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Bucharest

Bucharest is the capital and largest city of Romania, standing on the River Dâmbovița in south-eastern Romania. A major cultural, political, and economic hub, it serves as the country's seat of government and is home to a thriving arts and festival scene.

Quick facts

Population
—
Currency
Romanian leu (RON)
Language
Romanian
Timezone
EET (UTC+2)
Local time now
19:49:55

Hotels in Bucharest

Bucharest offers a range of accommodations to suit different travel styles and budgets. From established hotels like Grand Hotel Bucharest and K+K Hotel Elisabeta to modern options such as Z Executive Boutique Hotel and Bucharest Comfort Suites, visitors can find suitable lodging throughout the city. See all hotels →

Airports in Bucharest

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Car Hire in Bucharest

Bucharest offers a range of car hire options to suit different travel needs. Whether you're looking for major international brands like Sixt or local rental services such as AIC Rent a Car and Promotor Rent A Car, you'll find convenient options for exploring the city and surrounding regions. See all car hire →

Things to Do in Bucharest

Bucharest offers a diverse array of attractions for visitors to explore. From significant historical memorials like the Memorialul Eroilor Revoluției din Decembrie 1989 and Crucea Mineriadelor 1990-1991 to cultural landmarks such as Kilometrul 0 al Democrației, the city's attractions reflect its complex and compelling history. See all things to do →

Restaurants in Bucharest

Bucharest offers a diverse dining scene with restaurants ranging from fine dining establishments like Aria TNB and Silk Panoramic to contemporary venues such as Urban Dada. Whether you're seeking fresh seafood at Pescarul or international cuisine at Corso, the city's restaurant landscape caters to varied tastes and preferences. See all restaurants →

Aria TNB
77 m from centre
Corso
brasserie · 150 m from centre
Silk Panoramic
174 m from centre

Swimming Pools in Bucharest

Bucharest offers several swimming pools for residents and visitors, including Piscina Lido, Bazin de înot, Bazin Olimpic, Bonton, and Bazin de Înot Dante Aligheri. These facilities provide opportunities for swimming and water-based recreation throughout the city. See all swimming pools →

Piscina Lido
656 m from centre
Bazin de înot
3.3 km from centre
Bazin Olimpic
3.5 km from centre

Spas in Bucharest

We're still gathering spas listings for Bucharest — check back soon.

Nightlife in Bucharest

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Club Mono
130 m from centre
Night Club Pussy Cat
198 m from centre
El Comandante Junior
433 m from centre

Bars in Bucharest

Bucharest's bar scene offers diverse venues for every taste, from intimate cocktail spots to lively nightlife destinations. Discover establishments like Dianei Patru, Motiv, Underworld, Echoes Bar, and Legère that showcase the city's dynamic drinking culture. See all bars →

Dianei Patru
334 m from centre
Motiv
338 m from centre
Underworld
339 m from centre

Cafes in Bucharest

Bucharest offers a vibrant cafe culture with options ranging from independent coffee shops like So! Coffee and Le Petit Café to international chains such as Starbucks. Whether you're looking for a cozy local spot or familiar international coffee, the city has cafes to suit every taste. See all cafes →

So! Coffee
coffee_shop · 65 m from centre
Le Petit Café
coffee_shop · 134 m from centre
Starbucks
coffee_shop · 149 m from centre

Shopping in Bucharest

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Cocor
660 m from centre
Unirea Shopping Center
918 m from centre
Shaorma La Băiatu
kebab · 988 m from centre

Nature & Wildlife in Bucharest

Bucharest offers a variety of parks and gardens where visitors can enjoy nature within the city. Notable green spaces include Parcul Colţea, Părculeț Ion Mincu, Parcul Sfântul Gheorghe, Parcul Vasile Lascăr, and Grădina Ateneului, each providing peaceful retreats amid the urban landscape. See all nature & wildlife →

Parcul Colţea
103 m from centre
Părculeț Ion Mincu
247 m from centre
Parcul Sfântul Gheorghe
420 m from centre
Parcul Vasile Lascăr
676 m from centre
Grădina Ateneului
722 m from centre
Parcul Sala Palatului
792 m from centre

Climate snapshot

Bucharest experiences continental climate patterns typical of south-eastern Europe, with distinct seasonal variations throughout the year. Summers are generally warm, while winters can be cold, and the city sees moderate precipitation across all seasons.

Interesting Facts About Bucharest — Weird & Wonderful

  • Bucharest is the 9th most-populous city by population within city limits in the European Union, with over 1.7 million residents.
  • The city is an enclave completely surrounded by Ilfov County, making it administratively unique as a municipality with the same level as a national county.
  • In 2005, Bucharest was the first city in Southeastern Europe to host the international CowParade, featuring dozens of decorated cow sculptures placed across the city.
  • The George Enescu Festival, held at locations throughout the city every two years in September, attracts performances from prestigious ensembles and orchestras worldwide.
  • Since 2004, Bucharest has hosted the Bucharest International Film Festival, welcoming renowned directors and actors from European and world cinema.

Events & Festivals Not to Miss in Bucharest

May and June
International Opera Festival
Organised by the National Opera, this annual festival includes ensembles and orchestras from all over the world.
September, held in odd years
George Enescu Festival
Hosted by the Romanian Athaeneum Society at locations throughout the city, featuring prestigious musical performances.
February 2005
Chinese New Year's Eve Festival
The first officially organised Chinese festival in Bucharest, held in Nichita Stănescu Park and organised by Bucharest City Hall to celebrate the growing prominence of the Chinese community.
Bucharest International Film Festival
Established in 2004, this festival is widely acknowledged in Europe and has hosted famous directors and actors from world cinema.
Bucharest Biennale
Bucharest's contemporary art biennale, established in 2005.

Frequently Asked Questions About Bucharest

What is the official language spoken in Bucharest?

Romanian is the official language of Bucharest and Romania.

What currency is used in Bucharest?

The Romanian Leu (RON) is the official currency used in Bucharest.

How many people live in Bucharest?

Bucharest has a population of approximately 1.71 million residents within the city proper, with a greater metropolitan area of 2.33 million residents.

What region of Romania is Bucharest in?

Bucharest is located in south-eastern Romania and serves as the capital of the Muntenia region.

When is the best time to visit for festivals?

Most cultural festivals in Bucharest take place from June to August, though the International Opera Festival runs in May and June, and the George Enescu Festival is held in September in odd-numbered years.

How is Bucharest administratively organized?

Bucharest is administratively known as the Municipality of Bucharest and is subdivided into six sectors, each governed by a local mayor.

Map of Bucharest

View larger map · © OpenStreetMap contributors