The Romanian capital, with its picturesque streets, captivating tourist attractions and rich culture, draws thousands of visitors each year.
Bucharest, often dubbed as “little Paris”, is a mere hop and skip from the UK, tempting travellers with its bewitching blend of storied streets and modern-day allure.
Known for being steeped in history and culture, Romania’s capital lures in the crowds with its charm and character.
The nickname “Little Paris” goes way back, testimony to the undeniable French touch evident in its stunning architecture and cultural scene.
The present-day city is an alluring mix of historical and contemporary, drawing visitors to its iconic sites, lively bars, quaint cafes, and inviting restaurants. Beyond its enchanting beauty, Bucharest bears marks of a tumultuous past, having once been the stomping grounds of Vlad the Impaleryes, the real-life Dracula that haunted Bram Stoker’s tales.
With its old-quarter cobblestone charm and landmarks like the Stavropoleos Monastery or Cismigiu Garden, there’s no shortage of wonders to wander.
For those looking to jet off from the UK, direct flights to this enchanting destination clock in at roughly three hours, and wallet-wise you’re looking at starting prices of about £135 from London and £220 from Manchester, as flagged by Skyscanner when last checked, reports the Express.
What’s on offer in Bucharest
Echoing through the travel grapevine, courtesy of the Liverpool Echo, it’s clear Bucharest isn’t short on sights and experiences. Most journeyers make their way first to the Old Town, a scenic sprawl flaunting neoclassical and neo-baroque architectural finery.
The heart of the area pulses with life thanks to its sprawling terraces, a cornucopia of eateries, bustling boutiques, and a spattering of churches. It’s easy to see why the 18th-century Stavropoleos Monastery tops Tripadvisor’s list of must-sees in Bucharest.
Former visitor Tom J waxed lyrical on Tripadvisor about the monastery, calling it a “little gem” in Bucharest’s Old Town. He gushed: “One of Bucharest’s oldest, it is amazing just how peaceful and quiet it is given its location. We visited late in the afternoon and there were no other visitors at the time so it felt a lot more personal which was nice. It’s not a large place by any means but instead a small stop on a busy day.”
Bucharest boasts some truly stunning religious sites, with the Romanian Athenaeum standing proud as the so-called Romanian Temple of Arts. Culture vultures can delve into the history of its concert hall, which has been delighting audiences since 1888.
Snap-happy tourists won’t want to miss the Downtown fountains at Unirii Square, offering picture-perfect moments both day and night.
And for a slice of tranquillity, the man-made Lake Cismigiu in the city’s oldest park, Cismigiu Park, beckons with its rose and French gardens.
Is Bucharest affordable?
Echoing the sentiments of many, Liam Thorp, political editor at Liverpool Echo, once sang Bucharest’s praises for its “affordability”.
He enthused: “Bucharest is the ideal city break on a budget. It is a fascinating place packed with interesting history, cultural intrigue and a cracking nightlife. The city, like the wider country of Romania, is a melting pot of influences from the Romans to the Austro-Hungarian Empire.
“We spent our days visiting incredible landmarks like the vast Palace of Parliament, the Village Museum of traditional Romanian houses and the remarkable former private residence of Romanian leader Nicolae Ceausescu.
“The city’s Botanical Gardens are a lovely place to spend a few hours, particularly if the weather is kind to you. By night, we spent most of our time in the bustling bars and restaurants of Bucharest’s Old Town.
“The area is buzzing with cool places to eat and drink, connected by beautiful cobbled streets and surrounded by more striking architecture. One of the biggest plus points of this enchanting and curious city is its affordability.
“You can venture out for a few beers and a tasty Romanian meal without breaking the bank. With cheap flights and reasonable accommodation prices to boot, you should absolutely consider making Bucharest your next city break destination.”
If you’re looking for a city to grab an affordable meal, a bottle of wine and a pint of beer, then Bucharest won’t set you back much, according to the cost of living aggregator Numbeo. The site claims a three-course meal for two, at a mid-range restaurant, will set you back approximately £43.
Meanwhile, a bottle of wine will set you back around £5 and a pint of local beer around £2.34. Comparatively, a pint of beer will set you back, on average, £4.21 in the UK.
