A Digital Nomad Guide to Bucharest, Romania

Bucharest Visa

Romania is part of the EU, so entering is relatively simple for most nationalities; however, it is not part of the Schengen area. There are various visa options depending on your nationality, and it is always advised to check with your embassy before planning a trip. 

Make sure you know how long you can stay and what you need to prepare beforehand.

If you hold a passport from an EU country, you can enter visa-free; you just need to show that your passport is valid for three months from the entry date. You will be able to stay for 90 days, and you can work and have the same rights as you do back home in your EU country. This does not count towards your 90 days stay in the Schengen zone. After 90 days, you will need to register with immigration to obtain a residency card if you plan on staying for longer than 90 days.

Several countries also get visa-free entry into Romania for 90 days, including most countries in Europe, Australia, North, Central, and part of South America. If you plan to stay longer than 90 days and are not from the EU, you may need to obtain a category D visa for an extended stay. This is usually obtained from a Romanian embassy in another or your home country before your arrival. 

All other nationalities will need to obtain a visa from the Romanian embassy in your home country before your arrival. A complete list can be found at onlinevisa.com.

Culture and Food in Bucharest

Bucharest has a great selection of places to eat and boasts some of the best cuisines in Eastern Europe. Romanians have many traditional dishes; most are seasonal, but all tend to use rich and hearty ingredients. You will find some fantastic traditional restaurants in the old town and city center as well as some more modern fusion restaurants serving some of the best food in the country. 

Romania has hot, long summers but cold, harsh winters, so their food reflects the seasons. It is generally warming and full of fats and nutrients to get through the winters. Sarmale is the national dish that is eaten throughout the winter and on national holidays.

Some of the most common specialties in Romania to try are Sarmale which are cabbage rolls, mămăligă which is a polenta, Mici, Pomana Porcului, which is a pork specialty and Jumări, which are essentially pork rinds. As for deserts, you have to try Papanași and Cozonac. 

Traditional Romanian Cuisine

You will find lots of restaurants serving traditional Romanian cuisine in Bucharest. Some are better suited to tourists, some are more commonly visited by locals. One of my favorite restaurants to try local food is Caru cu Bere. It is located in the heart of the city, and it used to be where traders would bring goods to trade in the town. The food is very affordable, and they have great offers during the week. Sometimes they have 2 for 1 on beers and food offers such as a three-course meal for around $5 USD. Other traditional Romanian restaurants are Restaurant Hanu’ lui Manuc, Vatra Restaurant, Crama Domnească, Zexe and Bucatarasul cel Dibaci. 

Street Food

In the old town, there is an excellent selection of food on the go. There are the usual fast-food chains such as McDonald’s, but you will also find a great selection of alternative fast food. There are many small takeaway spots in the old town serving everything from kebabs to gyros and traditional pastries. You can eat here for around $5-10 USD.

Dietary Needs

Bucharest has a great selection of restaurants that cater to dietary needs. This means that if you have allergies or prefer to eat veggie, you won’t struggle for choice. Some of the best vegetarian restaurants are Sara Green, Aubergine Restaurant, Level Up, Sublimmme, and Rawyal Brunch & Cakes.

Bucharest Nightlife

Bucharest has a buzzing nightlife, with a great selection of bars, clubs, and night tours. There are many options, some better for a more relaxed evening and some for a night of partying with the locals. The old town is the heart of the nightlife, with bars, pubs, and clubs, so you will most likely end up going out here. 

Bars

Bucharest has a great selection of bars across the city, from rooftop bars to sports bars; it really has it all. The old town has more touristy places whereas the outer locations tend to cater to locals, but you will find a good selection in both areas. The best bars in Bucharest are The Pub, which has cheap drinks and often live music, Niște Domni și Fiii, Fire Club, and Abel’s Wine Bar.

Rooftop Bars

There are several rooftop bars in Bucharest, and some are better than others. Nomad Skybar is one of the most popular, which means it can be a little touristic. If you are looking for something a little more local, you should head to Linea; Closer to the moon. It has a huge terrace on top of Bucharest’s oldest and first department store called Victoria. Drinks are a little more expensive but are still good value when you consider the view. This is a popular spot for watching the sunset. 

Craft Beer

In recent years the beer scene in Bucharest has taken off, and you will find some fantastic places to sit and enjoy a craft beer or two. If you are looking for a casual bottle shop, then Beer O’clock is a great place to go as they have a great selection. Another place to check out is Csikisor, also located in the old town. This bar sells beer from a brewery located in Transylvania, so this is a great spot if you are looking to try some Romanian brews. 

Nightclubs

Due to the city’s buzzing nightlife, there are many nightclubs situated in and around the Old Town. The best places to go for dancing are Control Club, Hangover Club, Kristal Glam Club, and Beluga Music and Cocktails. Many will stay open until the early hours on the weekend, some staying open as late as 6 am.

Night Tours

There is a great selection of night walking tours in Bucharest. Some are food-based, others cultural, and some focus on admiring the historic buildings lit up in the evening light. Night tours can vary in price, but for example, a hip food-related tour will cost you around $60 USD. The best way to find alternative night tours is by using Airbnb as there are many locals who offer unique themed tours around their home city.

Things to do in Bucharest

Bucharest has something for everyone; whether you want a casual afternoon in the park or you want to learn from one of the many, you will find something to keep you entertained. Bucharest is popular in Romania as it is only a 3-hour drive to the black sea coast and just a 2-hour drive to the nearest ski resort so you can enjoy the best of both. 

• Walking tour

  The best way to learn about Bucharest is by taking a walking tour. There are many tour operators in Bucharest offering different historical walking tours around the old town. One of the most interesting is the communist walking tour as it gives a view into the communist ways and architecture in the city.

• Carol Park

  If you want a break from the bustling city, then you should visit one of Bucharest’s beautiful parks. One of the most famous is carol park, and it is named after King Carol I of Romania. The park has many features besides its flora and fauna, such as a mausoleum and many fountains.

• Palace of Parliament Building

  One of the most common things to see in Bucharest is the palace or parliament building. It is the heaviest building globally, weighing around 4,098,500,000 kilograms (9.04 billion pounds; 4.10 million tonnes). This is an impressive architectural building that is a must-see in Bucharest.

• Vacaresti Park Nature Reserve

  If you are looking for something a little different and escaping from the city, then the Vacaresti Park Nature Reserve is a great place to see. It was initially built as a water reserve but was never used. Since then, nature has taken the space back, and there has been a project created to turn the area into a wild nature reserve. The boardwalks take you through a peaceful wander amongst small ponds and reeds.

• T5 Social

  A friend of mine created this beautiful space, and it is such a zen place to hang out in the city. This comfortable teahouse is located in a residential area, in the gardens of what used to be Podstel Hostel. There is a cute canopy to sit under with a cup of well-brewed tea. This is a space to meet like-minded traveling individuals.

• Therme

  If you like water parks or spa days, then you need to visit Therme Bucharest. Located just a 30-minute drive from the city center is one of the largest water complexes in Europe, offering entertainment day and night. There are three zones in the water complex, each offering a different vibe. The waterslide and fun zone, the beach, offers a relaxing day at the beach feel and finally the spa zone. You can pay to enter some or all areas. I have been on multiple occasions, and I always buy the 4.5-hour long ticket for the three zones. It costs $27 USD and is enough time to enjoy each area.

• Wine Tour

  Romania has several wineries around the country, and they make for the perfect day out. They often vary in price depending on what you want to do, some include tastings, and some are just to visit and look around the winery. LacertA Winery is one of the most popular to visit from Bucharest, and there are many tour companies offering trips from Bucharest.

• Vulcanii Noroiosi

  Berca mud volcanoes are located in Vulcanii Noroiosi national park. This nature reserve is a natural wonder and a unique place to visit. The mud volcanoes are created by bubbling mounds of mud which makes for interesting photos. There is a visitor center, restaurant and some facilities located at the park. It is possible to drive yourself, but it isn’t recommended due to the road quality.

• Unirea Salt Mine

  Located a short drive from Bucharest is the famous Unirea salt mine. This is a popular tourist attraction, and there are many tour companies offering tours from Bucharest. The salt mine is believed to have healing qualities due to the salt in the air. There are attractions in the mine, such as recreational areas, with playground equipment. Entry cost varies depending on the type of tour you take. If you drive yourself, then the entry cost is around $6 USD.

• Black Sea Coast

  The Black Sea Coast is only a 2–3-hour drive from Bucharest, meaning you can have a beach day and still get back to the city for the evening. There are many popular posts to visit along the coastline, such as Vama Veche and Constanța.

• Dracula’s Castle

  Located near Brasov is the wonderful Bran castle, said to have inspired Dracula’s castle. It is possible to visit on an organized tour or to drive yourself to the area. Entrance costs around $11 USD, or pre-organized tours with transport can cost around $55 USD.

Best Time to Visit Bucharest

The weather in Bucharest varies dramatically depending on the time of year you visit. The summer months have lovely long evenings and warm temperatures, but the winter months can become very cold and have shorter days. Bucharest is located in the northern hemisphere of Eastern Europe, so the winter months tend to run from November through until March. 

The coldest month of the year is January when temperatures get as low as -1.5°C (29°F). Some parts of Romania experience snow, and it can become very cold, especially in the mountainous regions. 

The summer months tend to run from June/July through August, so if you want to spend a lot of time outside, these are the best months to visit Bucharest. The hottest month is July, with temperatures averaging around 21.5°C (71°F). The wettest month is June, with an average of 90mm of rain, so it is best to avoid this month if you don’t enjoy the rain.

Bucharest for Families

Bucharest is a great city for families as there are many facilitates right on the doorstep, and it has lots of entertainment that are child friendly. There is an excellent selection of places to stay, and you will find the best options using local websites such as OLX. Cotroceni is one of the best areas for families as it is a residential area in the city and is popular with young families. 

As for schooling, there are multiple international schools in Bucharest, and some of the best to check out are American International School of Bucharest, International School of Bucharest, and Cambridge School of Bucharest. There are also many options for daycares, and you will find that many local students are keen to au pair for foreign families, so this could be a great option for digital nomad families in Bucharest. Infrastructure in Bucharest is pretty good for families, with multiple English-speaking medical clinics and doctors. You may sometimes find that equipment is a little dated, and specific medical needs that may require specialist treatment may be challenging to treat in Bucharest. 

Finally, for entertainment, you have many things to enjoy as a family in Bucharest, from strolling in the parks to visiting museums. Some of the top-rated things to do with children are the Museum of Senses, Therme, Edenland Park, Orășelul copiilor theme park, Herăstrau park where you can rent a rowing boat, and The Natural History Museum.

Living in Bucharest

Bucharest Transportation

Bucharest has an excellent public transport network with many options for getting around the city. Below are some of the best options for getting around the city and getting out into the countryside. 

Metro

Bucharest’s metro is one of the most popular ways to get around the city. There are four lines running across the city from 5 am through until 11 pm. The metro is relatively new, with the first line opening in 1979; however, some stations can feel a little outdated. Despite this, the trains are very modern and efficient. The metro is also very affordable, with the cheapest ticket costing around 5 lei, $1 USD for two journeys. You can also purchase a ticket for the day, around 8 lei, and a weekly ticket costing around 25 lei. Tickets can be bought from all stations.

Buses and Trams

There are multiple bus and tram services across the city, and they form the most extensive public transport network in Bucharest. While they may sound convenient, it isn’t always beneficial to take the buses and trams. They are often overcrowded and often don’t stick to a timetable. Having said this, they are very affordable, so for a lower-end budget, it may be an excellent way for you to get around the city. Just be vigilant of pickpocketers as the buses are often a hotspot as they are crammed full. Both the buses and trams don’t operate at night. You will find most services begin around 4.30 am and stop around 11 pm or sometimes earlier. Two services run to the airport: the 780 bus from Gara de Nord and the 783 from Piata Unirii. To use the buses, you will need an Activ or Multiplu card. These can be purchased from the RATB kiosks located at major bus stops and train stations.

Train

While the Romania rail network is a little outdated, it can be a great way to get around. There are quite a few lines that run from Bucharest to various cities around Romania. Train timetables and tickets can be viewed and purchased online here cfrcalatori.ro. You can also buy tickets at the train station, but it is advised to buy them in advance. 

Taxi

There are many taxi options in Bucharest; there are local yellow cabs as well as taxi apps. The most common taxi apps are Uber, Bolt, and Taxify, but you will find that many other taxi app companies are starting to appear in the city. The average price to take a taxi is around 1.40 lei per kilometre, but it can vary. Using the taxi apps allows you to know a fixed price before you ride, which can be more beneficial than using the yellow taxis. Sometimes drivers may try to charge you more if they recognize you are foreign, so always agree on a price before taking a ride. An average ride from the Old Town to the airport should cost around 60 lei, around $15 USD.

Bicycle

A great way to get around the city is by bicycle and Bucharest is full of bicycle rental shops. L’Velo Urban is one of the best places to rent a bicycle as they have multiple stations across the city. It is essentially like London’s bike-sharing scheme or another city equivalent. They have been running for five years now and, as of 2021, have a total of 17 stations where you can collect and drop bicycles. They have a variety of options for using bikes, from yearly subscriptions to hourly rates. This is a very affordable way to get around the city and can also combine as exercise too. 

E-scooters

As well as bike shares, there are several electric scooter rentals across the city too. Lime and Bolt are both common in Bucharest, and you will find a lot located around the old town.

Fitness and Health

There are many ways to keep fit in Bucharest, and there is a wide variety of gyms, clubs, and fitness classes. You will find that most gyms are located away from the old town and further out the city, so you may have a commute to the gym. Here are some of the best ways to stay fit in Bucharest.

Gyms

There are many gyms across the city, all with a different vibe. Here are some of the best places to go that have a good selection of machinery.Stay Fit Gym Liberty is one of the best to go to as they have an extensive selection of machines and flexible passes, meaning you can pay for a day’s entry. Other good gyms are Phoenix Gym, Exclusive Fitness, Proud Fitness, and World-Class Bucharest. Rates vary depending on how long you want to sign up for, but most information can be found on the gym’s website. 

Fitness Classes

If you prefer fitness classes, then Bucharest is a great place to be located. There are multiple yoga studios and leisure centers offering a selection of classes. The best yoga centers are Yoga Hub, Nirvana Yoga, Sambhodi Meditation Yoga Massage Studio, and Abheda Yoga Academy. Single yoga classes tend to cost around $9-10 USD per session, and you can get great discounts if you book in bulk. For example, a group of 10 sessions will cost you around $82 USD.

Bucharest People

The people of Romania are passionate, hard-working, and very welcoming. Every time I have visited Romania, I have always had a wonderful time and have felt very at home. I am lucky enough to have many Romanian friends who have introduced me to their culture, love for good food, and beautiful country. 

Traditionally, Romania’s population was rural dwellers; however, this became less common since the communist era from 1947-1989. As industrialization became the norm, people moved to cities, which had a significant impact on the way of life in Romania. There are still small pockets of the country that follow this traditional way of life. The largest population is ethnic Romanians, and most descend from the Daco-Romans, who were the group formed from the native Dacians and the Roman colonists. However, due to Romania’s widespread industrialization and urbanization, culturally, it is more in line with the Western world. 

This impact has meant that Bucharest’s people are quite different from those who still live more of a rural lifestyle. The people of Bucharest are quite commonly bi-lingual or will even speak multiple languages fluently. They are often well-educated studying at the country’s best educational facilities, and many people in Bucharest will have business-type jobs. However, there is a significant tourism sector and creative side to Bucharest, attracting many young people. 

Although it may look like a beautiful up-and-coming city on the surface, a forgotten group of people often known as ‘The Lost Boys’ live below the city. This tragic tale shows the devastation that was caused to families during communist rule. Children were put into care homes and when the dictatorship collapsed, so did the public systems. Orphanages closed, meaning hundreds of children were forced to the streets of Bucharest. As a result, communities formed in the tunnels below the city, creating a new community, mainly consisting of the homeless of Bucharest. I have not come across any signs of this myself in Bucharest, as it appears to be well hidden. Although many are thriving in the city, many were hit hard due to the collapse of communism.

Romanians are very religious, with most of the population identifying as Eastern Orthodox Christian. The largest faith is Christianity, with around 81.9% of the people choosing to be part of the Orthodox church. Only approximately 6.4% of the population identify as Protestant Christians, and only 4.3% identify as Roman Catholics. As well as being religious, Romanians love to celebrate a special holiday of festive of the year, and many celebrations will take place in Bucharest and smaller towns in Romania. 

Overall the people of Bucharest are welcoming, accommodating, and fun to make friends with. The city is full of enthusiasm and positivity, especially from the youth who are fueling the city with creativity and energy.

Bucharest Insurance and Medical Care

Wherever you travel, it is always advised to have travel insurance for your belongings and your health. Romania is part of the EU, so their medical standards are up to a certain level, and care in Bucharest will be the best you can find in the country. There are multiple English-speaking clinics and international hospitals offering a variety of treatments. If you have an EHIC card, this will be accepted in some clinics in Bucharest, but you also have the option for private treatment. You may have to pay for treatment upfront and then get refunded by your insurance company. Always make sure to check the terms when taking out insurance. 

As for your personal belongings, make sure to have any expensive items covered on your insurance. While Bucharest is a reasonably safe city, petty crime is still existent. Busy places with crowds are popular hotspots for pickpocketers, so always be vigilant and keep your belongings close. It is also advised to avoid flaunting expensive equipment in public. There are many insurance providers for insurance of your gadgets and belongings as well as medical.

Make sure you are fully covered by reading our full Digital Nomad Travel Insurance guide.

Jobs in Bucharest

Finding a job in Bucharest can be pretty straightforward, depending on your industry and skills. One of the most significant up-and-coming job sectors in Bucharest is the tourism industry and anything concerning travel. If you already work in the industry, you may have a contact there or find a way to work through a pre-existing contact. A great way to find work is through the EU job scheme, which advertises jobs in other EU countries that accept foreign applicants and non-native language speakers. This, however, is only applicable to EU citizens. 

Another way to find a job is to approach companies before arriving in Bucharest. If you know of a company you would like to work for and have the correct skillset, email them in advance to see if they have any positions available. Another option could be getting a transfer with a company you already work for, so make sure to check if there is an office in Bucharest. Teaching English is another common form of work for foreigners in Bucharest, and this might be an excellent way for you legally work in the country.

If you can’t find a job before going to Bucharest and have to obtain a visa for work, then volunteering may be a great alternative option for you. There are many volunteering projects in Romania, and the best way to find these is through workaway.com and goabroad.com.

Check out our Digital Nomads Jobs Postings to find the best jobs available for Digital Nomads.