Described as a ‘city of contrasts’, discover the unforgettable and enchanting charm of Bucharest.
Approximate flight time:
3 hours 15 minutes (total distance 1,379 miles)
Airlines that fly direct:
Ryanair, Wizz Air
Airport in Bucharest:
Bucharest Henri Coandă International Airport (OTP)
Seasons:
High = May - August; Low = November - February
Currency:
Romanian Leu
Arriving at Bucharest Airport
Bucharest Airport (OTP), officially known as Bucharest Henri Coanda International Airport, is the busiest international airport serving Bucharest, Romania. It’s located in Otopeni, around 10 miles north of the city centre.
There are plenty of transport options from Bucharest Airport. Find the bus stop outside both the Arrivals and Departures terminals. There are several lines that service the airport but the 783 Express line connects the airport with the city centre and runs 24/7 (more frequently during the day than at night).
If you are travelling elsewhere in Romania and you want to take the train, you will have to take a bus from the airport to Gara de Nord (main railway station). Buses run every 20 minutes and your total journey time will be 40 minutes.
A taxi journey to the city centre will take around 30 minutes or alternatively, you could rent a car.
Pre-book your transfer with HolidayTaxis and avoid the queues when you arrive.
What to expect at Bucharest
Romania’s capital has become a hot holiday destination. It’s dynamic, energetic and guaranteed fun. Many travellers give the city just a night or two before heading off to Transylvania, but it’s worth spending a decent amount of time there. Explore museums, stroll through parks, hang out at trendy cafés and check out the drinking gardens. There’s even an urban beach.
The official language in Bucharest is Romanian. Most people who work in the tourist industry will speak basic English.
Romania’s climate is characteristic of Central Europe with distinct seasons. The country gets hot summers and long, cold winters. If you are visiting between December and February, it is likely to snow.
Culture in Bucharest
Bucharest is full of architectural treasures. From the charming monasteries and churches in Brâncovenesc style, through to the majestic villas built in the interbellum, not to mention the rough blocks of flats erected during the Communist regime, the city is certainly diverse.
There is plenty of history to soak up in Bucharest, it’s recommended to visit the Museum of History for a whistle stop tour.
In Bucharest, a city that rarely sleeps, there’s always something interesting going on. Festivals range from local neighbourhood parties, organic food and design fairs. The George Enescu festival, a classical music marathon lasting almost a month, is one of Europe’s most prestigious.
Local food dishes include Sarmale, made of minced meat mixed with spices rice, rolled into fermented cabbage and boiled for hours in a special sauce.
Mamaliga cu branza si smantana is very similar to polenta and is traditionally served with cheese and sour cream.
For dessert, try ordering papanasi, usually made of cottage cheese rolled into donut like shapes, filled with sweet cream and topped with jam and berries.