The charming European city of Bucharest, often referred to as “little Paris“, is just a short flight away from the UK. The Romanian capital, with its picturesque streets, captivating tourist attractions and rich culture, draws thousands of visitors each year.
Bucharest earned its nickname “Little Paris” generations ago due to the French influence on its architecture and culture.
Today, it presents a harmonious blend of old and new, attracting tourists to its landmarks, bars, cafes and restaurants.
The city, once home to the notorious Vlad the Impaler – the inspiration for Bram Stoker’s Dracula – has a long and fascinating history. From the Old Town to the Stavropoleos Monastery and the man-made Lake Cismigiu, there’s plenty to explore.
The beautiful city is around three hours from the UK with direct return flights costing around £135 from London and £220 from Manchester, according to Skyscanner at the time of writing.
Bucharest attractions
Bucharest offers a plethora of sights and activities, reports the Liverpool Echo. A popular first stop for many is the city’s Old Town, adorned with neoclassical and neo-baroque style buildings.
Here, you’ll also discover floor terraces, along with numerous cafes, restaurants, shops and churches. The top-rated attraction in Bucharest on Tripadvisor is the Stavropoleos Monastery, built in the 1700s – and it’s easy to see why.
Former visitor Tom J said on Tripadvisor that the monastery is a “little gem” nestled away in the city’s Old Town. He added: “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.”
The city is home to some of the most breathtaking religious monuments, including the Romanian Athenaeum, often referred to as the Romanian Temple of Arts. Visitors can explore its concert hall, which has been open since 1888, and soak up its rich history.
For those looking for a perfect photo opportunity, the Downtown fountains in Unirii Square are a must-visit, whether during the day or at night.
Another highlight is the artificial Lake Cismigiu, located in Bucharest’s oldest park, Cismigiu Park, which also features a rose and French garden.
Is Bucharest affordable?
Liam Thorp, political editor at Liverpool Echo, previously visited Bucharest and praised the city for its “affordability”.
He said: “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, brings together a smorgasbord 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.