Bucharest Romania Travel Tips

Bucharest Travel Tips: Key Things to Know

Bucharest is a vibrant city with a rich history and culture. Here are some essential tips for travelers to ensure a respectful and enjoyable experience:

Cultural Etiquette:

  • Greetings: Romanians shake hands when greeting each other, often with both hands. A simple “Bună ziua” (Good day) or “Bună dimineața” (Good morning) is appropriate for most situations.

  • Personal Space: Romanians generally appreciate personal space and may feel uncomfortable with close physical contact. Avoid standing too close during conversations and maintain a comfortable distance.

  • Dining Etiquette:

    • Wait to be seated: It’s considered polite to wait for the host or waiter to show you to your table, even in casual settings.
    • “La poftă bună” (Bon appétit): While Romanians enjoy their meals, they don’t typically use formal phrases like “bon appétit”. Instead, “poftă bună” is a common and informal expression of good wishes for the meal before you start eating.

  • Dining with Locals:

    • Respect the elders: If dining with older generations, wait for them to be served first.
    • Don’t rush: Enjoy the leisurely pace of Romanian meals. It’s not uncommon for meals to last several hours, with multiple courses and plenty of conversation.

  • Dining in Restaurants:

    • Dress Code: While there isn’t a strict dress code, dressing smartly is always appreciated.
    • Tipping: Tipping is expected but the amount is usually around 10% of the bill.
    • “Mulțumesc” (Thank you): This simple word goes a long way in Romania.

  • Dining Habits:

    • Bread on the table: It’s a tradition to break bread with your hands, even when eating at restaurants.
    • Don’t be afraid to ask for seconds: Food is often served family-style in Romania, meaning it’s meant to be shared and enjoyed liberally.

Other Important Tips:

  • Language: Romanians speak Romanian, but you’ll also find many people who speak English, Russian, or other languages due to its history.

  • Dining Hours:

    • Dinner is the main meal in Romania.
    • Restaurants often have set hours for “lunch” and “dinner” and may not be open for continuous service.

  • Dining Practices:

    • Romanians tend to eat slowly and savor their meals. It’s considered rude to rush through a meal, and it’s a good idea to pace yourself accordingly.
    • “Mulțumesc” (Thank you) is key:
      • Express your gratitude for the service you receive with “Mulțumesc” (pronounced “moo-lootsoom truh-see-eh”). This means “thank you” and is an essential phrase for travelers to learn.

  • Currency: The official currency of Romania is the Romanian Leu (RON).

Carry local currency (Leu) in cash for smaller purchases, taxis, and tipping.

  • Dining Experiences:

    • Romanian food culture is often centered around large, shared meals with multiple courses. This is a great opportunity to try a variety of dishes and experience the social side of dining.

    • “Nu” (No) and “Da” (Yes): These are crucial words for navigating polite refusals and confirmations in meal situations.

    • Romanian cuisine is often about sharing, but remember that tipping is usually done by rounding up the bill or leaving a small amount in cash.

Remember:

These are just a few basic tips. Always be respectful of local customs and traditions, and you can never go wrong with a smile and a “thank you”!