More and more tourists from all over the world are visiting Bucharest. Considered “budget-friendly” and offbeat for many travel enthusiasts, Bucharest is a city of contrasts that you should absolutely visit at least once in your lifetime. Whether you’re just passing through on your way to the castles of Transylvania or you are having a city break, Bucharest is sure to surprise you in many unexpected ways.
Before organizing your trip to Bucharest, it’s helpful to know that the city can roughly be split in 3 concentric zones: The Main Tourist Area, The “Upper-Class” Zone, and The Communist Neighborhoods.
Now, let’s take a local’s perspective to explore the three contrasting zones of Bucharest, along with the most important tips and tricks to help you make the most of your visit.
The Main Tourist Area (Center)
The number of tourists visiting Bucharest is growing every year so it might be a good idea to visit Romania’s capital before it gets overcrowded, following the trends of Western capitals. Both the public and private sectors are making efforts to accommodate the growing waves of tourists. You will find most of the main landmarks of Bucharest in the Old Town or around the city center:
- The Palace of the Parliament
- The Museum of Communism
- The Romanian Athenaeum
- Calea Victoriei
- Stavropoleos Monastery
- Memorial of Rebirth
- CEC Palace
- Caru’ cu Bere Restaurant
You can easily visit the main attractions of Bucharest in two or three days on foot, however if you’re short on time and want to visit with a local guide, consider booking a 2.5-hours tip-based walking tour such as the Old Town & The Parliament Free Tour
Bucharest’s Old Town is renowned for its vibrant nightlife and lively bar-hopping scene. Prices remain relatively affordable, making it an ideal spot for spontaneous, unpretentious nights out — or even a rowdy bachelor party / bachelorette party.
The “Upper-Class” Zone (Near-center areas)
Romania is situated in Eastern Europe and carries the burdensome legacy of communism and neocommunism of the 90s, statistically ranking among the poorest countries in the European Union. The Romanian countryside and small towns face serious economic challenges. However, Bucharest concentrates a significant share of the country’s affluence, making it a surprisingly wealthy city. This is accurately reflected in the quality of life in Romania’s capital, which is largely comparable to that in other European capitals.
A large segment of Bucharest’s society is cosmopolitan and global trends rapidly echo and reach eager consumers here. Thus, it’s no surprise that Bucharest’s cultural & culinary scene is rich, diverse and international – we’re talking Therme Bucharest – one of the premier spa destinations in Eastern Europe, Sass’ Restaurant & Lounge – the acclaimed luxury brand from Monaco that opened its second location in – guess where – Bucharest, the Marmorosch’s renowned speak-easy bar, built in a former bank vault, various highly rated fine dining restaurants, fancy night clubs, a vibrant specialty coffee scene, luxury brand stores, high-end perfumeries and many more.
With a few exceptions, most of the “luxury and upper-middle class” spots are situated (surprise, surprise) outside the city center, yet still within easy reach, in high-income areas such as:
- Primăverii
- Cotroceni
- Dorobanți
- Floreasca
- Aviatorilor & Kiseleff
Moreover, Bucharest’s main central promenade, Calea Victoriei – once forgotten by time – is also now experiencing a vibrant revival as a stylish gastro-chic upper-class avenue, particularly on some weekends when it becomes pedestrian-only and buzzes with a lively mix of locals and tourists, strolling, sipping, and exploring.
The Communist Neighborhoods (Outskirts)
The Communist Neighborhoods are where most Romanians reside and carry their day-to-day errands. Situated in the outskirts of Bucharest, these neighborhoods were erected by Nicolae Ceaușescu, the infamous communist dictator of the 20th Century, to bring people from rural areas as workers for the communist factories.
Commonly referred to as “grey, unwelcoming and overcrowded”, these crucial urban areas have lately seen important improvements. Though rooted in a utilitarian past, a significant part of them have undergone renovations and have been brightened up with splashes of colors and urban art during the last decade. After the fall of communism in 1989, these apartment buildings were perceived as worthless, however nowadays they are increasingly more valued and sold at considerable prices.
Among the most relevant communist-era neighborhoods are Drumul Taberei, Titan, Militari, Berceni, and Crângași, as well as Pantelimon, Colentina, Dristor, and Balta Albă.
Although densely populated, these areas are dotted with green spaces, modest cafés and restaurants, and street-facing shops, which make them pleasant, practical for families, and full of down-to-earth charm. If you’re in to experience the everyday lives of locals and visit the urban landscape shaped by the communist era, these neighborhoods are worth a visit.
Obor Market is a key landmark located in one of such communist neighborhoods. This traditional market that has recently taken on a hip, alternative vibe — attracting foodies, curious locals, and off-the-beaten-path tourists alike. Here, you can enjoy the famous “mici” (grilled sausages) with mustard and beer, and meet genuine farmers from the countryside selling fresh fruits and vegetables — though unfortunately, few speak English.
