Want MORE Time, Money, and Freedom? Join My Travel Agent Workshop!
Join me inside for a LIVE Digital Walkthrough Workshop and you can start building your very own agency, with full credentials, within an hour of set up!!
Plus, snag my FREE List of the best and most profitable affiliate travel suppliers, when you do!
Hurry! spots are limited + filling up fast:
Discover Bucharest: Your Next European City Break
If you’re tired of the same old city break destinations, it’s time to shake things up a bit, don’t you think? Forget Paris, Rome, and all those predictable places. This time, I’ve got a hidden gem for you—Bucharest. Romania’s capital might not be on everyone’s radar yet, but it’s bursting with character, history, and an unbeatable vibe that’s perfect for a family adventure or even a cheeky getaway with a bit of added luxury. So, buckle up, because here’s why you need Bucharest on your list—packed with all the good stuff and more!
What to See and Do in Bucharest
1. Palace of the Parliament
No list of Bucharest’s attractions is complete without the infamous Palace of the Parliament. It’s not just big; it’s massive. The second-largest administrative building in the world, only beaten by the Pentagon, this Communist-era behemoth is as excessive as it sounds. Take the guided tour to wander through its endless halls, staircases, and crystal chandeliers, and marvel at the fact that it’s still not finished. For the kids, it’s like stepping into a real-life castle, and for adults, the sheer scale of it is mind-blowing. Just don’t get lost—it’s basically a labyrinth!
2. Herăstrău Park & Lake
For a breath of fresh air, head over to Herăstrău Park. It’s got that magical combo of being family-friendly while offering plenty for the grown-ups too. Take a boat ride on the lake, hire bikes and zip around the park, or simply stretch out with a picnic under the trees. And here’s the kicker—it’s right next to the Village Museum (more on that later), so you can soak up a bit of Romanian culture before or after your park escapades. In winter, the park is transformed into a snowy wonderland—perfect for snowball fights and cosy walks.
3. Village Museum
Now, this is a proper gem. The open-air Village Museum gives you a glimpse into Romania’s rural past, showcasing traditional homes, churches, and windmills from all over the country. The kids will love exploring the old wooden houses and imagining what life was like back in the day. It’s educational and fun, which is a win-win in my book. Top tip: If you’re visiting in December, the museum hosts a lovely Christmas market filled with handmade crafts, traditional foods, and the warm, festive feeling that will give you all the winter vibes.
Alright, parents- this one’s for you. Just a short drive from the city, Therme is Europe’s largest thermal spa, and it’s heaven on earth. Don’t worry, they’ve thought of everything for families too, with kid-friendly pools, water slides, and activities. Meanwhile, you can sneak off to the sauna or the hot thermal pools, surrounded by tropical plants. It’s a lush bit of luxury that’ll leave you all feeling refreshed. Just picture it—while the kids are busy splashing away, you’re sipping on a cocktail in the palm-lined lagoon. Bliss.
Where to Stay: Family-Friendly Options
You’ve got two choices here—one that’s easy on the wallet and another that adds a sprinkle of luxury to your stay.
Budget Option: Hotel Christina For those looking for comfort without the hefty price tag, Hotel Christina hits the mark. It’s modern, cosy, and located close enough to all the major sights, so you won’t need to worry about long treks with tired kids. The rooms are bright and airy, and they’ve got family suites, so no one has to share a sofa bed (hallelujah!). Plus, there’s a hearty breakfast to kick-start your day of exploring, which is always a bonus with little ones in tow.
Luxe Option: JW Marriott Bucharest Grand Hotel If you’re in the mood to splash out a bit, the JW Marriott Bucharest Grand Hotel is the way to go. It’s elegant, centrally located, and brimming with facilities to keep both adults and kids entertained. There’s a beautiful pool, spa facilities, and, crucially, spacious family rooms. You’ll feel properly pampered here, and the kids will feel like they’re staying in a palace. Perfect for when you want to add a touch of luxury to your city break.
Eating Out: Best Restaurants and Cafés
For the Whole Family: Caru' cu Bere If you’re looking for a true taste of Romania, Caru' cu Bere is the place to be. It’s one of the oldest restaurants in Bucharest, and it’s got bags of charm—think vaulted ceilings, stained glass windows, and a lively atmosphere. The menu is packed with traditional Romanian dishes (the kids can stick to classics like grilled meats), and for adults, there’s plenty of local beer and hearty fare. Go hungry—the portions are generous!
For Something Sweet: La Mama La Mama is a fantastic spot if you’re craving something a little lighter—or if you’ve got a sweet tooth. It’s got a laid-back vibe, so it’s perfect for lunch with the kids, and they serve everything from traditional Romanian dishes to international favourites. But the real star of the show is their dessert menu. Definitely save room for some papanași—Romanian doughnuts served with sour cream and jam. The kids will love it, and let’s be honest, so will you.
Things to Do with Kids
1. Dino Park A little outside the city, but totally worth the trip—especially if you’ve got dinosaur fans in the family. Dino Park is an adventure park filled with life-sized dino statues, zip lines, and interactive displays. It’s fun, educational, and the kids will have a blast wandering around pretending to be paleontologists.
2. Muzeul Antipa (Natural History Museum) If you’ve got a rainy day on your hands, this is a lifesaver. The Natural History Museum is a hit with both kids and adults, with its extensive collection of fossils, taxidermy animals, and even a few dinosaur skeletons. It’s educational, but in that way that doesn’t feel too much like school, which makes it a winner in my book.
For the Grown-Ups: If you fancy something a bit more grown-up while the kids are distracted, pop into one of Bucharest’s many stylish coffee shops for a quick caffeine boost. Origo Coffee is a great spot for a break—top-notch coffee, great atmosphere, and conveniently close to most of the sights.
For a full list of things to do in Romania check out this list here
Christmas Markets and Winter Fun
Now, let’s talk winter. If you’ve ever dreamed of a Christmas market straight out of a postcard, Bucharest delivers. Piața Constituției Christmas Market is the city’s main event, with twinkling lights, stalls selling everything from handmade crafts to mulled wine, and live performances to get everyone in the festive spirit. And if you’re staying for New Year’s, you’re in for a treat—Romanians know how to ring in the new year with fireworks, food, and plenty of celebrations.
There are also smaller markets dotted around the city, perfect for picking up unique gifts or sampling traditional Romanian goodies like cozonac (a sweet bread, often with a swirl of nuts and chocolate).
When to Visit and How to Budget
Best Time to Visit: Spring (April-June) and autumn (September-October) are ideal, with pleasant weather and fewer crowds. Summer can get toasty, but if you don’t mind the heat, it’s still a great time to explore. Winter brings the magic of Christmas markets and snow-covered streets, which is enchanting, but you’ll need to bundle up!
Currency: Romania uses the leu (RON), and your pounds will stretch nicely here. Meals, transportation, and accommodation are much cheaper than in other European capitals, so whether you’re on a budget or looking to splurge, Bucharest won’t break the bank. Just make sure to carry some cash—while most places accept cards, smaller shops and cafés might not.
Why Bucharest Should Be on Your List
There’s something about Bucharest that just works. It’s got that perfect mix of history, modernity, and quirkiness, with enough going on to keep everyone in the family entertained. And the best part? It’s still relatively undiscovered, so you won’t be battling hordes of tourists. From exploring the vast parks to diving into Romania’s fascinating history, Bucharest has it all.
So, what are you waiting for? If you’re ready to dig deeper and get all the insider tips, feel free to drop me a line here, and I will be happy to help you plan your trip.
Best Ways to Travel In and Around Bucharest with Kids
When it comes to navigating Bucharest with little ones, you want convenience and ease. Luckily, the city has plenty of family-friendly transport options to make getting around a breeze.
1. Public Transport
Bucharest’s public transport network is solid, offering buses, trams, and the metro. The metro is particularly handy if you’re travelling with kids—it’s clean, reliable, and fast, and it’s usually your best bet for getting across the city without getting caught in traffic. There are four main lines (M1, M2, M3, and M4), all colour-coded, making it easier to navigate, even if you’re juggling pushchairs and toddlers!
Top tip: Get yourself a Bucharest Travel Card, which offers unlimited travel on public transport for a day, three days, or even a week. If you’re hopping around the city to see the sights, this could save you a few quid, and you won’t have to worry about buying individual tickets.
Note for parents: The metro can get a bit busy during rush hour (8-10 AM and 5-7 PM), so try to avoid those times if you don’t fancy being packed in like sardines with your little ones.
2. Taxis & Ride-Sharing
If you’re not in the mood for public transport, taxis and ride-sharing apps like Uber and Bolt are readily available. Both services are affordable, even for longer trips across the city, and can be lifesavers when the kids are tuckered out after a long day of exploring.
Just be sure to download the app and use ride-sharing services over hailing taxis on the street, as prices can sometimes be a bit inflated for tourists. With the apps, you get the price upfront, and it’s much easier if you don’t speak Romanian. Bonus: If you need a child seat, Uber offers the option to request one!
3. Walking
Bucharest is a wonderfully walkable city, with loads of pedestrian-friendly streets, particularly in the Old Town. The winding cobbled lanes are packed with cafés, shops, and street performers, so you can let the kids wander (under supervision, of course) while soaking up the atmosphere.
For families with little ones, make sure to pack or hire a sturdy pushchair—the streets can get a bit uneven with all those cobblestones. And while some areas are stroller-friendly, others might be a bit of a bumpy ride, so it’s worth bearing that in mind if you’ve got babies or toddlers.
4. Hop-On, Hop-Off Bus
For an easy, no-fuss way to see the city, the Bucharest City Tour Bus is a great option, especially with kids. The Hop-On, Hop-Off bus takes you around all the key sights, from the Palace of the Parliament to the Village Museum, and allows you to jump off at any stop for a closer look. It’s a fun way for the kids to see the city without wearing them out from too much walking. Plus, there’s something about a big, double-decker bus that kids just love!
5. Renting a Car
If you’re planning on exploring outside Bucharest (and Romania has plenty to offer), renting a car might be a good option. It gives you the flexibility to visit places like Therme București, Mogoșoaia Palace, or even the Carpathian Mountains, all within an hour’s drive from the city.
Keep in mind that traffic in the city can be a bit chaotic at times, and parking isn’t always straightforward, especially in the central areas. But for day trips, renting a car is ideal for getting off the beaten path and showing the kids Romania’s beautiful countryside.
6. Electric Scooters & Bikes
Bucharest has embraced the scooter and bike trend, and you’ll find plenty of options dotted around the city. Companies like Lime and Bolt have e-scooters and e-bikes available to rent by the minute. While this might not be the most family-friendly option for younger children, it’s a fun way to zip around the parks or quieter streets if you’ve got older kids. Helmets are highly recommended, though not always provided, so plan ahead if you’re considering this mode of transport.
Travelling around Bucharest with kids doesn’t have to be stressful. Whether you’re hopping on the metro, taking a leisurely stroll through the Old Town, or jumping in an Uber after a long day, the city is well-equipped to handle family adventures. And remember, a little planning goes a long way—so keep that travel card handy and pack plenty of snacks for the kids!
Ready to explore Bucharest? Let me help you plan the perfect family getaway, you can contact me here or I can show you how to earn on your own bookings by joining my travel team!
