The main reason for our visit to Romania was the beautiful mountains and castles of Transylvania, but it was easier to fly to Bucharest from the UK. After reading mixed reviews of the city (generally hard to love at first sight, but worth the effort), we decided to spend 2 nights there and I’m glad we did. It’s a city that is constantly changing, in 10 or 20 years I get the feeling that it will have evolved quite a bit. With Turkish style neighbourhoods (or mahallas), lots of French architecture and some giant communist blocks, it’s a city where you aren’t quite sure what the next block will look like.
The palace of parliament is the second largest administrative building in the world after the pentagon, and its extremely ornate. A 45 minute tour takes you through the massive ballrooms, reception areas and stairs that were re built three times. You’ll need to bring your passport to visit and it’s worth checking ahead to see when tours are available.
Due to property disputes after the revolution, many gorgeous buildings are in disrepair, but they are slowly getting turned back into houses, cafes and art spaces with incredible style. Seriously, you’ll feel like you’re not hipster enough for these coffee shops.
The food and drink doesn’t disappoint either. The coffee shop scene is delicious and well designed. I felt like the least cool person in all these design and hipster spots!
The craft beer scene is on the up and up as well. Don’t miss Ground Zero (plenty served on draft at their restaurant Beauty Food) or Zaganu, another Bucharest Brewery with a cool brewpub. You can find plenty of Ground Zero beer and amazing food at Beauty Food-definitely worth a visit!
We took a guided tour through the market where we ate mici (skinless sausage) and lots of bread and cheese. The donuts are definitely worth trying as well…so good! We tried zacusca, a pepper and eggplant spread that was delicious. I wish I’d brought some home.
Though the traffic is insane and the city isn’t beautiful at first sight, Bucharest is definitely a place worth spending some time in.
Accommodations:
We stayed at Hotel Christina which was a short walk to lots of bars and restaurants and had a great breakfast spread.
Getting around:
We took an Uber from the airport and used taxis to get to far flung sites like the parliament building as they were very affordable.
Amanda Afield 
WE LOVED BUCHAREST!!! Although I’m terribly jealousyou got to go inside the Palace of Parliament! On the day we went, they weren’t doing tours 😦 #FarawayFiles
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That’s too bad-it was really impressive! (But I wasn’t 100% sure until we got there that we’d actually get in, the schedule seems a bit hit or miss). Bucharest is awesome though-glad you enjoyed!
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It’s fascinating to read this, Amanda. I really enjoy discovering the lesser visited parts of the world so Bucharest really appeals. That first photo looks so much like Paris, I had to look at it twice! Thanks for sharing on #FarawayFiles
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They wanted the city to look Parisian and even have their own version of the Champs-Élysées! It’s definitely worth a visit.
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I think that I should put this on my ‘to do’ list”!
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I hope you get a chance to visit- it’s a unique city!
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Bucharest is one of those places everyone seems to love. I really want to get there one day. The history there is so interesting and the buildings are beautiful! xx Maria
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I have yet to visit Bucharest, but it sounds fascinating and well worth a visit. It would be great if you get a chance to get back there in a few years and see the changes which have taken place. #farawayfiles
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It’s not the first place you’d think of to go but worth the trip! I’d like to explore more of Romania some day and wouldn’t mind going back.
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Sounds like a great time in a city of surprises! Glad you enjoyed it, Ananda. Romania is a place that has been on my list for a while, but currently not at the top,
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A city of surprises is a good way to describe it! I hope you make it there -it’s worth the trip!
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I loved Bucharest. I didn’t expect much and then every beautiful building impressed me even more. And in the city center there are so many cafes and restaurants it is hard to choose one.
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Same here-there was so much gorgeous architecture and the cafes were great!
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Have you been to the bookstore Carturesti Carusel? That was for me the highlight of brilliance there. ♡
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No! I didn’t know about it until after we left- a reason to go back I guess!
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Oh… :S I found it by pure luck few years ago. I wish to go back as well. Romania has so much to offer.
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I’ve never been to Bucharest but think there’s so much to be said for discovering under the radar places, especially when they’re ever changing. Glad you had a good experience! Thanks for linking up with #farawayfiles
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Agree with the others, it is nice to get more feedback on the lesser-known (to me!) places. That coffee shop is something else, I love it! I hope to visit Bucharest and Romania one day. #FarawayFiles
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Sounds a bit like Bratislava too which isn’t as pretty on the eye but I loved and think is a bit underrated. I’ll have to make sure to visit Bucharest!
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