A Romantic 5-Day Bucharest Itinerary on a Budget: Castles, Coffee, and Spa Bliss
Bucharest has the swagger of a capital and the soul of a neighborhood. Belle Époque palaces line Calea Victoriei, communist-era giants loom, and leafy parks cradle village houses moved here piece by piece. It’s a city made for wandering—hand in hand—with plenty of hidden corners for coffee, wine, and late-night music.
Once dubbed “Little Paris,” Bucharest is now distinctly itself: creative, outspoken, and affordable. Expect a thriving specialty coffee scene, relaxed wine bars pouring Fetească Neagră, and kitchens where “grandma recipes” meet modern technique. A romantic day trip to Transylvania’s castles adds storybook drama without breaking the bank.
Practicalities: card payments are widely accepted; the currency is the Romanian leu (RON). The metro is clean and cheap (single rides under $1; day passes are inexpensive), ride-hailing is reliable, and airport trains reach Gara de Nord in about 25 minutes. Dress modestly for churches and bring ID for the Palace of Parliament.
Bucharest
Bucharest rewards curiosity. Old Town’s Lipscani lanes house the serene Stavropoleos Monastery; nearby, the National Museum of Art occupies the former Royal Palace. North of the center, Herăstrău Park embraces the open-air Village Museum, while the Arcul de Triumf nods to the city’s grand ambitions.
- Top sights: Palace of Parliament, Calea Victoriei, Old Town (Lipscani), Romanian Athenaeum, Village Museum, Ceaușescu Mansion (Spring Palace), Herăstrău Park, Arcul de Triumf.
- Eat & drink: markets (Obor) for grilled mici, hearty Romanian spots (Hanu’ lui Manuc, Vatra), and modern bistros (Energiea). Wine bars like Abel’s Wine Bar or 1000 de chipuri are perfect for Romanian tastings.
- Fun facts: The Palace of Parliament is one of the world’s largest administrative buildings; the Old Town hides a 1724 monastery; and Bucharest’s coffee renaissance rivals Europe’s best.
Where to stay (budget to romantic):
- Search deals and apartments: See Bucharest hotels on Hotels.com | Apartments and homes on VRBO
- Best-value city center: Novotel Bucharest City Centre (indoor pool, prime Calea Victoriei location; frequent deals).
- One-night romantic splurge: The Marmorosch Bucharest, Autograph Collection (gilded bank-turned-hotel with an atmospheric cocktail bar).
Getting in and around: Fly into OTP (Henri Coandă). Compare flights and overland routes with Omio (flights in Europe), Omio (trains), or Omio (buses). Airport to center: 25-minute train to Gara de Nord, or 40–60 minutes by car depending on traffic. In town, ride the metro, trams, and buses; ride-hailing works well late at night.
Day 1: Arrival, Old Town wander, and a toast to Bucharest
Afternoon: Arrive and check in. Stretch your legs along Calea Victoriei—peek at the glass-domed CEC Palace and the National Museum of Art courtyard. Drop into Origo for immaculate espresso or a flat white; share a cardamom bun if fresh from the oven.
Evening: Settle into the 1808 courtyard at Hanu’ lui Manuc for sarmale (cabbage rolls), polenta, and a carafe of local wine—rustic, convivial, and surprisingly affordable. Stroll to Abel’s Wine Bar for a mini tasting flight (try Fetească Albă, Fetească Neagră, and Tămâioasă Românească). If it’s clear, catch city lights at rooftop LINEA/Closer to the Moon.
Day 2: Parliament grandeur, markets, and Romanian wines
Morning: Dive into Romania’s recent past at the colossal Palace of Parliament. Bring your passport/ID for entry and allow 1.5–2 hours.
Palace of Parliament in Bucharest - fast-track tickets and guide
Afterwards, pause at the tiny jewel-box Stavropoleos Monastery and admire its carved stonework and icons.
Afternoon: Eat your way through Bucharest with a neighborhood-and-markets food walk—great for learning regional dishes, history, and where locals actually shop.
Taste Bucharest: A Food Lover's Tour of Markets & Neighbourhoods
Evening: Enjoy a budget-friendly dinner at Vatra (try ciorbă de burtă or trout with polenta). For a romantic tasting, slide into 1000 de chipuri wine bar—ask for a flight spotlighting Dealu Mare reds. Prefer music? Check schedules for a concert at the Romanian Athenaeum (late starts are common; smart-casual attire works).
Day 3: Storybook Transylvania—Peleș & “Dracula’s” Bran (Full Day)
Trade city streets for Carpathian curves and castle turrets. This small-group day trip hits two icons: Neo-Renaissance Peleș Castle in Sinaia and hilltop Bran Castle, the so-called “Dracula’s Castle,” plus time to wander Brașov’s medieval core. Early start; expect a 12–13 hour day with mountain views and fairytale interiors.
Small-Group Day Trip to Dracula's Castle, Brasov and Peles Castle
Back in Bucharest, keep it casual: grab a late bite at Dristor Kebab or split a wood-fired pizza at Pâine și Vin. Night owls can slip into Control Club for indie/electronic sets or Expirat (Halele Carol) for live bands.
Day 4: Village lanes, lakeside strolls, and a tropical spa escape
Morning: Coffee at Beans&Dots near Universitate, then head north to the Village Museum to explore traditional houses and painted churches set around Herăstrău Lake. Walk the lakeside path and detour to the Arcul de Triumf for photos.
Afternoon: Unwind at Europe’s giant wellness playground, Therme Bucharest. The Palm has warm lagoons under real palm trees; Elysium adds themed saunas; Galaxy is for slides—couples often split time between The Palm and Elysium. Bring flip-flops and swimwear; lockers provided. Rideshare takes ~30–40 minutes each way; local bus 442 runs from Piața Presei if you want to save.
Official Entry Ticket to Therme Bucharest
Evening: Back in town, grab dinner at Energiea (Romanian-modern plates; share the zucchini fritters and a seasonal salad). For a romantic nightcap, try Fix Me a Drink for foraged Romanian botanicals, or go low-key with beers in the garden at Dianei 4 when the weather’s warm.
Day 5: Cotroceni calm, last bites, and departure
Morning: Start with breakfast at Trofic (by Origo)—excellent eggs and sourdough—or pick up pastries at Pain Plaisir. Wander the leafy Cotroceni neighborhood for elegant villas and quiet streets; if you’re keen on Cold War-era opulence, the Ceaușescu Mansion (Spring Palace) is nearby and fascinating (reserve in advance).
Afternoon (departure): Pop into Cărturești Carusel bookstore for photogenic shelves and locally made gifts, then head to the airport. Train to Gara de Nord + airport rail link is the most predictable; ride-hailing is easiest with luggage. If time allows, grab a final snack—papanși (doughnuts with sour cream and jam) to sweeten the goodbye.
Optional “live like a local” extras (fit as time allows):
- Obor Market: Taste grilled mici with mustard, pickles, and local cheese; prices are friendly and portions generous.
- Cooking workshop: Join a small Romanian home-cooking session (think sarmale and cozonac); many hosts run morning classes—great for couples.
- Nightlife sampler: Old Town’s Shoteria for quick-fire shots, or Gradina Eden for a summer garden vibe.
Budget tips for a romantic trip (score: 23/100): Favor apartments near Universitate or Romană for value; eat your main meal at lunch (set menus, lower prices); use metro/trams and walk Calea Victoriei’s free “open-street” weekends in warm months. Aim for $40–60 per person/day for food, transit, and admissions (excluding lodging and day trips).
Alternate/extra activities worth bookmarking (if you extend):
Arrival/Departure booking: For Europe-based flights and rail, compare routes and prices on Omio flights and Omio trains; buses can be a bargain via Omio buses. Pick centrally located stays on Hotels.com or VRBO to save on transit time and costs.
Why this plan works: It balances romance and reality. You’ll trace royal salons and village porches, sip local wines, soak in tropical pools, and still keep spending sensible—proof that a “Little Paris” getaway can be both dreamy and down-to-earth.