Searching for an affordable destination for the weekend, we came across Bucharest. Without much thought, we booked our tickets. With 60€ each and only one backpack, we flew with Wizz air for a full three-day experience in Bucharest. Just 1.5 hours away from Athens by air, Bucharest will not impress you at first, but it is worth a chance by discovering the hidden beauty of the Romanian capital.
How to spend 3 beautiful days in Bucharest
In addition to getting to know with the city, the bars and the local food, you can enjoy a whole day in the most famous thermal baths of the city or even move outside of it. You can take a full-day trip to the Carpathian Mountains while staying overnight in a provincial town in Romania. Let’s talk in more detail below.
Bucharest city tour
The capital of Romania, Bucharest, will not impress you at first. Tall buildings from the Soviet Union period dominate the city, overshadowing buildings of architectural interest. In order to get to know with the city better, we booked a “free” guided tour , which lasted 2.5 hours. The kind, friendly and great-humored tour guide helped us understand the whole history of the capital of Romania. Also, together we discovered the hidden treasures of the old city of Bucharest. What impressed us the most is that in this city, there is the heaviest and also the 2nd largest administrative building in the world! This building is no other than the “Palace of the People”, the Parliament of Romania. A tour full of information, myths and hidden secrets about the country of Romania, which is definitely worth doing when you visit Bucharest.
Where to go for food, drink & coffee
If you are a pork lover this is your country! As the locals humorously say “pork is our vegetable”. The most famous restaurant in Bucharest, where you can taste delicious local food such as pork, polenta and soup served inside bread, is Caru cu bere. The building is accompanied by a rich history, starting from 1899, waiting for you to visit it, not only for its quality of food and beer, but also for its excellent architecture. But don’t forget to make an online reservation, because otherwise it will be difficult to find a table.
The old town has many options in bars and clubs, which last until 5 o’ clock in the morning. Among them, we singled out two bars which are on our favorite list and we strongly recommend you to visit them. The first is Linea/Closer to the moon where you can enjoy great food and drink on the roof of the building while sitting in artificial igloos. Reservation is essential and you can easily do it online, up to 15 days in advance. If you are a Gin lover, GINOTECA is the one for you. It is located 20 minutes away from the old town. Its’ selection of Gin-based cocktails will reward you.
Being good quality coffee lovers, we looked for that particular cafeteria with the best variety of coffee, but also with the best character. So, you will drink incredible coffee at FORMA coffee in the old town, looking at the wonderful graffiti on the wall of the shop. Another famous cafe for breakfast is the Grand Cafe Van Gogh. A wonderful space filled with paintings by the famous artist Van Gogh, quality coffee and large breakfast portions.
Give yourself a day of relaxation
In Bucharest there is one of the most impressive thermal baths we have visited, the “Therme Spa Bucharest”. With an exotic palm tree setting, indoor and outdoor heated pools, hot tubs, massage services, restaurants, water slides, gyms and more, you can really spend a whole day. Depending on the package you choose, you will also have access to the corresponding facilities. A very modern and famous place, which if you like to spoil yourself here and there, is definitely worth a visit. For their packages and services, have a look here.
Excursion to the Carpathian Mountains and the city of Brasov
You can certainly spend one day, to an excursion, outside the capital. You have 2 options. The first is to choose a travel agency, which for 25€ per person will guide you to Peles Castle, Dracula’s Castle and the beautiful city of Brasov. Your second option is to take the train and go to the city of Brasov where you can enjoy an entire day. You can book the train tickets here. Whatever you choose there are pros and cons, as with a guided tour you will not have enough time, at most 1.5 hours to tour around the city of Brasov and if you move independently, you will definitely need an overnight stay to be able to get a better view of the surroundings. We would definitely return to the colorful city of Brasov for an overnight stay as well as rent a car to explore the Carpathian Mountains.
It was certainly a different weekend, beyond the usual Athenian ones. We stayed at low cost, we saw many new things, we came back much richer in knowledge, images and feelings.
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