We're mulling the possibility of going to Bucharest before our Prague/Budapest tour next May. Have any of you visited there? From what I have read, Ceausescu practically destroyed the old town. We're coming from Germany, so we could also visit places we haven't seen yet instead. Thank you.
Posted by
Republic of Texas / U.S.A. / Magyarország / Budapest
26753 posts
Yes, and no. Bucharest still has some wonderful and vibrant areas. Very easy and very convenient day or overnight trips can give you a lot more insight.
I love the guide I use, but I think the one TexasTravelMom used might be more appropriate for RS folks.
Posted by
near San Francisco
6489 posts
I spent a week in Bucharest last fall and loved it. I think it would make a great combination with Prague and Budapest, though Vienna makes some sense geographically, if backtracking from the path of the tour.
The Bucharest Old Town does not compare to Prague, though there are still many interesting buildings - including a restaurant in the courtyard of a building in the style of the old Karavanserei.
A lot will depend on what you like to do. I was pleasantly surprised by the art museums and folk art museums. The outdoor Village Museum is a nice day out. And you can visit the Ceaucescu House to see the splendor he lived in while locals told me they remember struggling to afford food. I took a food tour and a walking tour, both of which gave context to what we were seeing in town, including the reason for the striking juxtaposition of renovated and still-ruined buildings.
Posted by
Duluth, MN🌲
12498 posts
I also liked Bucharest a lot and spent about 6 nights there (in 2 separate increments). It's a bit gritty but with a great deal of charm. There are some really good restaurants there (I highly recommend Noua B.A.R.), good hotels and a lot of history. Yes, Ceausescu did a number on the city, but it's definitely not destroyed and is well worth seeing. There is some really lovely architecture there to see, and it's very walkable. I don't think you need a guide for it, but as CWSocial said, there are good walking tours of the city.
If you do visit Bucharest, you might consider also taking the train to Brasov, and enjoying a few nights there. The city is really lovely and has such a great vibe to it. It was one of my favorite places in Romania, and it's quick and easy to get to from Bucharest. It's also a good base to see Peles Castle and the Bear Sanctuary if you're so inclined.
You really can't go wrong anywhere. I loved Romania and would not hesitate to go back.