Travel Guide Bucharest
Capital of Romania since 1861, Bucharest was founded in the 4th century by Mircea the Elder, Prince of Wallachia. In the 15th century, Vlad Țepeș, a colorful character who inspired the character of Dracula, had a royal court built, of which ruins remain. From the 17th century, Bucharest became an important commercial center, a vocation that has endured. Occupied in turn by the Ottomans, Austrians and Russians, the city developed considerably in the 19th and 20th centuries until it became the dynamic city with a rich heritage that it is today. You will be impressed by the visit of the Palace of the Romanian Parliament or House of the People, one of the largest administrative buildings in the world and which offers from its terrace one of the most beautiful panoramas on the city, but also by the majestic avenue of the Victory. Among the jewels, the Stavropoleos church, the Controceni palace or the Ceausescu residence open to the public since 2016, evoke different periods that marked the country. You will also visit the National Art Museum, the Romanian Peasant Museum and the Jewish Museum. As for the city's parks and gardens, they offer beautiful walks. Saturated with cultural visits? Get lost in the alleys of the Lipscani district, walk along the banks of the Dambovita River or stop for a drink at the Grădina Verona.
What to visit Bucharest?
Suggested addresses Bucharest
When to go to Bucharest?
In summer, it is hot, even very hot in Romania. Romanians flock to the coast, while Bucharest suffocates. On the other hand, autumn and spring are the ideal seasons to discover the cities, including Bucharest. Winter is often harsh and makes it difficult to get around, but the snow and the festivals make the landscapes and the atmosphere magical. The mid-season remains mild and the nature colorful. The conditions are then optimal for cultural visits and walks in the streets and gardens. In winter, despite the harshness of the climate, the snow reveals a magical atmosphere and a traditional character, especially during the Christmas and New Year's holidays. So, when to go to Bucharest? All year round, except in summer!
Weather at the moment
In the south of Romania, Bucharest has a continental climate, with fairly cold winters and rather hot summers. The best periods to stay in Bucharest are spring, summer and early autumn. In August, temperatures in Bucharest are close to 30°C, while in winter, the mercury often drops below 0°C.
The cost of living is lower in Romania, including Bucharest, than in France. Payment by credit card, including contactless, is widespread in shops.
Bucharest is a fairly cheap destination. Treat yourself to an opera performance or a classical music concert for less, choose to stay in a high-end hotel with packages that are often very interesting.
Romania is a member of the European Union, but not of the Schengen area. For a stay of less than 90 days, a citizen of the EU or Schengen area must simply present a valid passport. If you stay less than 30 days, a French national identity card is sufficient. For a stay of more than three months, you must apply for a permanent resident card from the local authorities, unless you are leaving the country and returning in the same time.
Before leaving, get a European Health Insurance Card from your social security office, which makes it easier to receive medical care in Europe. The emergency number is 112 and will direct you, depending on the case, to the fire department, the police, the gendarmerie or to medical emergencies. No vaccinations are required to enter Romania.
Practical information
- When to travel?
- Weather forecast
- Budget
- Formalities
- Health
- How to travel by yourself?
- How to get organized?
- Getting around
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How to go to Bucharest? Our advice & tips
Of course, Romania is not a very touristy destination. However, there are specialists who offer organized trips in the Eastern countries to discover the hidden treasures. The organized trips generally combine Bucharest with its region and the discovery of the coastline and/or the nearby mountains.
Discover our selection of travel agencies for this destinationTo reach Bucharest from Western Europe, a round-trip air ticket will cost you between €80 and €300. Please note that the price variation depends on the airline you use and, above all, on the reservation deadline. To get good rates, it is essential to book in advance, ideally six months before departure! You should also know that for low-cost flights, you often have to add fees, especially for luggage.
The historical center of Bucharest is small and can be reached on foot. To connect the less central points of interest, public transport is a simple, efficient and inexpensive solution. The Bucharest metro is the most used means of transportation in the city. In addition, there are more than 110 bus lines serving the outskirts.
