Capital city, Romania
Bucharest
Romania's big, cheap capital with fast fibre, a lively café and club scene, good private clinics and easy flights. Chaotic traffic, tired Soviet-era blocks and winter grey are the trade-offs.
At a glance
- Safety4/5Safe with normal careDetails
- Monthly budget$1,370–2,000Comfortable, one person · lei6,500–9,500Details
- Value for money66/100Better value than 65% of places we coverDetails
- Best time to goMay–Jun, Sep–OctWarmest: Aug, 32°CDetails
- Air quality15 µg/m³PM2.5 annual average (2021) · ModerateDetails
- Internet276 MbpsFixed broadband, Romania medianDetails
- Tap waterYes, drinkableTreated and safe, though old building pipes affect taste; many people buy bottled water or use filters.Details
- LGBTQ+3/5Tolerant, but be discreetDetails
- Solo travel4/5English: widely spokenDetails
- Doctor's visit$42–95Private clinic, without insuranceDetails
- Getting aroundBoltWalkable centerDetails
- Cash or cardCards almost everywhereCards and contactless work almost everywhere.Details
Where to stay in Bucharest
Areas visitors base themselves in.
| Area | Good for |
|---|---|
| Old Town (Lipscani) | First-timers: bars, restaurants, walkable; loud on weekends |
| Universitate–Piața Romană | Central, metro access, cafés, good for short stays |
| Floreasca–Herăstrău | Nomads and expats: parks, coworking, upscale cafés |
| Cotroceni | Quiet, leafy streets near the Botanical Garden |
| Dorobanți | Residential, restaurants, calm long stays |
Apps that work in Bucharest
Ride-hailing
- Maps: Google Maps
- Messaging: WhatsApp
- CFR Călători: Train timetables and tickets
- Taxis: Use apps, not street taxis. If you must hail one, pick licensed cars with a visible tariff of about 3.5–4 RON per km.
Cash, cards and tipping
What to carry and how to pay. Money in Romania.
- Cards almost everywhere Cards and contactless work almost everywhere. Keep some lei for markets, small kiosks, tips and parking.
- Currency: Leu (RON). US$1 ≈ lei4.74 on 03 Oct 2026.
- ATMs: Use bank ATMs (BT, BCR, BRD, ING) rather than Euronet machines, and always decline the ATM's currency conversion.
- Tipping: About 10% in restaurants, left in cash or added on the card terminal. Round up taxis; not expected at counters.
- Paying by phone: Apple Pay and Google Pay are accepted almost everywhere; Revolut is widely used locally.
Before you go
Visa and entry
- Full Schengen member since January 2025: days here count toward the shared Schengen 90-in-180 limit.
- The EU Entry/Exit System takes fingerprints and a photo at your first Schengen entry; allow extra time at borders.
- ETIAS online authorisation (€20) for visa-exempt visitors is due to start in late 2026; check before you fly.
Emergency numbers
All emergencies 112
Plugs
Type C, F · 230 V, 50 Hz. Do I need an adapter?
SIM and eSIM
Prepaid SIMs from Orange, Vodafone or Digi shops and kiosks are cheap and include large data allowances. EU SIMs roam free here. eSIMs work for visitors.
More places in Romania
Going to Bucharest solo?
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Sources
Prices are SoloSquare estimates; climate, air, safety and visa figures come from the sources listed. Compiled and reviewed by SoloSquare. How we compile and score this. Spotted something out of date? Tell us.