The sweet spots are late April to June and September to October, when days are warm, terraces are open, and crowds are thin. Summer (July and August) gets hot, often above 35C/95F, though many locals decamp to the mountains or coast and the city empties pleasantly. Winters are cold and gray but cheap, with Christmas markets in Piata Constitutiei and around Calea Victoriei adding sparkle from late November. For events, look to the George Enescu Festival (a major classical music event held in odd-numbered Septembers) and the summer street-food and music festivals that fill the parks.

Most travelers arrive at Henri Coanda International Airport (OTP), about 18 km north of the center. The cheapest reliable link is the express Bus 783 (around 4 lei, roughly 45-60 minutes) or the train from the airport to Gara de Nord; for door-to-door, use the Bolt or Uber apps, which cost far less than airport taxis and avoid the haggling. In town, the metro is clean, fast, and cheap (a couple of lei per ride), and the historic center is very walkable. Skip unmarked taxis; stick to apps or clearly metered cars.