5-day getaway in the heart of Romania: Bucharest

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  • Min Age: 18
Description

For some tours there may be a difference between arrival and departure times, depending on your schedule. Tours are calculated on the days actually spent in the destination city and do not take into account arrival and departure days. Please take 2 days in advance of the tour to ensure the most enjoyable experience.

 

Discover the vibrant heart of Romania on a free, self-guided tour that will open the doors to the wonders of Bucharest, a city where history blends harmoniously with modernity. Over the course of five adventurous days, you'll have the opportunity to immerse yourself in the cultural, historical and culinary riches of the capital, exploring its hidden corners and major attractions, all at your own pace, with no additional guide fees or specific insurance.

Day one starts with the Palace of Parliament, one of the largest administrative buildings in the world, a symbol of the communist era, but also of Romania's post-revolutionary renaissance. Your visit continues through the Old Centre, the pulsating heart of Bucharest's nightlife and history, where cobbled streets will lead you to Manuc's Inn, a place steeped in history and stories. The evening ends with a traditional Romanian dinner, where you'll have the chance to taste sarmale, mămăligă with cheese and sour cream, giving you a perfect introduction to the local cuisine.

The second day invites you to discover the artistic side of the city, starting with the National Art Museum of Romania, where you will be fascinated by the collections of ancient and contemporary art. In the afternoon, relax in the green oasis of the Cismigiu Garden and explore the city's cultural offerings, whether it's a performance at the National Opera or live music in the Old Town.

The third day is dedicated to understanding the profound political and social changes through a visit to the National Museum of Contemporary History, followed by a moment of silence at the Renaissance Memorial. This is a tribute to those who sacrificed their lives in the 1989 Revolution, marking the transition to democracy.

On the fourth day, you'll get away from the hustle and bustle of the city by taking a trip to the Snagov Forest, where legend has it that Vlad Tepes, the historical figure who inspired the Dracula myth, is buried. This nature getaway will give you a different perspective on Romania, one where nature and history coexist in harmony.

The last day is dedicated to modern exploration of the city, starting with a visit to the Village Museum, a place where Romanian tradition is kept alive through authentic houses and households from various regions of the country. In the afternoon, you'll enjoy a shopping session in the most popular shopping centres, before ending the tour with dinner at a modern restaurant, where Romanian cuisine is reinterpreted in a contemporary style.

This free, self-guided tour is not only a journey through Bucharest, but also an immersion into the soul of Romania. With no hidden costs or need for special insurance, you have the freedom to explore this fascinating city at your own pace, discovering its history, culture and culinary delights. Bucharest is ready to welcome you with open arms, reveal its secrets and offer you unforgettable memories.

 

Price Includes
Visiting suggestions for the main cultural and historical attractions
Daily activity descriptions
Information on modes of transport
Tips for navigating the city by public transport
Tips for tasting traditional Romanian dishes
Leisure options including parks, museums and shopping areas
Details about the history and local culture of Bucharest
Price Excludes
tickets to tourist attractions
airline tickets
travel insurance
accommodation
public transport tickets
miscellaneous reservations
SIM local

Travel Styles

Cultural
Independent

Budget

200 - 299 euro

Trip duration

Short (3 - 5 days)

Season

Spring
Summer
Winter
Whenever
Autumn

Group type

Couples
Solo
Friends

Topic

Cultural
Gastronomy

Exploring type

Walk
Optional going by car
Itinerary

Morning: We visit the Palace of Parliament, one of the most imposing administrative buildings in the world. It's a perfect opportunity to feel the pulse of recent history.

Reservations for 1-9 people can only be made by phone, 24 hours before the visit, between 09:00-16:00, on the following phone numbers: +40 733 558 102 or +40 733 558 103.
Visiting hours: daily 09:00 - 17:00
We recommend standard tour + basement for a complete experience.
Visiting fee for 1 adult is 65 lei.
Visiting fee for 1 student is 35 lei (19 - 26 years old, with valid student card)
Visiting fee for 1 child is 25 lei (7 - 18 years old)

Access rules:
Access is ONLY with a valid ID document, Access is restricted to persons with ID (ID card, passport)
The Standard Tour + Basement is not accessible to persons with mobility disabilities
For reservations, please arrive at the information desk 15 minutes before the tour starts; failure to arrive will result in the cancellation of your reservation.
There is no luggage storage space and we recommend that you DO NOT leave your luggage unattended!
During the tour, we recommend that you keep quiet and discipline.
Afternoon: Stroll through the Old Centre, where you will discover architectural gems and lively cafés. Don't miss Manuc's Hanu', for a foray into the city's history.
If you are also keen to go to Manuc's Hanu' restaurant, we recommend you visit their reservations page and make a reservation. Depending on the time of year, they may or may not be free. You can make a reservation right here

After visiting the old centre, you can head towards the National Library of Romania, but be sure to fit it in by 17:00 if you want to see inside. A superb glass building.
Also opposite is the Bucharest Tribunal, an imposing building right near the centre of Bucharest and the Dâmbovița River.

Evening: Dinner at a traditional Romanian restaurant, where you can sample specific dishes such as sarmalele or mămăliga with cheese and sour cream.
If you're still in the centre, then you can try restaurants such as Lacrimi și Sfinți, Crama Domnească, Taverna Covaci, Hanu Berarilor, La Mama. A simple Google Maps search will get you there quickly.


Also, if you are in the centre of Bucharest, don't miss the Water Symphony which is a wonderful show of the fountains in the centre of the Romanian capital. Until a next update of their dates and show schedule, we leave you the following schedule from the previous year, so you can plan a possible trip based on them.
In May and August 2023: between 20:30 - 22:30 | show starts at 21:00
In June and July 2023: 21:00 - 23:00 | show starts at 21:30
In September and October 2023: 19:30 - 21:30 | show starts at 20:00

Historical and Cultural Heart

Morning: We explore the National Museum of Art of Romania, where old and contemporary Romanian art meets European masterpieces.

Please also visit their website as prices may differ from year to year.
After lunch: A relaxing walk through the Cismigiu Garden, followed by a coffee at one of the nearby terraces.
Evening: We explore the local cultural offer, whether it's a performance at the National Opera or a live concert in the Old Town.

Art and Relaxation

All day: We visit the National Museum of Contemporary History, which offers an in-depth insight into the communist period and the 1989 Revolution. In the afternoon, a visit to the Memorial of the Renaissance to pay tribute to those who fell in the fight for freedom.
For tickets we recommend that you visit their website and make an online reservation
Ticket prices are 22 RON for adults, 11 RON for pensioners, 5.5 RON for pupils/students or people with disabilities. Ticket prices may also vary from year to year.

Art and park

All day: Excursion to Snagov Forest, visiting the monastery where Vlad Țepeș, also known as Dracula, is said to be buried. This is a great opportunity to enjoy nature and explore local legends.
The visit to Snagov Monastery is free of charge, and to Snagov Forest as well.
We recommend finding a parking place nearby, as the monastery has no parking spaces. We also recommend not to block the traffic around the monastery.
Access to the monastery is NOT allowed with pets.
Visiting hours of the monastery: winter: 8:00- 17:30, summer: 7:30- 21:30

A day in nature

Morning: We visit the Village Museum, a journey through time through Romanian rural architecture.
No appointment is necessary for the visit
Ticket prices are: 30 RON for adults, 15 RON for pensioners, 8 RON for pupils/students
Lunch: Free time for shopping in AFI Palace Cotroceni or Băneasa Shopping City.
AFI Palace Cotroceni program: Daily 10am-10pm (also open on holidays in most cases), paid parking, first 2 hours free
Băneasa Shopping City program: daily 10am-10pm (also open on holidays in most cases), free above ground parking, paid underground parking

Evening: End your trip with dinner at a modern restaurant, exploring Romanian cuisine reinterpreted.
If you're in the central area, in Unirii Square, right on the banks of the Dâmbovița River, you can find restaurants like #aici, Fabrica de Mâncare, Ristorande Monza. Also in the area you can find the Dâmbovița Promenade, which allows you to get right on the river bank.

Shopping and Contemporary Culture
Location
FAQs

5 days, enough time to explore the main attractions of the city and the surrounding area. Please take your travel days into account, as both dates and times may differ depending on your location and flight.

Focused exclusively on Bucharest, the capital of Romania.

Cultural and relaxing - this tour combines exploration of cultural and historical richness with relaxing moments in city parks and cafes.

Easy - activities are accessible for all levels of mobility, with many public transport and walking options.

An estimated budget could vary between EUR 200-300 per person, covering accommodation, transport, food and activities. This budget may fluctuate depending on the style of travel and accommodation chosen.
A 3-star accommodation in a hotel/apartment in the centre can start from 180 euro/room (1-2 persons)
A 4-star accommodation in a hotel/apartment in the centre can start from 300 euro/room (1-2 persons)
For transport, the "Tourist Travel 24 or 72 hours" card can be used with a price of 5 or 8 EUR, can be purchased at any ticket office (metro or bus)
The budget for sightseeing may be 60 EUR, but it will certainly not be exceeded.
The budget allocated for food and restaurants can be estimated at an average of 30 EUR/day/person with starter, main course and dessert or including other snacks around the city.

In Bucharest, you can use the metro, buses, trams and taxis. For trips outside the city, renting a car or public transport are viable options.
For transport you can use the "Calatorie turist 24 ou 72 ore" card with a price of 5 or 8 EUR, it can be purchased at any ticket office (metro or bus)
The transport from Otopeni Airport to the city centre cannot be longer than 1 hour and the recommended route is with CFR Călători, the ticket price is 4 RON and you have a direct route between the Airport and the North Station in Bucharest.
From the North Station you have a direct metro route to Unirii Square. The price of a metro journey is 2.5 RON, which can be purchased directly at the ticket offices or paid by phone or card near the barriers.

The variety includes hotels, from budget to luxury, hostels for solo travellers or small groups, and Airbnb for those who prefer a more personal space.

Don't miss the sarmas, the mămagliga with cheese and sour cream, the mitite and the papanais for dessert.

Parliament Palace, Old Centre, Village Museum, Cismigiu Garden, National Art Museum of Romania.

Respect for local history and culture is essential. Bucharesters appreciate politeness and a friendly attitude.

English is widely spoken among young people and in tourist areas. Basic knowledge of French can also be useful.

For EU citizens and those from many other countries, no visa is required to enter Romania.

There are no specific health risks or mandatory vaccinations for visitors to most countries, but it is recommended that you check the latest travel advice from your country.

No special vaccinations are required, but check standard travel recommendations.

Bucharest is a safe city for tourists, but, as in any big city, standard caution is recommended: be careful with personal belongings and avoid sparsely populated areas at night.

There are numerous online reviews on platforms such as TripAdvisor, Google Reviews and Lonely Planet.

This itinerary is self-guided. For guided tours, you can check reputable local operators on review sites.

As a self-guided tour, you have the flexibility to tailor it to your liking, choosing which attractions to visit and when.

What's Nearby

Muntenia
Cernica (26km)
Manastirea cernica
Comana (40km)
Parcul de aventura Comana
Giurgiu (65km)
Dunărea, Podul prieteniei
Snagov (42km)
Padurea Snagov, Manastirea Snagov
Ploiesti (65km)
Ploiești este municipiul de reședință al județului Prahova, Muntenia, România.
(m)
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07/02/2024 22:56
Très bien

imi place tabelul cu preturi smr

07/02/2024 22:48
I like it vey muci

Foarte frumi

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