What Is the Nightlife Like in Bucharest?

Bucharest has long been considered one of the most vibrant nightlife cities in Europe. With its vibrant bar, club, and music scene, this Romanian capital is often referred to as the “Paris of the East” or a gateway to Eastern Europe. But what is the nightlife like in Bucharest in 2020?

Whenever night falls, Bucharest’s Old Town area comes alive with thousands of people heading out in search of exciting entertainment. From its sophisticated cafes and Michelin-starred restaurants to its popular nightclubs and pubs, you’ll find an array of options available in Bucharest.

Starting with cafes, some of Bucharest’s top spots include Epigon, a 24/7 hangout attracting mostly the younger folk, and Muzica Eternei Cafe, famed for its poetic atmosphere. During the day, these buzzing spots offer coffee and tea served in traditional samovars, such as the famous Căutare. But come night time, the cafes become an eclectic mix of music and people out to enjoy themselves.

For food lovers, some of Bucharest’s finest restaurants include Caru’ cu Bere, located in the heart of Old Town. Housed in a 19th-century building where a string of musicians have played over the years, this renowned restaurant offers Romanian dishes such as mămăligă with sour cream and pork-stuffed sarmale. Busy most days and nights, the restaurant’s more crowded during weekends.

If you’re into nightclubs, then Chaboo discotheque and Expirat music venue are two must-visit spots. Both are located within the Văcărești Lake district — a former communist complex-turned popular arts and leisure hub — and feature high-energy dance music, live gigs, art exhibitions, and other performances. Plus, Chaboo’s nearby Studio Martin is the perfect place for karaoke singing and alternative music.

Other popular nightspots include La Scena, which hosts live jazz concerts nightly and Little Union Jazz Cafe, offering weekly shows from its all-star international ensembles. Art jazz fans should also check out Jazz Book Club & Jazz Club at Fabrica de Pensule building in the city’s Centre. Another great spot is Pura Vida Sky Bar, a large rooftop space with great views of the city offering live music and DJ sets.

For a craft beer experience, head to Beer O’Clock or Zăganu Gara. Beer O’Clock — which serves more than 100 craft beer brands — is located within a modernized building within the old city, while Zăganu Gara prides itself on stocking locally-produced gourmet products, including Poland and Romania’s own beers.

Apart from its nightclubs, bars and pubs, Bucharest’s nightlife offers much more. Its performing arts zones offer a great evening distraction with puppet shows, open-air performances at festivals, movie screenings in parks and much more. Furthermore, you can always hit up Fabrica’, a former fabric turned into an open-space for local bands and international acts to perform nightly.

In conclusion, Bucharest is truly a European capital that knows how to party. Whether you prefer to spend an evening enjoying live music, socializing around craft bars or dancing until dawn in nightclubs with international stars as DJs — this marvelous Romanian city offers all this experience and much more.

This article was written by Trippoty, the all-in-one app for hassle-free group travel planning.

An Insider’s Guide to the Nightlife in Bucharest: See the Best of Romania’s Capital After Dark

As the largest city and capital of Romania, Bucharest is known for its thriving nightlife. The city lights up with a vibrant energy as night falls, with bars and clubs around every corner. From rooftop terraces to underground parties, Bucharest offers a diverse mix of entertainment for partygoers. Moreover, the city’s rich history and cultural legacy means there’s plenty for tourists to explore as well. Here’s a local guide to the best spots to visit when the sun goes down in Bucharest.

Experience Bucharest’s Famous Clubs and Bars

When it comes to nightlife in Bucharest, the first thing that comes to mind is its famous nightclubs. The city has a range of options, each with its own atmosphere and crowd. Check out Control Club, which is known for its alternative and electronic music, located in the heart of the city. For a more upscale experience, head to Bamboo Club, which attracts top DJs and a luxurious crowd. The Guesthouse, located in the Old Town, is known for its retro vibes and iconic décor. If you’re looking for a place with live music and a cozy atmosphere, take a look at the Hard Rock Café.

Experience the Charm of Bucharest’s Old Town

Bucharest’s Old Town, also known as the Lipscani district, is full of vibrant colors and lively nightlife. With its beautiful architecture and lively atmosphere, Old Town is one of the most popular destinations for tourists. The area is home to numerous cocktail bars, clubs, and pubs. Explore the winding streets and encounter neon lights at every turn. Many bars are open late, so you can enjoy the charming atmosphere late into the night.

Enjoy a Rooftop Terrace with Stunning Views

Bucharest is full of rooftop bars that offer stunning views of the city skyline. One of the most popular is SkyBar, located on the 18th floor of the Radisson Blu Hotel. The bar offers a 360-degree view of Bucharest and a range of cocktails and modern cuisine. Pura Vida Sky Bar offers a more laid-back atmosphere and a wide range of drinks, along with live music from local DJs. When the weather is good, head to Nomad Skybar, which features a large terrace with a view of the city’s main boulevards.

Experience Bucharest’s Art and Culture Scene

Aside from the city’s vibrant nightlife, Bucharest also has a rich cultural scene to explore. Visit the National Museum of Contemporary Art, which boasts a beautiful neo-classical building and a range of contemporary pieces. For the best in local art, check out the recently opened Museum of Bucharest. Bucharest also has a strong Jazz Scene, so check out Clubul Țăranului, a beautiful old building that hosts jazz concerts.

Try Traditional Romanian Cuisine

No trip to Bucharest is complete without sampling the local dishes. Romanian cuisine is influenced by a mix of Balkan and Eastern European flavors. One of the most popular dishes is Sarmale, a unique combination of meat and rice wrapped in cabbage leaves. Mamaliga, a polenta-like dish, is a comforting staple that is typically served with meat and sour cream. Caru’ cu Bere, one of Bucharest’s oldest restaurants, located in the Old Town, offers traditional Romanian cuisine along with live music.

Discover Off-the-Beaten-Path Nightlife Spots

If you want to experience Bucharest’s hidden spots loved by locals but not so mainstream for tourists, you can head to Bucharest’s Expat community where you can find local gem spots like beergardens in the summer and underground clubs during off-season. Some of the places you can head to are Fire, and Club GuestHouse.

Bucharest’s nightlife is one of the reasons tourists visit Romania. Its vibrant party scene and thriving cultural events mean there’s always something to discover. When you plan your visit to Bucharest, set aside some nights to experience everything the city has to offer after dark.