When deciding on our next European city break, Bucharest ticked all the boxes. Affordable, well serviced from the UK, the chance of some sunshine in March and unlikely to run into any stag do’s!
We discovered it’s a city full of history, stunning architecture, beautiful parks and amazing restaurants and bars. The only trouble was choosing what to do in the three days we had available….
Below is our BEST OF BUCHAREST!
BEST PARK
So many parks to choose from…… But only one winner! Cismigiu Park is truly an oasis in the middle of the busy city centre, and the perfect place to relax, take a stroll and fill your soul with peace. You can hire a rowing boat on the water, study the various sculptures or simply lounge under a tree and listen to the birdsong whilst admiring the many beautiful flowers. Bliss!
Beautiful Cismigiu Park
Fun clambering on the rocks
BEST ARCHITECTURE
You’ll be spoiled for beautiful buildings but our top 'must see' is the Palace of Parliament. Simply becasue it's the second largest building in the world and you need to see it to believe it, the sheer size of it took our breath away…. difficult to get it all in your eyesight but an amazing piece of engineering.
An honorable mention goes to the Stavropoleos Church in the middle of old town. Characterized by its beautiful stone and wood carvings, it also contains a small outdoor courtyard – a great place to find some tranquility in a busy city.
Palace of Parliament - the second largest building in the world
The beautifully decorative Stavropoleos Church
BEST COFFEE SHOP(S)
If you’re in old town, you simply have to head to Grand Cafe Van Gogh. Enjoy delicious coffee whilst admiring the beautiful quirky chandeliers, decor and artwork. Always busy but plenty of seats and a large outdoor area if the sun is shining Best breakfasts ever too - especially if you’re feeling a little fragile from the night before!
On the edge of old town, head to the Pasajul Macca-Vilacrosse and you’ll see why Bucharest used to be known as “little Paris”. Admire more stunning architecture before stopping at Azuko Bar for your caffeine hit and a sample of shisha if it takes your fancy…
Grand Cafe Van Gogh
Quriky decoration at the Grand Cafe Van Gogh
Pasajul Macca-Vilacrosse
BEST RETAIL
Bookstores aren’t normally top of our places to visit on a city break but the Carturesti Carusel really is magical. The amazing interior design and winding staircases really do make you feel like you’re in a fairytale. Great selection of books, gifts and snacks too and a nice place for coffee upstairs. A must visit!
Stunning architecture at the Carturesti Carusel
Fun exploring!
Lots of floors to explore!
BEST UNIQUE FIND
Well it used to be! Everyone seems to know about this place now. Pasajul Victoria is passageway filled with hundreds of vibrant, colorful umbrellas- not something you see every day! Lovely coffee shop too and very peaceful. We'll let the photos do the talking!
BEST SUNSET COCKTAIL
Plenty of options (and we tried a few!) but no doubting the number one… Linea Closer to the Moon. Just outside Old Town, the only trouble you’ll have is finding the entrance! Make your way up to the rooftop and admire the stunning views of the city over the river. Outstanding cocktail selection and super friendly staff. You can even relax in one of the 15 “space station” booths after the sun goes down.
An absolute must at sunset- just get there in plenty of time as it can get understandably busy!
Sunset from the rooftop of Linea Closer to the Moon
Relax in a Space Station!
BEST CRAFT BEER
Does Romania really do good craft beer?? Yes and it’s bloody lovely! La 100 de Beri is found on one of the most colorful streets in the old centre and offers more than 100 beers in a great atmosphere. It’s always one of the last places to close at night too so a good excuse to sample as many as possible….!
Our personal favourite? Easy Rider – a session pale ale by Ground Zero brewery. Fantastic beer with an inspirational back story :)
BEST FOOD
So much amazing food! A good place to start and sample lots of what Romanian food has to offer is Carc’ cu bere in the old town. A beautiful building with glamorous interior and painted ceilings.
Try local favourites like Mici (Romanian sausages with spices) and Sarmale (sour cabbage rolls stuffed with pork, beef and bacon) and we promise you’ll be wanting more….. If you’re really hungry, order the house speciality Pork Knuckle – it melts in the mouth. Wash it all down with plenty of delicious local beer!
And don’t forget to try a local speciality – Covrigi – for a slightly sweeter hit.
Traditional Pork Knuckle - taste much nicer than it sounds!
Endless places to try this local treat Covrigi
Sounds pretty good doesn’t it? We were unexpectedly blown away by this city and the warm nature of the Romanian people. Our advice? Book yourself a flight and go experience it for yourself, you won't regret it!
