I went to Bucharest, the capital of Romania, for a friend’s wedding. It was a wonderful experience, not only because we got to spend time with friends, but also because we had the chance to witness a Romanian Orthodox wedding and its beautiful traditions. It was also our first trip as a couple since having our daughter, so we extended our stay to explore the city and enjoy a few relaxing days together.
All of this made the trip memorable. As for Bucharest itself, it surprised me in both positive and negative ways. It’s a large city with a rich history, great food and impressive architecture, and it is very affordable when it comes to accommodation and public transport. However, if you go to nicer restaurants or cafés, the prices are quite similar to those in Slovenia. Like any city, Bucharest also has a few downsides. After spending a few days there, here are eight things I loved and three I didn’t.
What I liked about Bucharest?
1. The speciality coffee scene
If you enjoy good coffee, Bucharest won’t disappoint. The city has a thriving speciality coffee scene, with cafés that not only serve excellent coffee but also have beautifully designed interiors. Many of them are combined with concept stores, selling everything from books and ceramics to home décor and locally designed products. During our stay, we visited Ototo, Boiler x Guido, and Mayfair 39, and each one had its own unique atmosphere.
2. One of the best dinner spots: Sera Eden
One of my favourite places for dinner in Bucharest was Sera Eden. Hidden behind the entrance of a beautiful small mansion, it is an amazing green oasis in the middle of the city. The atmosphere was truly special, combining a lush garden with a greenhouse-like space, unique furniture and lots of character. The menu was just as impressive as the setting. I ordered the lamb chops with grilled vegetables and freshly baked bread. It was honestly one of the most delicious meals of our trip. Everything, from the surroundings and the relaxed atmosphere to the food, made this place a memorable experience.
3. A little monastery with a big charm
A must-see stop for me in Bucharest was Stavropoleos Monastery. It’s a small Orthodox monastery hidden among the busy streets of the Old Town. Dating back to the 18th century, it is a beautiful example of Romanian Brâncovenesc architecture. It has detailed stone carvings, colourful decorations and a peaceful atmosphere. The highlight for me was the charming inner courtyard, filled with flowers, greenery and old wooden details. It felt like a quiet little escape from the noise of the city.
4. The most beautiful bookstore in Bucharest
I always enjoy browsing through bookstores when travelling, and Cărturești Carusel was definitely one worth visiting. The interior is beautiful, with elegant white balconies, spiral staircases and beautiful details across several floors. The cherry on top is the cosy café on the top floor. There you can enjoy a coffee while looking over the impressive interior below.
5. A walk through traditional Romania
To see a little more of Romania without leaving the city, a great stop is the Dimitrie Gusti National Village Museum. It is an open-air museum showcasing traditional Romanian houses from different regions of the country. Instead of traditional museum rooms, you walk through a small village. There are colourful wooden houses, old farm buildings and beautiful wooden churches. I visited on a Tuesday, when most of the houses were closed, but the upside was that the entrance ticket was half price. You can still walk around, explore the paths and admire the buildings from the outside. I especially loved the colourful details on the houses, the traditional architecture and the charming wooden churches.
6. The beautiful Romanian Athenaeum
One of the buildings I really liked in Bucharest was the Romanian Athenaeum, one of the city’s most iconic buildings. Located in the heart of the city, this beautiful concert hall is a great example of neoclassical architecture. It’s a style that can also be seen in several other buildings around Bucharest. The building itself is impressive, with its grand columns, elegant dome and beautifully detailed façade. What I liked about it was also its location in a small beautiful park.
7. The enormous Palace of the Parliament
No visit to Bucharest is complete without seeing the Palace of the Parliament, one of the city’s most iconic landmarks. Located on a hill overlooking the city, this enormous building is the second-largest administrative building in the world and the heaviest building in the world. Built during the communist era under Nicolae Ceaușescu, the palace is a fascinating reminder of Romania’s complex history. Its massive size, monumental design and impressive scale are difficult to fully appreciate until you see it in person. Unfortunately, I didn’t have enough time to visit the interior. But I would have loved to see the famous grand halls, marble details and lavish decorations inside.
8. Discovering traditional Romanian food
One of the things I always enjoy when travelling is trying the local cuisine, and Romanian food was quite delicious. During our stay, we had the chance to try classic Romanian dishes both at a traditional restaurant, like Hanu’ Berarilor Casa Oprea Soare, and also at the wedding. We tried sarmale (cabbage rolls filled with meat and rice) with polenta, grilled meats and delicious dessert papanasi (similar to doughnuts, served with sour cream and berry jam). And if you enjoy wine, Romania is also worth exploring for its local wines.
What I didn’t like?
1. The amount of litter around the city
One thing I noticed while exploring Bucharest was the amount of litter in most parts of the city, which was a pity.
2. The neglected buildings
Bucharest has many impressive historic buildings, but unfortunately, some of them are in poor condition. Walking around the city, you can often see beautiful old buildings standing next to neglected ones that look like they have not been maintained for years.
3. Two days were enough for me
While I enjoyed discovering Bucharest, I felt that two full days were enough to see the main highlights. There were a few museums and places I would have liked to visit. However, most of them were closed on Mondays and Tuesdays, which were the days we spent in the city. If I had more time, I would probably use it for a day trip to explore more of Romania. Or visit the famous Therme Bucharest, one of the largest wellness and relaxation centres in Europe.
Visited: June 2026
