NinaSearching

Bucharest had not been on my radar at all, but I stumbled across a great fare and am wondering whether to take it. I have 10 days (12 April - 22 April).

The reason I'm hesitating is that I haven't found a good guidebook on Bucharest (suggestions anyone?), and traveller reports I've read online have been mixed.

That having been said, would be great to hear thoughts on whether 10 days in Bucharest would be just right for a city-leaning, "slow" traveler -- or far too long and irredeemably dull.

I should add:
* I much prefer city traveling to touring scenic small towns or countrysides. So this would be 10 days in Bucharest with maybe a 1-2 day trips.
* I could spend days and days and days in museums, at the theatre, concerts and opera.
* I speak no Romanian and my French is very rusty.

Any thoughts to help me decide would be greatly appreciated. Thanks!

flat4

Bucharest has plenty of museums and cultural life, but 10 days would just be too long for it.

As you say you particularly like city traveling my suggestion would be to spend 4-5 days in Bucharest then do the main cities of the country's other regions: Timisoara (western region), Cluj (in Transylvania), Iasi (in Moldavia). All these three cities are relatively well developed, with dozens of museums, operas, theaters etc. - stay for about 2 days in each.
You can reach them from Bucharest by air or train (preferably night train).

Or if you don't want to travel so much just do the cities in Transylvania: Cluj > Sibiu > Brasov (these last two are amongst the main tourist destinations in the country).

You won't have so many problems with the languages: in general people under 35 can speak English, so when you're in need of info, translation etc. just locate the nearest young person.

maytraveller

Hi nina:

Given your preferences, I would split the time between Bucharest and Sofia, Bulgaria or Lviv, Ukraine.

maytraveller

bilboburgler

Yep too long but you could go North into Transilvania and East to the Delta. I'd also checkthe status of the dog packs in the city before wandering around at night. It may have got better than when I was last there

NinaSearching

Thanks so much for your responses! I went ahead and got the ticket. I'm going to check trains & such and will probably be back next week for feedback on a sample itinerary.

Thanks again! Between Turkey this month (leaving in ~2 hours!) and Romania next month, I am really expanding my comfort zone, and am sooooo excited!

JulieVikmanis

Wow. Good for you. enjoy your trip. And tell us all about it when you return.

Sam_CelRoman

I know tons of excellent guidebooks. I wrote one myself (http://amzn.to/e2uCkt) but if you want one just for Bucharest only, I highly recommend Bucharest In Your Pocket (http://www.inyourpocket.com/romania/bucharest). Fair warning, I know the guy who wrote that one too, but it's good stuff.

Weather should be PERFECT in Bucharest in the end of April - you should have a blast. And don't worry, you don't need to speak Romanian to get around

Falana

Hi Nina,

I'm a flight attendant and go to Bucharest often. Bucharest is a fun city, actually one of my favorites. I agree with Sam. I also recommend http://www.inyourpocket.com/romania/bucharest) It's a great guide book with everything you need to know about about Bucharest. I'm going to Bucharest at the end of April and I heard the weather will be nice.

I'm not sure what you're into, but Bucharest has an amazing nightlife. Reminds me of Vegas, lol If you want to dance the night away, go to Fratelli, Bellagio, and Bamboo on Friday and Saturday night. Player is great on a Wednesday night. DRESS TO IMPRESS. The women are look like models and the men are attractive. If you like pubs, bar and restaurants, the old town area, Lipscani, is happening and lots of fun. Lipscani is the most famous street situated in the old town area. The name derived from "Lipsca" / "lipscani" (old Romanian form for the German town of Leipzig..

Go to Trinity Pub. Great music and people. You'll be tempted to dance on the bar.

As for sightseeing, Bucharest is not short of historical sights and landmarks. Visit the National Library,Palace of the Parliament, Arcul de Triumf (The Triumphal Arch), and more.

Have a great time!

bilboburgler

Young Tim Burford wrote the Rough Guide Romania, I see from facebook he has just re-done it. Its very insightful

DreamingCris

Hi Nina!
I am sorry I haven't find this queue earlier! I suppose you are in Bucharest right now or around?! If so, don't miss "Targul de Florii" ("Palm Fair") at the Romanian Peasant Museum, which is held every year before the Easter! Artisans and craftsmen from all over the country come with traditionally painted eggs (for the Easter!!), pottery, wooden objects, leather, fabrics...not to mention goodies like gingerbread, honey, plum jam, Kurtos Kalacs...))), musics and great atmosphere! The fair lasts three days, from tomorrow Friday until Sunday. The museum is on Kiseleff Road, 3.
The museum itself is a must see!
I also have myself a touristic website about Bucharest:
http://unknownbucharest.com/, that you might find informative and interesting!
Looking forward for your "Bucharest trip report"!

Have a great time!
Cris