Bucharest

Bucharest is Romania's capital and largest city, offering a fascinating mix of old and new: 300-year-old churches next to steel-and-glass towers and communist-era buildings. The old town has been renovated with cobblestoned streets, clubs, and restaurants. It is the primary entry point into Romania and has a vibrant cultural scene.

Bucharest has a temperate-continental climate with hot summers (up to 30°C) and cold winters (as low as -20°C). The best time to visit is April through June, September through October, and early December. Spring is brief and falls mainly in April.

Henri Coandă International Airport (OTP) is 18 km north of the city center, served by express bus 783 and taxis. Gara de Nord is the main railway station with connections across Romania and Europe. Several bus terminals (Filaret, Obor, Băneasa) serve regional and international buses.

Bucharest has an extensive public transport network including four metro lines, trams, buses, and trolleybuses. The city center is walkable. Taxis are available but only use licensed ones (Meridian Taxi at Gara de Nord). Tickets can be purchased at kiosks and validated on board.

Accommodation ranges from hostels like Butterfly Villa (from €10) and Midland Hostel (from €11) to budget hotels near Gara de Nord and mid-range hotels in the center. The old town and areas near Piata Romana are popular. For a stay near the airport, consider Vienna House Easy or Hilton Garden Inn.

Traditional Romanian cuisine includes dishes like mici, sarmale, and ciorbă. Caru' cu Bere is a famous restaurant in a historic building with a student menu for 14.50 lei. For cheap eats, the pastry chain LUCA offers covrigi and coffee. The old town is packed with pubs and clubs, from rock bars like Fire Club to upscale clubs like Bamboo.

Key attractions include the Palace of the Parliament (the world's second-largest building), the Romanian Atheneum, the Village Museum, and several parks like Cișmigiu and Herăstrău. The thermal water park Therme București is a popular day trip. For nightlife, the old town has many bars and clubs.

Bucharest is one of the safest capitals in Europe, but violence is not uncommon, especially in clubs late at night. Avoid conflict. The emergency number is 112. Crime rate is low but be cautious. Violent attacks are rare.

As of November 2021, 5G coverage is available with Orange and Vodafone, and some areas with Digi and Telekom. Wi-Fi is widely available in public places. SIM cards can be bought at the airport from a newspaper stand.

Nearby destinations include Brasov (160 km north), Constanța on the Black Sea, and the ski resorts Sinaia, Poiana Brașov, and Predeal. The scenic Transfăgărășan road is also accessible. International trips to Budapest, Istanbul, and Sofia are possible but longer.

From Bucharest, travel to Transylvania for medieval towns like Brașov, Sibiu, and Sighișoara. The Black Sea coast at Constanța is 225 km east. Ski resorts include Sinaia and Predeal. For international travel, Budapest, Istanbul, and Sofia are within a day's journey.