Bucharest, Romania-2-day-itinerary

Day 1: Explore the Heart of Bucharest

Morning

  • 9:00 am: Start your day at Revolution Square (Piata Revolutiei), a historic square surrounded by important landmarks such as the Palace of the Parliament and the National Museum of Contemporary Art.
  • 10:00 am: Visit the stunning Palace of the Parliament, one of the largest administrative buildings in the world. Take a guided tour to see the opulent interior decorations.

Lunch

  • Head to Caru’ cu Bere, a historic beer hall serving traditional Romanian cuisine. Try their sarmale (stuffed cabbage rolls) and mamaliga (polenta).

Afternoon

  • 1:00 pm: Walk through the charming streets of Bucharest’s old town, visiting landmarks like the Cismigiu Park and the Greek Church, a beautiful example of neo-Byzantine architecture.
  • 3:00 pm: Visit the National Museum of Art (Muzeul de Arta Nasional) to see an impressive collection of Romanian art.

Evening

  • 6:00 pm: Enjoy dinner at La Mama, a cozy restaurant serving traditional Romanian dishes with a modern twist. Try their grilled meats and vegetables.
  • 8:00 pm: Explore the lively nightlife scene in Bucharest, starting with a drink at Hanul lui Manuc, a historic inn turned bar.

Accommodation

Consider staying at Hotel Capitol or Hotel Unirea, both located in the heart of the city and offering comfortable rooms at reasonable prices.

Transportation

  • Use public transportation: buses (40-70 lei / $8-$14 USD) or metro lines 1, 2, and 3.
  • Take a taxi from the airport (around 50 lei / $10 USD).

Day 2: Discover Hidden Gems

Morning

  • 9:00 am: Visit the Botanical Garden, a peaceful oasis in the midst of the city. Take a stroll through its beautiful gardens and greenhouses.
  • 11:00 am: Head to the trendy Vitan area, known for its street art, independent shops, and hip cafes.

Lunch

  • Try Cafe del Arte in Vitan for delicious coffee and pastries.

Afternoon

  • 12:30 pm: Visit the National History Museum (Muzeul de Istorie a Romaniei) to learn about Romania’s complex history.
  • 2:00 pm: Explore the charming neighborhood of Vladimir Street, known for its antique shops, cafes, and beautiful architecture.

Evening

  • 6:00 pm: Enjoy dinner at La Placinte, a cozy restaurant serving traditional Romanian dishes in a warm atmosphere.
  • 8:00 pm: End your day with a visit to the lively Romanian Athenaeum concert hall or enjoy a drink at one of Bucharest’s many bars.

Things to Know

  • Romania uses the Euro currency (€).
  • Bucharest has a relatively low cost of living compared to Western European cities.
  • Learn some basic Romanian phrases like “Salut!” (hello), “Multumesc” (thank you), and “La revedere” (goodbye).

Tips

  • Try traditional Romanian cuisine, especially sarmale and mamaliga.
  • Be prepared for traffic and congestion in the city center.
  • Explore beyond the main tourist areas to discover hidden gems.

Getting Around

Use public transportation or walk/bike around the city. Taxis are available but can be more expensive.

Other Attractions

  • Visit the iconic Romanian Television Building (TVR), a beautiful example of modernist architecture.
  • Take a day trip to the nearby Snagov Lake or Mogosoaia Palace for some fresh air and culture.

Remember to always check opening hours and ticket prices before visiting any attractions. Enjoy your stay in Bucharest!