Romania’s capital is a paradox you’ll quickly fall for: 19th-century mansions shoulder up to stark communist monoliths, Art Nouveau cafes serve third-wave coffee, and centuries of history linger in courtyards and markets. In four days, you can taste Bucharest’s contemporary energy, trace the city’s layered past, and still have time to breathe Tyrolean air in the Carpathians.

From the grand Romanian Athenaeum to the colossal Palace of Parliament, Bucharest’s architecture tells stories of kings, composers, and revolution. Food is equally revealing—think sarmale (cabbage rolls), ciorbă (sour soups), and warm plates of “mici” grilled over charcoal, all best paired with a local wine from Dealu Mare or Transylvania.

Practical notes: Romania uses the leu (RON) and contactless payments are widely accepted. English is common in tourist areas. Ride-hailing (Uber/Bolt) works well, and the metro is clean and quick. Keep an eye on belongings in crowded Old Town streets, tip ~10% in restaurants, and book popular tours and tickets in advance.

Bucharest

Nicknamed “Little Paris” in the early 1900s, Bucharest blends Belle Époque elegance with a creative, post-1989 spirit. Cafes buzz with specialty roasts, wine bars showcase native grapes, and leafy parks offer quiet between museums and music halls.

• Top sights: Palace of Parliament, Romanian Athenaeum, Old Town (Lipscani), Stavropoleos Monastery, Revolution Square, Village Museum, Herăstrău (King Michael I) Park, Cișmigiu Gardens.
• Why visit now: A dynamic food scene, craft cocktails, and street art meet a calendar of classical concerts and festivals.
• Local flavor: Try covrigi (Romanian pretzels) warm from a street window, or “mici” with mustard at a local market.

Where to stay (Bucharest):

• Browse vacation rentals on VRBO Bucharest or hotels on Hotels.com Bucharest.
• Historic glam in the old banking district: The Marmorosch Bucharest, Autograph Collection.
• Smart, central base near Revolution Square: Novotel Bucharest City Centre.
• Neighborhoods: Lipscani (walk-to-everything nightlife), Cișmigiu (quiet and green), Cotroceni (elegant, local cafes), Dorobanți/Floreasca (dining hotspots).

Getting in and around:

• Flights: Compare Europe and global routes to OTP (Henri Coandă) on Omio Flights (often 1.5–3.5 hours from major European hubs; $60–$220+ depending on season). Intercontinental options are frequent via hubs; also check Trip.com Flights for long-haul deals.
• Trains & buses (Europe): Use Omio Trains or Omio Buses for routes into Bucharest (e.g., Budapest–Bucharest overnight options; regional buses can be cheaper, but slower).
• Local transport: Metro is efficient; Uber/Bolt are reliable; taxis are inexpensive but use licensed companies and check meters.

Day 1: Arrival, Old Town Orientation, and a Flavor-Packed Evening

Morning: Fly into OTP. If you land early, drop bags and stretch your legs in Cișmigiu Gardens—a 19th-century park with shaded paths and a lake. Coffee at Origo (benchmark roastery; bright, citrusy espresso) or M60 (Scandinavian-style brews and airy interiors).

Afternoon: Check in, then stroll Lipscani: pop into Stavropoleos Monastery (intricate wood and stone carving) and peek at the glass-covered ruins on Strada Franceză. Grab a light lunch at Simbio (all-day bistro; shakshuka, local cheeses) or La Mâncare (homey daily specials—look for bean ciorbă in a bread bowl).

Evening: Kick off with a guided food-and-culture walk to decode Romania’s flavors and stories: Taste of Bucharest: Food and Culture Private Tour. You’ll sample staples like zacuscă (smoky vegetable spread), artisan cheeses, and cured meats while exploring historic lanes.

After the tour, sit down at Caru’ cu Bere (1899 beer hall; wood-carved balconies, hearty sarmale and papanasi doughnuts) or Hanu’ lui Manuc (courtyard inn founded in 1808; grilled meats and country salads). Nightcap options: Control Club (alt music, courtyard), or Fix Me a Drink (foraged-ingredient cocktails like pine needle gimlets).

Day 2: Architecture, History, and Therme Bucharest

Morning: Start with a fast-track visit to the world’s heaviest administrative building: Palace of Parliament in Bucharest - fast-track tickets and guide. Your guide will navigate security and illuminate how this colossal project shaped the city.

Pre-tour coffee at Beans & Dots (velvety flat whites, minimalist vibe) or Trofic (sourdough toasts, seasonal bowls). Swing by Revolution Square and the elegant Romanian Athenaeum for photos and, if timing allows, a quick peek inside the lobby’s frescoed rotunda.

Afternoon: Lunch at Zexe Zahana (heritage recipes—veal stew, eggplant salads) or La Mama (reliable traditional fare; polenta with cheese and sour cream). Then decompress at Europe’s largest wellness center with palm trees and mineral pools: Therme Bucharest Tickets and Water Theme Park. It’s ~20–30 minutes by rideshare from central Bucharest; bring flip-flops and swimwear.

Evening: Return refreshed and dine at NOUA (chef Alex Petricean’s contemporary Romanian—fermentation, foraging, tasting menus) or KAIAMO (modern plates celebrating local terroir; strong wine pairings). For a skyline toast, try Linea/Closer to the Moon (rooftop; sunset spritzes) before a leisurely walk through cobbled Old Town.

Day 3: Full-Day Transylvania Castles and Medieval Brasov

Today’s a grand outing through the Carpathians. Join a small-group excursion that efficiently links three icons: Bucharest–Peles, Bran Castles & Brasov: PREMIUM TOUR small group. Expect an early start (around 7:00–7:30 a.m.) and a 12–13 hour day, with comfortable transport, skip-the-line logistics where available, and a knowledgeable guide.

Highlights include Neo-Renaissance Peles Castle in Sinaia (ornate woodwork, stained glass; note: usually closed Mondays and seasonally some areas are limited), the hilltop silhouette of Bran Castle—forever tied to the Dracula legend—and free time in Brasov’s Old Town. For lunch in Brasov, consider La Ceaun (stews and soups), Sergiana (Transylvanian classics; smoked pork knuckle, bean casseroles), or Dei Frati (exceptional fresh pasta if you need a break from meat-heavy plates). Coffee fixes: CH9 Coffee & Wine or Kafe Pub near Council Square.

Return to Bucharest in the evening. If you’re peckish, grab a casual late bite at Dristor Kebap (local favorite) or try mici at a neighborhood grill. Early night recommended after a big day.

Day 4: Village Traditions, Market Bites, and Departure

Morning: Choose your finale: The open-air Village Museum (Muzeul Satului) in Herăstrău Park, where wooden churches and farmsteads from across Romania tell rural stories; or Obor Market for a sensory whirl of produce, pickles, cheeses, and famous mici from the market terrace. Breakfast picks: Trofic (seasonal plates) or Frudisiac (Nordic-style cafe; granola, avocado toast).

Afternoon: Last strolls through Herăstrău Park’s lakeside paths, then pack and transfer to the airport for your flight home.

Evening: Departure day—if you have extra time, sip one final espresso at Origo and pick up a bag of beans as a souvenir.

Good to Know + Extras

• Tickets & tours to prebook: Palace of Parliament, Therme Bucharest, and the castles day trip often sell out—secure them a few days ahead.
• Getting around: Traffic can be dense at rush hour. When possible, use the metro for cross-city hops.
• Wine to try: Fetească Neagră (red), Fetească Albă (white), and Crâmpoșie from Oltenia.

Optional Overnight in Brasov (Extension)

If you decide to stay a night in Brasov for a slower Transylvania pace, here are solid picks:

• Aro Palace Hotel (classic riverfront stay with spa).
• Casa Wagner (right on Council Square; historic ambiance).
• Hotel Ambient (comfortable midrange option).
• Hotel Coroana (budget-friendly, central).

Another Way to See Transylvania (Alt Day Tour)

Prefer a private pace? Consider this customizable option (also from Bucharest): Dracula Castle, Peles Castle & Brasov-Private Tour from Bucharest.

Summary: In four days, this Romania itinerary pairs Bucharest’s culture—grand halls, cozy cafes, and lively dinners—with a spectacular Transylvania day trip through mountains and storybook towns. You’ll fly home with new flavors, a camera roll of castles, and a clear reason to return for a deeper dive.