Bucharest
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3:07 AM
Bucharest
Bucharest is Europe’s best kept secret. While visually it can't quite compete with other grand Eastern European capitals, it leads the pack in dynamism, energy and forward momentum. The remnants of Communism are still palpable in the urban fabric, but the city has its sights set firmly on the future. Trendy outdoor cafes and high-street shops live side-by-side with gorgeous Orthodox churches and world-class art galleries in the old town, all overlooked by the imposing Palace of Parliament.Find your trip
Originally built to house all offices of the Communist ruling officers during Ceausescu’s regime, the imposing Palace of Parliament is Romania’s most famous building. Tours are open to the public, showing off the opulent staircases and chandelier-filled rooms and offering great insight into the building's history. The palace also houses Romania's National Museum of Contemporary Art. There are tours available all year round; however, it's essential to reserve your tour slot beforehand, as advance booking ensures availability for this captivating experience.
Similar to its Paris namesake, Bucharest’s Triumphal Arch, standing tall at 26 metres, remembers Romania’s Great War soldiers and its reunification in 1918. Initially, the arch was built out of wood in 1922, and was then finished in Deva granite in 1936. The Triumphal Arch becomes the main stage for the military parade every December 1st, when Romanians celebrate their National Day.
Lipscani, Bucharest’s historical centre, retains an irresistible old town charm. It is located between Calea Victoriei, Boulevard Bratianu, Boulevard Regina Elisabeta and the Dambovita River. Its collection of winding streets boasts antique markets, bric-a-brac spilling out from tiny boutiques and some of the city’s most appealing restaurants and bars.
Romania’s most impressive art collection is displayed in the old sprawling royal palace. Here you can see works by Rembrandt and El Greco among a great collection of European art assembled by the Romanian royal family, as well as works by celebrated Romanian artists.
In addition to being the centre for Bucharest’s intellectual and political events and the most popular meeting place in the city, the University of Bucharest has a dramatic history. During the 1989 Revolution, some of Romania’s fiercest fighting took place here. Close by you can find the University of Bucharest’s School of Architecture, the National Theatre, the Coltea Hospital and the Sutu Palace History Museum. A Christmas market is held at the University Square every year, but you can find excellent restaurants and cafes in the area all year round.
The Romanian Athenaeum concert hall is home to the superb Filarmonica George Enescu and the hub of Bucharest’s musical activity. Exquisite mosaics and historical frescoes adorn the 19th-century circular building, which hosts impressive orchestral concerts and other performances. You can visit the ornate, domed, circular building without attending a concert, too.
This delightful museum opened in 1906 and is widely regarded as Romania’s best, a veritable treasure trove of pottery, icons and clothing. It also houses the fascinating Communism Exhibition and the ruins of an 18th-century Transylvanian wooden church.
This museum, situated in a stunning former synagogue built in 1850, tells the tragic story of Romania’s Jewish population in the country, and their important contributions to Romanian culture and history. Make sure to catch the moving tour to get the best experience.
Originally built to house all offices of the Communist ruling officers during Ceausescu’s regime, the imposing Palace of Parliament is Romania’s most famous building. Tours are open to the public, showing off the opulent staircases and chandelier-filled rooms and offering great insight into the building's history. The palace also houses Romania's National Museum of Contemporary Art. There are tours available all year round; however, it's essential to reserve your tour slot beforehand, as advance booking ensures availability for this captivating experience.
Similar to its Paris namesake, Bucharest’s Triumphal Arch, standing tall at 26 metres, remembers Romania’s Great War soldiers and its reunification in 1918. Initially, the arch was built out of wood in 1922, and was then finished in Deva granite in 1936. The Triumphal Arch becomes the main stage for the military parade every December 1st, when Romanians celebrate their National Day.
The World Trade Center in Bucharest features elegant boutiques, art galleries, as well as fashion and antique shops. There are also services such as beauty salons, banking services, grocery stores, pharmacies, post office, restaurants and cafes.
Unirea Shopping Center is located in the heart of the city and offers fashion stores on the first and second floors like H&M, New Yorker and Triumph. Electronics and household shops can be found on floors three and four.
The recently renovated Piața Obor is Bucharest’s largest market with all sorts of food and a mini bazaar. This famous market is huge, colourful and vibrant, and offers a huge number of products, from fresh produce and meat to children's toys and souvenirs.
There are plenty of intimate places to look for artisanal goods. For handwoven rugs, painted eggs, pottery, traditional Romanian textiles and outfits, spend some time looking through the wares at the folk art shop of the National Museum of the Romanian Peasant. The museum itself displays collections of folk costumes, ceramics and religious items in a gorgeous 1941 brick building.
Plaza Romania is a shopping mall with plenty of shops and a cinema. Bigotti, Ecco, Mango, Zara, H&M and Koton are some of the shops that are located here. Another big draw is the movie theatre, a popular hang out spot for the city's youth.
Pasajul Macca-Vilacrosse, along Calea Victoriei, is a stretch of funky boutiques and unique shops. Art galleries and antique shops can also be found throughout the area, as well as cosy cafes and bars.
Bucharest offers a lot in the way of antiques. There are plenty of art galleries and antique shops along Calea Victoriei and around the Old Historical Centre that are worth checking out.
No matter what you are looking for, you'll find it here at Băneasa Shopping City. In fact this is the largest mall in Bucharest and offers more than 220 shops. Besides shopping, you can also have a good lunch or dinner at one of the restaurants.
The World Trade Center in Bucharest features elegant boutiques, art galleries, as well as fashion and antique shops. There are also services such as beauty salons, banking services, grocery stores, pharmacies, post office, restaurants and cafes.
Unirea Shopping Center is located in the heart of the city and offers fashion stores on the first and second floors like H&M, New Yorker and Triumph. Electronics and household shops can be found on floors three and four.
Bucharest is served by two airports: Henri Coandă International Airport (OTP) and Aurel Vlaicu International Airport (BBU). The Henri Coandă International Airport is located approximately 17 kilometres from the city centre of Bucharest and the journey takes about 40 minutes. Most international and domestic flights leave regularly from here. Trains connect the airport and the Bucharest North Railway Station. The trains depart every 40 minutes and the trip takes 20 minutes. You can also catch the 100 Express line. Bus 100 connects the airport and the city centre. By day, the bus leaves every 15 minutes and every 30 minutes at night. You can find the buses in front of the Arrivals Terminal and the Departures Terminal. Taxis can be ordered on the touch screen in the Arrivals Terminal.
Bucharest Băneasa Airport (BBU) is located 8 kilometres north of the city centre, and the journey takes approximately 20 minutes. It mainly serves charter flights for package holidays and domestic flights. To get to and from the airport you can catch buses 131, 335, 148, 112 and 301. You can also catch tram number 5 and the 100 Express line.
Citizens of European Union (EU) and European Economic Area (EEA) countries do not need a visa to enter Romania, only a valid ID. Many other countries, including the United Kingdom, United States, Canada, United Arab Emirates, Australia, and New Zealand, benefit from visa-free entry for short stays of up to 90 days within a 180-day period. Visitors from visa-exempt countries must hold a valid passport and, starting in late 2025, will need to apply for an ETIAS (European Travel Information and Authorisation System) authorisation online before travelling. For those requiring a visa, such as travellers from some Middle-East, African or Asian nations, a Schengen visa must be obtained prior to arrival. All travellers should ensure their passport is valid for at least three months beyond their intended stay.
You can easily walk or bike around the city, but you can also take the bus, tram, trolleybus or metro around Bucharest. With these forms of public transport you can get around the city safely and efficiently. Bus, tram and trolleybus tickets can be purchased at any RATB kiosk. Punch your ticket in the machine board to avoid a fine. Transport runs from 4:30 am to 11 pm. Night buses are available after that. Bucharest’s metro has five lines. Trains run every 5-15 minutes, every 15-20 off-peak, from 5:30 am to 11 pm. Sit at the front of trains to avoid missing station signs which are not clearly signposted. The metro is good for travelling longer distances. Tickets can be used on all means of transportation except the express buses.
Always make sure your taxi has a meter to avoid unnecessarily high fares. Once this has been established, you are in for a comfortable and inexpensive ride. Just hail a taxi down from the side of the street. Uber, Bolt and Yango ridesharing apps work in Bucharest, too.
Stamps can be bought at the post offices that are usually open from 8:00 am to 7:00 pm during weekdays and from 9:00 am to 1:00 pm on Saturday. The central office of Poșta Română is located on Strada Matei Millo.
Pharmacies in central Bucharest are well stocked and several of them stay open late.
Country code: +40 Area code: 21
Bucharest is served by two airports: Henri Coandă International Airport (OTP) and Aurel Vlaicu International Airport (BBU). The Henri Coandă International Airport is located approximately 17 kilometres from the city centre of Bucharest and the journey takes about 40 minutes. Most international and domestic flights leave regularly from here. Trains connect the airport and the Bucharest North Railway Station. The trains depart every 40 minutes and the trip takes 20 minutes. You can also catch the 100 Express line. Bus 100 connects the airport and the city centre. By day, the bus leaves every 15 minutes and every 30 minutes at night. You can find the buses in front of the Arrivals Terminal and the Departures Terminal. Taxis can be ordered on the touch screen in the Arrivals Terminal.
Bucharest Băneasa Airport (BBU) is located 8 kilometres north of the city centre, and the journey takes approximately 20 minutes. It mainly serves charter flights for package holidays and domestic flights. To get to and from the airport you can catch buses 131, 335, 148, 112 and 301. You can also catch tram number 5 and the 100 Express line.
