Bucharest Travel Facts

The Basics

City Name: Bucharest

Where is it located?: Bucharest is located near the southern border of Romania, slightly east of the center of the country.

Why do people go there?: Also often confused with similar-sounding Budapest, Bucharest is less touristic than its Hungarian counterpart – but certainly no less crowded! There is no central nightlife area, but that doesn’t mean the city doesn’t lack it. The city was the focal point of a revolution in 1989, a number of plaques and bullet holes are still easily seen for those who want to look.

How do travelers get there?: Despite its Eastern European location, trains are by far the best way to get to Bucharest, although you can take a bus if you’re a glutton for punishment. Flying in is also an option, it’s convenient and the airport is closer to the city than it is with most European capitals.

Currency: Romanian leu (ROL)

City Code: 1

Other phone tips: Mobile telephony is very popular. Every other Romanian owns (at least) a cell phone. Pagers are practically inexistent, but mobile phone fees (both post-paid and pre-paid) are quite accessible.

Population: Over 2 million

Languages: Romanian

Travel Information

Neighborhoods: Piata Victoriei, Piata Unirii, Piata Romana, and Piata Universitate

Attractions: Palace of Parliament (Palatul Poporului), Village Museum of Folk Art, Casinos

Accommodations: Hostels, Hotels

Tourist Office: Bucharest Tourist Office

Off-the-beaten-path: Caldarusani Monastery, Stirbei Palace, Cernica Monastery, Mogosoaia Palace

Health Issues: None

Tips for Visiting

When to go: Aim for June – warm weather and lots of goings on.

Common Phrases: Yes = Da, No = Nu, Please = Te rog, Thank you = Multumesc, Do you speak English? = Vorbiti englezeste?

City Specific Events: GayFest and Bucharest of Old every May, George Enescu Festival every August

How to get around?: The metro underground is definitely noteworthy.

Good to know: Bucharest is nicknamed “Little Paris of the East” because of its elegance in architecture and sophistication of its locals.

Cheapest airport to fly into: There are two main airports for travelers taking flights to Bucharest such as Henri Coanda International Airport and Aurel Vlaicu International Airport. In order to get a cheaper flight, it would be wise to use the airport that is near your trip destination.

Need more information?: Check out the Bucharest travel guide for more on what to see, where to stay, and how to get there.