Romania's capital and largest city, Bucharest may seem hostile at first glance. Frenetic, concrete and polluted, it is cut by vast avenues inherited from the communist era, which are plagued by furious traffic. However, on closer inspection, Bucharest conceals secrets that it reveals sparingly: monasteries several hundred years old nestled between Soviet blocks, where sublime 19th century architecture is revealed, and numerous bars, restaurants and trendy places that reveal an intense cultural life. Not to mention the magnificent parks, the real lungs of the city, and the many museums. Many criticize Bucharest for not giving its visitors the image of the "real" Romania. Indeed, the capital is not representative of what can be visited in some picturesque villages of the country, but that is the interest of this city in the south of the country. Born of a mixture, without well-defined borders, transformed by the megalomania of one man, this mixed city of nearly 2 million inhabitants is a historical and architectural crossroads. Bucharest, with its museums, theatres and numerous restaurants, is a disconcerting place that still lives between East and West. The city known as the "Paris of the Balkans" leaves no one indifferent.

What to visit Bucharest?

When to go to Bucharest?

In summer, it is hot, even very hot in Romania. Romanians flock to the coast, while Bucharest suffocates. On the other hand, autumn and spring are the ideal seasons to discover the cities, including Bucharest. Winter is often harsh and makes it difficult to get around, but the snow and the festivals make the landscapes and the atmosphere magical. The mid-season remains mild and the nature colorful. The conditions are then optimal for cultural visits and walks in the streets and gardens. In winter, despite the harshness of the climate, the snow reveals a magical atmosphere and a traditional character, especially during the Christmas and New Year's holidays. So, when to go to Bucharest? All year round, except in summer!

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Weather at the moment

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Weather all year round

In the south of Romania, Bucharest has a continental climate, with fairly cold winters and rather hot summers. The best periods to stay in Bucharest are spring, summer and early autumn. In August, temperatures in Bucharest are close to 30°C, while in winter, the mercury often drops below 0°C.

Jan.
-7° /
Feb.
-5° /
Mar.
-1° / 10°
Apr.
/ 18°
May
10° / 23°
June
14° / 27°
Jul.
16° / 30°
Aug.
15° / 30°
Sept.
11° / 25°
Oct.
/ 18°
Nov.
/ 10°
Dec.
-3° /
Budget

The cost of living is lower in Romania, including Bucharest, than in France. Payment by credit card, including contactless, is widespread in shops.

Bucharest is a fairly cheap destination. Treat yourself to an opera performance or a classical music concert for less, choose to stay in a high-end hotel with packages that are often very interesting.

Procedures

Romania is a member of the European Union, but not of the Schengen area. For a stay of less than 90 days, a citizen of the EU or Schengen area must simply present a valid passport. If you stay less than 30 days, a French national identity card is sufficient. For a stay of more than three months, you must apply for a permanent resident card from the local authorities, unless you are leaving the country and returning in the same time.

Health

Before leaving, get a European Health Insurance Card from your social security office, which makes it easier to receive medical care in Europe. The emergency number is 112 and will direct you, depending on the case, to the fire department, the police, the gendarmerie or to medical emergencies. No vaccinations are required to enter Romania.

How to go to Bucharest? Our advice & tips

Of course, Romania is not a very touristy destination. However, there are specialists who offer organized trips in the Eastern countries to discover the hidden treasures. The organized trips generally combine Bucharest with its region and the discovery of the coastline and/or the nearby mountains.

Discover our selection of travel agencies for this destination

To reach Bucharest from Western Europe, a round-trip air ticket will cost you between €80 and €300. Please note that the price variation depends on the airline you use and, above all, on the reservation deadline. To get good rates, it is essential to book in advance, ideally six months before departure! You should also know that for low-cost flights, you often have to add fees, especially for luggage.

The historical center of Bucharest is small and can be reached on foot. To connect the less central points of interest, public transport is a simple, efficient and inexpensive solution. The Bucharest metro is the most used means of transportation in the city. In addition, there are more than 110 bus lines serving the outskirts.

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Pictures and images Bucharest

L'Athénée roumain de Bucarest. Stéphan SZEREMETA
Immeubles bordant la rivière Dâmboviţa. Alamer - Iconotec
Immeuble de style parisien dans le centre-ville de Bucarest. Stéphan SZEREMETA
Place du mémorial de la Renaissance. Stéphan SZEREMETA

Discover Bucharest

When to travel?

In summer, it is hot, even very hot in Romania. Romanians flock to the coast, while Bucharest suffocates. On the othe...
Read more about it

Weather forecast

In the south of Romania, Bucharest has a continental climate, with fairly cold winters and rather hot summers. The be...
Read more about it

Budget

The cost of living is lower in Romania, including Bucharest, than in France. Payment by credit card, including contac...
Read more about it

Formalities

Romania is a member of the European Union, but not of the Schengen area. For a stay of less than 90 days, a citizen o...
Read more about it

Health

Before leaving, get a European Health Insurance Card from your social security office, which makes it easier to recei...
Read more about it

How to travel by yourself?

To reach Bucharest from Western Europe, a round-trip air ticket will cost you between €80 and €300. Please note t...
Read more about it

How to get organized?

Of course, Romania is not a very touristy destination. However, there are specialists who offer organized trips in t...
Read more about it

Getting around

The historical center of Bucharest is small and can be reached on foot. To connect the less central points of interes...
Read more about it

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