Bucharest Solo Travel: 1, 2 and 3-Day Bucharest Itinerary

If you are wondering what to do in Bucharest and if the city is safe for solo travellers, then you have come to the right place. The capital city of Romania is the cultural, financial and industrial centre of the country. The city has a mix of culture and architectural styles that earned it the nickname “Paris of the East.”

Initially, I wasn’t sure if Bucharest was a good destination for solo travellers. But after spending a few weeks in the capital city, I highly recommend this eclectic city to any independent travellers looking for something off the beaten path in Europe.

In this post, I will show you all the best things to do in Bucharest with my detailed itinerary. Whether you are spending one, two or three days in Bucharest, you can follow each of my Bucharest itineraries and see all the most unique things in and around the capital city of Romania.

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Is Bucharest Safe for Solo Female Travellers

Generally speaking, Bucharest is safe for female solo travellers. Violent crime is rare. Pickpocketing could be a concern around busy and major touristy area but generally, not a huge issue.

I spent almost month in Bucharest and stayed at multiple places in different parts of the city. I felt safe throughout the day and at night (although I don’t go out very late but would walk around in the evenings).

My experience in Romania was fantastic. Romanians are some of the friendliest people I’ve ever met. And they were super helpful with directions and even paid for my bus fare when I didn’t have cash.

Solo Travel Safety Tips in Bucharest

Even though Bucharest is a pretty safe city, I still recommend practicing regular travel safety precautions. Here are some safety travel tips to keep in mind while in travelling alone in Bucharest:

• Be aware of your belongings (bags, mobile phone, etc), especially in a crowded area.
• Avoid taxi scams (especially at night) and walk or take the metro instead.
• Don’t wear flashy jewellery (necklaces, bracelets, etc) to attract unwanted attention.
• Leave your passport, (large sums of) money and other valuables at your hotel.
• Avoid poorly lit alleys at night in the Old Town and surrounding areas.
• Book your accommodation in central areas. Use Google Maps to see the street view and see the surroundings.

How to get to Bucharest Romania

Plane

Henri Coandă International Airport (OTP) is 16.5km north of Bucharest Old Town. Many domestic and international flights in and out of OTP.

There are several ways to travel from the airport to the city centre. Take Express Bus 100 to Piata Unirii in Old Town (40 minutes; 24 hours a day; 3 lei) or take the Henri Coanda Express train to Bucharest North Railway Station (20 minutes; 24 hours a day; 6 lei).

Train

Gara de Nord (Bucharest North Railway Station) is the largest train station in the city. It connects Bucharest to many other cities in Romania, like Brasov, Sighisoara, Sibiu, Constanta and more.

To get to the city centre, the best way is to take Bucharest Metro, which is located at the north railway station. A subway ticket costs 5 lei. Purchase a ticket from a machine or the customer service desk.

How to get around Bucharest on your own

Walk

Walking is the best way to see Bucharest, as the city is very pedestrian-friendly. I planned the entire 1-day Bucharest itinerary around attractions you can comfortably walk to.

Bus, Trams, & Trolleybus

Societatea de Transport București (STB) is the public transportation operator in Bucharest. It includes trolleybuses, trams, and buses.

For Day 2 of my Bucharest itinerary, I suggest getting a 24-hour pass to visit all the Bucharest attractions. It costs 8 lei for all surface transport (i.e. buses and trams). Purchase the ticket from the STB kiosks next to a major bus or tram stop. Make sure to validate your ticket when you board the bus or tram.

Where to stay in Bucharest for Solo Travellers

If you are in Bucharest for only a few days, consider staying somewhere central so you can walk everywhere. Stay either in the Old Town, along Calea Victoriei or Piata Romana (just north of Old Town).

I stayed at an Airbnb apartment for a week and it was the perfect stay. If I didn’t stay there, I would stay at one of these hotels:

• Apartment on Calea Victoriei – book the 1-bedroom apartment on Calea Victoriei right next to the Old Town. Beautifully decorated, and the apartment even has a balcony. Check prices & reviews on Airbnb
• Moxy Bucharest Old Town – get a modern room at this 3.5-star contemporary hotel in the middle of Old Town. I stayed at the Moxy in Lisbon and loved it! You can also earn Marriott Bonvoy points. Check prices & reviews on Agoda and Booking
• The Marmorosch Bucharest – stay in a luxurious room at this 5-star hotel in Old Town and earn Marriott Bonvoy points. The hotel has a fantastic cocktail bar, indoor swimming pool and spa. Check prices & reviews on Agoda and Booking

How many days in Bucharest for first-time travellers

If you are wondering how many days to spend in Bucharest, check out my summary below. You can technically see all the best highlights in one day, but I suggest staying an extra day or two to see more of Bucharest and the surrounding area.

If you are only in Bucharest for one day, follow the 1 Day in Bucharest itinerary.

And if you are in the capital city for two days, follow the itinerary for the first two days.

And finally, if you spend three days in Bucharest, follow all three itineraries.

Here is a quick summary (click on the hyperlink and it’ll take you directly to the specific section):

1 Day in Bucharest

1. Palace of the Parliament
2. Bucharest free walking tour
3. Bucharest Old Town
4. Calea Victoriei and Piata Romana
5. Traditional Romanian cuisine at Caru’cu Bere
6. Bucharest Fountain
7. Bucharest nightlife

2 Days in Bucharest

1. Flea Market: Bazarul cu Amintiri – Targul Valea Cascadelor or Vitan Flea Market
2. Obor Market
3. King Mihai I Park
4. Museums in Bucharest
5. Romanian feast at Hanu’ lui Manuc Restaurant

3 Days in Bucharest

1. Day trip to Transylvania: Peles Castle, Bran Castle and Brasov

Bucharest Itinerary: 1, 2 and 3-Day

There are many interesting things to see in Bucharest but they are spread throughout different parts of the city.

Below are the three Bucharest itineraries for one, two and three days in the capital city.

What to see in Bucharest in 1 Day

If you only have one day in Bucharest, follow the itinerary for 1 Day in Bucharest to see all the best places to visit in the capital city.

1. Palatul Parlamentului (Palace of the Parliament)

Anyone visiting Bucharest will want to see Palatul Parlamentului (Palace of the Parliament) due to its impressive physical characteristics.

The Nicolae Ceausescu, the late dictator during the communist era, instructed the construction of the Parliament building. It was built between 1984 and 1997 in a mix of Socialist realism, modernism and Neoclassical style.

The building is over 365,000 sqm and has a volume of 2,550,000 cubic meters. Moreover, it is the heaviest building in the world! It weighs about 4,098,500 kilograms. And it is the second largest administrative building in the world (after the US Pentagon).

As for the interior, there are several chambers for the Parliament of Romania, three museums and a conference centre. But about 70% of the building is empty.

It might be neat to see the inside of this enormous building. And you can tour inside the Parliament building if you are interested. But the only available times are at 1 & 3 pm.

Consider taking a few photographs in front of the Parliament building. Also, you can check out the manicured lawns and fountains on Bulevardul Unirii directly in front of the Parliament building.

Address: Strada Izvor 2-4, București | Hours: tours by appointment only (at 1 & 3pm)

2. Bucharest Free Walking Tour

If this is your first time visiting Bucharest, I highly recommend joining a free walking tour around the Old Town. This is an excellent introduction to the city, where an experienced local guide can show you around. And he also has a ton of interesting stories.

There are free walking tours every day at 10:30am. It takes about 2.5 hours to visit these attractions in Bucharest Old Town:

• Palatul Voievodal Curtea Veche (Curtea Veche Palace) – Vlad III Dracula’s palace, but only ruins are left.
• Mănăstirea Stavropoleos (Stavropoleos Church) – an Eastern Orthodox church in Brancovenesc style from the early 18th century.
• Calea Victoriei (Victoria Street) – a major avenue in Bucharest.
• Pasajul Macca-Vilacrosse (Macca-Vilacrosse Passage) – a passage covered with yellow glass with a Paris vibe.
• Strada Lipscani (Lipscani Street) – a street in Old Town Bucharest.
• Biserica Sfântul Nicolae fostă Rusă (St. Nicholas Church) – Russian Orthodox church with seven ornate onion domes.
• Hanul lui Manuc (Manuc’s Inn) – the oldest functioning hotel in Bucharest.

Book a free walking tour a day (or a few days) in advance to secure your spot on the informative tour.

Even though the tour is free, tips are very much appreciated so the tour company can continue running these free tours for tourists.

3. Bucharest Old Town

Bucharest Old Town is one of the best areas to wander around. The cobbled stone streets are full of cafes, restaurants, souvenir shops, churches, Neoclassical buildings, and so much more.

Besides all the places you already visited during the free walking tour, don’t miss these attractions:

• Cărturești Carusel – the flagship bookstore in a 19th-century building, and has a super Instagrammable interior
• Pasajul Victoriei (Victoria Passage) – the umbrella street in Old Town.
• Strada Hanul cu Tei – an interesting alley with art studios and boutique shops.
• Muzeul Micul Paris (Little Paris Museum) – go back in time and see Bucharest’s golden age.

And it might be a good time and spot for a quick lunch. Here are some suggestions for places to eat in Old Town Bucharest:

• Taverna Covaci– a traditional Romanian restaurant in the middle of Old Town.
• Bodega La Mahala – a quaint restaurant at the end of the narrow alley.
• Lacrimi și Sfinți – a cute restaurant with funny names for each dish.
• Scovergaria Micai – try savoury or sweet scovergă and crepes in this local cafe.

4. Calea Victoriei and Piata Romana

Next, walk up Calea Victoriei, a central avenue in Bucharest. The long road has a few attractions and will lead you to Piata Romana, a pedestrian-friendly area with a great vibe.

Here are some things to look for:

Calea Victoriei

• Ateneul Român (Romanian Athenaeum) – Neoclassical concert hall hosting the George Enescu Philharmonic Orchestra.
• Piața Revoluției – Monument of Rebirth and the monument of Iuliu Maniu.
• Kretzulescu Church – Eastern Orthodox Church.
• Romanian National Museum of Art – across from the Equestrian Statue of Carol I.
• Cafes and bars on Calea Victoriei between Strada George Enescu and Strada Biserica Amzei.

Piața Română

• Cărturești Verona – an eclectic bookstore (same chain as Cărturești Carusel).
• Graffiti Urban – many street murals on Strada Pictor Arthur Verona between Strada Pitar Mos and Strada Dionisie Lupu.
• Cafes and restaurants on Strada Piata Amzei and Strada Nicolae Golescu.

5. Traditional Romanian cuisine at Caru’cu Bere

For your first day in Bucharest, you must have traditional Romanian food at Bucharest’s oldest brewery, Caru’cu Bere.

Set in a Neo-Gothic building, the famous restaurant has been around for over 130 years and is the symbol of the Old Town.

Sit outside in the alfresco dining area, where you can people-watch. Or sit inside and maybe even catch a performance. It would be especially nice if you could get a table on the second-floor balcony overlooking the entire restaurant.

I enjoyed the Moldavian stew, but there is plenty of traditional Romanian food on the menu. Make sure to order their draught beer (the restaurant means “beer cart”).

Address: Strada Stavropoleos 5, București | Hours: 10am-12am

6. Bucharest Fountain

If you are in Bucharest between June and October, you might want to catch a water show on the weekend at the Fontänen von Bukarest (Bucharest Fountain).

The large fountains at Parcul Unirii have 44 independent fountains spanning over 1.4km, which made the Guinness World Record for the longest choreographed fountain system in the world. And it is the first smart fountain in Europe.

During the 45-minute performance, the multimedia fountain show with synchronized water jets, lights, and music will wow all your senses. Plus, it has 3D projects on the water as well.

I’m disappointed that I missed a spectacular show. But seeing the fountain during the day ain’t bad either.

Address: Piața Unirii, București | Hours: Every Friday, Saturday, and Sunday at 9:30pm in June & July; 9pm in August; 8pm in September to the beginning of October

7. Bucharest Nightlife

If you think Bucharest Old Town is incredible during the day, you’ll have to go back at night and see how the small cobblestone streets come alive.

Many people visit the city just to indulge in a bit of partying because the Bucharest nightlife scene is one of the best in Europe. Many bars and clubs open late and some even stay open until the sun comes up.

As a solo traveller, I’m not a big fan of staying out late. But I enjoyed walking around Bucharest Old Town at night ,even just to soak up a bit of excitement. It is safe to walk around even on your own.

2 Days in Bucharest: other unique things to see in Bucharest

If you are spending two days in Bucharest, follow the itinerary for the 1 day in Bucharest.

Then, on the second day, explore other unique things to do in Bucharest, as outlined below. I highly recommend getting a 24-hour pass (8 lei) for all the surface transportation during your second day in Bucharest.

1. Flea Market: Bazarul cu Amintiri – Targul Valea Cascadelor or Vitan Flea Market

For day two in Bucharest, start bright and early and visit one of the two flea markets in Bucharest. You can only visit one of them as they are located at opposite ends of the city.

Bazarul cu Amintiri – Târgul Valea Cascadelor

Bazarul cu Amintiri – Targul Valea Cascadelor is a big flea market on the west end of Bucharest. The outdoor market spans over 5,000 sqm and features more than 500 sellers offering a wide range of products.

Many vendors sell vintage items like furniture and home decor. There are also secondhand clothing, jewellery and other fun retro trinkets.

Another part of the market is filled with old electronics and a wide range of items typically found in a hardware store. I even saw people rolling around a few car tires.

A handful of stalls sell food and drinks, so if shopping for bargains makes you hungry, you’re in luck.

Târgul Vitan-Barzesti (Vitan Flea Market)

At the southeast corner of the city, you will find Bucharest’s largest market, called Târgul Vitan-Barzesti (Vitan Flea Market).

Over 5,000 sellers set up their stations every Sunday and sell stuff like vintage objects, antiques, Romanian souvenirs, and more. Plus, I’m pretty sure there are some genuine objects from the socialist era that you can find here.

Bazarul cu Amintiri – Targul Valea Cascadelor Address: Bd. Timișoara 111, București | Hours: 5:30am-1:30pm Thursday; 6am-2pm Saturday and Sunday | Admission: 3 lei

Vitan Flea Market Address: Splaiul Unirii 450, București | Hours: 8:30am-6pm Sunday | Admission: 3.5 lei

2. Piata Obor (Obor Market)

Next, visit Piata Obor (Obor Market). The market has been around for more than 300 years, making it the oldest (and biggest) market in Bucharest. Locals come here frequently to shop because of the food’s freshness and the excellent prices.

The market consists of a three-storey indoor and outdoor area with many vendors under tents or around the major corridors.

The indoor market has vendors selling fresh produce on the ground floor, meat and other produce on the second and homeware on the third. And the outdoor area has vendors selling housewares and even cooked food.

Speaking of cooked food, you have to try gogosi (fried sweet pastry) at one of the food stalls. There are plain ones or ones stuffed with chocolate or cheese.

And you have to try the famous mici (Romanian grilled sausages) at Teresa Obor. The queue can be long, but it is worth the wait. Order as many mici as you like, along with bread and ask for lots of mustard.

Address: Strada Ziduri Moși 4, București | Hours: 7am-7pm Monday to Friday; 7am-4pm Saturdays & Sundays

3. Parcul Herăstrău (King Mihai I Park)

Located at the north end of the city, Parcul Herăstrău, also known as King Mihai I Park, is the largest and most popular park in Bucharest. There are over 187 hectares of green space around Lake Herastrau, where you can find dozens of walking and cycling paths and many activities.

You can easily spend a whole day in Herastrau Park, but since you are on a tight 2-day Bucharest itinerary, check out some of these highlights in the park:

• Arcul de Triumf (Arch of Triumph) – the 27m tall monument commemorating Romania’s participation in WWI. It was remodelled after the Arc de Triomphe in Paris.
• Dimitrie Gusti National Village Museum or Muzeul Satului (Village Museum) – a cultural museum with over 360 monuments and objects that depict the traditional life of the citizens of Romania.
• The Japanese Garden – see cherry blossoms in full bloom during springtime
• Have lunch at one of the restaurants around Herastrau Lake, like Taverna Racilor Herăstrău, an excellent seafood restaurant or have a picnic on Insula Trandafirilor

Address: Şoseaua Pavel D. Kiseleff 32, București  | Hours: 10am-8pm

4. Museums in Bucharest

Even if you spend all 3 days in Bucharest, you still wouldn’t be able to see all the museums in the city. There are over 60 museums in Bucharest! It’s so crazy!

This means you will have to pick and choose the ones you want to see. I’m only listing the unique and interesting museums you can’t find anywhere else. So, depending on your timing, you may be able to see one or two of these:

• Primaverii Palace (House of Ceauşescu) – see the inside of the 80-room private residence of the late dictator during the communist era, Nicolae Ceauşescu.
• Muzeul de Artă Recentă (MARe) – a private art museum displaying the most representative Romanian artworks from the 1960s to the present.
• Muzeul Național de Artă (Romanian National Museum of Art) – besides European and Oriental art, the museum also has an extensive collection of Romanian medieval and modern art.
• Muzeul National de Istorie a României (National Museum of Romanian History) – over 60 exhibition rooms displaying items such as Romanian historical artifacts.

5. Romanian feast at Hanu’ lui Manuc Restaurant

Hanul lui Manuc (Manuc’s Inn) is the oldest operating hotel in Bucharest. It was built in 1808 as a caravanserai (an inn with a courtyard for merchants to exchange goods and for travellers to interact).

Throughout the years, the inn underwent numerous restorations, but its basic structure remains relatively unchanged.

Today, the three-storey inn has several stores, a coffee house, several bars and an excellent restaurant serving the best Romanian food in Bucharest.

So to finish your second day in Bucharest, enjoy a delicious dinner at Hanu’lui Manuc Restaurant. Try the Romanian platter if you are super hungry, or opt for the sarmale (cabbage roll).

And depending on the timing, you might even catch the live music and do a bit of dancing.

Address: Str. Franceză 62-64, București | Hours: 10-12am

3 Days in Bucharest: places to see outside of Bucharest

If you spend 3 days in Bucharest, follow the itineraries for the first two days.

Then on the third day, take a day trip to see Transylvania. On the day tour, you’ll see Peles Castle, Bran Castle and Brasov.

Day trip to Transylvania: Peles Castle, Bran Castle and Brasov

There is a perfectly organized day trip for solo travellers to tour around Transylvania, see Peles Castle and Bran Castle, and get a glimpse of Brasov. During the tour, you can see the following:

1. Peles Castle – stop in a small town called Sinaia first, then visit the Neo-Renaissance castle in the Carpathian Mountains.
2. Bran Castle – see the famous Dracula’s Castle in Bran and learn more about the story of Vlad the Impaler, which inspired Bram Stoker’s novel, Dracula.
3. Brasov – roam around the Old Town in the medieval town with a guided tour.

The organized tour includes transportation from Bucharest and a tour guide but doesn’t include any castle admissions. But the cost and organization of the transport are worth spending.

It is possible to do a day trip independently, but you’ll have to sort out all the transportation details. Even though I enjoy independent day trips, I highly recommend this tour if you want to take a day trip to Transylvania.

Bucharest itinerary: which one are you going to follow?

Before my trip to Romania, I didn’t know much about Bucharest and wasn’t sure if it was a good destination for solo travel. But after spending a few weeks in Bucharest, I enjoyed many parts of Bucharest and found the city safe for solo travellers.

So I hope you will take a solo trip to Bucharest too. The city has so much to offer, and the food is exceptional. You can also venture out and explore other cities like Brasov, Sighisoara and Sibiu (some of my favourite small towns in Transylvania).

And if you have any other questions, leave a comment below.

Ready to plan your trip to Romania? Here are some of my go-to travel planning resources:
* Book your flight: find flight deals on Skyscanner 
* Book accommodation: find the best accommodations in Romania on Agoda or Booking
* Buy insurance: Safetywing is my go-to provider for travel insurance, as it covers many things. I will never travel without the Nomad Insurance Package because it protects me against unforeseen events. Get a quote today.
* Order a SIM card: order a SIM card in advance and set up your mobile phone before arriving at your destination.
* Join tours: check Get Your Guide and Klook for the best tours around Romania.

Thank you for reading my solo Bucharest itinerary

For more travel inspiration, check out my Romania page for posts on solo travel in Romania. Here are some recommended posts:

Romania posts:

• Romania 10-day itinerary for first-time travellers
• 25 Best Bucharest food: What and where to eat in Bucharest
• Best things to do in Brasov in one day
• Things to do in Sighisoara Romania: 1-day itinerary
• One day in Sibiu: top things to do
• How to spend one day in Constanta Romania

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queenie mak

Hi, my name is Queenie, and I’ve been a solo traveller for 20+ years and currently based in Hong Kong. Follow me on my adventures through Instagram and my blog!