The Perfect 3 Days in Bucharest Itinerary for First-Timers
At the end of October, three friends and I packed our bags and flew into Romania, excited to fill the next 3 days in Bucharest with culture, history, tasty food, and way too many cocktails.
Our ultimate destination was Transylvania, where we planned to attend the iconic Halloween party at Dracula’s Castle. But before then, we were ready to dive into everything the capital had to offer! From ancient monasteries and historic squares to lively restaurants and hidden gems, we found so much to love in this vibrant city.
This itinerary captures our whirlwind 3-day experience in Bucharest and covers everything you need to know to make the most of your time in Romania’s capital.
Whether you’re in town for some vampire-hunting or just spending a weekend in the city, if you’re wondering what to see in Bucharest in 3 days—you won’t have to wonder for long.
Day 1: Exploring Bucharest’s Historic & Cultural Highlights
Our first day in Bucharest was all about getting a feel for the city’s unique mix of old and new.
From accidentally showing up early for a walking tour (thankfully giving us time to grab a snack at Luca) to discovering historic landmarks and trying hearty Romanian dishes, day 1 gave us a fantastic first look at Bucharest.
Grab Breakfast to Go at Luca
Our first morning in Bucharest began with some classic travel chaos. I was sure our walking tour started at 10 AM, so we rushed out early—only to realize (thankfully) that the tour actually began at 10:30 AM.
With the extra time, we made a quick detour to Luca, a local pastry shop chain all over the city. We grabbed coffee and covrigi (the Romanian version of pretzels), which were freshly baked and perfectly soft.
Luca also serves pastries stuffed with hot dogs wrapped in flaky dough—odd, but surprisingly delicious! Mine had cheese in it (the Luca Traditional), while my friend’s was stuffed with ketchup and mustard.
Free Walking Tour
Fueled up, we made it to the free walking tour on time and ready to dive into Bucharest’s history. This free tour was an amazing way to see the highlights of the city and get a feel for its culture.
We started in Piata Unirii Park and then headed into the Historical Centre, where our guide took us to several of Bucharest’s most significant landmarks.
Don’t forget to tip your tour guide!
Stavropoleos Monastery
Built in 1724, the Stavropoleos Monastery is one of the most architecturally stunning landmarks in the city. Reflecting the Brâncovenesc style, a unique blend of Romanian, Ottoman, and Byzantine influences, this tiny yet ornate Greek monastery has stood through centuries of history, weathering both earthquakes and wars.
The name “Stavropoleos” comes from the Greek word “Stauropolis”, meaning “City of the Cross.”
Our walking tour paused here to take in the breathtaking frescos on the interior and enjoy the serene courtyard—where our tour guide also took a moment to discuss Romania’s culinary scene.
Pro tip: The Stavropoleos Monastery also happens to be one of the most Intagrammable places in Bucharest!
Macca–Vilacrosse Passage
This glass-covered passageway once served as a popular shopping street and social gathering spot in Bucharest’s belle époque era.
Inspired by the covered arcades of Paris, the Macca–Vilacrosse Passage was designed to offer shelter from the elements and quickly became a trendy place for cafés, shops, and even gambling halls.
Today, it retains its cozy old-world charm and is the perfect stop for a quick photo opp on your walking tour! Just look it, it’s really giving tres-chic Parisian vibes 👇🏼
Revolution Square & The Memorial of Rebirth
Revolution Square was the site of the 1989 revolution that overthrew Nicolae Ceaușescu’s Communist regime. This square was where thousands of Romanians gathered to demand freedom, marking the end of decades of authoritarian rule.
As snipers fired on the crowd, Ceaușescu and his wife fled in a helicopter waiting on the roof of the Central Committee building, only to later be betrayed by the army and executed on Christmas Day in Târgovişte.
Nearby, The Memorial of Rebirth commemorates the lives lost during this uprising and has become a symbol of the Romanian people’s resilience. Interestingly, locals have nicknamed the monument “the potato” for its unusual design, which resembles a massive potato skewered on a spike.
🚩 Insider Tip: They don’t like it when you try to fly a drone from Revolution Square 😂
Have Lunch at Caru’cu Bere
After the tour, we headed to Caru’ cu Bere for lunch, although not without a little detour…
When the tour ended at Revolution Square, I thought it’d be a good idea to fly my drone to capture some aerial shots—only to be stopped by no less than five Romanian police officers. Let’s just say it was a memorable 45 minutes as they issued an official warning and explained that flying drones in Romania is very much illegal.
Despite the delay, Caru’ cu Bere was worth the wait.
This spot is one of the oldest and most iconic restaurants in Bucharest, dating back to 1879. Originally a family-owned beer house called La Carul cu Bere (At the Beer Wagon), it quickly became a favorite of locals and artists known for its Gothic Revival architecture and stained glass windows.
Honestly, it gave me Prague restaurant vibes—and that’s a huge compliment!
We feasted on traditional dishes like Ciolan Național (1/2 pork knuckle), Sarmale Regale (minced meat rolled in cabbage served with polenta and sour cream), and Mititei (Romanian skinless sausages, also known as “mici”). We finished off the meal with Papanaşi in both flavors—blueberry and cherry.
If you plan to visit, I recommend making reservations on their official website well in advance.
Relax (or Party) at the Therme Baths
In the evening, we decided to relax at Therme Bucharest—which happens to be the largest relaxation and entertainment center in Europe. (If you’ve traveled to Budapest, it was giving “indoor Széchenyi Baths on crack” vibes.)
We had high hopes for a quiet, relaxing evening filled with massages and hot tea…until we realized it was the first day of break for students. The place was absolutely packed.
There are 3 different areas to Therme: Galaxy, which is the indoor waterpark area designed for families with kids, The Palm, which is the area with all the massive pools and bars, and Elysium, which is where you can find the relaxing spa treatments.
We decided to do the all-inclusive pass for roughly $30 USD apiece. Aside from a very grumpy bartender who arguably served me the worst Aperol Spritz I’ve ever had…we thoroughly enjoyed our experience at Therme.
If you want to enjoy the insanely cheap $38 USD/hour massages at Therme, be sure to visit in the morning. (P.S. There’s no need to buy tickets in advance, you can purchase them when you arrive, but bring flip-flops!)
Have Dinner at Vatra
To wrap up our first day, we headed to Vatra, a cozy spot for more traditional Romanian dishes.
We ordered grilled sausages, liver, stuffed mushrooms, and another round of papanaşi (donuts) to finish off the day. The hearty food and traditional setting were the perfect end to a packed first day in Bucharest.
Our service at Vatra was amazing, as was the food. 10/10 we would absolutely visit again! If you’re worried about visiting on the weekend or during peak hours, you can make a reservation on their official website.
*You’ll find these stuffed mushrooms (ciuperci munteneşti) on a lot of menus. However, according to a Romanian friend who was dining with us, not many people actually order them. We soon realized why—the dish is very bland.
Day 2: Museums, Local Eats, and Nightlife
Day 2 of our 3 days in Bucharest was packed with even more exploring!
We learned about the history of Romania’s countryside through an open-air museum, laughed our asses off while eating in a restaurant called “Balls,” and finally experienced the lively Old Town bar scene on a pub crawl.
Ready to dive in?
Stroll Down Calea Victoriei (and Do Some Shopping!)
We kicked off day 2 with a leisurely stroll down Calea Victoriei, one of the city’s most famous and picturesque streets.
Lined with historic buildings, this avenue is perfect for soaking in Bucharest’s charm. We took our time admiring the architecture, window-shopped at some of the trendy boutiques, and stopped for a coffee and snack at one of Bucharest’s many take-away pastry shops.
Head to Balls. for Lunch
For lunch, we decided to try something quirky and headed to Balls., a restaurant where every dish is—literally—a ball. We ordered a mix of traditional and not-so-traditional bites, all served up in perfect round form.
We started with salata de vinete (traditional roasted eggplant salad and the only thing we ordered that wasn’t spherical) and cheesy balls—which were exactly what they sounded like.
After the apps, we feasted on Italian balls (lol), spaghetti with meatballs, and summer balls served over mashed potatoes and smothered in a delicious, lemony sauce.
The name of the restaurant also supplied us with plenty of joke material throughout lunch.
The Dimitrie Gusti National Village Museum
In the afternoon, we visited the Dimitrie Gusti National Village Museum, which turned out to be a major highlight of our trip.
The museum is an open-air display of traditional village homes collected from all over Romania, each carefully relocated to Bucharest to showcase the country’s rural heritage. We arrived around 3:30 PM, which only left us a little over an hour to explore before closing time, but even a rushed visit was fascinating.
If you go, plan to spend more time here—it’s well worth it to stroll through the charming, historic homes and imagine life in a traditional Romanian village.
Tickets to the museum only cost 30 LEI or around 6.30 USD and you can buy them at the door. The museum is open 9 AM–5 PM every day of the week.
Snap a Pic at the Arcul de Triumf
After the museum, we made a quick stop at Bucharest’s very own Arc de Triomphe—the Arcul de Triumf.
Built in 1922 to honor Romanian soldiers who fought in World War I, this structure was modeled after the iconic Arc de Triomphe in Paris. The arch has since become a symbol of national pride, celebrating Romania’s history and independence.
Originally made of wood, it was later rebuilt in granite and has undergone multiple renovations over the years.
It’s located very close to the Dimitrie Gusti National Village Museum, so I highly recommend checking it out while you’re already in the area.
Enjoy a Historic Dinner at Hanu’ lui Manuc Restaurant
For dinner on our second day, we visited Manuc’s Inn, another historical gem in Bucharest’s center. Originally built in 1806 by a wealthy merchant named Manuc Bey, the inn is one of the oldest still-operating inns in Europe (and one of the cutest!).
Hanu’ Lui Manuc Restaurant is a popular spot for both tourists and locals, serving up traditional Romanian dishes with a side of live music and atmosphere. We were dining with two friends of mine from Romania, so we didn’t have to worry about ordering the right thing!
We feasted on zacuscă, fasole bătută, salată de vinete (all popular Romanian dips), bulz, a cold cuts platter including salată de icre (roe dip), and a mixed platter with mici, grilled beef pastrami, pork neck, chicken breast, roasted potatoes, and pickles.
We ended the meal with a shot of vișinată—a tasty cherry liquor that had us more than ready for the pub crawl ahead.
It ended up being one of the best meals of our trip! If you plan on dining at Manuc’s Inn, I highly recommend making a reservation on the official website.
Head out on a Pub Crawl in Lipscani
After dinner, we joined a pub crawl with Bucharest 2Night that took us to some of the best nightlife spots in the city. Normally, tickets are €18 per person, but through an incredible stroke of luck, we ended up with free tickets thanks to our Romanian friends!
The crawl included stops at four bars and one nightclub, giving us an awesome taste of Bucharest’s lively (and affordable) bar scene.
Although we didn’t make it to the final nightclub, the pub crawl was a fantastic experience and well worth it if you’re looking for a fun way to meet people and explore Bucharest’s nightlife.
After our last bar stop, we decided to change up the pace and headed across the street to Old Habits Shisha Bar. This spot turned out to be the perfect place to kick back and relax with cocktails and a shisha.
The shisha here was top-notch and surprisingly affordable at just $25, making it a great choice for any shisha enthusiast (like me). Cocktails ranged from $5 to $7, and, to our surprise, they even served amazing pizza.
For the next couple of hours, we enjoyed our drinks, laughed, people-watched, and took a lot of pictures.
Don’t Forget the Drunk Food!
Before heading back to our hotel, we made one last stop for a late-night snack at Gyros Thessalonikis—a nearby Greek drunk food stop recommended by my friend from Bucharest.
Known as the place for drunk food in Old Town, it lived up to its reputation, serving up delicious, savory gyros for around $8. It was the perfect way to wrap up a night out and fueled us up for another day of checking things off of our Bucharest itinerary.
Day 3: A Taste of Bucharest & Last Day Highlights
On the last day of our 3 days in Bucharest, we planned to dive into the city’s flavors and explore some of its most iconic spots.
We browsed a dreamy bookstore, checked out Romania’s Parliament Building, and wrapped things up with a delicious dinner. Ready for night #3? Let’s go!
Head out on a Bucharest Food Tour
If you’re planning your 3 days in Bucharest itinerary, consider kicking off your last day with a Bucharest Markets and Food Tour.
Provided you’re not too hungover from last night 😉 In that case, don’t worry—Bucharest has McDonald’s.
This Viator tour kicks off at 10:30 AM daily and gives tourists the chance to experience tons of local flavors and learn more about the culinary history of the city. You’ll taste Romanian donuts, local cheeses, traditional sausages, and sour cherry brandy, as well as stop at bustling markets and stroll through charming neighborhoods.
You’ll also hop on a tram to experience Bucharest’s public transportation! Although I’ll be honest, Ubers are really cheap so you can probably skip the transit.
In reality, though, we ended up booking a beer tour without realizing that Romania is more of a wine country. Lesson learned—next time, I’m coming back for the food tour!
👉🏼 Click here for more info on this food tour that I desperately wish I booked!
Shop Around Carturesti Carusel
Next, we wandered back into Old Town to visit Carturesti Carusel, a beautiful, multi-level bookstore that’s easily one of the most photogenic spots in Bucharest.
The stunning interior, with its spiral staircases and open balconies, was perfect for both book lovers and anyone looking for a unique backdrop for photos. We took our time browsing the shelves and snapped a few photos on the 2nd level.
We didn’t end up buying anything, but it’s a great place to shop for souvenirs!
Last year, a friend and I visited another famously beautiful bookstore in Porto, Portugal. In Porto, you actually had to buy a ticket to enter, and although the ticket price was deducted if you made a purchase, the store was so packed that you couldn’t enjoy it at all. It was impossible to take in the atmosphere or even move freely, which turned into a disappointing experience.
Carturesti Carusel, however, was the complete opposite, so I highly recommend visiting during your 3 days in Bucharest itinerary.
Tour the Parliament Building
No 3-day trip to Bucharest would be complete without a visit to the iconic Palace of Parliament, or “House of the People.” This massive structure is actually the largest parliament building in the world, overtaking even Budapest’s gothic parliament building.
Unfortunately, we didn’t have time to take a guided tour, but for those interested in seeing the interior, you can book a skip-the-line tour for only $26 on Get Your Guide.
The Palace of Parliament was commissioned by Romania’s former dictator, Nicolae Ceaușescu, during the 1980s. It contains over 1,000 rooms and is said to be so heavy that it’s gradually sinking into the ground.
👉🏼 Reserve your Parliament Building Tour here + skip-the-line access!
Check Out Constitution Square
Located across the street from the Palace of the Parliament, Constitution Square (or Piața Constituției) holds historical significance as a key gathering spot for events and protests in Bucharest. This square has hosted everything from political demonstrations to concerts and public celebrations.
It’s also known for its striking view of the Parliament building and for being one of the largest open spaces in the city center.
Hint: it’s also on the list of the best free things to do in Bucharest!
Have Dinner at Casa di David
For a memorable last night in Bucharest, consider Casa di David, one of the city’s most popular high-end Italian restaurants.
Known for its delicious pasta, pizza, and risotto dishes, this spot is perfect for a special meal with a bit of a splurge. After a few days of enjoying Romanian cuisine, you might be getting sick of it (it is awful heavy) 😂, so Casa di David offers a nice change of pace.
It’s a popular choice for both locals and visitors, so I recommend making a reservation in advance to make sure you can get a table on your final night in Bucharest.
Not sick of Romanian food? Head to Bucătăria Local Food! Be sure to call in advance and make a reservation.
Head Out on an Informal Wine Tour
Like Italy, Romania looooves its wine!
Missing out on a wine tasting in Bucharest was one of my biggest regrets. We opted for a craft beer tour instead—which was a fun experience—but I completely misjudged Romania’s drink of choice. It turns out this country is all about its wine! While we didn’t get to enjoy it, you absolutely should.
For an informal but memorable tasting, head to Abel’s Wine Bar, one of the best spots in the city for sampling local Romanian wines. If you want wine with cheese boards and a cozy atmosphere, try The Great Hill, or for a trendy vibe, Mosto is another excellent choice.
Other Things to Do in Bucharest
If you have more than 3 days in Bucharest, you’re in luck—there’s so much more to see and do in this vibrant city.
Whether you’re into history, culture, or just relaxing outdoors, here are a few extra activities that I’d recommend adding to your itinerary.
Romanian Athenaeum
The Romanian Athenaeum is one of the most beautiful buildings in Bucharest and an absolute must-see if you have extra time.
Built in 1888, it’s a stunning concert hall with a neoclassical façade and a jaw-dropping interior featuring a massive fresco that tells the story of Romanian history.
Sadly, we didn’t make it to a performance here, but I loved just walking around the building and taking it all in. Plus, isn’t it just stunning in the fall?
Take a Beer Tour
Okay, I’ll admit it—Romania is definitely more of a wine country, but the craft beer tour we joined in Bucharest was still a lot of fun. We loved our guide, Andrea—although, unlike beer tours I’ve taken in other cities like Berlin and Prague, she didn’t really go into that much detail about the beers themselves.
Instead, we learned a ton about the city’s history and got to visit some very cool local bars. The first stop on the itinerary was Zăganu—one of the most popular craft breweries in Romania.
If you’ve got extra time, this is a fun way to spend an evening in Bucharest!
👉🏼 Book your beer tour with Andrea here!
Explore the National Museum of Art of Romania
If you’re a fan of art or history, make sure to check out the National Museum of Art, located in the former Royal Palace. The museum is packed with medieval and modern Romanian art, plus a few European classics.
We didn’t get the chance to visit this time, but it’s high on my list for my next trip to Bucharest!
Visit the Central University Library
Right across from the Royal Palace, the Central University Library is another spot worth visiting. Built by King Carol I in 1895, this gorgeous building has been a hub for learning and culture for over a century.
Even if you’re not a huge book lover, the elegant architecture and peaceful vibe make it a lovely place to add to your Bucharest itinerary while exploring this part of the city.
Rent a Rowboat on Herastrau Lake
Renting a rowboat on Herăstrău Lake was something I really wanted to do, but we just didn’t have the time with only 3 days to spend in Bucharest.
The lake is right by the Village Museum, so we did get a sneak peek of how beautiful it looks in the fall—absolutely stunning with the leaves changing colors. Next time I’m in Bucharest, this is high on my list.
You can rent rowboats for an extremely reasonable price directly in the park—there’s no need to book online.
Take a Day Trip to Bran (Dracula’s) Castle
Bran Castle, better known as Dracula’s Castle, was one of the highlights of our trip to Romania! If at all possible, I highly recommend carving out time in your Bucharest itinerary to visit.
If you’re based in Bucharest, you can easily visit on a day trip. There are plenty of options: take the train, hire a private driver, or (what I’d recommend) book a tour through Viator. We actually planned our entire trip around attending the Halloween party in Bran Castle, so we opted to stay in Brasov for a couple days instead and Uber and back and forth from Bran.
For those on a tighter schedule, I highly recommend checking out this top-rated Viator tour that includes round-trip transportation from Bucharest, a walking tour in Brașov, and stops at both Bran Castle and Peles Castle in Sinaia (below)—all for only 24 USD.
Alternatively, you can also contact our favorite driver, Bogdan, and organize a private transfer in his comfy and luxurious Mercedes sedan! Contact him on Whatsapp at +40 760 243 402.
The castle itself is super charming, with quaint interiors, and a fascinating history. You can really see why it inspired Bram Stoker to write Dracula! However, a visit during the day would be quite different than what we experienced on Halloween night (more to come on that in my new Brașov guide!).
For you history buffs: Bran Castle was built in the 14th century as a fortress to protect the area against invading forces. In the 1920s, Brașov turned the castle over to Queen Marie who restored it into her official summertime residence.
Although there’s no evidence linking Vlad the Impaler (the inspiration for Dracula) to the castle, it’s become Romania’s most famous landmark because of its eerie look and association with Bram Stoker’s novel.
👉🏼 Book your day trip to Bran Castle & Peles Castle from Bucharest here!
Take a Day Trip to Sinaia & Peles Castle
If you’re looking for another amazing day trip from Bucharest, head to Sinaia to visit Peleș Castle. Like Bran Castle, it’s easy to reach by train, private driver, or an organized tour—we toured it on our way back to Bucharest with our favorite private driver, Bogdan!
Peleș Castle was built in the late 19th century as a summer residence for King Carol I, and it’s often considered one of the most beautiful castles in Europe.
The Neo-Renaissance masterpiece is surrounded by lush mountain scenery that looks like something out of a fairytale (seriously—just look at the picture below). Inside, the castle is just as spectacular, with intricate woodwork, lavish chandeliers, and rooms filled with treasures from all over the world.
Sinaia itself is also worth exploring. The town is nestled in the Carpathian Mountains, so it’s perfect for soaking in gorgeous views and fresh mountain air. You can visit the Sinaia Monastery, which dates back to the 17th century, or take a stroll through the surrounding forests and parks. If you’re into hiking, this area is a gateway to some incredible trails.
The easiest way to see both Bran & Peles Castle is by organized day trip—you can do it for as low as $24 on Viator. If you’re feeling a bit bougie with it, check out this private tour from Bucharest!
👉🏼 Book your day trip to Bran Castle & Peles Castle from Bucharest here!
Bucharest for Solo Female Travelers
Although my 3 days in Bucharest was not a solo adventure—three of my friends and I turned it into the ultimate girls’ trip after almost a year of planning—Bucharest is a city I wouldn’t hesitate to visit solo.
In fact, I’m already dreaming of returning to explore the city on my own. Hopefully, I’ll make it back for a solo trip in the next couple of years!
Is Bucharest Safe for Solo Female Travelers?
The short answer is yes—Bucharest is very safe for solo female travelers.
During my time there, I never once felt in danger, even when out late at night. Ubers in Bucharest are incredibly cheap, accessible, and easy to order, which means there’s no reason to walk around alone after dark if you don’t want to.
The nightlife scene is vibrant and fun, with none of the uncomfortable, creepy vibes that can sometimes accompany going out in other cities. Locals and other travelers are friendly and respectful, making it a very welcoming destination for solo female travelers.
(If you’re still a little wary, take advantage of my solo female travel safety essentials.)
Other Solo Travel Tips for Bucharest
If you’re visiting Bucharest solo, I highly recommend staying in a budget-friendly hostel (I’ll include one below in my “where to stay” section). Hostels are a great way to meet fellow travelers, especially if you’re looking to connect with others exploring the city on their own.
If hostels aren’t your thing, you can stay in a hotel and still take advantage of hostel-organized activities. Many hostels offer group tours and social events that can help you meet like-minded adventurers and other solo travelers.
Bucharest is also a very affordable destination for solo travelers. The low cost of living means that even if you’re not splitting costs, it won’t put a dent in your budget. For example, Ubers are often just a few dollars, and public transportation is an excellent way to save even more money during your trip.
With its affordability, accessibility, and welcoming vibe, Bucharest is a great option for solo female travelers looking to explore more of Eastern Europe.
Protect Your Trip to Bucharest
Whenever I plan a trip, I always make sure to protect myself and my wallet with travel insurance. I’ve always booked travel insurance before trips, but I had to learn the hard way that not all travel insurance programs are created equal.
During the two months I lived in Thailand in 2022, I injured my foot on a weekend trip to Khao Sok National Park, which led to four months of limping around Southeast Asia and an eventual surgery in Canggu.
Since I was buying travel insurance month-to-month through AXA, none of my surgery was covered and I was out $3,500—even though I had active travel insurance at the time.
Since then, I started traveling with SafetyWing Travel Medical Insurance. It’s perfect for both short-term travelers and digital nomads since you can tailor it exactly to your dates and needs.
You can use it as a monthly subscription (what I usually do), or pay in full for a set date range. You can also take advantage of their useful add-ons like U.S. coverage (not for U.S. citizens, unfortunately), adventure sports, and electronics theft! Grab a quote below for your next trip 👇🏼
Where to Stay in Bucharest:
📍 Budget-Friendly: T5 Social Hostel
For travelers on a tight budget, or those just looking to make some friends, T5 Social Hostel is the perfect option for your 36 hours in Bucharest.
While the hostel is about a 20-minute walk from Old Town, Ubers in Bucharest are incredibly cheap, and public transportation is very accessible, making it easy to get wherever you need to go. And with amazing reviews from previous guests, you can be confident that the extra walk is 100% worth it.
The hostel features an on-site bar and cafe, making it super easy to meet fellow travelers. Additional amenities include luggage storage, free Wi-Fi, a 24-hour reception, and security lockers in each room for added peace of mind.
Rest assured, this is where I would have stayed had I been visiting Bucharest solo!
👉🏼 Book your stay at the T5 Social Hostel on Hostelworld!
📍 Mid-Range: Hotel Venezia
During our stay in Bucharest, we chose Hotel Venezia, and it proved to be the perfect mid-range hotel.
Situated in a central location, it was easy to access everything we wanted to explore. The hotel itself is modest but thoughtfully decorated, exceptionally clean, and the rooms were both comfortable and stylish.
We paid about $206 per night total for two rooms, with two people in each room, making it an extremely reasonably priced option. I wouldn’t hesitate to stay here again, with friends or solo!
👉🏼 Book your stay at Hotel Venezia here!
📍 Luxury: The Marmorosch Bucharest
If you’re looking to splurge, consider staying at The Marmorosch Bucharest Autograph Collection Hotel.
This stunning luxury hotel is not only centrally located in the heart of Old Town Bucharest but also packed with high-end amenities. Guests can enjoy an indoor swimming pool, a spa and wellness center, and a fully equipped fitness center.
The hotel also offers room service, with an on-site bar and restaurant for ultimate convenience. With its elegant, upscale decor and excellent facilities, it’s the perfect pick for a traveler seeking a truly luxurious experience in Bucharest.
For a charming boutique hotel alternative, check out the Suter Palace Heritage Boutique Hotel. This adorable hotel offers a spa, fitness center, room service, and an on-site restaurant and bar. It’s quaint, unique, and boasts amazing views of the city, perfect for those who prefer a more intimate and cozy stay.
👉🏼 Book your stay at The Marmorosch Bucharest here!
Bucharest Itinerary FAQ:
Is 3 days in Bucharest enough?
Yes! Three days in Bucharest is sufficient to explore the city’s main attractions, though you’ll have a packed schedule.
Is there a train from Bucharest to Transylvania?
Yes, there are trains connecting Bucharest to various cities in Transylvania. For example, the journey to Brașov, where we spent 3 days, takes about 2.5 hours, while reaching Cluj-Napoca can take approximately 8 to 10 hours, depending on the train service.
Which is more beautiful: Bucharest or Budapest?
Both cities have their unique charm, but I personally found Budapest more beautiful with its stunning architecture and scenic Danube views.
Is it worth going to Transylvania?
Yes, absolutely! We went to Transylvania later in our trip, and it was a very picturesque region with a fascinating mix of cultures. Transylvania has that old, charming European feel that you won’t find as much in Bucharest, with beautiful landscapes and quaint towns that make it a must-visit destination. I also highly recommend taking a quick trip to Sibiu!
Is it worth going to Dracula’s Castle?
Yes, it’s definitely worth visiting. We attended the Halloween party on the castle grounds, and it was an unforgettable experience. If you’re planning a trip to Romania, I would highly recommend factoring in Dracula’s Castle.
Is it safe to travel to Bucharest?
Yes, Bucharest is generally very safe for travelers. As with any major city, it’s wise to stay aware of your surroundings, but we felt very comfortable throughout our visit.
How many days do I need to visit Bucharest?
I recommend spending 3-5 days in Bucharest. Three days is ideal for seeing the main attractions, but if you’re interested in taking day trips to places like Transylvania or the surrounding castles, give yourself five days to explore more at a relaxed pace.
Is Bucharest worth visiting?
Yes, Bucharest is definitely worth visiting! That said, I personally enjoyed the other cities we visited in Romania (Brașov, Sinaia, and Sibiu) a little more because they were more quaint and charming.
Final Thoughts
From exploring historic landmarks and enjoying incredible food to experiencing the city’s lively nightlife, this Bucharest trip was the perfect mix of culture, history, and fun. I honestly can’t wait to come back and dive even deeper into everything the city has to offer.
If you’re planning a long weekend in Bucharest, I hope this guide helps you make the most of your visit. Whether you’re wandering through Old Town, sipping wine at a local bar, or relaxing at the Therme Baths, there’s something for everyone in this fascinating city.
And if you have extra time, I can’t recommend the surrounding areas like Brașov, Sinaia, and Sibiu enough—they’re truly magical. Especially if you’re visiting over Halloween 😉
My experience in Bucharest was unforgettable, and I know yours will be too. Whether it’s your first time in Romania or just another stop on your travels, 3 days in Bucharest is the perfect introduction to this dynamic and welcoming capital city.
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