Bucharest 3 Day Itinerary
Day 1: Exploring the Heart of Bucharest
-
Morning:
- Start your day with a hearty breakfast at Cărturești Verona, located in Unirii Square. This bookstore offers a great variety of food options, including traditional Romanian dishes. (https://www.carturestit.ro/verona/)
- Visit the Palace of the Parliament (People’s House), one of the largest administrative buildings in the world. Book a guided tour to learn about its history and architecture. (https://www.casapoporului.gov.ro/en)
-
Afternoon:
- Explore the beautiful Cismigiu Garden, the oldest park in Bucharest, perfect for a relaxing walk or picnic.
- Visit the Revolution Square (Piata Revolutiei), where the Romanian Revolution took place in 1989. Nearby, you’ll find the National Art Museum and the Royal Palace.
-
Evening:
- Dine at Caru’ cu Bere, a traditional beer-house serving Romanian cuisine since 1879. (https://www.caruccuberar.ro/)
- End your day with a stroll along Calea Victoriei, Bucharest’s most famous street, filled with shops, restaurants, and historic buildings.
Day 2: Discovering Bucharest’s History and Culture
-
Morning:
- Visit the National Museum of Art of Romania to admire Romanian art from the 14th century to the present. (https://mnar.ro/)
- Explore the Village Museum, an open-air ethnographic museum showcasing traditional Romanian rural dwellings and crafts.
-
Afternoon:
- Visit the Hanulman Viczián for a taste of traditional Romanian food in a charming, historic setting. (https://hanulmanviczian.ro/)
- Explore the beautiful Orthodox churches in Lipscani area, such as the Stavropoleos Church and the Church of the Salvation of Our Soul.
-
Evening:
- Enjoy a cocktail at Roobee Roosters, a popular rooftop bar offering panoramic views of Bucharest. (https://roobeeroosters.com/)
- Experience the vibrant nightlife in Lipscani area, with numerous bars and clubs to choose from.
Day 3: Day Trip to Snagov Monastery
-
Morning:
- Take a day trip to Snagov Monastery, located on an island in Lake Snagov, about 45 minutes from Bucharest. It is said to be the burial place of Vlad the Impaler (Dracula).
-
Afternoon:
- Return to Bucharest and have lunch at Mama Maria, a restaurant serving traditional Romanian food in an intimate, homey setting. (https://mamariara.ro/)
- Spend your last afternoon shopping for souvenirs or exploring any sights you may have missed.
Where to Stay:
- For luxury: JW Marriott Bucharest Grand Hotel - centrally located and offering modern accommodations. (https://www.marriott.com/hotels/travelalerts/robuo-jw-marriott-bucharest-grand-hotel/)
- For mid-range: Hotel Dacia - a historic hotel in the heart of Bucharest, offering comfortable rooms and a great location. (https://www.hoteldacia.ro/)
- For budget: Hostel Mostel - a fun and affordable option with dormitories and private rooms available. (https://hostelmostel.ro/)
Things to Know:
- Romanian currency is the Leu (RON). Credit cards are widely accepted in cities, but it’s always good to have some cash on hand.
- English is spoken by many young people and service staff, but it may be limited outside of major cities.
- Bucharest’s public transportation system includes buses, trams, and the metro. Tickets can be purchased at kiosks or from the driver for a small surcharge.
- Tipping is customary in Romania, usually around 10% in restaurants and for taxi drivers.
Tips:
- Try local dishes such as sarmale (cabbage rolls), mici (grilled meatballs), and ciorbă de burtă (tripe soup).
- Take a walk along Herastrau Park, especially beautiful in the spring and summer months.
- Visit during the holidays to experience traditional Romanian customs and folklore.