Uncover Bucharest

Step into a city of wonders

Bucharest: Romania’s fascinating capital

A city that moves at its own beat, Bucharest is bold and full of flavour. It’s a thrilling mix of Latin and Balkan spirits, where grand, 19th-century elegance meets a gritty legacy. Romania’s dynamic capital constantly reinvents itself. You’ll find elegant arcades hiding behind grey facades, trendy third-wave coffee shops breathing life into historic ruins, and murals colouring the streets. Explore the best attractions when you travel to Bucharest and discover what makes this city so special.

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Bucharest in Romania
Romanian Athenaeum

Did you know?

Bucharest has some of the world’s fastest internet speeds. Digital nomads and tech travellers will feel right at home here.

Highlights of Bucharest

Located in the south-east of Romania, Bucharest is a destination that’s proud and completely itself. You’ll find so many iconic places to visit, whether you’re exploring striking buildings or watching stunning fountain shows. Uncover the best things to do in Bucharest, so you won’t miss out when you visit.

Explore the deep history of the Romanian capital as you walk through its streets. Travel to Bucharest and see how the city has rebuilt itself.

Calea Victoriei
Palace of the Parliament
Old Princely Court

Quick fact

Bucharest’s Palace of the Parliament is considered the heaviest building in the world, weighing over 4.10 million tonnes, and is built from over a million tonnes of marble, steel, and crystal.

Day trips from Bucharest

Discover the beauty surrounding the Romanian capital. There are so many places near the city that offer amazing things to do, such as castle explorations and natural parks.

Explore this Neo-Renaissance masterpiece located in the Carpathian Mountains. Just two hours from Bucharest, this castle features ornate woodwork and striking spires. It’s a beautiful spot for an unforgettable day trip.

Peles Castle

No trip to Romania is complete without seeing the Dracula’s Castle, located in Transylvania. Explore this iconic 14th-century fortress perched high on a cliff. Uncover spooky legends, myths, and history inside its corridors.

Bran Castle

Discover this natural park just south of Bucharest. You can enjoy activities such as boat trips and hiking. This green escape is perfect for adventure-seeking travellers who want to enjoy diverse wildlife and fresh air.

Comana Natural Park

Discover the artistic side of Bucharest and explore its creative culture. The city offers a modern and refreshing perspective for your trip.

specialty coffee bucharest
lipscani district
stavropoleos church

Explore the natural side of the Romanian capital. From its parks to world-class spas, Bucharest offers top places to visit for rejuvenation.

vacaresti nature park
cismigiu garden
bucharest spa

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Bucharest is best for

City breaks, solo travellers, and budget-conscious foodies

Plan your trip to Bucharest

Plan the ideal itinerary to see the best places to visit in Bucharest. While this capital is ideal for 48-hour city breaks, stay at least six days so you won’t miss any highlights like castles, natural parks, and charming districts. Here’s how you can maximise your time in Bucharest and its surrounding areas:

Day 1

Fly with us to Bucharest and settle into your hotel. You can rest or head out for a quick dinner. See the city lights flicker on as you get your first look at these lively streets.

bucharest night

Day 2

History takes centre stage on your second day in Bucharest. Head to the Palace of the Parliament to see its grand rooms, marble columns, and art. In the afternoon, wander the colourful streets of the Lipscani District, where you’ll see the Old Princely Court ruins.

Palace of the Parliament

Day 3

It’s time for Bucharest’s iconic landmarks. Wander along Calea Victoriei to see the 19th-century palaces and grand architecture that define the city’s historic charm. Visit the Stavropoleos Church to hear beautiful Byzantine music.

Calea Victoriei

Day 4

Head out to the Carpathian Mountains either on a day trip or a one-night stay. Explore Peleș Castle as well as the iconic Bran Castle, also known as Dracula’s Castle. Uncover spooky myths and dramatic history inside Dracula’s winding corridors before heading back to the city.

bran castle at night

Day 5

Time for some nature and wellness. Escape to the Cișmigiu Gardens or Văcărești Nature Park to spot rare birds in the wild. Alternatively, you could also go on a day trip to Comana Natural Park. Then, visit a world-class wellness centre for a full afternoon of relaxation.

cismigiu garden

Day 6

Prepare to leave one of Europe’s most charming cities. Carry your favourite highlights of Bucharest with you as you head to the airport or explore more of Romania on the next leg of your adventure.

Thick Fogs Surrounded Mt. Batur Caldera from Pinggan Village Kintamani

Important travel information

Thinking of travelling to Bucharest? You should know the essentials so you can plan your trip with ease. Gather the right details, from entry requirements to other local insights. Knowing these facts keeps you prepared for your journey.

Bucharest experiences four distinct seasons throughout the year. You should plan your trip between June and August if you prefer hot, sunny weather. The city feels cold from December to February, when snow often covers the streets in white. For mild temperatures and pleasant walks, the best time to visit Bucharest is during spring from March to May, or autumn between September and November. If you’re planning day trips to other areas like the Carpathian Mountains, remember that the weather may change quickly, so it’s best to prepare and pack a few extra layers just in case.

Bucharest Henri Coandă International Airport is your main gateway to Romania. It has an on-site train station and frequent buses that help you reach the centre in about 20 minutes. From December 2026, Etihad will fly to Bucharest four times weekly through this airport, making it easy for you to reach Romania’s capital. The IATA code for Bucharest Henri Coandă International Airport is OTP.

Check the official entry rules before you book flights to Romania. If you need a Schengen visa, it’s best to apply as early as you can. Getting your paperwork sorted early helps you have a seamless trip from the moment you leave.

 

  • Schengen tourist visa validity: A Schengen tourist visa lets you stay in Romania for up to 90 days within a 180-day window. 
  • General visa requirements: You’ll usually need a valid passport, a recent photo, and a completed application form to get your visa. You should also have your flight booking, travel insurance, and proof of funds ready. If they apply to you, don’t forget to include a signed invitation letter and a No Objection Certificate from your employer.

  • Currency: The Romanian Leu (RON) is the official currency in Romania. You’ll also find plenty of ATMs across Bucharest if you need to withdraw cash during your stay.
  • Language: Romanian is the official language in Romania, but English is usually spoken by younger people, especially in tourist areas across Bucharest. Older generations, meanwhile, often understand French.

Navigating your way from the grand boulevards of Victoriei to the cobblestone alleys of the Old Town is incredibly simple. You can skip the traffic on the fast metro network, catch a tram, or hail a cab to reach your next spot. The city's vast transit network helps you see more of the city. 

 

  • Metro and subway: Ride across Bucharest on five fast metro lines. It’s the quickest way to reach the city centre, and you can even spot prehistoric fossils on the floor of Politehnica Station in Bucharest.
  • Trams: Explore the best places to visit in Bucharest using the city’s network of tram lines. You’ll travel across Bucharest easily with frequent services and affordable fares.
  • Buses: Travel to every part of Bucharest through different bus lines, including special night services. You’ll find these a reliable way to get to the attractions in Bucharest that sit outside the main rail lines.
  • Taxis: Hop on a metered cab or book a ride through apps to travel quickly across Bucharest. 
  • Bicycles: Ride a bike along the wide boulevards or through the green parks of Bucharest at your own pace. It’s a great way to explore the central districts of the city.
  • On foot: Walk around Bucharest to find the city’s best hidden spots. Wander through the Old Town, Unirii, or Victoriei areas of Bucharest to find hidden courtyards, historic landmarks, and local cafes whenever you like.

Fly to Bucharest with Etihad

Book flights to Bucharest with Etihad and explore this vibrant European city. Starting December 2026, we’ll fly there four times weekly, making it simple for you to see a city full of striking architecture. As the national airline of the UAE, we put your comfort first, so you can focus on looking forward to your adventure ahead.

 

When you fly with us, you’ll find unmatched comfort in our premium cabins that set the standard for air travel. Fly with total peace of mind with the world’s safest full-service airline for 2026. Choose us, and we’ll look after you all the way to Bucharest.

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Bucharest streets
B787 Etihad plane
Frequently asked questions

From December 2026, we’ll fly to Bucharest four times weekly, making it easier to reach the Romanian capital.

In Bucharest, walk down the grand Calea Victoriei to see historic landmarks like Revolution Square. You can also explore the shaded paths of Cișmigiu Gardens, the oldest central park in the city, or wander the historic Lipscani District. Outside the capital, visit Sinaia to see the grand Peleș Castle or head to Bran to see the famous Dracula Castle.

Taste the local culture by trying sarmale, which are cabbage rolls stuffed with spiced meat and rice. You should also look for mici, grilled ground meat rolls served with mustard. Also, don’t miss out on papanăși, or delicious fried doughnuts topped with sour cream and fruit jam.