Romania
Vibrant Bucharest nightlife, fascinating castle day trips, and hidden treasures - Romania exceeded all expectations in just 3 days!
My Experience
Visiting a new country is always an exciting adventure filled with countless unique experiences. However, it can be quite challenging to decide which activities and attractions to prioritise, especially when time is limited. When I had the opportunity to explore Romania, the decision was a no-brainer. This captivating country boasts a rich history, vibrant atmosphere, and fascinating traditions, not to mention its breath-taking landscapes.
Although I only spent 3 days in Bucharest, I realised that I had barely scratched the surface of what Romania has to offer. The country has an abundance of hidden gems waiting to be discovered, and I can't wait to return and delve deeper into its wonders. With its incredible features and diverse attractions, Romania is a place that demands multiple weeks of exploration.
Bucharest is a vibrant city bursting with culture, delicious cuisine, and fascinating history. It's a destination that often goes unnoticed on the globe stage, despite its abundance of hidden treasures waiting to be discovered. From its affordable food and drinks to exciting activities and beautiful mountains and landscapes, it has all the ingredients for an unforgettable travel experience. Once you uncover all that this city has to offer, you'll be planning your return trip in no time. It is safe to say that this is a country I will eagerly revisit in the future and should be a high priority on your own bucket list.
Must-See Places
Old Town (Centrul Vechi)
The best place to kick off your adventures is in the heart of the city – Old Town. This is where I received fantastic recommendations and decided to start my journey. Bucharest is a hub for exciting events and parties that will last all night long. It's no surprise that I witnessed several stag parties during my visit. With vibrant bars, clubs, affordable drinks and amazing food options, Bucharest has everything you need for a memorable experience. Staying in the city centre may not be everyone's cup of tea if you're a light sleeper - bring earplugs for after a night out!
Therme București Spa
After a long day of exploring the city and beyond, why not treat yourself to some well-deserved rest...
My tip: After a long day of exploring the city and beyond, why not treat yourself to some well-deserved rest and relaxation on your vacation? The Therme București spa offers an incredible experience that should not be missed. You can fully immerse yourself in all it has to offer, including thrilling waterslides, soothing indoor and outdoor heated pools, and rejuvenating saunas and steam rooms. The pools are filled with thermal water sourced from natural springs in the region, renowned for their health benefits. Bring your own swimwear, towel and flip flops as they are mandatory (rentals available). Located just 15-20 minutes from the airport - perfect for your last day before flying home! Book here →
Unforgettable Moments
Transylvania Castle Day Tour
When planning a day trip from Bucharest to see the famous castles, a guided tour is highly recommended to avoid the hassle of navigating through highways and mountains. Although a full day tour means spending 8-10 hours in the bus, the experience of seeing these magnificent castles made it all worthwhile. The tour includes Peleş Castle, Bran Castle, and ends in the picturesque city of Braşov where you can indulge in the city's delightful coffee, dine at charming restaurants, and explore the local shops.
Book here →Rooftop Bar - Linea/Closer to The Moon
For a breath-taking experience, head to the rooftop bar 'Linea/Closer to The Moon'. It's the perfect spot to see the sunset while sipping on a local beer or cocktail. If you're planning a full dinner and drinks extravaganza, I highly recommend booking in advance for one of their cozy igloos. The cocktails can range from 35 LEI (£6 GBP).
Book here →Craft Beer at Ironic Taproom
An incredible craft beer spot that is just around the corner – you cannot miss out on visiting 'Ironic Taproom'. But here is a word of caution: it is unbelievably cheap! With a huge selection of 24 different flavours, you'll be spoiled for choice. You can opt for a 100ml taster or go all out with a 500ml pint. It's the perfect opportunity to explore a variety of beer flavours while you're there.
View here →Traditional Romanian Dining at Caru Cu Bere
Caru Cu Bere stands out as an exciting Romanian restaurant offering a wide array of unique dishes to tantalise your taste buds. I simply couldn't resist sampling the local red wine (Bacanta) and indulge in the delicious food on offer. Featuring a meat-centric menu, particularly pork paired with potatoes and cabbage, Romanian food creates a delicious harmony that will surely keep you content. This local gem boasts an impressive rating of 4.4 stars, with main dishes priced at 45 LEI (£7.50 GBP) upwards.
Book here →Tips & Recommendations
Top Tips
- •Book restaurants in advance especially during peak seasons
- •Swimwear for thermal experiences
- •Castle Tour Day
Food Recommendations
- •Try traditional Romanian dishes
- •Local restaurants with live music, dancing and entertaining experiences
- •Wine bars
What to Pack
- ✓Comfortable clothes, swimwear for the thermal spa and cash for local markets
Photo Gallery
Romanian Food
Delicous Flavours
Castle Experiences
City Views
Practical Information
Best Time to Visit
May-September for best weather and castle tours. June-August warmest. September beautiful with fall colors. October for Halloween/Dracula tours. Winter cold but Christmas markets are magical.
Budget
Very affordable! Excellent value for moneyGetting Around
Bucharest: Metro and walking work well in Old Town. Guided tours essential for castle day trips (8-10 hours in bus but worth it!). Bolt taxis available. Bus/car to Therme Bucureşti spa (15-20 min from airport).
Language
Romanian. English spoken in tourist areas and by young people in Bucharest. Learning basic phrases helpful.
Currency & Costs
Romanian Leu (RON). Budget-Friendly.
Accommodation
Staying in the Old Town (Centrul Vechi) puts you right in the heart of the action with easy access to bars, restaurants and nightlife. Be prepared for noise if you're a light sleeper - bring earplugs! The area is perfect for those wanting to experience Bucharest's vibrant party scene.
My Rating
Would I return?
Absolutely!
Romania exceeded all expectations! Although I only spent 3 days in Bucharest, I barely scratched the surface. The vibrant Old Town nightlife, incredible food (Caru Cu Bere, Hanu'lul Manuc), affordable drinks (craft beer at Ironic Taproom, natural wine at Mosto, rooftop cocktails), and the amazing castle day trip (only £6!) made it unforgettable. Peleş Castle was more extravagant than Bran, and ending at Therme Bucureşti spa before my flight was perfect. Bucharest is bursting with culture, delicious cuisine, hidden treasures, and such affordable prices. I can't wait to return and explore more of this captivating country - it absolutely should be a high priority on everyone's bucket list!