy to make your way around Europe’s last great metropolis.