Bucharest

From Halal Explorer

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Bucharest (Romanian phrasebook|Romanian: București) is Romania's capital and largest city, as well as the most important industrial and commercial center of the nation. With more than 2.1 million inhabitants in the urban area, Bucharest is one of the largest city's in Southeastern Europe.

Bucharest Halal Travel Guide

Hotel Continental - Calea Victoriei - Calea Victoriei

Bucharest is the primary entry point into Romania. Bucharest is a booming city with many large infrastructure projects changing the old face of the city. Known in the past as "The Little Paris," Bucharest has changed a lot lately and today it has become a very interesting mix of old and new that has little to do with its former reputation. Finding a 300-year-old church near a steel-and-glass tower that both sit next to a communist-style building is commonplace in Bucharest. Bucharest offers some excellent attractions and has cultivated a sophisticated, trendy and modern sensibility that many have come to expect from a European capital. Bucharest has benefited from an economic boom along with the EU grants that have helped rebuild parts of the city, including the revamped old town. Those who have known Bucharest in the past but have not visited recently will be surprised by the changes that are taking place. The largest finished project is the impressive Basarab overpass, which is Europe's widest cable bridge.

Language

Liscani Street 3 - Lipscani Street and the heart of historic Bucharest

The official language is Romanian phrasebook|Romanian, a Romance language which claims to be the closest currently-spoken relative to Ancient Latin, but contains around 20% of loan words from Slavonic languages. Most younger educated people will speak English reasonably well and will likely be proficient in one or more second Romance languages; most educated people born before about 1970 will speak French, Spanish or Italian reasonably well. The Roma people (Gypsies) speak their native Romany, as well as Romanian and sometimes English as well. Beyond that, as in any major city and there will be a smattering of other languages like Chinese, Arabic, (Turkish), Hungarian and (German).

How is the Climate in Bucharest

{{Climate| units Metric | janhigh =1.5 | febhigh =4.1 | marhigh =10.5 | aprhigh =18.0 | mayhigh =23.3 | junhigh =26.8 | julhigh =28.8 | aughigh =28.5 | sephigh =24.6 | octhigh =18.0 | novhigh =10.0 | dechigh =3.8 | janlow =-5.5 | feblow =-3.3 | marlow =0.3 | aprlow =5.6 | maylow =10.5 | junlow =14.0 | jullow =15.6 | auglow =15.0 | seplow =11.1 | octlow =5.7 | novlow =1.6 | declow =-2.6 | janprecip =40 | febprecip =36 | marprecip =38 | aprprecip =46 | mayprecip =70 | junprecip =77 | julprecip =64 | augprecip =58 | sepprecip =42 | octprecip =32 | novprecip =49 | decprecip =43 | description Source:[[:w:Bucharest#Climate }} Bucharest, like most of Romania, has a temperate-continental climate with hot summers and cold winters. This region of Romania gets all four seasons, although spring is brief and falls mainly in April. The average high daily temperature in summer is about 29°C and in winter about 2°C. It can get really hot and dry during the summer (30°C) and really cold during the winter (-20°C), even though temperatures below -12°C are extremely rare. Best time to visit is April through June, September through October and early December.

Time

Bucharest is in the Eastern European time zone (UTC+2, with a DST of UTC+3 from April to October).

How to travel to Bucharest

Fly to Bucharest

Henri Coandă International Airport, March 2013 - Henri Coandă International Airport

All scheduled Flights to Bucharest, including discount airlines, use Henri Coandă (Otopeni) Airport, about 18 kilometers north of downtown along Highway 1. Regular domestic destinations include Cluj Napoca, Iasi, Oradea, Suceava and Timisoara - these are operated by the Romanian flag carrier Tarom (part of Sky Team), whose main hub is here. There are direct connecting Flights to most European capitals and major city's. There are few direct connecting flights beyond Europe, but services to Doha, Dubai, Istanbul and Tel Aviv enable onward connections. Flights to North America involve a stop in Amsterdam or Paris and are operated by other Sky Team airlines.

Baneasa (Aurel Vlaicu) Airport, 5 kilometers north of the centre, is now only used for private aviation.

TAROM 21 - Tarom is the flag carrier of Romania, with its main hub at Otopeni

  • Henri Coandă International Airport IATA Flight Code: OTP Calea Bucureştilor 224E, Otopeni 44.5726, 26.0947 18 km north of downtown. ☎ +40 21 204 1000 Henri Coandă International Airport - Henri Coandă International Airport, March 2013 - The airport is large and modern. Airport shops, cafes and restaurants are expensive, especially airside in Departures. There is a Billa supermarket in Arrivals with prices matching downtown. It's about 300 m from International Departures but a good place to get a Snacks or spend your last few lei on departure.

Airport exchange rates are not good, about 10% below the official rate - but that makes the rate for buying Romania#Money|lei here similar to the UK high street. So either use a credit card at an ATM in the lobby for immediate needs and exchange money downtown; or accept that what you get at the airport will go a long way in this affordable country. There are no dedicated SIM/mobile service vendors in the Arrivals area but you can buy SIM cards at the small spot selling newspapers besides the Taxi request machines on the right wing of the arrival entrance after you exit from the restricted airport arrival area.

The main transport options to the city are express bus, train, private transfer and taxi. There are vehicle hire desks in Arrivals, but you only need a vehicle if you're touring beyond the city.

  • The Express bus is the best option, as it’s affordable and runs frequently. However it can get crowded (it lacks space for luggage) and can get snarled in traffic: reckon 50 min for the journey. As of 01 March 2019 and there are now four express bus lines serving the airport.
Express bus 783 runs to downtown Bucharest via Arcul de Triumf and Piaţa Victoriei to Piaţa Unirii (bus stop 2, South side of the square). It runs every day, roughly every 15 minutes from 07:00 to 21:30 (but a little less frequently at weekends) and the frequency then reducing to every 40 minutes through the night.
New express bus 784 also runs to downtown Bucharest via Arcul de Triumf and Piaţa Victoriei to Piaţa Unirii (bus stop 2, South side of the square), but takes a different route between Piaţa Victoriei and Piaţa Unirii on inward journeys to the city, serving Piaţa Mihail Kogalniceanu and Piaţa Arsenalului in the downtown. Bus 784 stops less often than bus 783 between the airport and the city, but takes a slower route in the downtown and is less frequent, running every 35-40 minutes from 06:30 to 22:30.
Express bus 780 runs via the main train station (Bucuresti Gara de Nord) to Basarab metro interchange. At the station and the inbound bus drops off right in front of the main hall. The bus out to the airport picks up across Bvd Dinicu Golescu on the south side of the station (cross, watching out for trams and then turn left for the stop.) The bus runs roughly every 40 min from 06:00 to 23:00, every day.
Finallly, new express bus 782 shuttles every 20 minutes 08:30-22:30 between the airport and the Baneasa shopping mall. It does not go into the downtown so is unlikely to be of use to visitors to the city, but uses the same stops at the airport as buses 780, 783 and 784, so take care that you don't get on the wrong bus!
The airport bus stop is straight outside Arrivals on the ground floor. The two-trip fare is 8.60 lei (including the cost of the card) - you can’t pay on the bus, you must buy a card from the booth next to the bus stop. (There’s also a machine, but it only tops up existing cards and it's often vandalised.) There’s another booth in Departures and one at Piaţa Unirii. You have to load a minimum of 2 journeys onto the card, so you must buy a two-trip even if you’re not coming back this way, although two people can use the same card to travel together on the bus. Scan your ticket to validate it on boarding (and if there are two people travelling using one card and then press button 2 and scan the card again to validate the second ticket); these airport buses are a prime target for ticket inspectors.
  • Train: what’s grandly called the Henri Coandă Express is a transfer by shuttle van (20 min) and suburban train (another 30 min) between the airport and the main train station. Buy your ticket via eHalal Travel Group (8.10 lei) from the CFR booth in Arrivals. A shuttle van then takes you 2 kilometers north, through back lanes onto a farm track which you may be sharing with tractors and harvesters: welcome to Romania! The “station” is just a platform halt in the fields, with hopefully a train waiting to take you to Gara de Nord: handy if you’re travelling onward by train, but not convenient for downtown. The train runs every day between 05:00 and 20:00, hourly in busy periods, but for much of the year only five times a day. As it’s a suburban train, it’s not shown on mainline online timetables, search on Romanian railways .
  • Private transfer: these have fixed prices per vehicle and are a good deal if there's 2 or more of you, or you're heavily laden, or your destination/pick-up is some way from the centre. For anywhere in Bucharest city, reckon to pay €20 for a small vehicle (like a taxi, max 3 passengers), €40 for a 7-seater shuttle van; larger vehicles and coaches are available. They'll take you anywhere in Romania, to the Bulgarian beach resorts and to Moldova. Bucharest Transfer is one of several operators, search online for the competitors.
  • Taxis wait just outside Arrivals. Your first step is to establish the meter rate, which daytime and early evening should be 1.69-1.79 lei/km, so that's 35-40 lei total to downtown or old city (September 2023). At night the rate might be 3.50 lei/km; they're sharks if they demand more. You can call a taxi from one of the yellow electronic kiosks after you leave arrivals. The touch screen will print a slip with the name of the taxi company and the rate, wnd the licence plate number of the taxi and call it to the pavement for you. Make sure a meter is used since some of the taxis called by the kiosks will try to fleece you ("Taxi Cobalcescu" has some drivers who do this, for example).

Travel by Bus to Bucharest

Buses are an excellent option to get to Bucharest if coming from Moldova, Türkiye, Greece and to some extent Bulgaria, given the low frequency and speeds of trains between these countries and Romania.

If you're willing to make extremely long bus rides, it's also feasible to get to Bucharest from a large number of city's in Western and South-Western Europe; these buses are operated by Eurolines their local affiliate Atlassib.

  • Băneasa bus terminal str. Ion Ionescu de la Brad nr. 10, Sector 1 44.4955, 26.0777 in the northern part of town - Bus 112, 149, 205, 261 to 'Brodina' ☎ +40 21 2305645
  • Obor bus terminal - Autogara Obor | B-dul Garii Obor nr. (Bulevardul Gării Obor) 5A, Sector 2 44.44826, 26.14152 East - Trolley 69, 85 to 'gara Obor' ☎ +40 21 2523486 +40 21 2527646
  • Filaret bus terminal - Autogara Filaret | Piata Garii Filaret (Piața Gării Filaret) nr.1, Sector 4 44.41567, 26.09221 South - linked to downtown by tram 7 and bus 232 ☎ +40 21 3360692, +40 723 671011, +40 733 452738 (Mobil) Filaret 2 Buses and shuttle vanes from Chişinău (7-8 buses every day, about 10 hours travel duration, tickets around €15) arrive mostly here.
  • Rahova bus terminal - Autogara Internationala Rahova | Sos. Alexandriei (Șoseaua Alexandria) nr. 164, Sector 5 44.39818, 26.04333 South-west, - Tram 32 (terminal 'Depoul Alexandriei') links it with the town center ☎ +40 21 4204795 - Transfer buses for routes from Western Europe arrive here.
  • Militari bus terminal - Autogara Militari | Str. Valea Cascadelor (Strada Valea Cascadelor) nr.1 44.4295, 26.0029 West - Tram 8, 25 to 'C.F.R. Cotroceni' - Metro3 'Pacii' ☎ +40 72 5939939
  • Griviţa bus terminal North-west ☎ +491 761 1224002, +491 761 1224006 (Mobil)
  • Viilor road bus stop Sos. Viilor, ~20 44.41592, 26.08443 - Tram 23, 32 to 'Piata Chirigiu' from the northern end and tramway 7 from the southern end - Buses from Athens (several times per week, 16–20 hours travel duration, tickets around €60) arrive at stations along Viilor road; also from Istanbul (three-four buses per day, 12–14 hours travel duration, tickets around €45) arrive to here.
  • Bus from Sofia near Tineretului subway station (one station away from town center) daily bus from Sofia (7 hours travel duration, €18).
  • Buses from Varna (one or two buses daily only between late May-early September, 5–6 hours travel duration, tickets around €30) stop in various squares in downtown;
  • Buses to Constanta depart every 45 minutes during the summer and some buses offers WiFi connection. The station is near Gara de North at the intersection of Strada Mircea Vulcanescu & Bulevardul Dinicu Golescu.

Bucharest also has bus connections to a vast number of city's in Romania. They're a convenient choice primarily when coming from places from which railways are under repair or too indirect (like Sibiu).

Timetables for most domestic routes and several international ones are available here.

P. O. Carpati - Bucharest has extensive train connections both within Romania and internationally

Travel by train to Bucharest

All mainline train services to Bucharest use Gara de North station. Direct international trains run to Budapest (two per day, 16 hours), Chişinău (3 per week, 14 hours), Istanbul (18 hours, daily direct in summer, winter by connecting trains but no slower) and Vienna (daily, 19 hours). Trains for Sofia take 10 hours, change at Ruse. Trains to Belgrade, Kiev and Moscow are disrupted long-term, take the bus or fly.

It is worth taking the overnight train to Chişinău for the experience alone. The train is an old Soviet can with homely decor and there are always local residents around keen to spend the journey drinking local with some travellers. At roughly 03:00 the train stops for several hours so the wheels can be manually changed before the Moldovan border; in the Soviet era and the tracks in Moldova were laid a different gauge to those on the Romanian side to delay any trains coming in from the south and the tracks have not been changed since.

Main destinations within Romania include Brasov (2-3 hours), Constanta (2 hr), Sibiu (5-6 hr) and Timisoara (9 hr). For Cluj-Napoca, change at Brasov. Timetables for domestic routes are available from CFR (Căile Ferate Române and the national railway company), but only four weeks in advance.

Gara de North vedere coloane - Gara de Nord

  • Gara de North - Bucharest North Station | București Nord, Piața Gării de North 1-3, Sector 1 44.4467, 26.0742 2 kilometers north of centre, linked by buses 105, 123, 178, trolleys 62, 79, 85, 86, 93, 96 and tramway 42, 44, 45, 46, metro M1, M4: Gara de North ☎ +40 21 223 0880, +40 21 319 0358 Gara de North - vedere dinspre str.Gara de North . To be precise, thit is Gara de North A, with all mainline departures. (Gara de North B, 500 m north and better known as Basarab, has only suburban lines.) The main collection of ticket kiosks are north side of the hall, towards the exit onto Calea Grivitei and stairs down to the Metro. The station has lots of cafes and ATMs - plus money exchange, but rates here are very poor, walk a couple of blocks for more realistic rates. Left luggage 24/7, several travel agents, a pharmacy and (crucial to Romanians) betting shops. The old mechanical whirlyboard gives glimpses of bygone destinations, such as Minsk.
    Gara de North is on the Metro and served by many bus routes, see above. The only taxi company permitted here is Meridian Taxi, see warnings under "Get Around". For the airport bus, exit south onto Bvd Golescu, cross (mind the trams!) and turn left for the bus stop.

How to travel to Bucharest by car

The city’s entrances from the north (the E60 road coming from Braşov and the A3 highway from Ploieşti), west (the A1 highway from Piteşti), east (the A2 highway from Constanţa), south (the E20 road from Giurgiu) and the avenues in the town center are very crowded, especially at rush hours. Right in the town center, just across from the University and thete is a major underground parking place. Although modern and safe, finding the entrance may prove to be a little tricky. An even bigger parking place (with 5 levels) is found near the Unirii Plaza, behind the Unirii Mall, which is also near the center area and 10 minutes away (by foot) from the old town's center. Driving on some of the secondary streets might prove to be a bit bumpy, due to only relatively good condition of these roads. - 44.437|26.102




How to get around in Bucharest

Bucharest has one of the most extensive systems of public transport in Europe, even though it can sometimes be confusing and crowded.

Public transport ticketing

The easiest option for the tourist is probably the Activ card, which costs 3.7 lei at any STB point of sale (including the airport) and can be loaded with pay-as-you-go credit and a variety of passes (daily to monthly). You can read the _electronic_eng.php pay as you go and _eng.php subscription tariffs online. The Activ card can not be used for the Metro (subway) system.

When entering a vehicle or subway station, you must validate your ticket: hold the card on the orange reader until you hear a short beep, green LED lights up and you can read on the display the message "Călatorie plăcută(Have a nice journey)". If you get a red light and a long beep (validation failed), try again.

One card can be used to pay for more than one person (pay-as-you-go only for the second and subsequent people). In order to validate the card for additional people, press the button "2" and then present the card a second time. In order to check the number of people the card has been validated for and the remaining balance on the card, press "1" before presenting the card.

Metro (subway)

Bucharestmetro.svg|Bucharest Metro map

The metro, which has four lines (M1, M2, M3 and M4) and covers the city quite extensively, is a affordable and easy way to get around even though there are surprisingly few stops in the town center, since the system was built to transport workers and commuters from outlying neighborhoods through the city to peripheral industrial areas. If you're staying outside the town center, or even if you want to travel within it and the Metro can be a very fast and convenient way of getting around, avoiding the traffic jams and crowds that frequently characterize surface transport. The network is frequent, fairly comfortable, reliable and easy-to-use.

Metro pipera bucharest RO - Pipera station

Tickets can be purchased from electronic kiosks in the stations that offer instructions in English and other languages. They accept most Romanian banknotes and provide change. 5 lei for a 2-ride ticket, or 20 lei for a 10-ride ticket (September 2023).

Line M1 starts in the eastern part of the city and then goes downtown on a circular route, passing by the main train station Gara de Nord and meeting up with the M2 line (which runs north-south) at Piaţa Unirii and Piaţa Victoriei stations. Line M3 links the international and eastern parts of the city. The central section on the M3 between Eroilor - Nicolae Grigorescu is shared with M1 and trains from both lines run in tandem having the terminus displayed at the front of the cab. Line M4 is a short shuttle line starting from Gara de North 2 going to Parc Bazilescu in Bucureştii Noi neighborhood. Even though Gara de Nord and Gara de North 2 are in close proximity, transferring between the two is taxed as a separate trip. The only platform to platform link between M4 and M1 is at Basarab station.

Maps of the subway can be found on the Metrorex official site.

Buses, trams and trolleybuses

Tramway 32 Buc - Line 32 tram headed to Alexandria

Bucharest has a very complex network of buses, trams and trolleybuses. The intricate web of hundreds of bus, tram and trolleybus routes may be confusing at first. Once you know your way around the network, however, public surface transport can be a very good way of getting around since there is a bus, tram or trolleybus stop virtually everywhere in the city. The vehicles are very frequent, although they can still get terribly crowded at peak hours.

Make sure you know when to get off - even though in most vehicles the following stops are announced and displayed on a screen and these displays can be unreliable. If you are uncertain if a stop is the one you want, ask your fellow travellers.

Night buses are also available. They run every 30 minutes between 23:30 and 01:00, every 45 minutes between 03:00 and 05:00. No buses rub between 01:00 and 03:00. The lines can be seen _noapte.php here and the map 1/Trasee_noapte.pdf here

Podul Grozavesti - Seara - Bucharest at dusk

How to travel to Bucharest by car

Car rental is available in the city and at the airport. The average starting price for a day's rental (small car) is about €10.

Best way to travel in Bucharest by a Taxi

There are a lot of taxi companies in Bucharest and you'll easily find a cab. But be careful; only use the services of big taxi companies, not small independent taxis (which can charge up to ten times the price). Cars from these companies have the rates displayed on the door; the quoted rate is charged once when the meter starts and again for every kilometer driven. There is also an time-based hourly rate, which is not listed, but should be around ten times the per-km fee. If a taxi does not display these prices on the door it is best not to take it and find another, as you'll probably be massively overcharged. Some taxis have a low "nighttime rate" listed in a large font with an expensive "daytime rate" listed in a smaller font. So, read carefully and remember that noapte means night. At the beginning of your trip and the driver should start the meter; if they do not, be sure to remind them. If you are travelling outside the city limits (say to or from the airport) prices per kilometers and per hour are often doubled, or an extra 10-15 lei is added to the fare. Be wary of taking taxis from tourist areas. Conmen have been known to demand large sums for passengers to recover their luggage from the trunk or even mug their passengers. However, most taxi drivers are nicer than usual with foreigners, as they expect to keep the change when they get paid at the end of the ride. Smart phone users can download the Clever Taxi app. The app will allow you to choose and summon a taxi to your map location based on vicinity and price.

Uber is available in Bucharest. There is no shortage of drivers using Uber and some might view it as safer and easier.

What to see in Bucharest

Landmarks

  • Palace of the Parliament - Palatul Parliamentului | strada Izvor 2-4 44.4275, 26.0875 near Piaţa Unirii (Union Plazza). - M1, 3 'Izvor' - entrance is on the north side + 40 733 558 102 Adults 40 lei, students 20 lei (19-26 years old, with a valid student ID), children 10 lei (7-18 years old), children under 7 free Palace of the Parliament - Boulevard Unirii 2007 - Call to make a reservation at least 24 hours in advance. The phone line us staffed by someone who speaks English, but is open only during regular working hours. Thit is the world's second largest building (after the US Pentagon), formerly named "Casa Poporului" (People's House). It was built in 1984 by Nicolae Ceauşescu. It spans 12 stories, 3100 rooms and covers over 330,000 m². 1/9 of Bucharest was reconstructed to accommodate this magnificent massive building and its surroundings. There are 1hr 20min tours frequently which lead through the building's vast collection of marble rooms and culminate in an impressive view from Nicolae Ceauşescu's balcony. The marble and all the original decorations are 100% from Romania.
  • Old City 44.43123, 26.10085 - Bucharest Old Town Sunset in the Old Town - Bucharest, Romania - Travel photography (35031271856) 723820 A part of the city's historical heart was not demolished by Nicolae Ceauşescu. The area (stretching roughly between the Dâmboviţa river to the south, Calea Victoriei to the West, Calea Moşilor to the east and the Regina Elisabeta boulevard to the north) contains an assortment of middle 19th-century buildings, ruins of the Wallachian princes' medieval court, churches, bank headquarters, a few hotels, clubs, restaurants and retail outlets. Narrow cobblestoned streets retain the names of the ancient guilds that resided on them. The area was mostly renovated and is now a place of gathering for the young generation of the city.
  • Revolution Plaza - Piaţa Revoluţiei | 44.43856, 26.0975 Monday 'Universitate' 600 m - it is not a long walk from the other squares, Gara de Nord, or the Parliament Palace. - Revolution Plaza, Bucharest Piata Revolutiei, Statuia lui Carol Site of part of the Romanian Revolution of 1989. There is a tall monument in the center of the square in memory of those who died during the revolution.
  • Arch of Triumph - Arcul de Triumf | Piața Arcul de Triumf 44.467278, 26.078361 northern part of the city, close to Herăstrău Park- Take tram 41 to 'Casin' or M2 'Aviatorilor' 500 m - Arcul de Triumf - Arcul de Triumf Bucuresti The current arch was inaugurated in 1936, however previous arches had been here since 1878.

RomanianAthenaeumHDR - Ateneul Român (The Romanian Athenaeum)

  • Romanian Atheneum - Ateneul Roman | strada Benjamin Franklin, 1-3 44.4414, 26.0971 Near Revolution Plaza.- m2 'Piata Romana' - Romanian Athenaeum - Ateneul Roman 5457 A beautiful building is home of the George Enescu Philarmonic. If you have the time, visit the interior of the building as well, as it holds a fresco that depicts scenes of the Romanian history. The building was inaugurated in 1888.

Museums

Muzeul de Arta curte - The Royal Palace, housing the National Museum of Art

  • Art Museum - Muzeul Național de Artă al României | Calea Victoriei, 49-53 44.43978, 26.09598 M2 'Piața Victoriei' or M2 'Universitate' 600 m ☎ +40 21 3133030 Opening Hours: W-Su 10:00-18:00, last admission 17:00 15 lei for the Romanian collection, 15 lei for the European collection, or 25 lei for booth; 75% discount for pupils, students (with valid cards), Euro 26 card holders up to 30 years old and people with disabilities; 50% discount for pensioners National Museum of Art of Romania Muzeul de Arta curte -QQ9192 In the building of the former Royal Palace, this museum has collections of ancient, modern and contemporary Romanian art as well as exhibitions of rare European art dating as early as the 14th century. +phone=+40 21 3148119
  • Aviation Museum - Muzeul Aviației | Fabrica de Glucoza (Șoseaua Fabrica de Glucoză) street, 4, in District 2 44.4775, 26.1110 on the former Airport Pipera ☎ +40 21 2320404 Opening Hours: Tuesday to Friday 09:00-16:00, Saturday Sunday 10:00-17:00 Muzeul Aviatiei 736079 Open-air display of various types of aircraft.

Palatul Romanit - Muzeul Colecțiilor (5) - Museum of Art Collections

  • National Museum of Contemporary Art - Muzeul Național de Artă Contemporana | Strada Izvor 44.4284, 26.0864 M1,M3 'Izvor' or Bus 136, 385 - Opening Hours: Cafe, 4th floor: Open: Tuesday - Sunday 10:00-18; Library (Libraria Jumatatea Plina): W-Su 10:00-18:00; Annex NMCA. W-Su 10:00-18:00. - Mosilor 64-68, free entry; Dalles Hall (SALA Dalles) Open: W-Su 10:00-18:00; - 18 Avenue N. Balcescu 10 lei National Museum of Contemporary Art (Romania) - Inside a converted wing of the Palace of the Parliament, in what had been the private apartments of Ceauşescu and the museum features fresh exhibitions from Romania's burgeoning art scene.
  • Branch Museums: The Art Collections Museum (Muzeul Colecţiilor de Artă), 111, Calea Victoriei, phone:+40 21 2129641; +40 21 2121749. May-September: Saturday - West 11:00-19:00; October - Apr: Saturday - West 10:00-18:00.
  • 'K.H. Zambaccian Museum (Muzeul K. H. Zambaccian). 21A, Muzeul Zambaccian Street, phone:+40 21 2301920. May-September: W-Su 11:00-19:00, October - Apr: W-Su 10:00-18:00
    '
    Theodor Pallady Museum (Muzeul Theodor Pallady). 22, Spătarului Street, phone: +40 21 2114979. May-September: W-Su 11:00-19:00, October - Apr: W-Su 10:00-18:00.
  • Curtea Veche Museum - Old Princely Court Museum | Strada Franceză, nr. 25-31 44.430139, 26.100944 Monday 'Piața Unirii 2' ☎ +40 21 3140375 Opening Hours: Closed for renovations in September 2018 Curtea Veche - Ansamblul medieval Curtea Veche - The ruins of the crown palace of the Wallachian princes, some parts dating as early as the 16th century. It’s around an earlier fortification in this place that Bucharest began to develop.
  • Cotroceni Palace Museum - Muzeul Național Cotroceni, Palatul Cotroceni | Bulevardul Geniului 1 44.434108, 26.061669 Buses and trolleys to 'Gradina Botanica' or Monday 'Politehnica' ☎ +40 21 3173100 - Cotroceni Palace - Cotroceni Palace Garden - Bucharest 07 Has collections of objects that belonged to the former Romanian royal family. Today it is also the residence of the Romanian president.
  • Firefighters Museum - Muzeul National al Pompierilor | Bd. Ferdinand I, nr. 33 (Foişorul de Foc), sector 2 44.4403, 26.1205 ☎ +40 21 2522884 Opening Hours: rarely opened Tram 14 to 'Bd. Pache Protopopescu' A 42-metre high building between Obor, Calea Moșilor and Nerva-Traian. It was used in the past as an observation tower by the firemen.

Muzeul Satului 11 - Village Museum

  • Village Museum - Muzeul Național al Satului „Dimitrie Gusti” | @satului.ro
Șoseaua Pavel Dimitrievici Kiseleff, 28-30 44.473361, 26.076556 Tram 41 to 'Agronomie' or M2 'Aviatorilor' and walk across the Park cca.15 min ☎ +40 720 220132 Opening Hours: Tuesday - Si 09:00-19:00 Adult 15 lei; pupils and students (with valid cards) 4 lei; pensioners and Euro 26 card holders 8 lei Dimitrie Gusti National Village Museum - Bucharest - Village Museum 6 -  An open air museum created in 1934, it now has around 300 traditional buildings (including churches, workshops, mills) and furniture, pottery, clothing gathered from villages in every region of the nation in an effort to showcase the traditional way of life of the Romanians. Occasionally hosts folkloric and traditional crafts festivals.
  • Museum of the Romanian Peasant - Muzeul Național al Țăranului Român | Şoseaua Kiseleff, 3 44.454383, 26.083678 M2 'Piața Victoriei 1, 2'; bus 205, 300, 381, 783 ☎ +40 21-317-96-61 Opening Hours: Tuesday - Sunday 10:00-18:00 Entry 6 lei for adult, 3 lei for student Romanian Peasant Museum RO B Romanian peasant museum 1 - Also dedicated to the traditional way of life, it focuses mainly on traditional interior decoration, tools, clothing and artifacts. Again, it sometimes hosts folkloric and traditional crafts festivals.

Muzeul National de Geologie night HDR - Muzeul National de Geologie at night

  • Geology Museum - Muzeul Național de Geologie | Șoseaua Pavel Dimitrievici Kiseleff, 2 44.454853, 26.085411 M2 'Piața Victoriei' - Opening Hours: Daily10:00-18:00 10 lei Geology Museum (Romania) Has a large collection of minerals, rocks and fossils.
  • National History Museum - Muzeul Național de Istorie a României | Calea Victoriei, nr. 12 44.431531, 26.097225 Monday 'Piața Unirii 2' 600 m ☎ +40 21 3158207 +40 21 3113356 Opening Hours: W-Su 10:00-18:00 10 lei National Museum of Romanian History Museo Nacional de Historia de Rumanía, Bucarest, Rumanía, 2016-05-29, DD 63 - It's in a neoclassical late 19th-century building and has exhibits documenting the evolution of society on Romania’s territory from the Paleolithic until today, a replica of Trajan’s Column in Rome and a very interesting collection of jewellery and bronze articles from Roman times up to the Kingdom of Romania.
  • Nicolae Minovici Folk Art Museum - Muzeul de Artă Populară Prof. Dr. Nicolae Minovici | Web: k=view&id=4 Strada dr. Nicolae Minovici 3 44.48417, 26.07444 in front of the station Baneasa; bus 131, 205, 335 ☎ +40 21 6657334 Opening Hours: Tuesday - Sunday 09:00-17:00 20110930 082743 Vila Dr Minovici Minovici B-II-m-A-19206 736104 Also here is Museum of Old Western Art the (Muzeul de Artă Veche Apuseană Minovici). There are collections of the various works of art, such as stained glass from the 16th-17th centuries, engravings, paintings, rare books, tapestries, carpets, furniture.
  • Military History Museum - Muzeul Militar Naţional | Strada Mircea Vulcănescu, 125-127 44.441364, 26.076393 Monday 'Gara de Nord' , bus - 122, 126, 168, 226, 268, 368 to stop 'Str.Berzei', trolley - 62, 85, 93, 96 to (Str.Mircea Vulcănescu), ☎ +40 21 319 59 04 Opening Hours: W-Su 09:00-17:00 10 lei National Military Museum, Romania =NationalMilMusBuc Has collections of weapons dating since the prehistoric times and permanent exhibitions dedicated to important military events, including the Romanian revolution of 1989 and an outdoor exhibit of relatively modern weaponry, including cannons, tanks, helicopters.
  • National Museum of Romanian Literature - Muzeul Naţional al Literaturii Române, Casa Krețulescu | Bulevardul Dacia nr. 12, sector 1 44.446099, 26.093099 Monday 'Piata Romana' 500 m east ☎ +40 21 2129654
  • D. Minovici Western European Arts Museum strada N. Minovici, nr.3 44.484256, 26.074651 - 20110930 082721Muzeul de Artă Medievală Ing. D. Minovici B-II-m-A-19207 - Located in a beautiful eclectic villa
  • Frederic and Cecilia Cuțescu-Storck Art Museum - Muzeul de Artă Frederic Storck și Cecilia Cuțescu-Storck | Str. Vasile Alecsandri nr.16, sector 1 44.451, 26.094 Monday 'Piaţa Victoriei' 300 m ☎ +40 21 2113889 Opening Hours: 10:00-18:00 Frederic and Cecilia Cuțescu-Storck Art Museum This museum presents works of artists of the Storck family.
  • Railways Museum - Muzeul Căilor Ferate Române | Calea Griviţei, nr. 139B 44.448360, 26.072965 Monday "Gara de Nord", bus 105; trolley 86, 97 - Opening Hours: Rarely opened, W-Su 10:00-16:00 736072 Shows all sorts of different exhibits from different ages of the railway network. Also has a model railway.

Muzeul Enescu - intrare - George Enescu Museum

  • National Museum of "George Enescu" - Muzeul Național „George Enescu” | Strada Gheorghe Manu, 141 44.4488, 26.0884 Located in Cantacuzino Palace ☎ +40 21 3181450 Opening Hours: Tuesday - Sunday 10:00-17:00, Adults 6 lei, seniors 2 lei, students 1.5 lei Bucuresti, Romania, Casa Memoriala George Enescu, Palatul Cantacuzino, Calea Victoriei nr. 141, sect. 1 (detaliu 4) 736099 Music, memorial museum.
  • National Philatelic Museum - Muzeul Național Filatelic | Calea Victoriei, nr. 12 44.4325, 26.0974 Bus to 'Piata Natiunile Unite' 200 m or Monday 'Universitate' 600 m ☎ +40 21 3125542, +40 21 3127491 +40 21 3125585 736094 Come here for stamps, stamp collections, postal items: boxes of values, old paintings, seals, horns, prints, old letters, maps postal coachmen costumes, furniture used in postal offices, etc.
  • Museum of Mary and Dr. G. Severeanu - Muzeul Maria și dr. George Severeanu | Strada Henri Coandă (fostă I.C. Frimu) nr. 26, sector 1 44.447315, 26.092963 Monday 'Piata Romana' 500 m Southeast - 6 lei Bucuresti, Romania, Str. Henri Coanda nr. 26, Casa Maria si George Severeanu; B-II-m-B-18442 (plafon 1) - The exhibition includes a variety of objects: pieces of archeology - ancient Greek vases, statuettes of Tanagra, bronze and marble, glass Roman items, ancient Greek, Dacian Roman, Byzantine and medieval coins. Romanian and foreign orders and decorations.
  • Bucharest History Museum - Muzeul Municipiului București, Palatul Sutu | Bulevardul Ion C. Brătianu. 2 44.4348, 26.1022 In the Şuţu Palace ☎ +40 21 315 6858 +40 21 3102562 Opening Hours: Tuesday - Sunday 10:00-18:00 6 lei Palatul Sutu - Poarta 736096 Built in 1834, has collections related to the development of Bucharest from a small 14th-century fortress into Romania’s capital. More units: - The "Princely Palace - The Old Court" (Muzeul „Palatul Voievodal – Curtea Veche“ ). - Str . Franceză 25-31 , sector 3 ; - Museum "Prof. Dr.Victor Babes" (Muzeul „Prof. Dr.Victor Babeș”). - Str. Andrei Mureșanu, 14 A, sector 1; - Memorial Museum "C.l. and C.C. Nottara" (Muzeul Memorial „C.I. și C.C. Nottara”). - B -dul Dacia, no. 105, sector 1; - Museum of Art "Frederic and Cecilia - Cutescu Storck" (Muzeul de artă „Frederic și Cecilia-Cutescu Storck”). - str. Vasile Alecsandri no. 16, sector 1; - Astronomical Observatory "Amiral Vasile Urseanu" (Observatorul Astronomic „Amiral Vasile Urseanu”). - B-dul Lascăr Catargiu no. 21, sector 1; - Art Collection "Ligia Pompiliu Macovei" (Colecția de artă „Ligia și Pompiliu Macovei”). - Str. 36–38 June 11, sector 4; - Museum of "Theodor Aman" (Muzeul „Theodor Aman”). - C. A.Rosetti, no. 8; - Museum of "Dr. George Severeanu" (Muzeul „Dr. George Severeanu”). - Str. H.Coandă, no. 26, sector 1; - Memorial Museum of "George Tătărăscu" (Muzeul Memorial „Gheorghe Tătărăscu”). - Str. Domnița Anastasia, No. 7; - Folk Art Museum of "Dr. Nicholas Minovici" (Muzeul de Artă Populară „Dr. Nicolae Minovici”). - Str. Dr. N.Minovici, 1
  • National Museum of Antiquities - Muzeul Național de Antichități |
  • National Museum of Old Maps and Books - Muzeul Național al Hărților și Cărții Vechi | Str. Londra nr. 39, sector 1 44.456947, 26.092831 Monday 'Piața Victoriei' or Bus 131,182, 301, 330, 331, 335 to stop 'Liceul I.L.Caragiale' - Opening Hours: W-Su 10:00-18:00 10 Lei / 2,5 Lei for students LondraNr39 (2) - Small, but amazing museum with maps on 3 floors. Don’t forget to borrow one of the green magnifying glasses to discover the fine print. Historical maps from 15th-20th century from the whole world with an emphasis on Romania and the Balkan Peninsula.
  • Yahudi Community History Museum Strada Mămulari, nr. 3 44.428492, 26.108089 - Yahudi Museum (Bucharest) - Yahudi Museum Bucharest 01 Documenting the life of this community in the region since ancient times and through the Holocaust.
  • Grigore Antipa Natural History Museum Şoseaua Kiseleff, nr. 1 44.4531, 26.0846 Grigore Antipa National Museum of Natural History LogoAntipaNou This has over 300,000 exhibits illustrating the transformations of Earth and the evolution of species.
  • “Dimitrie Leonida” Technology Museum 44.41769, 26.09617 Set to be relocated in a wing of the 'Parliament Palace' Dimitrie Leonida Technical Museum RO B Dimitrie Leonida Tech Museum 1
  • Primăveri Palace - Casa Ceaușescu | 44.46917, 26.09241 Metro Stop Aviatorilor ☎ +40 213180989 - Palatul Primǎverii-1286-a A The former residence of Ceaușescu, open to public as a museum. Call in advance to book a mandatory tour.

Galleries

  • Sala Dalles 44.438315, 26.101302 740329

Churches and monasteries

  • Curtea Veche Church - Old Court Church, Biserica Curtea Veche | Strada Covaci and Strada Franceză, sector 3 44.430133, 26.102014 Close to Monday 'Piața Unirii 2' - Biserica Curtea Veche2 The Church of the Old Princely Court, built around 1559, used to be the coronation church of the Wallachian princes.
  • Patriarchal Gothic Church - Catedrala Patriarhală din București | Strada Patriarhiei 44.42457, 26.09782 on the hill overlooking Piata Unirii, take tram 7, 27, 32 to stop '11 Iunie' 100 m or M: 'Piața Unirii 1' 500 m - Romanian Patriarchal Gothic Church - Catedrala Patriarhală 2009 - Built in 1658. Next to it is the Mitropoliei Palace (1708) – the residence of the Orthodox Patriarch, a sort of small 'Romanian Vatican'.

Stavropoleos- - The Stavropoleos Church

  • Stavropoleos Church - Biserica Stavropoleos | Strada Stavropoleo/Strada Poștei nr. 6, sector 3 44.431742, 26.098789 in the old center area, M: Piața Unirii 2 walk half kilometers northwest - Stavropoleos Monastery - Biserica Stavropoleos - B-II-m-A-19464 Built in the early 18th century, has some stunning decorative sculpture and amazing frescoes. A little jewel.
  • Colţea Church - Biserica Colțea, Biserica "Trei Ierarhi" | Bulevardul Ion C. Brătianu 1 44.434658, 26.102556 near to Piaţa Universităţii. M: Universitate - Biserica "Trei Ierarhi" - Colţea 721800 The first church in Bucharest built in the Brancovenesc style (1702).

Picturi murale in stil ortodox situate in exteriorul bisericii Sf.gheorghe -Bucuresti - Exterior Painting of New St. George Church

  • New St. George Church - Biserica Sfântul Gheorghe Nou din București | Bulevardul Brătianu I. C. 49, sector 3 44.4327, 26.1037 half way between Piaţa Universităţii and Piaţa Unirii. Take tram 5, 16, 21 to stop 'Piata Sf. Gheorghe' - Biserica Sfantul Gheorghe 04 - Dating back from the 18th century, houses the tombs of princes Constantin Brâncoveanu and Ion Mavrocordat.
  • Kretzulescu Church - Biserica Crețulescu | Calea Victoriei, 45 44.438086, 26.096639 M: Universitate 400m, on the left side of the National Art Museum - Kretzulescu Church - Creţulescu church An interesting example of the Brancovenesc style (1722).
  • Plumbuita Monastery - Manastirea Plumbuita | off Şoseaua Colentina, Str. Plumbuita nr. 58, sector 2 44.47223, 26.13521 relatively far from the town center, on Lake Plumbuita shore. Take tram #21 to stop 'Doamna Ghica' and walk toward north a half kilometers - Biserica mănăstirii - vedere semi-laterală 736256 Built in the last half of the 16th century, it once housed the first printing house in the region (1582), today it has a religious objects museum and a large park.
  • Oţetari Church - Biserica Oţetari | 4, Strada Oţetari 44.447411, 26.107204 close to the Rosetti Plaza, National Theatrer and the Spiru Haret National College - Bucharest - Biserica Sfintii Voievozi - Otetari 01 721852 The Oţetari Church is a very discreet, spiritual place, giving some religious comfort in the centre of the city. It's name means "cruet", because of the street it is on. It was built in the 18th century and it features a number of interesting paintings and stained glass.
  • Great Synagogue of Bucharest - Sinagoga Mare din București, בית הכנסת הגדול של בוקרשט | Web: a=&quick=&order=P.TOWN,C.NAME,P.NAME Strada Vasile Adamache 11 44.42952, 26.10861 Tram 14, 40 and 56 to stop 'Piata Sf. Vineri' ☎ +40 21 3110870 Opening Hours: Religious services on weekends Great Synagogue (Bucharest) Sinagoga Mare, Bucureşti 01 - This decorative temple was raised in 1845 by the Polish-Yahudi community. It was repaired in 1865, baroque style, redesigned in 1903 and 1909, repainted in Rococo style in 1936. Also here is a exhibition hall.
  • All Saints' Antim Monastery - Mănăstirea Antim | Strada Mitropolit Antim Ivireanul 29, București 030167 44.42629, 26.09402 In a side street on the south side of the Bulevardul Unirii near the front of the Parliamentary Palace - Opening from Monday to Saturday 10:00 - 19:00, Sunday 08:45 - 09:45 and 12:00 - 19:00 Free Antim Monastery - Eglise monastere antim An Orthodox monastery in Brâncovenesc style from 1715 with a church, a museum and a shop. The church, museum and shop are open to the public. The church is in the center of a courtyard with the museum and shop in buildings around the sides. The church is richly decorated with distinctive carved wooden doors. The shop sells mainly religious texts and iconography but also has a leaflet in English and other languages for 2 lei so go there before the main church. There is a toilet that visitors can use next to the shop.

Top Muslim Travel Tips for Bucharest

There are two free weekly guides published in Bucharest featuring all the events of the week, as well as listing the addresses of most restaurants, clubs, pubs, bars, cinemas etc. in the city. One is Şapte Seri (Seven nights) and the other 24-FUN. They have small sections in English available.

Walking and recreation

Muslim Walking Tours in Bucharest

  • A walking tour is always the best solution for getting accustomed with a new city. You can find free guided walking tours of the downtown, this being an option for budget travelers, youth and backpackers. Usually, you have to book the tours, but in the high season there are tours organized every day, rain or sun.
  • There are also paid tours to be found, in this case booking being necessary at all times.
  • Access the free Audio Guide with GPS on smartphone for most relevant tour (17 attractions) on (IOS, Android, Windows). Then consider other tours with Audio Guides in Bucharest and surroundings. For example: "Bucharest - Old Downtown" (with 40 included attractions) or related to the nearby protected natural area from Snagov lake and forest.
  • Therme București 44.6046379, 26.0825427 - Huge thermal water park.

Parks

Parcul Tineretului - Tineretului Park

  • Cişmigiu Garden 44.437136, 26.090597 Centre - Cișmigiu Gardens - Cismigiu-Garden-Bucharest-3 - This a lovely small park; it's the oldest in the city (designed 1845-1860). Has boat rental in summer, ice skating in winter time,reasonable restaurants and more specially a French restaurant in Trianon Hotel and several bars.
  • Herăstrău Park 44.47921, 26.08169 - Herăstrău Park Parcul Herastrau The largest of several parks around man-made lakes on the Colentina River running through the city’s north and east side) houses the Village Museum, an open-air theater, various sports grounds, an amusement park and numerous restaurants and clubs. Has boat rental and boat-trips in summer.
  • Botanical Gardens 44.4379, 26.063647 near Cotroceni Palace - Small entry fee Bucharest Botanical Garden - Gradina Botanica iunie 2014 IMG 3798 01 Established in 1884, displays a variety of plants from all over the world, including an indoor tropical plants exhibition.
  • Carol Park 44.4275, 26.087222 one subway station south of Piaţa Unirii - Carol Park Parcul Carol din Bucuresti - aleea principala vazuta dinspre Mausoleu Designed in 1906, Carol Park has an open-air theater replicating a Roman arena and another construction replicating a medieval fortress. It houses the tomb of the Unknown Soldier as well as an infamous mausoleum built for the Communist nomenclature.
  • Tineretului Park 44.4075, 26.1056 - Tineretului Park Parcul Tineretului It has a large multipurpose building (Sala Polivalenta) used for concerts, sporting events, exhibitions, etc., an amusement park for children, boat-rental, several restaurants.
  • Titan Park - I.O.R. Park | 207333 A green oasis among Communist-era high-rise apartment buildings in the eastern part of the city (Titan metro station), has a charming wooden church as well as several lakeside clubs.

Concert venues

Sala Radio Mihail Jora 1 - Sala Radio

  • Opera Naţională - National Opera | Bulevardul Mihail Kogălniceanu nr. 70-72 44.436046, 26.07958 Eroilor area ☎ +40 21 314 6980 +40 21 310 2660 5-64 lei Romanian National Opera, Bucharest - Bucuresti, Romania, OPERA ROM ANA, B-II-m-B-19004 (2) 63508
  • Filarmonica George Enescu - George Enescu Philharmonic | Strada B. Franklin nr. 1-3 Revoluţiei square ☎ +40 21 315 2567 +40 21 312 2983 George Enescu Philharmonic Orchestra Housed in the Romanian Atheneum, a city landmark.
  • Teatrul Naţional de Operetă Ion Dacian - Ion Dacian National Operetta Theater | Bulevardul Nicolae Bălcescu nr.2 near University square ☎ +40 21 315 1502
  • Sala Radio - The Radio Orchestra | Str. General Berthelot, Nr. 60-64 ☎ +40 21 3031479 Price is around €7 Sala Radio Sala Radio Mihail Jora - A concert hall that plays an important role in the nation's classical music life. Built in 1959 and opened in 1961, it is the nation's largest symphonic concert hall.

Cinema

Most films are screened in their original language with Romanian subtitles; some animation features and children's movies are dubbed in Romanian. Cinemas are found in every shopping mall.

Art

  • Cinemateca Română | strada Eforie nr. 2 near the old quarter ☎ +40 21 3130483 A branch of the National Film Archives, screens mostly classic movies.
  • Noul cinematograf al regizorului roman - Romanian director's new cinema | strada Intrarea Monetăriei nr. 3 at the Romanian Peasant Museum ☎ +40 21 317 9660 +40 21 312 9875 10 lei Art films and documentaries selected by major Romanian directors.
  • Eurocinema | strada Johann Gutenberg nr. 19 near Izvor bridge ☎ +40 21 315 8165 +40 21 3121962 Opening Hours: Thursday - Sunday at 20:00 10 lei Plays mainly independent European movies.
  • Europa | Calea Moşilor nr. 127 at the start of Moşilor road ☎ +40 21 314 2714 - Plays relatively recent European movies.
  • Cinema Elvira Popescu | Bulevardul Dacia nr. 77 at the French Institute ☎ +40 21 2100224 15 lei, carnet of 5 tickets: 50 lei, children under 12: 5 lei Mostly French movies.

Mainstream

  • Cinema City | Bulevardul Vasile Milea nr. 4 in the AFI Palace mall ☎ +40 21 407 0000 17-32 lei Largest multiplex in the city (21 screens, including one IMAX).
  • Hollywood Multiplex | Calea Vitan nr. 55-59 in the Bucharest Mall ☎ +40 21 327 7020 22-35 lei This was the first multiplex to open in Bucharest and has 10 screens.
  • Movieplex | Bulevardul Timişoara nr. 26 in the Plaza Romania mall ☎ +40 21 43 10000 +40 21 4078333 15-45 lei Located in the Western part of Bucharest, has 11 screens.
  • Patria | Bulevardul Gh. Magheru nr. 12-14 between Universităţii and Romană squares ☎ +40 21 3169266 A large (over 1,000 seats) 1930s cinema located along the city's main avenue.
  • Scala | Bulevardul Gh. Magheru nr. 2-4 between Universităţii and Romană squares ☎ +40 21 316 6708 Another large older cinema in the downtown.
  • CinemaPro | strada Ion Ghica nr. 3 near Universităţii square ☎ +40 31 8241360 14-24 lei


Shopping in Bucharest

Banco Nacional de Rumanía, Bucarest, Rumanía, 2016-05-29, DD 52-54 PAN - Romanian National Bank

Major brand-name shops and upscale boutiques are concentrated along the main boulevard from Piaţa Romană to Piaţa Unirii and on the small streets adjacent to this boulevard, but also on Calea Victoriei, on Calea Dorobanţilor (the part between Blvd. Iancu de Hunedoara and Piaţa Dorobanţilor) or on Calea Moşilor's section between Blvd. Carol I and Piaţa Obor.

Shopping malls

In the past years numerous modern shopping centers have sprung up in the city (and even more are in construction) and the best known being:

  • Bucharest Mall Calea Vitan 55-59 44.420291, 26.126576 Bus 123, 124, 125, 135 or tram 15, 19, 23 or M1,3 'Timpuri Noi' 1km West ☎ +40 21 3276700 +40 21 3209209 - The first one to be completed, in 1999.
  • Jolie Ville Galleria Str. Erou Iancu Nicolae nr. 103 bis, Voluntari, judetul Ilfov 44.514425, 26.115279 In northern Outskirts, Bus 301 to 'Jolie Ville Baneasa' 100 m ☎ +40 21 2068001 +40 21 2068 002 Opening Hours: Daily 10:00-22:00 Mega Image hypermarket, services: Florists, pharmacies, cleaners.
  • Plaza Romania | Bulevardul Timișoara 26 44.428654, 26.035043 M3 "Lujerului" 0.8 kilometers North further tram 41 to 'Bd. Timisoara', or tram 8, 25 to 'Brasov' ☎ +40 21 3195050 +40 21 3195051

Piata Unirii - Magazinul Unirea - Noaptea - Unirea Shopping Centre

  • Unirea Shopping Center sector 3, Piața Unirii, nr.1 44.428484, 26.104438 Downtown - Monday 1,3 'Piața Unirii' Stn. Includes a large arrefour/ Carrefour supermarket. ☎ +40 21 3030307
  • Băneasa Shopping City | Șoseaua Bucureşti-Ploieşti nr.42D 44.507589, 26.089562 Bus 261, 301, 304, 449 to 'Drumul Matasii' ☎ +40 21 3057195 - Opened in April 2008.
  • Liberty Center section 5, Strada Progresului 151-171 44.415367, 26.079739 Tram 8, 11, 25, 23, 32 or bus 117, 173 - M2 'Eroii Revolutiei' 1.5 kilometers ☎ +40 21 3699875 Opening Hours: Shops: daily 10:00-22:00, supermarket: 09:00-22:00, cinema: Monday to Friday 12:00; Saturday - Sunday 10:00
  • AFI Palace Cotroceni | neighborhood 6, Bulevardul Vasile Milea, No. 4 44.430669, 26.052057 ☎ +40 31 4257510 +40 31 4257513
  • Sunday Plaza neighborhood 4, Calea Văcărești 391 44.39606, 26.121794 M2 'Stația Piața Sudului', Trolley 73, 74, 77; Tram 11, bus 232, 242, 312, 313, 381, 634 - Opening Hours: Gallery stores Monday to Saturday 10:00-22:00, Restaurants & cafes: Sunday - Thursday 10:00-23:00, F-Sa 10:00-24:00; Cora hypermarket: Monday to Friday 8:00 -22:00
  • Promenada Calea Floreasca 246B - Opened in 2014, it is one of the biggest shopping malls in Bucharest.
  • Mega Mall Str. Pierre de Coubertin nr. 3-5 44.442606, 26.151811 - Opened in 2015, thit is the newest and one of the biggest shopping malls Bucharest has to offer.

Book stores

Ansamblul de arhitectură "Str. Hanul cu Tei" - ieșirea Lipscani (2) - Window shopping in Bucharest can also be pleasureable

Book stores with a good supply of English language Books are difficult to find in Bucharest but there are a few places mainly situated in the center.

  • Cărturești Carusel Lipscani 55 44.4319142, 26.1016075 - Breathtaking bookstore in a restored 19th-century building.
  • Cărtureşti Str Arthur Verona nr.13 ☎ +40 21 3173459 A few blocks south of Piaţa Romană on the east side of Bd. Magheru. The store is set back the street and has a small park in front of it. +phone=+40 21 72 1518351, 788758408
  • Bastilia 44.4474064, 26.0964313 Excellent bookshop (with nice cafe at top) located in newly renovated building right at Piata Romana.
  • Nautilus An English-language bookstore near the Kiseleff Park, mostly with fantasy and science fiction books.
  • Anthony Frost English Bookshop | Calea Victorei, Nr. 45, Sector 1, Bucharest, Romania The bookstore near the Art Museum. Walk down the right side of the large building just to the left of a very old church. The bookstore is near the back. ☎ +40 21 3115138 An English-language bookstore. Lots of reasonably-priced Books and a comics (mostly manga) section.
  • Dalles | Near Piaţa Universităţii (University square).

Other

  • Thomas Antiques | Str. Covaci 19 Lipscani area ☎ +40 752 440 818 - Beautiful antique shop with a large collection.

Halal Restaurants & Food in Bucharest

Flickr - fusion-of-horizons - Stavropoleos (254) - Caru' cu bere is a listed historic monument - and a famed restaurant

  • Barca 44.4605093, 26.0841087 - Raw vegan restaurant
  • Beca's Kitchen 44.447688, 26.1037267
  • Bistro Jariștea Str. Henri Coanda 5 ☎ +40 21 6505000 Opening Hours: Daily 10:00-02:00 Stylish bistro with Romanian specialties, including game and a varied selection offruit cocktails. Friendly staff, reservations not always necessary.
  • Cafeanua Actorilor Actors' Cafe, strada Batişte (located at the National Theater). Attracts a lot of Americans, because of good food and the US Embassy and Intercontinental are right across the street. The salads, especially the one called "Act II" is a meal all by itself. Service tends to be excruciatingly slow, driving away many local residents.
  • Casa di David Soseaua Nordului nr. 7-9 ☎ +40 21 232 47 15 - Opened in 2005, it is a hangout of the city's nouveau riche. It comes complete with (German) vehicle ads at the entrance and an extensive soft drinks list. Food (Italian inspired) and ambience are OK, but portions are small and prices are far above average for Bucharest. A 3-course meal for two with local soft drinks will set you back over 400 lei.
  • Casa Iancului | No.2 Sarafineşti str. 44.44239, 26.14761 - The menu is limited to typical Romanian cuisine. Dishes are based on Chicken, fish, Beef, game and venison. Casa Iancului boasts an extensive selection of soft drinks and has a professional sommelier.
  • Cuptorul cu lemne - B-dul Pache Protopopescu nr. 63 ☎ +40 21 2522414 A nice Pizzas place with a nice outdoor summer garden and a relaxed atmosphere (the restaurant also houses a caricature club). Low prices. Tends to be very crowded during weekends.

Habibi Kebab | Strada Șelari 17 - GPS: 44.430183, 26.100663 - Opening Hours: 24 hours Falafel wrap: 16 leu; Chips: 6 leu - Cheap for Bucharest, excellent quality Halal Kebab and falafel with generous servings. A choice of fillings is offered, so the falafel wrap is easily customisable for Vegetarian and vegans. Takeaway or eat-in and the place is in a nice part of the old town with outdoor seating. Excellent hommus.

  • Jariștea Strada George Georgescu 50-52 near the crossroad of Regina Maria Blvd. and Libertăţii Blvd ☎ +40 021 335 33 38 Opening Hours: Daily 11:00-last client Beautiful historically themed restaurant, live traditional music, old Romanian specialties; but always check the bill thoroughly. Reservations are compulsory.
  • Jour-Fixe | Str. Garamont 23 near George Cosbuc Plaza and Carol Park - Opening Hours: Daily 09:00-02:00 A fine restaurant offering a cuisine which blends the French style and the old Romanian spirit. Prices are medium-high.
  • Kanpai str. George Călinescu 49 44.462138, 26.0992797 - Japanese pub/bistro.
  • Lacrimi și Sfinți Șepcari 16 44.4305697, 26.1028954
  • La Mama (6 outlets around Bucharest, Barbu Văcărescu 3, Delea Veche 51, Episcopiei 9 and arrefour/ Carrefour Orhideea being the largest ones, +40 21-2124086 ) - focusing on traditional Romanian food. Reasonable prices.
  • Lovegan Bulevardul Lascăr Catargiu Nr. 1 44.44696, 26.09620 Near by Metro Piata Romana ☎ +40 21 367 23 66, +40 742 12 11 03 Opening Hours: Monday to Friday 12:00-20:00, Saturday 11:00-15:00 One of the few vegan restaurants in Bucharest, serving delicious dishes. Catering workshops on Saturday.
  • Mahala 44.4217675, 26.0876499
  • Pâine și Vin 44.4333624, 26.09487
  • POEM Restaurant Suter Str. 23-25 in the Carol park area ☎ +40 21 3363377 - One of Bucharest's exclusive restaurants, in the elegant CPH atmosphere. Excellent international chefs, but very pricey.
  • Red Angus Steakhouse 87th Nicolae Caramfil Blvd ☎ +40 21 720-720-863 In the Old Center, across the street from the Old Court. The restaurant serves high quality USDA Choice beef and offers an excellent, diverse menu, for all tastes. Also at 56 Franceza St.
  • Red Lion Cafe | Strada Academiei 1A in the Universităţii area - Nice atmosphere, budget prices, very good Pizzas.
  • Rossetya | 9 Str Dimitrie Bolintineanu - Classic style restaurant with prices a bit higher than average, but with a very neat and cultivated atmosphere, outstandingly friendly English-speaking personnel, high food quality.
  • Taj Indian Restaurant - Calea 13 Septembrie, 127-131, | Sector 5, Bucureşti Near Marriott hotel ☎ +40 21 410 1820 Opening Hours: Daily 12:00-24:00 Little pricey Good Indian restaurant near Marriott hotel, especially for Vegetarian.
  • The Artist 44.4300155, 26.097585
  • Trattoria Buongiorno Str Franceza 52 - Trattoria Buongiorno is bringing a little piece of Italy to the middle of Bucharest.
  • Trattoria Il Calcio | Stavropoleos str. No. 3 - One of best Pizzas places in old town.
  • Wok Away | Calea Mosilor, Nr 288 vis-a-vis Raiffaisen Bank ☎ +40 72 9326284 - Chinese specialities and Asian food. The food is prepared separately for each client, so you will have a great experience with every meal.

Lipscani Bucharest - Lipscani street is packed with bar, restaurants and cafes

  • Hanul Lui Manuc Str. Franceza nr. 62-64, 44.429556, 26.10205 ☎ +40 21 313 14 11 - Manuc's Inn RO B Manuc Inn 59652 Great location in Bucharest downtown and wonderfull traditional food.

Bucuresti, Romania, Hanul lui Manuc (2); sector 3 - The historic Manuc Inn

  • Caru' cu Bere 44.4321, 26.0981 besides the National History Museum - Caru' cu Bere - Edificio caru 'cu bere, 01 - One of the most famous restaurants in Bucharest, in a historic building. Student menu for 14,50 Lei!


Dianei 4 - 2012 - Courtyard at the Cultural Center Dianei 4

  • 1974 Niște Domni și Fiii 44.4307844, 26.1019034
  • Absintherie Sixtină - Sixtine Absintheria | Covaci 6, 1st floor ☎ +40 21 3103566 - Classic style bar with reasonable prices. The absinthe is served with a slow drip fountain.
  • Fruit Juices O'Clock | Gabroveni 4 and Villacrosse passage (near Police Department) - Cafe with several types of Belgian, Czech and Slovak soft drinks.
  • Camera din Față 44.4442369, 26.0966255 - Cafe/tea house
  • Curtea berarilor - The Brewers Court | Selari 9-11 ☎ +40 723 279620, +40 21 3137532 Opening Hours: Sunday 12:00–24:00; Monday - West 13:00-01:00; Thursday - Saturday 13:00-4:00 Pub in old center having mostly Timişoreana soft drinks.
  • Energiea 44.4332904, 26.094903
  • Ganesha Cafe 44.4569453, 26.105714
  • Green Hours Calea Victoriei 120 ☎ +40 722 234356, +40 788 452485 A quiet club which often hosts jazz concerts.
  • Interbelic | Intrarea Selari 1A near Lipscani ☎ +40 722 681618 Opening Hours: Daily 17:00-last medium Cocktail bar; fine great nights.
  • La Motoare | Bd. Nicolae Bălcescu nr. 2 on the roof of the National Theater, Universitate Plaza ☎ +40 213 158508 An outdoor pub offering great views over the city. Mostly frequented by university students. Rock music and movies in the evening.
  • Origo 44.4332107, 26.0952613
  • Piranha | Splaiul Independenţei 313 in Regie and the student campus, next to the Polytechnic University ☎ +40 21 315 91 29 A large pub, with a huge outdoor terrace in the middle of a wooded area, featuring a small collection of exotic animals. One of the few outdoor places where the summer heat is actually bearable. A favorite among students, with amazingly fair prices (a organic juice is 2.5 lei). However, quite crowded and sometimes noisy.
  • Piua Book Cafe 44.4444205, 26.101118
  • BEAT bar umanist Strada Robescu F. Constantin 14 ☎ +40 748 110 388 Nice cosy bar near Unirii/old town.
  • Hard Rock Cafe 32 Kiseleff Avenue ☎ +40-21-206-6261, - Favorite of both local residents and tourists and the Hard Rock Cafe makes its home on the shores of the lake, just a few short steps from the landmark Triumph Arch.

Clubbing

  • Bamboo | Str. Ramuri Tei 39 in Tei Park ☎ +40 72 213 2283 Opening Hours: Friday 23:00-05:00; Saturday 23:00-12:00 It's the largest club in Bucharest. Upmarket and expensive.
  • Cafe Hazard | Baraţiei coming from Unirii towards University, take your first right after the fornetti store and then your first left ☎ +40 72 770 0107 Opening Hours: Daily 15:00-03:00 A rock bar, with a great atmosphere, open thinking, great organic juice and people.
  • Gaia | Strada Tarmului, nr. 19 ☎ +40723610933 Opening Hours: Daily 15:00-03:00
  • Club A | near University Plaza ☎ +40 21 313 5592 Opening Hours: Daily 18:00-06:00 The oldest club in Bucharest, with nearly 40 years tradition (this means amazingly much for a city where most clubs are less than 5 years old). Since the beginning, it was and remains a student pub and club, with an unpretentious but welcoming atmosphere, good music and fair prices. Like many clubs in Bucharest and the bouncers can be overly aggressive to patrons at times.
  • Control Club | Str. Academiei nr.19 go to Victoria Passage coming from University square ☎ +40 73 392 7861 Opening Hours: Daily 15:00-03:00 Best alternative/indie club with a lot of live shows and good music.
  • Expirat/OtherSide | Str. Lipscani nr. 5/Str. Brezoianu nr. 4 ☎ +40 73 EXPIRAT Very lively and popular club, divided in two sections - Expirat and the old club with rock/dance/hiphop music and its newer offspring and the OtherSide, where DJs spin electronica. Themed nights, very expat-friendly, great cocktails and very reasonable prices.
  • Fire Club | near Lipscani ☎ +40 21 312 7019 - The most well-known rock and metal club in Bucharest. By day a pub and outdoor cafe.
  • Fratelli | Str. Nicolae Golescu 5 ☎ +40 73 103 6222, +40 72 185 0030
  • Kulturhaus | Str. Sf. Vineri nr.4 ☎ +40 21 3135592 Opening Hours: Daily 10:00-05:00 A club with a (German) concept – ”the culture house” – a place where all sort of cultural events (such as live music concerts, art exhibitions, film projections) take place. Kulturhaus is very affordable – no entry fee (except for music concerts) and fair prices – it is the cheapest club in town – maybe thit is why the place is crowded every Friday and Saturday night until 05:00.
  • Queen’s Club | Be. Carol I, nr. 61 - ☎ +40 72 275 4293 Opening Hours: Friday Saturday 24:00-05:00 Entry 20 lei, but that includes 10 lei worth of soft-drinks at the bar Like clubs the world over, this place has become tremendously popular with a hetero set fed up with the Meat market atmosphere at so many of the city’s other locations. That, together with superb music, makes this an crucial stop for hedonists of all persuasions. Shake it. It can become quite crowded so watch yourself.
  • Underworld | Str. Colţei, nr. 48 go to Colţei street coming from the Rosetti Plaza, near University - Opening Hours: Monday to Saturday 15:00-05:00; Sunday 15:00-24:00 The only punk-rock oriented pub in Bucharest. It also has a small concert hall, a fusball table, board games, dedicated evenings, etc.

eHalal Group Launches Halal Guide to Bucharest

Bucharest - eHalal Travel Group, a leading provider of innovative Halal travel solutions for Muslim travelers to Bucharest, is thrilled to announce the official launch of its comprehensive Halal and Muslim-Friendly Travel Guide for Bucharest. This groundbreaking initiative aims to cater to the diverse needs of Muslim travelers, offering them a seamless and enriching travel experience in Bucharest and its surrounding regions.

With the steady growth of Muslim tourism worldwide, eHalal Travel Group recognizes the importance of providing Muslim travelers with accessible, accurate, and up-to-date information to support their travel aspirations to Bucharest. The Halal and Muslim-Friendly Travel Guide is designed to be a one-stop resource, offering an array of invaluable information on various travel aspects, all carefully curated to align with Islamic principles and values.

The Travel Guide encompasses a wide range of features that will undoubtedly enhance the travel experience for Muslim visitors to Bucharest. Key components include:

Halal-Friendly Accommodations in Bucharest: A carefully selected list of hotels, lodges, and vacation rentals that cater to halal requirements, ensuring a comfortable and welcoming stay for Muslim travelers in Bucharest.

Halal Food, Restaurants and Dining in Bucharest: A comprehensive directory of restaurants, eateries, and food outlets offering halal-certified or halal-friendly options in Bucharest, allowing Muslim travelers to savor local cuisines without compromising their dietary preferences in Bucharest.

Prayer Facilities: Information on masjids, prayer rooms, and suitable locations for daily prayers in Bucharest, ensuring ease and convenience for Muslim visitors in fulfilling their religious obligations.

Local Attractions: An engaging compilation of Muslim-friendly attractions, cultural sites such as Museums, and points of interest in Bucharest, enabling travelers to explore the city's rich heritage while adhering to their values.

Transport and Logistics: Practical guidance on transportation options that accommodate Muslim travel needs, ensuring seamless movement within Bucharest and beyond.

Speaking about the launch, Irwan Shah, Chief Technology Officer of eHalal Travel Group in Bucharest, stated, "We are thrilled to introduce our Halal and Muslim-Friendly Travel Guide in Bucharest, a Muslim friendly destination known for its cultural richness and historical significance. Our goal is to empower Muslim travelers with accurate information and resources, enabling them to experience the wonders of Bucharest without any concerns about their faith-based requirements. This initiative reaffirms our commitment to creating inclusive and memorable travel experiences for all our clients."

The eHalal Travel Group's Halal and Muslim-Friendly Travel Guide for Bucharest is now accessible on this page. The guide will be regularly updated to ensure that Muslim travelers have access to the latest information, thus reinforcing its status as a reliable companion for Muslim travelers exploring Bucharest.

About eHalal Travel Group:

eHalal Travel Group Bucharest is a prominent name in the global Muslim travel industry, dedicated to providing innovative and all-inclusive travel solutions tailored to the needs of Muslim travelers worldwide. With a commitment to excellence and inclusivity, eHalal Travel Group aims to foster a seamless travel experience for its clients while respecting their religious and cultural values.

For Halal business inquiries in Bucharest, please contact:

eHalal Travel Group Bucharest Media: info@ehalal.io

Buy Muslim Friendly condos, Houses and Villas in Bucharest

eHalal Group Bucharest is a prominent real estate company specializing in providing Muslim-friendly properties in Bucharest. Our mission is to cater to the specific needs and preferences of the Muslim community by offering a wide range of halal-certified residential and commercial properties, including houses, condos, and factories. With our commitment to excellence, client satisfaction, and adherence to Islamic principles, eHalal Group has established itself as a trusted name in the real estate industry in Bucharest.

At eHalal Group, we understand the importance of meeting the unique requirements of Muslim individuals and families seeking properties that align with their cultural and religious trainings. Our extensive portfolio of Muslim-friendly properties in Bucharest ensures that clients have access to a diverse selection of options tailored to their needs. Whether it's a luxurious villa, a modern condominium, or a fully equipped factory, our team is dedicated to assisting clients in finding their ideal property.

For those seeking a comfortable and modern living space, our condos are an excellent choice. Starting at US$ 350,000 and these condominium units offer contemporary designs, state-of-the-art facilities, and convenient locations within Bucharest. Each condo is thoughtfully designed to incorporate halal-friendly features and amenities, ensuring a seamless integration of Islamic values into everyday living.

If you are looking for a more spacious option, our houses are perfect for you. Starting at US$ 650,000, our houses provide ample living space, privacy, and a range of customizable features to meet your specific requirements. These houses are located in well-established neighborhoods in Bucharest, offering a harmonious balance between modern living and Islamic values.

For those seeking luxury and exclusivity, our luxury villas in Bucharest are the epitome of sophistication and elegance. Starting at US$ 1.5 million and these villas offer a lavish lifestyle with private amenities, breathtaking views, and meticulous attention to detail. Each luxury villa is meticulously designed to provide a serene and halal environment, allowing you to enjoy the finest living experience while adhering to your Islamic principles. For further details please email us at info@ehalal.io

Ramadan 2024 Celebrations in Bucharest

Ramadan 2025 in Bucharest

Ramadan concludes with the festival of Eid al-Fitr, which may last several days, usually three in most countries.

The next Ramadan shall be from Friday, 28 February 2025 to Saturday, 29 March 2025

The next Eid al-Adha shall be on Friday, 6 June 2025

The next day of Raʾs al-Sana shall be on Thursday, 26 June 2025

The next day for Mawlid al-Nabī shall be on Monday, 16 September 2024

Muslim Friendly Hotels in Bucharest

Hotel Ambasador - The Art Deco facade of Hotel Ambasador

  • All4rent Accommodation @rent.ro 2 Stirbei Voda Street 44.440776, 26.094839 near Royal Palace ☎ +40 723 824 996 Check-in: 13:00 / Check-out: 12:00 €30 Apartments in downtown Bucharest.
  • Apartamente Regim Hotelier Bucuresti - Apartamente Termen Scurt Bucuresti | @otelier-bucuresti.ro Strada Academiei 4, Bucuresti 44.434515, 26.099674 ☎ +40 740 011 345 Check-in: 13:00 / Check-out: 12:00 €40 Short term apartments in the town center.

Camping Places

  • Camping Casa Alba - Camping White House | Aleea Privighetorilor 1-3 44.5174134, 26.0921666 at the edge of Băneasa Forest, 1 kilometers North of Băneasa Airport, 12 kilometers North of downtown ☎ +40 21 361 7730 - Space for up to 80 caravans or 120 tents, running water, showers, toilets, kitchen. Next to Casa Alba restaurant.

Hostels

  • Butterfly Villa Hostel @illa.com Str. Ştirbei Vodă 96 entrance from Str. C.Stahi ☎ +40 21 314 7595, +40 74 172 1169 From €12/night Clean hostel 1 kilometers from train station in the centre of sector 1. Bed-sheets, breakfast and internet is included the price. Airport pick-up, excursions and laundry-service.
  • East Hostel Bvd Hristo Botev 11 200 m from Universitate Metro ☎ +40 737 293 494 Check-in: 24/24 / Check-out: 11:00 From €9/night Free breakfast, free Pastas daily at 19:00, fast Wi-Fi, A/C at night, thick comfy mattresses and quality pillows and duvets, lavish bathrooms.
  • Midland Hostel Str Biserica Amzei no 22 near Piata Romana Metro ☎ +40 21 314 5323 from €8/night Central, breakfast included, free internet.
  • Vila Gabriela Str. Mărgăritarului 18, Vila A 104, Otopeni off Highway 1, one kilometers South of Otopeni Airport ☎ +40 21 236 2053 Bed & Breakfast double room (shared toilet) €25/night; en suite €35. Big house managed by a friendly couple, Carmina and Vlad. Carmina can speak English, French and Italian. The rooms are clean and welcoming.
  • X Hostel Bucharest Str. Balcesti, 9 off Calea Calarasi, 200 m NE of Piata Unirii ☎ +40 21 367 4912 From €6/night Party hostel & pub. Free strong wireless connection, hotel standard rooms as well as large cheaper dorms, mainly air-conditioned.
  • Zen Tribe Hostel Strada Radu de la Afumați 12B, București 020667 44.4493764, 26.1147372 The black gate with the electronic coded lock ☎ +40 762 211 522 (mobile) Check-in: 15:00-22:00 / Check-out: 05:00-10:00 From €9/night Clean and spacious hostel. Relaxed atmosphere, very friendly owner and guests with social common spaces. Comfortable beds, great showers and good location. No laundry service.

Budget hotels

  • Carpaţi str. Matei Millo nr. 16 1 kilometers west of Universitate Metro ☎ +40 21 315 0140 +40 21 312 1857 €40-85/night One-star. Small, affordable rooms in a clean and welcoming atmosphere.
  • Hotel Andy 2 Witting St, neighborhood 1 Turn right as you exit station ☎ +40 21 300 3050 From €48/night 3 star, small rooms, some street noise, couldn't be closer to Gara de North Station.
  • Domino Str.Basarabilor nr.10 5 kilometers South of centre off Highway 5 ☎ +40 2 1685 4504 +40 21 629 1307 single 70 lei, double 100 lei, triple 130 lei 2-star, gets very mixed reviews.
  • Hello Hotels @resti.com Calea Grivitei 143, neighborhood 1 44.44608, 26.078528 ☎ +40 372 121 800 €33/night Great location for budget travellers.
  • Hotel Basarab Bucuresti Str. Fluviului nr 23, neighborhood 1 On Southwest side of Gara de North Railway Station ☎ +40 727 438 132 €25/night Very convenient for station, Muslim travellers have found it grubby and smelly.

Patatul Telefoanelor - The Novotel building includes a reconstructed porte-cochere of the National Theatre, demolished after the Second World War

  • Angelo Airport Hotel Bucharest - Vienna House - 283 Calea Bucurestilor On Highway 1, 300 m from Otopeni / Henri Coanda Airport ☎ +40 21 203 6500 +40 21 203 6510from €95/night Good stay & fly option, hotel offers shuttle bus to terminal, you hardly need it.
  • Ambasador 8 Bvd General Gheorghe Magheru on main Bvd 1 kilometers South of Piata Victoriei ☎ +40 21 315 9080 +40 21 312 3595 Single from €50, double from €60/night, breakfast included 3-star in Art Deco slab, with restaurant.
  • Alia Accommodation Bucharest | @rest.com 18 Nicolae Balcescu ☎ +40 745 500 676 Check-in: 13:00 / Check-out: 12:00 €30-65/night . Serviced apartments in the town center at the University Plaza. Metro and buses just outside the building.
  • Capitol Calea Victoriei 29 off Bvd Regina Elisabeta, 200 m west of Universitate Metro ☎ +40 21 315 8030 +40 21 312 4169 €55-75/night Comfortable, 100-year-old three-star hotel with big rooms and enormous bathrooms.
  • Casa Victor Str. Emanoil Porumbaru nr. 44 2 blocks West of Bvd Aviatorilor, 200 m South of Aviatorilor Metro station ☎ +40 21 222 5723 +40 21 222 9436 Checkout: 11:00 €55-140/night 3-star hotel with restaurant, swimmingpool & spa.
  • Class Hotel 30A Garlei St. off Highway 1 near Baneasa Airport, 10 kilometers north of centre ☎ +40 372 135 700 €60 On Baneasa lakeside, 4-star hotel with restaurant, pool, spa & gym.
  • Crowne Plaza - Bvd Poligrafiei nr. 1 10 kilometers North of centre ☎ +40 21 224 0034 +40 21 318 1302 from €80/night Business hotel close to Romexpo grounds.
  • Dalin Hotel 70 Bvd Marasesti 500 m South of Piata Unirii ☎ +40 21 335 5541 €50-60/night 3-star place with bar & restaurant.
  • Ibis Gara de North - Calea Grivitei nr. 143 ☎ +40 21 300 9100 from €45/night Reliable budget chain 100 m from train station.
  • K+K Hotel Elisabeta Str. Slanic 26 off Bvd Carol 1 ☎ +40 21 302 9280 +40 21 311 8632 - Central, close to University, business quarter, downtown & Cismigiu Gardens.
  • Le Boutique Hotel Moxa 4 Mihail Moxa Street corner of 129 Calea Victoriei ☎ +40 21 650 5555 €80-110/night Four-star hotel, centrally located.
  • NH Bucharest - Bulevardul Mircea Voda, 21 ☎ +40 21-300 0545 Rooms from €65/night Modern 4-star hotel in the business neighborhood. Bedrooms are cosy and comfortable with a modern twist.
  • Novotel - Calea Victoriei nr. 37B Metro Universitate ☎ +40 21 308 8500 From €60/night Reliable 4-star choice. The facade is what's left of the former National Theatre.
  • Ramada Majestic Calea Victoriei nr. 38-40 Metro Universitate ☎ +40 21 310 2772 €80-180/night Handy for University.
  • Rin Airport Hotel @resti.com Calea Bucurestilor 255A Otopeni On Highway 1 near Bucharest main airport, Otopeni ☎ +40 21 350 4110 Check-in: 14:00 / Check-out: 12:00 Provides spacious rooms with air conditioning, free Wi-Fi and free access to its spa area.
  • Rin Central @resti.com Str Traian 55 44.430035, 26.120161 ☎ +40 21 308 3153 €60/night 4* hotel near downtown.
  • Hotel Siqua Calea Plevnei nr. 59A near Opera ☎ +40 21 319 5160 from €75/night (tax and breakfast included) With Italian restaurant, conference facilities.
  • Hotel Corvaris Soseaua Oltenitei 125 44.389265, 26.132225 15 kilometers Southeast of centre on Highway 4 ☎ +40 21 332 5146 Check-in: 14:00 / Check-out: 12:00 from €50/night Clean, handy for motorists.

Biserica „Trei Ierarhi“ - Colțea - The Intercontinental is one of the tallest buildings in Bucharest and thus an easily identifiable landmark - here seen in the background behind the Colţea Church

  • Carol Parc Hotel Str. Aleea Suter 23-25 ☎ +40 21-336 3377 - Boutique hotel looking onto Carol Park.
  • El Greco str. Jean Louis Calderon nr. 16 ☎ +40 21 315 8141 +40 21 315 8898 - Central location, near to the commercial and university area.
  • Epoque 17C Intrarea Aurora 010213 off Strada Ionel Perlea ☎ +40 21 312 3232 - 5-star all-suites hotel in a quiet location just west of Cișmigiu Gardens.
  • Europa Royale Str Franceza 60 off Piata Unirii ☎ +40 21 319 1798 A four-star hotel in the Old Town.
  • Athénée Palace Hilton str. Episcopiei nr. 1-3 ☎ +40 21 303 3777 +40 21 315 2121 - 5-star Hilton near Atheneum. Nice coffee shop, pretty garden terrace in summer.
  • Sheraton - Calea Dorobanţilor nr. 5-7 corner of Bvd Dacia ☎ +40 21 201 5000 +40 21 201 1888 Upscale hotel near Plata Romana, with casino & restaurants including Benihana Japanese Steakhouse.
  • Intercontinental - Blvd. Nicolae Bălcescu nr. 4 ☎ +40 21 310 2020 - Central 5-star high-rise block, with restaurant and swimming pool.
  • JW Marriott Bucharest Grand Calea 13 Septembrie nr. 90 ☎ +40 21 403 0000 - Large hotel behind the Parliament building. 4 restaurants, bar, spa & sauna.
  • Opera str. Actor Ion Brezoianu nr. 37 ☎ +40 21 312 4010 €35/night 3-star near University
  • Phoenicia Grand Hotel 87 Bvd Aerogarii ☎ +40 21 300 0888 Check-in: 14:00 / Check-out: 12:00 Upmarket place with 4 restaurants, bar, night-club, spa and gym. Very close to Baneasa Airport at north edge of Bucharest, with main airport Otopeni another 15 kilometers north.
  • Parliament @otel.ro Strada Izvor nr. 106 ☎ +40 21 411 9990 Designer hotel, looking onto Parliament building
  • Radisson Blu Hotel Calea Victoriei No. 63-81 1 kilometers from centre ☎ +40 21 311 9000 +40 21 601 3625 Check-in: 15:00 / Check-out: 12:00 €100-150/night Upmarket place with indoor & outdoor pools, 5 restaurants and 4 bars.
  • Rin Grand Hotel @resti.com Sos Vitan Barzesti 7D 10 kilometers south of centre looking onto Lake Vacaresti ☎ +40 31 106 1111 - Stylish place edge of town with restaurant and piano café. 24-hour fitness centre with indoor pool, a whirlpool and saunas. Also with beauty salon, conference and banquet facilities and free parking.

Stay Safe

The emergency number in Romania is 112.

Buses are safe, but use common sense and put your things in internal pockets, just to be 100% sure. Taking taxis from areas frequented by foreign tourists may also pose a threat as some of these taxis may take advantage of the fact that you don't know the city and don't speak their language. Therefore and they might try to make the trip a bit longer than usual, in order to be paid more. Ideally, you should call or ask someone to call you a taxi or order one using the app.

One rule of thumb is to go with older taxi drivers, since they will be more cautious and only try to get a bit extra out of you if they scam you, unlike young drivers who will claim a trip costs 3-5 times as much as it should, may claim the meter does not work and may try intimidation tactics to make you pay. The company the taxi driver is working at and the prices should be written on the vehicle and the driver's ID card (issued by his employer) should be visible and should contain his photo.

Be very careful of unsolicited offers of help by passers-by, even if they speak good English. In particular if a stranger offers to accompany you to your hostel or hotel in a taxi to show you the way, decline instantly. They are often working in tandem with unlicensed taxi drivers who will attempt to scam you, drop you at incorrect (and remote) locations while demanding exorbitant payment, or who will simply steal your luggage. A common scam is for a stranger to tell you that a place is not safe and to direct you to an official "government" or "student" taxi, that is driven by an accomplice. They will then drive you a remote location and demand high sums of money, possibly threatening you with violence if you don't comply.

As strange as it sounds, you'll see that Bucharest is a far safer city than its Western European counterparts. Statistically Bucharest is one of the safest capitals in Europe, far safer than city's like Berlin, London and Rome. Nevertheless, possibly more so than the aforementioned counterparts, violence is not an uncommon solution, towards local residents or towards foreign-looking people (minorities, out of place individuals, etc.) in any club, but particularly those playing ethnic music, especially when drinking and after hours are involved. However, just avoiding any conflict, particularly with people who have the air of "owning the place" or a mafioso look would reduce your chances to almost zero. Generally speaking and the larger and richer the city and the fewer problems you'll have.

For a long time, Bucharest had perhaps the largest population of stray dogs for a city in eastern Europe. The problem of strays was getting out of hand, with random attacks and in extreme cases, killings. The City Council finally decided to exterminate the population and today the streets of Bucharest have hardly any dogs to worry about.

Like most other big city's, walking around at night isn't safe in some parts of the city like Pantelimon, Ferentari, Giulesti and the Gara de North area. If you must travel into these neighbourhoods, it's safer to take a taxi.

Gara de North is not particularly dangerous to walk in, but avoid suspicious-looking characters and if you feel that you are being followed, just walk into the station. Gara de North and its surroundings are populated by homeless people and children. Be careful, as many street children use an inhalant drug (equivalent to huffing paint) and may be dangerous. As heartbreaking as this problem is, it's best to avoid any contact. If you do wish to give them something, buy food for them, don't give them money.

Ferentari is a gypsy enclave in Bucharest and, while not as dangerous as it used to be, it's not advisable to walk there at night. In fact it is better to avoid it completely. For the traveler and there is nothing of interest there so you should have no reason to go there to begin with.

The unofficial red light neighborhood is Mătăsari, which is also a popular place for clubbers and pubs; you can walk there without any worries because it's always crowded and lively, but avoid talking to strangers in that particular area.

In the event that you do get caught in a police raid, do not attempt to bribe your way out of it with so many of them around as you might get into serious trouble. Police are more inclined to take bribes from local residents than from foreigners so do not contribute to this phenomenon that has been plaguing this country for so many years. Police corruption has been vigorously fought in the past years and it is not as generalized as it used to be in the 1990s. It's always better to walk on boulevards and avoid alleys and backstreets.

The crime rate is low, but a traveler must always be cautious. Violent attacks are very low, but if attacked just yell, "Ajutor!" or "Poliția!" It is difficult for anyone to get away with violent crime because as everything is packed so closely together, any loud noise will attract attention. This truly is a city that doesn't sleep. You'll find people out and around at all hours in most parts of the city. Police men are pretty friendly and the younger ones speak English, so you can ask directions. In the event that you do need to report a crime to the police, do not hesitate and proceed to the nearest police station. They will often help you to the best of their ability.

Be incredibly careful as a pedestrian in Bucharest. Some drivers are inconsiderate and do not obey all traffic signals. Never assume a vehicle will stop for you at a crosswalk—be vigilant at all times. Thit is definitely the biggest hazard in Bucharest, not so much in the daytime, when crowded streets make it imfeasible to drive cars at high speeds, but, at night and the streets clear out, some illegal races taking place with reckless driving on main boulevards.

Asian Muslims are more likely to be seen as an easy mark for dishonest taxi drivers and other criminals. It does not make a difference if you are Asian-American or are from Asia. Some young Asian women may also get a lot of perverted looks from men all around the town - be prepared to be stared at especially if you are traveling alone, though some men will stare no matter what.

Avoid wearing football shirts or scarves of the Bucharest or Romania-based football teams (like FCSB, Dinamo or Rapid), especially on match days. There have been several cases of people being assaulted by the ultras groups.

Stay away from the protests. Often anti-corruption protests take place in Piața Victoriei or Piața Universității. During a protest in 10 August 2023, 4 Israeli settler tourists were beaten by the gendarmes.

Medical Issues in Bucharest

Those with allergies may find Bucharest annoying in that it is both hot and very dusty in the summer, with temperatures easily exceeding 30°C in July and August, so bring whatever you might need to stay comfortable. Please note that during the summer, sun strokes and heat strokes can be very dangerous. Therefore, it is recommended that you have a bottle of water with you, sun glasses and a hat (or equivalent).

Pharmacies are open between 09:00 and 18:00, but some will stay open through the night. In Romania and there are relatively few over-the-counter drugs available, but pharmacists are allowed to dispense limited quantities of some prescription drugs (such as pain relief medicine) for what they see as immediate needs. There are 51 public hospitals (of which 13 are designated emergency hospitals, including 2 for pediatric emergencies only) and about 18 private hospitals in Bucharest, along with a considerable number of private clinics, dental trainings and a modern ambulance service. The nearest hospital from the town center is Colțea Hospital, located on Ion C. Brătianu Boulevard just near the Colțea Church and about 5 minutes away on foot from the University Plaza. It is also one of the most modern public hospitals in Bucharest.

Laundry

There is a new laundromat with free WiFi and new equipment. It is centrally located and a nice place to hang around:

  • Fourwood Laundry Calea Serban Voda nr. 18-20 44.4247437, 26.1028701 behind the Horoscop Hotel and in front of the private clinic MedLife ☎ +40768097748 - Centrally located at Piata Unirii. Free WiFi.

Cope in Bucharest

Embassies & Consulates in Bucharest

{{flag|Finland

  • Finland | Strada Atena 2 bis, București 011832 ☎ +40 21 2307504 +40 21 2307505 Opening Hours: Monday - Thursday 08:00-16:15, Friday -15:00
  • Spain | Aleea Alexandru 43, București 011822 ☎ +40 21 318 1077

{{flag|UK

  • United Kingdom Strada Jules Michelet 24, București 010463 ☎ +40 21 201 7200 Opening Hours: Monday to Friday 08:00-17:00

Buying stamps

Unlike in other European city's, you won't get stamps in souvenir shops or kiosks, but only in postal offices, that are almost all closed on weekends. If you're there for just a weekend and the only possibility to buy stamps for your postcards, is at the north station (Gara de Nord), where you'll find a post office that opens on Saturdays and Sundays from 09:00 to 13:00.

Go next

  • The most attractive area of Romania is Transylvania, with its mountains and impeccably maintained medieval towns. Closest to Bucharest, 160 kilometers north, is Brașov. Beyond it lie Sibiu, Sighisoara, Targu Mures and Cluj Napoca.
  • Constanța, 225 kilometers east, is a beach resort on the Black Sea coast. Frankly it's seen better days.
  • Ski resorts include Sinaia, Poiana Brasov and Predeal.
  • A day's journey takes you out of Romania into the neighbouring countries. The star destinations, which you'll want to visit more than once, are Budapest in Hungary and Istanbul in Türkiye. Also worth seeing are Belgrade in Serbia, Sofia and Plovdiv in Bulgaria and Kiev and Odessa in Ukraine. Chişinău in Moldova doesn't take long to see but you might need to stop-over on the way to Ukraine.


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