Old Town is the historic center of Bucharest, known for its charming narrow streets, colorful buildings, and diverse architectural styles. You can admire Stavropoleos Church, visit the National Museum of Romanian History, and grab some traditional Romanian food at Caru' cu Bere, one of the oldest and most popular restaurants in town.
Start your day at the Palace of the Parliament, the second largest administrative building in the world after the Pentagon. Take a guided tour to discover its impressive decorations, luxurious interiors, and fascinating history. Afterward, head to Herastrau Park, the largest park in the city, where you can stroll around the lake, rent a bike or a boat, and relax in nature.
The Village Museum is an open-air museum that showcases traditional Romanian village life, architecture, and crafts. You can walk around the houses, churches, and workshops, admire the collections, and learn about the customs and rituals. Then, continue to Cotroceni Palace, the official residence of the President of Romania, which also houses a museum and a lush botanical garden. Don't miss the exquisite art and furniture collections.
To get around Bucharest, you can use the metro, the bus, the tram, or a taxi. The metro is the fastest and cheapest option, with 4 lines and 51 stations covering the city. A single trip costs around £0.5, and a 24-hour pass costs around £2. The bus and tram network is extensive but slower, with frequent delays and crowded vehicles. A single trip costs around £0.5 as well. Taxis are plentiful but often unreliable and not metered, so it's better to negotiate and agree on a price beforehand. A trip from the airport to the city center costs around £15 and takes 30 minutes.
If you have more time, you can explore other neighborhoods like Cismigiu, Tineretului, or Floreasca, or visit other attractions like the National Art Museum, the Romanian Athenaeum, or the Peasant Museum. If you have less time, you can skip some of the sites in the itinerary or combine them in a different order. Keep in mind that some places may have limited opening hours on weekends or holidays, so it's better to check in advance and plan accordingly.
Bucharest has two main airports: Henri Coanda International Airport (OTP), located 18 km north of the city center, and Aurel Vlaicu International Airport (BBU), located 8 km north of the city center. OTP is the larger and busier airport, serving around 14 million passengers per year, and offering connections to major European cities, as well as some destinations in Asia and North America. BBU is smaller and mainly used for low-cost airlines and private jets. Both airports have public transportation options and taxi services, but OTP is better connected and more convenient.