Is Bucharest An Expensive City To Visit?

Bucharest is one of the most amazing cities in Europe, known for its lively culture, great food, vibrant nightlife and modern attractions. Surprisingly, it’s also considered to be one of the most affordable cities in Europe! So, if you’re looking to visit on a budget, it would be a great destination. In this guide, we’ll explore how much it costs to visit Bucharest, and how to make the most of the city while sticking to your budget.

How Expensive Is Bucharest?

Bucharest is surprisingly affordable compared to other European cities. According to Numbeo, a site with one of the largest databases of user-generated data about cities and countries across the world, Bucharest’s consumer price index (CPI) is 54.81, which is much lower than the average CPI for cities of similar size in Europe. And that’s reflected in prices you’ll pay for food, lodging and local transportation.
For example, a mid-range meal for two at a restaurant in Bucharest will cost around $15-20—that’s significantly cheaper than a similar meal in most other European cities! And a night at a three-star hotel in Bucharest can be found from as little as $30-50 per night, which is unbeatable value for travelers. Public transportation is also good value in Bucharest, with tickets for buses and trams costing as little as around 20 cents per ride.
So, overall, Bucharest is a very affordable city! But before we delve into what you can do for cheap or even for free in Bucharest, let’s have a quick look at the costs you’ll need to factor in when planning your visit.

What Costs Are Involved With Visiting Bucharest?

When it comes to visiting Bucharest, there are a few costs to consider that go beyond basic living expenses. Let’s look at some of the key costs you’ll need to factor into your budget:

• Airfare: Depending on where you’re traveling from, flights to Bucharest can be quite affordable – budget airlines such as Ryanair and Wizz Air operate many routes to the city from all over Europe, so it’s definitely worth shopping around to find the best deal.
• Transfers: Once you arrive in Bucharest, you may need to factor in transfer costs. There are several options available, including buses and trains from the airport into central locations, and taxis or private transfers from the airport. Prices can vary greatly between the different transport options.
• Accommodation: As mentioned earlier, you’ll be pleased to find that accommodation in Bucharest is extremely good value for money—hostels start from around $8-10 per night for a shared dorm room, and you can find midrange hotels from around $50-60 per night.

What Can You Do For Free In Bucharest?

If you’re on a tight budget but still want to experience the best of what Bucharest has to offer, there are plenty of free things to do in the city. Here are some great options:

• Explore historic sites: Bucharest has a wealth of historic sites that visitors can see for free—the most famous being George Enescu Park and Sculpture Garden. This peaceful park houses stunning sculptures by some of Romania’s greatest contemporary artists and is a beautiful place for a stroll.
• Discover hidden gems: Another great thing about Bucharest is that it still has many hidden gems that you won’t find in guidebooks—it’s definitely worth taking some time to wander around and explore these unusual spots. One example is Piata Amzei, where you can find independent art galleries and design studios as well as interesting street art and pop-up bars.
• Free festivals: Throughout the year, there are lots of free festivals and events taking place in Bucharest—from live music concerts to cultural celebrations. And the great thing about festivals like these is that entrance is usually free or very cheap.

Overall, Bucharest definitely offers plenty of ways to have fun without breaking the bank! For those travelers who are looking to stick to their budgets while exploring this fascinating city, there are plenty of affordable accommodation options, an extensive public transportation system and lots of fun things to do without having to spend a penny. So don’t be put off by rumors about Bucharest being expensive—with careful planning and some creativity, it can be just as affordable as any other European city.