Bucharest, Romania

I didn't feel at all unsafe in Bucharest, where I spent less than 24 hours in 2015. It has its points of interest but there are many, many more attractive destinations in Romania as far as I'm concerned. Among his failings, Ceausescu entertained himself by pulling down a great deal of the historic architecture in Bucharest.

I spent my time in search of the scattered early 20th century buildings of interest. I suspect that with more than one day, a visitor might be better served by digging into the communist era, assuming an interest in that historical period.

Bucharest is perhaps the only European city that has made me nervous, and I spent 13 happy years in Oakland, California. I've enjoyed traveling off the beaten path in Mexico. I have traveled independently extensively around central/eastern Europe. My point is that I don't think I'm a "wuss" when it comes to feeling uneasy and intimidated, but I did in Bucharest.

We used couchsurfing.org to stay with a local couple, both native to Bucharest, and they were lovely. They however cautioned us against taking taxis at all, and didn't particularly think we should bus around on our own (although we did by necessity).

The old city is by all accounts safe, interesting, and has some beautiful buildings, as does the area around the People's Palace that the previous poster outlines. However outside of that we encountered missing bus stops, busted up/no sidewalk for blocks, packs of roaming street dogs, etc. At the train station, waiting for an overnight train, we saw an old man get shaken down by two of the private security thugs that operate there, and my husband was forced to double pay for a toilet which seems like a small thing but when you have a person you JUST gave money to 1 minute earlier yelling at you and insisting you didn't pay the first time, it's unnerving. I personally know two people traveled there for business, and one was mugged at knifepoint just outside the old city, and another was forced to pay significantly more for a taxi ride than he should have, in a somewhat threatening manner by the driver after he first refused. Neither of them are Americans and both are seasoned travelers as well.

This was 2012. Perhaps things have improved since then. We really enjoyed Transylvania and felt perfectly safe there, so it's nothing against Romania, just Bucharest specifically. It's the only European capital I've been do that I wouldn't return to for the reasons listed above.

If you decide to visit, book a transfer from the airport to your hotel online in advance from a reputable company, and stay within the old town/People's palace area.

Sarah's report from 2012 is pretty old. First, the "packs of roving dogs" are gone. We were there in 2015, and there are no dogs or cats. They were all rounded up and killed by the city after a pack of dogs killed a kid. When we were there, we saw extensive construction of sidewalks, etc. We found the city charming and fun. We stayed in a hostel perhaps 8 blocks (easy walk) from the old city, and were quite comfortable walking around in the late evening. We went to several touristic ethnic restaurants, and thouroughly enjoyed them. We look forward to another trip. By the time we return, we expect that Bucharest will be considerably modernized. We did run into a ton of US/English/Irish IT guys there. There is a high-tech scene. Another thing we really enjoyed was the ethnographic museum.

I have never been to Sarah's Bucharest, but i have been to Paul's Bucharest. Enjoyed it for the same reasons as Paul. I could easily spend a few days there and enjoy myself. This isn't a beautiful city like Budapest, although it does have some interesting monuments; but it is a fascinating city and if you travel for more than just eye candy you will most likely enjoy it. The only reason to cut a visit short is that there is so much to see and do in the rest of the country as well.

James is a great guide to any part of Europe East of Munchen (and possibly Munchen as well). My wife and I were just talking about going back to Bucharest, and the parts of Romania that we too missed. We visited the corridor from Bucharest to Budapest (there's a book title there). Many beautiful and interesting towns. The ONE thing about Bucharest that is annoying is the D word (for Dracula). The Romanians think that all the tourists are there for Dracula. If you can get beyond the silly Hollywood nonsense to the real person (V the I), there is a great story there. But I liked Bucharest - Cara cu Bere (the Beerwagon Restaurant), another local ethnic restaurant La Mama. The wine was good, and not expensive.

Sorry Paul, my total time in Romania amounts to a little more than a week. Not near long enough to know what I am talking about other than raw impressions. I enjoyed Romania a lot, but when i have had the opportunity for return trips 3 out of 4 times i got pulled in another direction. There is a pretty decent fly fishing region that we will return for in the next year or two.

We visited the corridor from Bucharest to Budapest (there's a book
title there).

You are correct and its called: "Between the Woods and the Water" by Patrick Leigh. Outstanding journal account of a man walking across Europe just prior to WWII. Its part two in a three part set: "A Time of Gifts", "Between the Woods and the Water", and "The Broken Road".

Yes, you can see Vlad's castle (that he may have never entered), Vlad's dungeons, Vlad's burial spot, Vlad's birth house, Vlad's ..... The sad thing is, these are all wonderful sites, just not for the Vlad thing.

I do know a good guide: Daniel at http://covinnus.com/reviews/ But my feelings are sort of hurt. I used to have my photo on his website and now its gone and there is a photo of the Ricky Steveeeeee guy..... :(

I spent 3 nights in Bucharest and there is a lot to see there.
Palace of Parliament is amazing, wandering around the old part of town and gawking at the gypsies . LOL
I was on a tour - but did wander around on my own during at least 1 day. I felt safe.
here is a pretty good link of things to do and see
10 things to see and do

Excellent. Thank you Frances. When we go fishing we will probably lay over a day or two in Bucharest.