City Trip Bucharest: Discover the "Little Paris" of Eastern Europe
Forget your old stereotypes of Eastern Europe. Bucharest in 2026 is a city that surprises you at every corner. Whether you fly in directly or take the “scenic route” from Bulgaria—as we did—the Romanian capital is a vibrant mix of heavy history, high energy, and surprisingly affordable luxury. Here is our ultimate guide to Bucharest in Romania.
The Journey: Seamless Travel in the Schengen Zone
Our city trip to Bucharest started with an adventure coming from Bulgaria. While we used to tell stories about long border queues and bumpy roads in our video, 2026 is a different world. Now that Romania is fully part of the Schengen Zone, you can cross the border from Bulgaria as easily as driving from Belgium to France. The infamous potholes are being patched up with EU magic, but the rustic charm of the countryside remains a beautiful backdrop for a road trip.
Why is it called “Little Paris”?
During Bucharest’s golden age in the 19th century, the city’s elite literally copied the French architectural style. As you walk through the wide, tree-lined boulevards, the resemblance is striking. The city’s own Arcul de Triumf (Arc de Triomphe), which was under renovation during our visit, is now fully restored.
Pro tip for 2026: On many weekends, you can actually climb to the top for an incredible view of the skyline and Herăstrău Park!
The Old Town: Heart of the Nightlife
Bucharest is a sprawling metropolis, but for travelers, Old Town (Lipscani) is the undisputed place to be. We stayed right in the center, and it’s the best way to experience the city.
The Vibe: A maze of cobblestone streets that has become almost entirely pedestrianized by 2026. It’s packed with trendy cafes, traditional bistros, and late-night bars.
Dining on a Budget: If you’re a fan of hearty meat dishes, you’ve found your paradise. The portions are huge, the traditional desserts (look for Papanasi!) are legendary, and the prices remain some of the lowest in Europe. The local wine and beer are so cheap that, as I mentioned in the video, you might find yourself “looking a bit too deep into the glass” before the night ends!
The Palace of Parliament: A Giant Legacy
You simply cannot miss the most dominant building in the city. The Palace of Parliament, commissioned by dictator Nicolae Ceaușescu in 1984, remains a mind-blowing feat of ego and architecture.
The Scale: It cost over €3.5 billion, contains 3,100 rooms, and is the heaviest building in the world.
The Pentagon of Europe: Trailing only the US Pentagon in size, it serves as a stark reminder of Romania’s communist history, but its sheer scale is something you have to see in person to believe.
Culture & Nature: Herăstrău Park
When you need a break from the urban buzz, head north to Herăstrău Park (King Mihai I Park). This is much more than just a green space.
Open-Air History: It houses the Dimitrie Gusti National Village Museum, an open-air museum where you can walk through authentic peasant houses brought in from across Romania.
A Romantic Moment: For everyone who thinks I’m not romantic—check the footage! Renting a boat and rowing across the lake is a classic Bucharest experience. In 2026, the lakefront is more vibrant than ever with high-end restaurants and terraces.
2026 Highlight: Therme București
If you have a few hours left before your flight, you have to visit Therme. It has become one of Europe’s biggest wellness attractions. Located near the airport, this massive tropical indoor paradise features mineral pools, palm trees, and water slides. It’s the perfect “final stop” to relax after a busy city trip.
Quick Travel Tips for a city trip in Bucharest (2026)
Schengen Arrival: If you are traveling from within the EU, enjoy the seamless entry! Land borders with Bulgaria and Hungary are now open without passport checks, making road trips much faster.
Currency & Payments: Romania still uses the Romanian Leu (RON). While almost everywhere in the city accepts contactless payments (Apple/Google Pay), keep some cash for small souvenirs at the Village Museum or local markets.
Getting Around: Download Bolt or Uber. They are very reliable, safe, and significantly cheaper than traditional taxis. For a local experience, the Bucharest Metro is efficient and covers most major tourist spots.
Safety: Bucharest is one of the safest capital cities in Europe. However, like in any major city, keep an eye on your belongings in crowded areas of the Old Town.
Water: While tap water is generally safe in 2026, most locals and travelers still prefer bottled or filtered water for the taste.
Airport Transfer: The train from Otopeni Airport (OTP) to the Central Station (Gara de Nord) runs every 20 minutes and is the fastest way to beat Bucharest’s infamous traffic.
Booking the Palace: If you want to see the inside of the Palace of Parliament, you must book your tour at least 24 hours in advance and bring your original passport for entry.
Thermal Relaxation: Don’t leave without visiting Therme București. It’s located near the airport, so it’s a perfect way to spend your final hours before flying home.
Watch the video of our city trip in Bucharest here
Note on the video: Please keep in mind that this video was filmed a few years ago. While the city’s vibe and stunning architecture haven’t changed, some practical information (like border controls or construction status) might be outdated—so be sure to read our 2026 updates in the blog above!
The video is in Dutch, but don’t worry if you don’t speak the language: you can easily turn on English subtitles (CC) in the YouTube player to follow along with the adventure and see exactly how beautiful Bucharest truly is.
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