When I first arrived in Bucharest, I was instantly captivated. Wide, tree-lined boulevards stretched past faded Art Nouveau buildings, while leafy parks appeared around nearly every corner. The streets felt layered, textured and rich with contrast. Neo-Gothic churches stood beside crumbling 19th-century villas; imposing Brutalist buildings echoed Romania’s Communist past, while Belle Époque flourishes hint at why Bucharest has always been known as the “Paris of the East”.
But this isn’t a city stuck in nostalgia. There’s a fresh pulse here – a creative energy coming from young designers, chefs, artists and entrepreneurs who are reclaiming the city’s historic spaces and reimagining them for today. One such place is the atelier and showroom of designer Irina Moroșanu – the visionary behind fashion label Les Vacances d’Irina. Nestled in a restored 1890s home that once belonged to her partner Matei’s grandmother, the space is intimate, elegant, and unmistakably Bucharest – timeless, a little worn around the edges, and full of soul.
Beyond the ateliers and galleries, the warmth of the people brings the city to life. Locals are welcoming and genuinely proud to share their language, food and culture, making it easy to feel at home. The city itself is also easy to navigate: the metro is fast, safe and budget-friendly (complete with underground Wi-Fi), but most neighbourhoods are best explored on foot – which is exactly how I saw the city. Ride-share apps like Uber and Bolt are available and affordable and while the currency is Romanian Lei, some taxi drivers may accept US dollars or euros for airport transfers.
My favourite part of it all? Nature is never far away. Sprawling parks such as Cișmigiu and Herăstrău offer peaceful retreats from the city’s buzz, while vibrant streets, buzzing cafes, and friendly locals make it easy to slip into the rhythm of everyday life. These are my recommendations for how best to spend 72 hours exploring this leafy, creative capital...
Day 1
Check Into... Rosetti, a boutique hotel tucked inside a beautifully restored 1903 villa, where old-world charm meets modern comfort. The renovation has lovingly preserved original details, so the soul of the place still shines through – think elegant facades, oriental cupolas, and just the right amount of contemporary flair. There are 24 stylish studios and four airy duplexes, plus sunny terraces and covered loggias, where you can sip your coffee (or wine) outdoors, and a cosy little garden. And you’re just a 15-minute stroll from Old Town.
If you’re more in the mood for old-school luxury, consider checking into Marmorosch Bucharest, Autograph Collection, right in the heart of the Old Town. Housed in a former 19th-century bank, it masterfully blends Art Deco and Art Nouveau styles with modern indulgence. One of its standout features is The Vault – a glamorous speakeasy-style bar inside the original bank vault, where the country’s treasures were once stored.
Kick Off Your Trip With... coffee at Origo (at the Dorobanti outpost), about a 30-minute walk north of Rosetti. Since opening in 2013, Origo has set the standards for specialty coffee in Bucharest – it was the first specialty coffee roaster in the city. The Dorobanti location has a charming terrace and, in the afternoon, the Lipscani 9 location, known for its installation of hanging espresso cups from the ceiling, turns into a bar, serving beer from local microbreweries, along with wine and cocktails.
Get Your Culture Fix By... take a leisurely 15-minute walk further north through some truly beautiful streets to reach the MARe Museum of Recent Art in the Primăverii neighbourhood known for its graceful villas and tree-lined avenues. MARe is Romania’s only museum dedicated exclusively to contemporary Romanian art from the 1960s to the present day.
While In The Area, Don’t Miss... Casa Ceaușescu – the lavish spring palace of Romania’s former dictator. Filled with marble, gold accents, and striking art, it offers a fascinating glimpse into the extravagant lifestyle of that opulent time.
Discover The Best Of Romania At... King Michael I Park (locally known as Herăstrău). Surrounding the picturesque Herăstrău Lake, the park sprawls across 187 hectares and is the largest in Romania (it’s actually one of the biggest urban green spaces in Europe!) There are walking paths winding through meadows and woodland, plus an aquarium and Japanese garden. Herăstrău is also considered one of the best places to catch the ritual of Hanami (in early-mid April) – the viewing of cherry blossom – outside of Japan.
For Lunch... head south to Sera Eden, one of my favourite finds (also just three-minutes from Rosetti). Perched behind a gorgeous century-old house, it’s a hidden garden oasis that feels like stepping into a secret retreat in the middle of the city. The gardens are truly lovely, and there are little pockets of seating in among the bamboo. The greenhouse-style restaurant has natural light pouring in and a cosy fireplace that makes it just as inviting on cooler days.
Step Into... Les Vacances d’Irina, Irina Moroșanu’s sunlit shop and atelier, where her signature straw bags, sailor hats, and accessories come to life. Each piece is handmade in Romania by local artisans, blending craftsmanship with a love of Mediterranean summers. The brand began in 2018 after Irina and Matei discovered a flea market straw bag, inspiring her own creations, and Irina’s motto, ‘Wear your poems’, invites you to embrace art and emotion in everyday life.
Order An Evening Drink At... Bar Ton on the ground floor of a former Soviet-modernist apartment building in central Bucharest (Strada Ion Câmpineanu). The interior – birch plywood, marble mosaic floors, and stainless steel – is beautifully designed by local architects Anda Zota and MuroMuro. Part record store, part listening bar, it also offers an excellent vinyl sound system, natural wines and cocktails, and has DJs Wednesday through Sunday.
Grab A Casual Dinner... just around the corner is Centrale – a small and stylish spot with a 10-pizza menu that’s simple but seriously impressive. Then, head next door to Serafim for a cocktail and effortlessly cool atmosphere to round off your first day.
Day 2
Start Your Day... with a visit to Obor Market, Bucharest’s largest farmers’ market, open daily from 7am to 7pm. This lively hub is where local farmers sell fresh produce, cheeses, honey, flowers, and authentic Romanian delicacies. But it’s worth going for the food stalls, especially Teresa’s to try “mici” (grilled pork or beef and lamb sausages served with bread and mustard) for just 10 lei for two. You also can’t leave Romania without trying “sarmale” – a delicious meat dish of minced pork wrapped in cabbage, kind of like a Romanian spring roll.
Or, For A More Eclectic Browse... head to Valea Cascadelor flea market – an early-morning treasure hunt where locals trade vintage finds, textiles and handmade crafts. It’s open Thursday, Saturday and Sunday from 5am but get there early for the best picks and don’t be shy about bargaining – it’s all part of the fun. Make sure you take cash, sample some Romanian street snacks and soak up the authentic local vibe.
Take A Stroll Around... the Cișmigiu Gardens. Just a 15-minute walk from Old Town, it’s Bucharest’s oldest park, dating back to 1847. With its mature trees, large lake, pretty rose garden and a charming pavilion, it’s the perfect peaceful oasis right in the heart of the city. Head to the main entrance on Regina Elisabeta Boulevard, directly opposite the City Hall. Plus, it’s just around the corner from the National Art Museum and Palace Hall – other great spots to add for a cultural fix.
Stop For A Coffee And Shop At... ESHTE Just 15-minutes away, it’s part coffee shop, part art gallery, part design boutique. Here, you’ll find a carefully curated collection of work by local Romanian artists and makers, from ceramics and jewellery to furniture, fashion, candles, and even their own line of ESHTE perfumes. Downstairs, the coffee bar serves excellent brews made with Origo beans.
Take In The Wonder At... The Romanian Athenaeum – one of Bucharest’s most iconic and elegant landmarks. Its stunning neoclassical facade and eye-popping main hall make it a must-see. Designed by French architect Albert Galleron and completed in 1888, it’s a true architectural gem. From September to May, the prestigious George Enescu Philharmonic Orchestra fills the hall with classical music but even if you can’t catch a concert while you’re in town, it’s totally worth popping inside to admire the grand interiors – think intricate frescoes, ornate chandeliers, and seriously impressive details.
For A Rooftop Drink With The Locals... head to La Mița Biciclista – a cultural gem inside a beautifully restored Art Nouveau and Neo-Baroque villa. Owned by Aurel Iancu, who transforms historic Amzei buildings into creative urban spaces, it pulses with ever-evolving cultural energy. Named after Mița Biciclista, an early-20th-century socialite who scandalised Bucharest by cycling through the city, the villa blends history and charm. Inside, discover the European-style Brasserie, the exclusive Historic Lounge, and a curated bookshop and exhibition space. But when the sun’s out, the rooftop terrace is the ultimate spot to relax, sip a drink, and soak in the atmosphere.
Make A Quick Pitstop At... Palatul Parlamentului – the world’s second-largest administrative building after the Pentagon. Known as the ‘People’s Palace,’ it’s a striking symbol of Romania’s history and ambition. Book a guided tour to explore its ornate halls and the National Museum of Modern Art inside, while glimpsing the country’s active political life.
For Dinner... try POT.stories, a spacious, sunlit spot with sophisticated interiors and an Asian-inspired menu – ceviche and veggie curry are fresh, beautifully presented and delicious. Alternatively, MOM offers Scandinavian-Mediterranean fusion in a clean, minimalist, yet cosy setting. Their signature MOM burger is decent, but the fries steal the show.
End The Night At... Oficiul 1 is a timeless speakeasy with a cool industrial vibe: exposed brick, sleek metal surfaces, and expertly crafted cocktails that make it a perfect spot for a nightcap. Just tell the bartender your flavour preferences and they’ll also whip up a flawless twist on your favourite classic cocktail.
Day 3
Start The Day With... a morning yoga class at Om Yoga and Pilates (led by Irina Moroșanu’s twin sister, Jules). Then, take a 15-minute walk to Ototo (Calea Victoriei 153 will be your closest spot) for healthy, organic food, fresh smoothies and great coffee. The shop is packed with independent, sustainable brands created with both people and the planet in mind. And if you’re a matcha fan, this is hands down the best spot in town to grab a cup.
Choose Your Next Read At... Cărturești Carusel in the Old Town – one of Bucharest’s (if not the world’s) most enchanting bookstores. It’s an elegant blend of history, architecture and literary charm set inside (another) beautifully restored 1903 building spanning six floors filled with art books, literature and design treasures. Plus, there’s a cosy cafe, gallery and bistro on the top floor – book lovers should plan to spend at least a couple of hours here.
Pop Into... APARTERRE, a stunning concept store with the most perfectly curated selection of fashion brands: womenswear, accessories and perfumes. There’s also a terrace where (there’s a theme here) you can enjoy a coffee or a glass of wine, and it’s only a handy few minutes’ walk from Rosetti.
Grab A Final And Fancy Meal At... NOUA where chef Alex Petricean – recently nominated for the Best Chef Awards in Milan, the first Romanian ever – reinvents Romanian cuisine with a wildly creative menu. Expect excellent food, ultra-refreshing cocktails, and a bold, modern approach that puts Romanian gastronomy firmly on the global stage.
Or A Farewell Drink At... Fix Me A Drink is a centrally located ingredient-driven cocktail bar celebrating Eastern European botanicals and local flavours. The ever-changing menu is full of creative surprises, alongside craft beers and a curated wine selection. With good music and quirky plant installations overhead, it’s a stylish spot to unwind. Order the Sunflower Seed Cocktail – a true standout.
