Situated on the banks of the Dâmbovița River, Bucharest is Romania’s cultural, administrative and economic capital. Home to over 1.7 million people, it’s also Romania’s largest city and is home to most of the country’s expat population. Expats moving to Bucharest will find themselves in a city with a rich history and much potential.

Living in Bucharest as an expat

The city’s unique architectural styles and cultural atmosphere have earned it the nickname Micul Paris, or ‘Little Paris’. Ornate churches overlook trendy cafés, and you can spend your leisure time in leafy parks or the pubs, clubs and discos in Old Town, adding to an enjoyable lifestyle in the city.

The metropolis is reinventing itself. Communist-era apartment blocks are being modernised alongside elegant neoclassical buildings. The city is making its mark as an Eastern European industrial centre.

As the driving force behind the Romanian economy, the capital is responsible for around a quarter of the country’s GDP and industrial output. Expats working in Bucharest tend to find employment in IT, communications, finance, engineering and construction.

Expats generally find accommodation in Bucharest in the form of apartments, many of which are in old Soviet-style buildings, while housing beyond the city limits varies. Whether an expat chooses to live in the city centre or in the suburbs, public transport in Bucharest covers the city well and includes a metro system, buses, trams, trolleybuses and a light rail. The city also has a private minibus taxi system.

Accommodation in Bucharest 
Best Places to Live in Bucharest 
Public Transport in Bucharest 

Cost of living in Bucharest

The cost of living in Bucharest is lower than in most major Western cities. It compares favourably to cities in neighbouring Hungary, Poland and the Czech Republic. An expat’s most significant expense will most likely be accommodation, while expats will be able to save on transport and local goods, as they are typically inexpensive in Bucharest.

Finding a Job and Working in Bucharest 
Cost of Living in Bucharest
Attractions in Bucharest
Lifestyle in Bucharest 

Expat families and children

Expats with children will have to consider their school options carefully. Although there are international schools in Bucharest, with more than 20 options available, families should research carefully to find the best fit. That said, although fees at these schools are high and Bucharest ranks among Europe’s more expensive cities for international education, they still offer a good quality of education.

Alternatively, the city’s public schools are free to attend for all residents. The quality of education at these schools varies, but the language of instruction is Romanian. For many families, this makes them an impractical choice, leaving international schools as the only viable option.

One area that could use improvement is healthcare. Although Bucharest has adequate private medical facilities, the standard of healthcare in public hospitals will likely be below what expats are used to. Comprehensive health insurance that covers private treatment is essential.

Schools in Bucharest
International Schools in Bucharest
Healthcare in Bucharest

Climate in Bucharest

Bucharest has a continental climate, boasting long summers that are warm and sunny. Winters are cold and bring snow and frost to the city. Spring and autumn, on the other hand, are mild. Expats moving to Bucharest will experience the best of all four seasons in the city.

Weather and Climate in Bucharest 

With plenty of events and festivals and numerous attractions throughout the city, there is more than enough to keep you busy throughout the year. Those who make an effort to learn the local language and culture will find themselves being welcomed into one of the safest cities in Europe by the incredibly friendly locals.

Finding accommodation in Bucharest can be straightforward with proper research and professional assistance when needed. In the right areas, expats will find neighbourhoods with cobbled streets, lively markets selling locally grown vegetables, parks with flowering linden trees and outdoor terrace cafés.

Areas and suburbs in Bucharest

Bucharest is divided into six sectors, each with its own municipal council and mayor responsible for local administration. Each of these sectors has charming neighbourhoods from which expats can choose.

Most expat families live in Bucharest’s northern areas, particularly around Pipera and Voluntari, where several excellent international schools are located alongside some of the city’s best parks. Wealthy and diplomatic families will usually live in areas like Primăverii, Kiseleff, Dorobanți and nearby districts, some of Bucharest’s oldest and most affluent neighbourhoods. Domenii and Cotroceni boast tree-lined streets, green spaces and cultural experiences that make them perfect for expat families.

The Old Town and Bucharest’s central neighbourhoods are best suited for young and single expats looking to be where the action is. Piața Romană, Lipscani and Icoanei have plenty of exciting and chic cafés, bars, pubs and boutiques for expats to enjoy. There is also plenty of Romanian culture and modern amenities to be experienced in central Bucharest.

Best (and Worst) Areas and Suburbs in Bucharest

Types of accommodation in Bucharest

Expats have many options when it comes to housing in Bucharest. Apartments are most common in the city centre, while larger villas are available in some of the neighbourhoods in Bucharest. Expats should note, however, that a ‘three-roomed apartment’ in an advertisement means that there are three rooms in total and not three bedrooms.

Refurbished old townhouses and apartments offer the luxury of living in a beautiful central area with coffee shops, parks, museums and art galleries. Unique architecture can be found in central and northern Bucharest, like Art Deco, Art Nouveau, Brâncovenesc (local design), classic French styles, and renovated communist-era blocks.

Buying or renting accommodation in Bucharest is expensive compared to other Romanian cities, but it is also often cited as being relatively cheap by European standards. Flatsharing and co-living arrangements are increasingly popular options for students, young IT professionals, expat teachers and digital nomads who want to live in the city centre but prefer shared living costs.

Finding accommodation in Bucharest

Although supply is high and there are options for every budget, it’s advisable to use a real estate agent when looking for accommodation in Bucharest. The language skills of real estate agents, along with their market knowledge, can assist you in finding the right property. Agent fees may be charged as a percentage of the buying price when purchasing, or the equivalent of one month’s rent if signing a lease.

Some people moving to Bucharest will be lucky enough to have a relocation company working on their behalf, who will assess their preferences and shortlist properties for them to view. For more information, see our guide to relocation companies in Romania.

Expats who are familiar with the areas in Bucharest and have already decided where and in which type of housing they would like to live can search online for the options available. They can then establish when viewings are available and negotiate rental prices with the landlord or real estate agent.

Useful links

• Imobiliare.ro
• Storia.ro
• Imoradar24

Renting accommodation in Bucharest

Making an application

To apply for a rental home, you may need to provide proof of employment and income. You may also be asked for your visa or residence permit for Romania. Some landlords or rental agencies may request references or recommendations of character. Without a history of renting in the country, references from an employer can be a good substitute.

Leases and deposits

The lease period is usually at least 12 months, but shorter leases may be negotiated. Romanian law requires all lease agreements to be in writing and signed by both parties. In order to secure a lease, you typically pay a deposit equivalent to one or two months’ rent. The deposit must be held at the landlord’s bank. 

Terminating the lease

Leases can be terminated early, if needs be, but this will usually require three months’ written notice from the tenant or two months’ notice from the landlord. Shorter notice may result in one to two months’ rent being deducted. Rent is paid monthly. At the end of the contract, the landlord may deduct expenses from the deposit for repairs to the property and unpaid bills.

Accommodation In Romania

Utilities in Bucharest

Utilities aren’t typically included in the rent, and you’ll need to budget for the extra expense monthly. The landlord or agent should be able to advise when to expect utility bills, what format they will come in, and how to make a payment.

Electricity

Power supply is generally reliable in Bucharest. Multiple suppliers compete in the market, including PPC Energie, Hidroelectrica, Electrica Furnizare, and E.ON Energie Romania, and bills are typically paid monthly via bank transfer or online platforms.

Gas

Natural gas is widely available through piped networks for both heating and cooking. Major suppliers include ENGIE Romania, E.ON Energie Romania, OMV Petrom, and Romgaz. Most residential properties connect to the central gas distribution system.

Water

Apa Nova Bucharest (part of Veolia) supplies water and sewerage services to 92 percent of the city. The water meets 100 percent EU quality standards and is safe to drink directly from the tap, although some residents prefer bottled water for taste preferences. Bills are typically paid monthly.

Bins and recycling

Waste collection services operate throughout Bucharest, with designated collection points for households and apartment buildings. Collection is managed by sector-specific companies, including ROMPREST, SUPERCOM, ROSAL, and other contractors. Recycling programmes are in place, although collection schedules vary by area. Contact your building administrator or landlord for specific local arrangements.

Internet

Bucharest has some of the world’s fastest internet speeds, ranking 7th globally. Major providers include Digi (RCS & RDS), Orange, Vodafone, and Telekom, offering competitive fibre and broadband packages for residential customers.

Keeping in Touch in Romania

Useful links

• Electricity: PPC Energie, Hidroelectrica, Electrica Furnizare, and E.ON Energie Romania
• Gas: ENGIE Romania, E.ON Energie Romania, OMV Petrom, and Romgaz
• Water: Apa Nova Bucharest

The best places to live in Bucharest

When it comes to deciding which of the areas and suburbs in Bucharest best suit your needs, you must consider which factors are most important to you. With six distinct administrative districts, you’ll be spoilt for choice.

If you’re living in the city centre, you’ll have greater access to Romanian culture and modern life, but living here tends to be more expensive, and the demand for housing is generally higher. Conversely, if you appreciate quiet neighbourhoods, you’ll often find yourself drawn to Bucharest’s northern suburbs.

If you want to be able to travel freely between home and the office while accessing other sites of interest, consider areas that are well-connected to the metro network. Public transport in Bucharest is efficient and well-developed. You’ll have various options for getting around.

Public Transport in Bucharest

Family-friendly areas in Bucharest

Expats in search of leafy suburban living can choose from the beautiful neighbourhoods around King Michael I Park (formerly Herăstrău Park), Kiseleff Park or Floreasca Park in northern Bucharest. These areas are popular with expat families for their proximity to the city’s international schools and are well-connected to the city centre.

Domenii

A neighbourhood historically catering to expats, Domenii remains one of the most popular suburbs for expat families in Bucharest thanks to its proximity to King Michael I Park and the international schools in Pipera. Although there are some apartment buildings, expats moving here will likely live in villas. Some attractions include a selection of restaurants and a farmer’s market selling some of the best fresh produce in the city.

Primăverii

Located in north Bucharest, Primăverii is one of the city’s most affluent neighbourhoods and, according to local safety surveys, one of the safest areas in the capital. If you’re a fashionista or foodie, you’ll enjoy the international designer boutiques and a wide range of restaurants catering for all budgets and palates. You can also access the picturesque Lake Floreasca and Primăverii Palace. Metro and bus links serve the area, so commutes are straightforward.

Kiseleff and Dorobanți

Kiseleff and Dorobanți are among the city’s older and more exclusive neighbourhoods that are teeming with chic cafés. Most of the city’s embassies are found here. If you can afford it, you’ll find plenty of charming and stylish old villas with gardens and red brick and glass buildings in these areas. If you’re looking to commute into the city centre, you’ll be delighted to find that Dorobanți is home to four metro stations, a tram line and several bus lines.

International Schools in Bucharest

Areas for young and single expats in Bucharest

Bucharest’s downtown neighbourhoods offer all the benefits of restaurants, galleries, theatres and the energetic atmosphere that comes from living in the middle of the city. As such, the central area is the perfect choice if you’re a couple with small or no children or single and would like to mix with locals and discover Romanian culture.

Old Town Lipscani

Situated in the heart of Bucharest, Old Town is one of the most popular areas among expats, locals and tourists. Lipscani is a tourist hub located within the Old Town that is bustling with restaurants, clubs and bars. It’s the perfect home if you’re a party-loving expat looking to get your groove on. Although the prices are often some of the most expensive in Bucharest, many expats rent in Old Town Lipscani.

Icoanei

Home to stunning, authentically Romanian architecture and a fair few embassies, Icoanei is one of the safest neighbourhoods in Bucharest’s centre. You’ll have the opportunity to enjoy the great outdoors at the nearby Gradina Icoanei Park, as well as a range of restaurants sprinkled throughout the neighbourhood.

Piața Romană

Piața Romană is a trendy neighbourhood perched just outside the city centre. The area is a beautiful meeting point for the old and contemporary, as it boasts exquisite pre-war mansions and classic villas alongside Bucharest’s most fashionable cafés, bars and boutiques.

Lifestyle in Bucharest
Things to See and Do in Bucharest

Healthcare in Bucharest is generally affordable by Western standards, but you should ensure you have complete health insurance.

While healthcare in public facilities is free for residents, patients using private medical facilities will need to pay cash upfront before claiming back from their insurance provider.

While Romania has made some recent progress in fighting healthcare corruption, bribery remains a concern in the healthcare system. The prevalence of corruption, accompanied by poor salaries and unacceptable working conditions, has pushed many Romanian doctors to seek work outside the country, leaving the Romanian public healthcare system in a precarious state. Although you will likely find adequate care at private hospitals, you may find the facilities at public institutions to be substandard.

Pharmacies are available throughout Bucharest, and some are open 24 hours a day. You may find that some medicines which are readily available over the counter in your home country may require a prescription in Romania.

Healthcare and Health Insurance in Romania

Below are some of the most prominent hospitals in Bucharest.

Hospitals in Bucharest

Royal Hospital Bucharest

Website: www.royalhospital.ro 
Address: Splaiul Unirii 313A, București 030138

Medicover Hospital

Website: www.medicover.ro 
Address: Strada Pechea 8, Sector 1, București 013982

Floreasca Emergency Hospital

Website: www.urgentafloreasca.ro 
Address: Calea Floreasca 8, Sector 1, București 013982

Ponderas Academic Hospital

Website: www.reginamaria.ro
Address: Strada Nicolae Caramfil 85A, Sector 1, București 014142

Life Memorial Hospital

Website: www.medlife.ro
Address: Calea Griviței 365, București 010719

Hospital CF Witting

Website: www.spitalcfwiting.ro 
Address: Calea Plevnei 142-144, Sector 6, București 010719

Monza Hospital

Website: www.spitalulmonza.ro 
Address: Strada Tony Bulandra 27, Sector 2, București 011025

Hospital Constantin Angelescu

Website: www.spitalulangelescu.ro 
Address: Aleea Căuzași 49-51, Sector 3, București 030803

Although public education in Romania is free for all residents, expats usually opt to send their children to one of the many excellent international schools in Bucharest. Romanian is the language of instruction in public schools in Bucharest, which tends to put non-Romanian-speaking expat children at a disadvantage.

Public schools in Bucharest

Public schools in Bucharest can vary in quality from school to school, but in general, large cities such as Bucharest usually have better quality public schools with the most resources. Urban schools significantly outperform those in rural areas, with better equipment, staffing, educational programmes, and learning resources, thanks to ongoing EU-funded infrastructure improvements.

If you have children young enough to learn a new language and plan to stay long-term, public schooling is an ideal way to mix with locals and integrate into Romanian culture. On the other hand, expats in Romania who are working on an assignment for a limited term or have children in their teens generally find international schools a much simpler and more practical option.

Education and Schools in Romania

Useful links

• Romanian Ministry of Education
• Bucharest School Inspectorate

Private and international schools in Bucharest

Since the early 1990s, many private schools in Romania have opened and flourished. Private schools in Romania are available from kindergarten to high school, and you can typically find the widest selection in Bucharest, the capital, with over 20 international schools to choose from. These schools adopt modern approaches to education and charge fees, which can be expensive.

Private schools that offer the curriculum of another country, or a global curriculum, such as the International Baccalaureate, are known as international schools.

International schools are the most popular choice for expats in the city. Most of the international schools in Romania are situated in Bucharest and offer quality education for the young expat community. Schools also provide an essential tool for parents who wish to make new acquaintances and form social connections in a foreign country.

Private and international schools in Bucharest usually offer one or more of several curricula, including the International Baccalaureate programme and the British Cambridge IGCSE and A-Level programmes. Expats can also find French and American international schools in Bucharest.

For a list of the top schools, see International Schools in Bucharest.

Special educational needs in Bucharest

The Romanian government has implemented an inclusion policy for children with special educational needs with the aim to integrate them into mainstream schools with support and provide all children with the same educational opportunities. Dedicated special-needs schools do exist if mainstream schooling cannot provide the required support.

Many schools in Bucharest, including international schools, have facilities and teachers that can assist children with a variety of special needs. Many schools also have specialised occupational therapists and other special-needs professionals to help these children. Only if a child is not able to adapt to mainstream schooling will they be transferred to a special-needs school.

Useful links

• UNICEF Romania
• National Association for Special Educational Needs
• European Agency for Special Needs and Inclusive Education
• Eurydice Romania

Tutors in Bucharest

Private home or online tutors are available in Bucharest to assist children with particular subjects and additional school support. It may be helpful for expat parents to hire a tutor to help their children adapt to their new school curriculum, if different from their schooling at home, as well as the language of instruction. Romanian can be a difficult language to learn, and depending on your child’s age, it may be helpful to have extra Romanian lessons with a tutor.

There are many websites and companies that advertise private online or home tutors in Bucharest. Popular platforms include Verbling, Tutoroo, Preply, and italki, with tutors available for both online and in-person lessons.

Useful links

• Verbling
• Tutoroo
• Preply
• italki

International schools in Bucharest cater to expat families seeking education options beyond the local system. These schools teach a foreign curriculum in the language of the school’s country of origin. Many international schools in Bucharest offer the British curriculum, including the Cambridge IGCSE and A-Levels, and a number of schools teach the world-renowned International Baccalaureate.

You’ll find that international schools in Bucharest generally offer a high standard of education, a wide range of extracurricular activities, and modern teaching styles. The quality and popularity of these schools mean that places are limited and fees are often higher than those of other educational institutions.

Read more about Education and Schools in Bucharest.

Here are a few recommended international schools in Bucharest.

International schools in Bucharest

American International School of Bucharest

Founded in 1962 by the US Embassy, this well-established school serves around 900 students from over 60 nationalities on an expansive ten-hectare purpose-built campus in Voluntari. The school emphasises developing creative and compassionate learners through its comprehensive International Baccalaureate programmes spanning early childhood through to the diploma level.

Curriculum: International Baccalaureate 
Gender: Co-educational 
Ages: 2 to 18 
Website: www.aisb.ro

Avenor College

This bilingual international school has earned the distinction of being the first school in Bucharest rated ‘Outstanding’ in the British system, alongside a ‘Very Good’ rating in the Romanian system. Located on a modern 86,111-square-foot campus (8,000 sq m) at the edge of Băneasa Forest with an additional nursery in the city centre, the school serves over 820 students and boasts a 100 percent university acceptance rate for its graduates.

Curriculum: British (National English Curriculum, Cambridge IGCSE and A-Levels) and Romanian 
Gender: Co-educational 
Ages: 2 to 18 
Website: www.avenor.ro

British School of Bucharest

Set on a purpose-built, tree-lined campus in northern Bucharest, this school positions itself as the leading international centre of academic excellence in Romania. The facilities are particularly impressive, featuring an Innovation Hub established in 2016, multiple laboratories, an outdoor swimming pool, a climbing wall and unique spaces like the ‘Re-Wilding Zone’ and Science Garden that support hands-on learning beyond traditional classrooms.

Curriculum: British (English National Curriculum, Cambridge IGCSE and A-Levels) 
Gender: Co-educational 
Ages: 2 to 18 
Website: www.britishschool.ro

Bucharest Christian Academy

Starting life as a homeschool cooperative in 1993, this American international school has evolved into a multicultural community situated in the heart of Sector 3. The academy distinguishes itself as a fully American international school in Bucharest that teaches from a Christian worldview, offering a holistic education approach that nurtures intellectual, physical, emotional and spiritual development.

Curriculum: American 
Gender: Co-educational 
Ages: 3 to 18 
Website: www.bcaromania.org

Cambridge School of Bucharest

This trailblazing institution made educational history in 2025 by becoming the first school in Romania to pass inspection under the UK’s newly revised British Schools Overseas framework. The school achieved dual gold-standard accreditation as both a BSO and IB World School within months of each other, with inspectors praising students who ‘work hard, show curiosity, and are not afraid to make mistakes’ on their modern campus in Băneasa Forest.

Curriculum: British (English National Curriculum, Cambridge IGCSE and A-levels) 
Gender: Co-educational 
Ages: 3 to 18 
Website: www.cambridgeschool.ro

Deutsche Schule Bucharest

Established in 2007, this institution holds the unique distinction of being the only school in Romania that follows the German curriculum in its entirety, specifically the Baden-Württemberg state programme. Recognised by Germany’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs through the Central Agency for German Schools Abroad (ZfA) and a member of the World Association of German Schools Abroad (WDA), the school moved to its new campus on Coralilor Street in 2022.

Curriculum: German 
Gender: Co-educational 
Ages: 1.5 to 18 
Website: www.dsbu.ro

International British School of Bucharest

With a quarter-century of educational excellence since its establishment in 2000, this school positions itself as ‘building a community of passionate lifelong learners’ in the heart of Bucharest. The institution takes pride in its diverse international makeup, representing over 30 different nationalities, and has produced over 430 global alums, whilst offering more than 110 extracurricular activities to enrich student life.

Curriculum: British (English National Curriculum, Cambridge IGCSE and A-levels) 
Gender: Co-educational 
Ages: 3 to 18 
Website: www.ibsb.ro

International School of Bucharest

From humble beginnings with just 17 students in a rented building in 1996, this institution has grown substantially and relocated to a purpose-built campus in a green area of eastern Bucharest in 2008. Fully accredited by the Council of International Schools (CIS) since 2012, the school has recently achieved Romania’s strongest International Baccalaureate results and reintroduced A-Level qualifications to complement its existing programmes.

Curriculum: British (English National Curriculum and Cambridge IGCSE) and International Baccalaureate 
Gender: Co-educational 
Ages: 2 to 18 
Website: www.isb.ro

Little London International Academy

With over two decades of experience in Romania’s private education sector, this institution has established itself as a comprehensive educational provider across all academic levels from preschool through to high school. Accredited by both Romania’s Ministry of Education and the International Baccalaureate Organisation for its Primary Years Programme, the academy focuses on intensive English language study through Cambridge examinations and academic performance through practical application and project-based learning.

Curriculum: International Baccalaureate and Romanian 
Gender: Co-educational 
Ages: 3 to 18 
Website: www.lliacademy.ro

Lycée Français Anna de Noailles

Named after the renowned French writer of Romanian descent, this school boasts over a century of educational heritage, having been founded in 1920 and celebrating its centenary in recent years. Operating under the auspices of France’s Agency for French Education Abroad (AEFE), the institution serves over 560 students representing nine nationalities, with strong corporate backing from major French companies, including Orange, Carrefour and Michelin as founding members.

Curriculum: French 
Gender: Co-educational 
Ages: 3 to 18 
Website: www.lyceefrancais.ro

Maarif International School of Bucharest

Part of the global Turkish Maarif Foundation network that operates over 460 schools across 55 countries with more than 55,000 students worldwide, this institution brings a truly international perspective to Bucharest. The school celebrates remarkable cultural diversity with students from over 20 different countries, emphasising values-based education that aims to develop both academic excellence and strong moral character whilst serving as a bridge for peace and shared values.

Curriculum: British (Cambridge IGCSE) and Romanian 
Gender: Co-educational 
Ages: 3 to 18 
Website: www.imsb.ro

Mark Twain International School

Celebrating its 30th anniversary in 2025, this award-winning International Baccalaureate World School stands as one of the oldest Romanian private schools, having been founded in 1995. The institution prides itself on its expansive 16,000-square-metre green campus in Băneasa, offering premium bilingual and international programmes that have earned recognition for their quality and educational excellence.

Curriculum: International Baccalaureate 
Gender: Co-educational 
Ages: 2 to 18 
Website: www.marktwainschool.ro

Olga Gudynn International School

This UNESCO-affiliated institution has operated across multiple Bucharest campuses for 24 years, serving over 860 students from diverse nationalities. The school holds International Baccalaureate authorisation for both the Diploma Programme and Middle Years Programme, whilst students consistently earn medals in national Olympiads and secure places at prestigious universities worldwide through their academic achievements and extensive extracurricular portfolios.

Curriculum: British (English National Curriculum), International Baccalaureate, and Romanian
Gender: Co-educational 
Ages: 3 to 15 
Website: www.olgagudynn.ro

Scuola Italiana Internazionale Aldo Moro di Bucarest

Named after the prominent Italian statesman, this school operates from its new premises on Intrarea Blaj and forms part of the ‘Liberi di Educare’ educational group. The institution has gained ministerial recognition and maintains partnerships with Italian business organisations, including Confindustria Romania, providing students with a complete cycle of Italian education whilst emphasising talent development and international orientation.

Curriculum: Italian 
Gender: Co-educational 
Ages: 5 to 18 
Website: www.scuolaitalianabucarest.com

Verita International School

Part of the prestigious Dukes Education network of over 75 schools worldwide, this institution distinguishes itself through its remarkably low student-teacher ratio of 1:9 and partnerships with Emory University for social-emotional learning programmes. The school operates across multiple campuses in Bucharest, serving over 650 families with an innovative approach that emphasises emotional intelligence and student wellbeing at the heart of its educational philosophy.

Curriculum: British (English National Curriculum and Cambridge IGCSE) and International Baccalaureate 
Gender: Co-educational 
Ages: 3 to 18 
Website: www.veritaschool.ro

Once proudly known as the Paris of the East, Bucharest was frequently overlooked in favour of other European capitals during its communist era. Since then, Bucharest has regained much of its lustre and now demonstrates the many contrasts between its dramatic past and present-day rejuvenation.

This is most evident in the city’s architecture. Old churches rest in the shadows of communist-era apartment blocks, while French palaces sit alongside glass office buildings and beautiful parks.

A colourful metropolis behind a grey facade, there are various options when it comes to shopping and lifestyle in Bucharest. Although the city seems typically Eastern European in some ways, it’s a distinctively Romanian culture paired with international influences.

Shopping in Bucharest

Shopping in Bucharest ranges from large modern malls to low-key local markets. Piata Obor is one of Bucharest’s largest outdoor markets and offers all sorts of food items. The Vitan Flea Market is held every Sunday from 7am until 2.30pm, and has thousands of sellers offering everything from antiques to vintage finds. The Antiquities Collectors Market at University Square, held every second and fourth weekend of the month, is another excellent spot for antique hunters.

Shopaholics will also enjoy their time in Lipscani’s historical centre, thanks to the merchants selling their wares in front of the high-end boutiques. Calea Victoriei is one of the most prestigious shopping areas in Bucharest. It’s home to upscale hotels, boutiques and museums, and expats will also find many high-end fashion brands available here.

Entertainment and eating out in Bucharest

Romanian cuisine is a mix of cultural influences, including Greek, Turkish, German and Hungarian. Traditional Romanian food is meat-based and hearty, with dishes that can be quite rich. Soups are popular, and cabbage makes a regular appearance.

Eating out in Bucharest has a burgeoning café culture and offers residents an array of restaurants catering to every budget and palate. Lipscani is a popular area for dining out in Bucharest, while Strada Episcopiei is also home to numerous restaurants.

Romanians love to cook, and locals often prefer eating at home over going out. Meals are frequently shared at a dinner table with extended family and friends, so it’s quite common to be invited over for a meal.

Nightlife in Bucharest

Bucharest has a lively and varied nightlife scene, with everything from chic cafés to trendy nightclubs and raucous bars. There is a great selection of live music clubs and venues, while philharmonic orchestras, operas and ballets entertain the city in more refined settings.

Once derelict and crumbling, Lipscani is now a focal point of Bucharest’s nightlife scene. With a selection of eateries, bars and clubs, the cobbled streets are regularly teeming with partygoers until the early hours of summer mornings. The area is also generally safe to walk in at night.

Home to Bucharest’s unofficial red-light district, Centrul Vechi (Old Town) is also another lively spot located in Bucharest’s centre. The Old Town is teeming with bars, clubs and restaurants to entertain expats from all walks.

Outdoor activities and sports in Bucharest

Known for its beautiful gardens, the outdoor activities in Bucharest are centred around the city’s lush parks, which are places of refuge for locals during the hot summer months.

Cișmigiu Gardens, founded in the mid-1800s, boast a lake for visitors to paddle on in the summer and an ice rink to skate on in winter. Herăstrău is another well-known green space, offering a bar, restaurant and sports complex set against the backdrop of a picturesque lake. Visitors can hire rowboats or visit the nearby theme park.

The Botanical Garden and Carol Park are other popular green spaces in Bucharest, where families love gathering for picnics in the summer, while others go to the parks to enjoy a game of chess or catch up with old friends.

For sports enthusiasts, Bucharest is home to several prominent football teams, including FCSB, FC Dinamo Bucharest, and FC Rapid Bucharest. The National Arena (Arena Nationala) serves as the main stadium for major matches and is home to both FCSB and FC Dinamo. The stadium regularly hosts Liga 1 matches and international fixtures, which offer excellent opportunities to experience Romanian football culture.

Meeting people and making friends in Bucharest

Building new relationships and friendships is one of the most daunting aspects of moving to a new city. Meeting people and making friends in Bucharest becomes easier when you know where to look and what opportunities are available. Many expats find success joining hobby groups, language exchanges, or volunteer organisations that align with their interests.

Shared interests provide natural conversation starters and lasting connections. The city has plenty of numerous parks, sports facilities, cultural venues, and community centres that all give you plenty of opportunities to meet like-minded people.

Professional networking events are common in Bucharest’s business districts, particularly around Calea Victoriei and the northern areas of the city. These events cater to the international business community and offer excellent opportunities for career-minded expats to build both professional and personal relationships.

Online platforms like Meetup host regular gatherings for various interests, from hiking groups to book clubs. Social media groups also play a role in connecting expats, with many Facebook groups dedicated to different communities and interests in Bucharest.

Several established organisations specifically cater to the international community, offering structured ways to meet people while contributing to charitable causes or learning more about Romanian culture.

Useful links

• Meetup: Bucharest Groups
• International Women’s Association Bucharest
• British Football School Romania

Despite its grey and sometimes dreary facade, Bucharest offers you a host of interesting sights and activities. From its historic buildings and museums to ornate churches and beautiful parks, you’ll learn about the city’s troubled past while experiencing first-hand its quest for modernity in present-day, post-communist Romania.

Below are some of the most popular attractions in Bucharest.

Recommended attractions in Bucharest

Palace of Parliament

The world’s largest administrative building and a landmark of Romania’s communist history, the Palace of Parliament is a must-see for any visitor to Bucharest. You can go on guided tours of the building, which consists of 1,100 rooms housing the Romanian parliament, three museums and a conference centre. The ornate interior is furnished with rare and expensive materials, including bronze, gold, marble and crystal.

Old Town (Lipscani District)

The heart of historic Bucharest, the Old Town is a lively area where cobblestone streets wind between centuries-old buildings and modern attractions. Dating back to the 1400s, when it served as Wallachia’s most important commercial centre, this pedestrian-friendly district buzzes with outdoor cafés, traditional restaurants, bars, and a buzzing nightlife. You’ll find the ruins of Curtea Veche (the Old Princely Court), built by Vlad the Impaler in 1459, and charming inns like Hanul cu Tei from 1833. The area transforms from a relaxed daytime destination perfect for seeing historic architecture to the city’s main nightlife hub after dark.

Stavropoleos Monastery Church

You’ll find many beautiful and historic churches in Bucharest to visit. The Stavropoleos Monastery, an Eastern Orthodox Church tucked away in Bucharest’s Old Town, is a must-see. Originally built in 1724 during the reign of Nicolae Mavrocordatos, the building is characterised by beautiful stone and wood frescoes inspired by biblical themes. The church is also a conservation centre for the relics of several saints and has Romania’s largest collection of Byzantine music books.

Romanian National Art Museum

Located in the former Royal Palace on Revolution Square, the Romanian National Art Museum features the country’s largest collection of Romanian and international art from medieval to modern times. The museum’s building is also an attraction in itself. You can take tours of some of the former royal living quarters and the throne room and view the exquisite art. Revolution Square itself is profoundly historically significant as the site where Nicolae Ceaușescu delivered his final speech in 1989, which marked the beginning of Romania’s revolution.

The Romanian Athenaeum

One of Bucharest’s most iconic landmarks, the Athenaeum is a glamorous concert hall in central Bucharest. This ornate, domed, and circular building is a landmark on the city’s skyline and a significant symbol of Romanian culture. It is home to the George Enescu Philharmonic Orchestra. It’s also one of the main venues where the George Enescu International Festival and Competition is held in honour of the Romanian composer.

King Michael I Park

Formerly known as Herăstrău Park, King Michael I Park is the largest park in Bucharest. With an open-air theatre, yacht club, sporting facilities and cafés, King Michael I Park is a popular location for family picnics as it has something for everyone to enjoy. It’s also home to the Village Museum, which showcases traditional Romanian village life in an open-air setting. The museum has over 270 original houses, farmsteads, windmills, and churches scattered around the park, showcasing Romania’s historic regions.

With an extensive public transport system, getting around Bucharest is easy. The centre of town is small enough to traverse on foot – but watch out for potholes, broken paving, and cars squeezed into any space they can find. For longer trips, a combination of the metro, tram, bus and trolleybus ensures that most of Bucharest is easily reachable. Otherwise, taxis are relatively inexpensive and widely available.

Public transport in Bucharest

Ahead of their journey, expats should purchase an Activ or Multiplu card from STB kiosks near bus stops or at metro stations. These cards work across all STB services (buses, trolleybuses, and trams) but operate separately from the metro system, which has its own Metrorex ticketing.

The quality of vehicles varies in Bucharest, and if a commute is crowded, you should take care of your personal belongings. Bucharest is generally safe, but pickpockets are known to operate on public transport.

There are many bus and tram stops throughout the city, which makes getting around Bucharest easier. STB (Societatea de Transport București) operates an extensive surface transport network covering virtually every corner of Bucharest. The system includes buses, trams, and trolleybus services. Each serves different areas and provides distinct advantages.

Metro

Bucharest’s metro system is clean and affordable. With five lines (M1, M2, M3, M4 and M5) and over 60 stations, this is the easiest way to get around the city centre.

Stations are indicated by white signs with a blue ‘M’. Tickets can be purchased at stations, with different multiple-journey options available, including unlimited weekly or monthly passes.

Buses

Buses are the backbone of the surface network, with over 130 routes covering more than 1,600 kilometres throughout the capital and its outskirts. These distinctive blue vehicles run every 30 to 60 minutes, depending on the route, and provide comprehensive coverage where metro lines don’t reach.

Trolleybuses

Trolleybuses operate on around 15 electric routes and offer an environmentally friendly option for public transport. The fleet was significantly modernised in 2024 with the recent arrival of 100 new vehicles, which improved both comfort and reliability.

Trams

Trams and light rail services operate over 20 routes across more than 330 kilometres of track, including two converted light rail lines serving western and southwestern suburbs. The distinctive yellow trams provide a scenic way to travel, particularly through the city centre.

Useful links

• Metrorex
• RATB: Public Transport Authority
• STB: Surface Transport Bucharest

Taxis in Bucharest

Taxi services in Bucharest vary, as do their driving standards. They can be a quick way of getting around, but this depends on traffic, which is terrible during rush hours. However, a taxi is a good option once the daily bus service has stopped.

When using a taxi, always check the price on the side of the vehicle. Once in, check that the meter shows the same rate and ensure the driver has switched it on. Taxi drivers in Bucharest are infamous for overcharging foreigners. Expats unsure of how to pronounce their destination should have it written down on a piece of paper.

Some rideshare and taxi service apps operate in Bucharest. Local apps include Star Taxi, while Uber and Bolt are also available. These are often cheaper than regular taxis, make the language barrier easier to overcome, and offer the added bonus of displaying the fare beforehand.

Useful links

• Uber
• Bolt
• Star Taxi
• Clevr Taxi

Driving in Bucharest

Driving in Bucharest is not recommended unless you want to explore the surrounding areas. The roads are in poor condition, and driving can be a harrowing experience. That said, public transport doesn’t cover some parts of Bucharest, which makes a car necessary.

Bucharest’s road infrastructure wasn’t designed to cater for the number of cars operating in the city. While it may be quicker to get somewhere by driving, finding parking in Bucharest can be challenging, and drivers often park where they like with little intervention by the police. Traffic in the city is also horrendous during rush hours.

Driver’s licences

Licensing regulations for expats depend on their nationality. Expats can use EU driving licences in Romania until expiry. In contrast, non-EU drivers need an International Driver’s Permit (IDP), which they can use for up to one year before it needs to be replaced by a local licence. The same applies to UK licences.

Transport, Driving and Driver’s Licences in Romania

Useful links

• Romanian Driving Licence Authority
• AAA Romania

Walking and cycling in Bucharest

Walking in Bucharest can be challenging due to uneven and poorly maintained pavements and cars parked in pedestrian areas. The city centre is relatively compact, but you’ll need to stay alert for traffic and obstacles.

Cycling infrastructure in Bucharest is limited but rapidly expanding following the city’s ambitious Velo Master Plan unveiled in 2025. The plan is to develop over 550 kilometres of bike lanes by 2035.

Currently, a few dedicated bike lanes exist, particularly in parks and along some main boulevards. Several bike-sharing schemes operate in the city, making short trips more convenient for visitors and residents alike.

Useful links

• I’Velo Urban
• Bucharest Velo Master Plan: Cycling Infrastructure Development