Bucharest, Romania-3-day-itinerary

3-Day Bucharest Itinerary: A Blend of History, Charm & Vibrance

This itinerary balances historical exploration with modern Bucharest experiences.

Things to Know:

  • Currency: Romanian Leu (RON) - ATMs widely available.
  • Language: Romanian. English spoken in tourist areas.
  • Transportation: Bucharest has a good metro system, buses, and trams. Taxis are readily available but negotiate fares beforehand. Walking is great for exploring the city center.

Accommodation:

Consider staying in the Old Town (Centrul Vechi) for vibrant nightlife and historical charm or the Cotroceni area for quieter elegance and parks.

Day 1: Historical Bucharest & Culinary Delights

  • Morning:
    • Start with a guided walking tour of the Old Town. Explore charming cobblestone streets, admire historic architecture like the Stavropoleos Monastery, and delve into Bucharest’s past.
  • Afternoon:
    • Visit the Palace of Parliament, the world’s second-largest administrative building. Book tickets in advance as tours are popular.
    • Relax at Herăstrău Park, rent a bike or rowboat on the lake.
  • Evening:
    • Dinner at Caru’ cu Bere, a traditional Romanian restaurant with live music and delicious local dishes.

Day 2: Art & Culture Immersion

  • Morning:
    • Visit the National Museum of Art of Romania, showcasing an impressive collection from medieval to modern art.
    • Explore the Village Museum (Muzeul Satului), an open-air museum with traditional Romanian houses and crafts.
  • Afternoon:
    • Stroll down Calea Victoriei, Bucharest’s grand boulevard, lined with historic buildings, cafes, and boutiques.
    • Enjoy a coffee break at Cofetaria Capsa, a charming café with delicious pastries.
  • Evening:
    • Experience the vibrant nightlife in the Old Town. Choose from numerous bars, clubs, and live music venues.

Day 3: Beyond Bucharest

  • Morning: Take a day trip to Snagov Monastery, a historic monastery on an island in Snagov Lake, steeped in legends.
  • Afternoon: Explore Mogosoaia Palace, a beautiful Renaissance palace with stunning gardens.
  • Evening: Enjoy a farewell dinner at Lacrimi si Sfinti (Tears and Saints), a restaurant serving contemporary Romanian cuisine with a focus on local ingredients.

Transportation Tips:

  • Purchase a metro card for unlimited travel within the city.
  • Download a transportation app like “Mobillett” for route planning and real-time updates.
  • Consider using ride-sharing services like Uber or Bolt, particularly for traveling outside the city center.

Additional Tips:

  • Learn a few basic Romanian phrases. Locals appreciate the effort.
  • Haggle when shopping at markets.
  • Be aware of pickpockets in crowded areas.
  • Enjoy traditional Romanian dishes like Sarmale (stuffed cabbage rolls), Mici (grilled minced meat rolls) and papanasi (fried cheese doughnuts).

Have a wonderful time exploring Bucharest!