How to Meet Other Travellers – An Essential Guide to Bucharest

Bucharest is one of the best cities in Eastern Europe for visiting and exploring. For backpackers and other budget travelers, the Romanian capital offers a great opportunity to mingle with other like-minded people while discovering the city’s wealth of cultural attractions, fascinating history, and vibrant nightlife. In this guide, we’ll explore the best ways to meet other travellers in Bucharest and make the most of your stay in this exciting city.

Stay at a Fun Hostel

One of the simplest and most straightforward ways to meet other travellers in Bucharest is to stay at a hostel. The city has a great selection of backpacker-oriented hostels, with some of the most popular including House of Retreat, Chaboo Hostel, and Umbrella Hostel. Many of these spots feature entertainment and activities designed specifically to bring travellers together. For example, at The House of Retreat, you can enjoy communal feasts or sign up for organised day trips. Similarly, at Chaboo Hostel, you can take part in free barbecues, movie nights and live music events.

Go on an Organised Tour or Adventure

Exploring Bucharest’s historic centre, buzzing bars, and amazing natural scenery all become even more enjoyable when done together. With that in mind, another one of the best ways to meet other travellers in Bucharest is to book an organised tour or adventure with a reputable tour operator such as Europe Discovery Tours. Available tours include a full day trip to the famous Transylvania region as well as interactive Dracula-inspired journeys. The guided nature of such events makes them great opportunities to make new friends from all over the world.

Eat at a Vegan Café

If joints like Chaboo Hostel seem a bit too noisy for your liking, then why not head to one of Bucharest’s hip vegan cafés instead? Eating at a vegan café is a great way to meet fellow travellers since these types of establishments tend to attract tourists on ethical and sustainability-focused journeys. Popular vegan spots include Cătălina Cofetărie (which also serves delicious coffee), Essence Café, and Freaks Vegan Pizza.

Attend a Free Outdoor Event

Bucharest might be known for its vibrant nightlife but did you know that it’s also home to numerous outdoor events? During summertime, the city is especially alive with a number of events taking place on an almost weekly basis. Some examples include open-air movie screenings, festivals such as Bucharest Jazz Festival and street food markets like Street Delivery Festival. These types of events are lively places full of people looking for culture, fun and socialising with strangers- so don’t forget to sign up for one!

Go Language Exchange

Another really cool way to meet like-minded people in Bucharest is by going language exchange. These kinds of events are increasing in popularity all over Romania – there are even dedicated websites such as Language Exchange Romania – where you can find meeting points in the capital city as well as all over the country. This type of get-together is especially popular among students who are wanting to learn Romanian or learn more about the country’s culture and customs.

Soak Up the Art Scene

Finally, art lovers should also take advantage of Bucharest’s blossoming art scene by participating in exhibitions, workshops, shows and open studios. This type of gathering is especially popular among young traveller crowds where you can find creative people looking to share ideas and stories while exploring exciting creative pathways. Venues such as Atelier 030202, Calina & Filipa Art House and Galeria Galateca are some of the best spots for it with free or low-cost events taking place throughout the year.

As you can see, there are plenty of ways to meet other travellers in Bucharest and make new friends while exploring this amazing city. Whether you stay at a hostel, go language exchange or simply join some of its fabulous art events, you’re sure to find plenty of company while soaking up the Romanian culture!

An Insider’s Guide to Bucharest: Uncovering the City’s Hidden Gems

Bucharest, the capital of Romania, is a beautiful city offering a unique blend of history, culture, and modernity. While tourists often visit the popular medieval and communist-era attractions, there are plenty of hidden gems that only locals know about. Here’s an insider’s guide to Bucharest, where you can explore the city’s lesser-known but equally impressive venues in a way that even makes the locals envious.

Local Attractions: The Best-Kept Secrets

Bucharest is home to many fascinating sites that are rarely found on regular travel guides. For instance, the Palace of the Parliament, the second-largest administrative building in the world, is open to visitors, and it’s a must-see. The Herastrau Park is a beautiful oasis in the middle of the city, perfect for a picnic and a stroll. Those intrigued by the art nouveau style should visit the Romarta Gallery, an art gallery that’s sure to amaze.

Dining Spots: Savouring the Flavours of Bucharest

Romanian cuisine is known for its hearty meals, delicious meats, and decadent desserts. Bucharest has a fantastic culinary scene filled with both traditional and modern restaurants and cafes. Try some of the hearty meals such as Ciorba, a sour soup filled with meat, vegetables, herbs and noodles or Sarmale, cabbage rolls stuffed with pork or beef. For dessert, indulge in Papanasi, a dumpling covered in cream and fruit compote. For the adventurous foodie, the hottest trends in the city are Veganism and Raw foodism, you can find all kinds of restaurants catering to these lifestyles throughout the city.

Cultural Experiences: Immerse in Bucharest’s Rich Heritage

Bucharest has a rich cultural heritage, and visitors have no shortage of activities to enjoy. The Romanian Athenaeum is an iconic landmark in the city, and inside it, guests can watch concerts and performances. The Museum of the Romanian Peasant offers a fascinating insight into Romanian rural life. The Graphic Front Gallery, one of the most vibrant galleries in the city, hosts many exhibitions and installations. Unique to Bucharest is the traditional Doina dance, accompanied by hauntingly beautiful music, which can be experienced at various cultural events throughout the city.

Local History: Fascinating Tales of Bucharest’s Past

Bucharest has a long and tumultuous history and has survived many upheavals, from war to invasions, communism to democracy. The Ceaușescu regime left several distinctive marks on the city by building large-scale projects such as the Casa Scanteii and the Palace of the Parliament that still impact the city today. Less known is the hauntingly beautiful Bellu Cemetery, which contains the tombs of many notable people from Romania. Another is the forgotten neighbourhood of Rahova; it may not be on any tour guides, but it’s an area steeped in history, where some of Bucharest’s darkest secrets lie.

Off-the-beaten-path: Unforgettable Experiences in Bucharest

To discover some of the city’s best-kept secrets, go on a night-time walk through Bucharest’s streets where you’ll encounter beautiful street art and graffiti that transforms the city. The Caru Cu Bere restaurant and bar, a beautiful heritage building that has been operating since 1879, offers an authentic experience of Romanian culture through its traditional food, homemade beer and folklore music performed by waiters and waitresses. For a more intellectual experience, a visit to the Humanitas book store will whisk you away into a world of books and reading.

Bucharest is a hidden gem that’s waiting to be discovered. From its historic landmarks and celebrated architecture to its hidden gems, cultural events, and unique food scene, Bucharest offers something for every kind of visitor. Try to explore these lesser-known spots to experience the city as Romanians do, and you might just fall in love with it, forever cementing Bucharest’s place in your heart.