Traveling from Sofia, the capital of Bulgaria, to Bucharest, the capital of Romania, takes about seven hours by Flixbus. I chose the 6:00 a.m. departure that arrives at 1:00 p.m., since I didn’t want to reach the city in the middle of the night. Leaving in the morning felt much safer, and arriving early in the afternoon meant I still had the entire day to explore.
Getting Around Bucharest
Public transportation in Romania is well-developed and very convenient, especially the buses and trams. Even better, you can simply tap your contactless credit card at the entrance—no need to buy a separate ticket. For travelers, this makes moving around the city extremely easy.
Where I Stayed: Nest Boutique Hostel
I stayed at Nest Boutique Hostel, which cost around 15,000 yen (roughly $100 USD) for one week. It was a 12-bed dormitory but included breakfast—some days with salad, other days with pancakes.
As a workspace, the hostel wasn’t the best since there were only a few tables, but once I got used to it, it didn’t feel inconvenient.
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History and Cityscape
Romania transitioned to democracy after the 1989 Romanian Revolution. Still, throughout Bucharest, you can spot buildings that remain as reminders of the communist era.
In contrast, strolling through the Old Town (Lipscani District) feels like stepping back into medieval Europe. Cobblestone streets and classical architecture line the area, bustling with tourists. Prices in the Old Town are a bit higher than average, so aside from souvenirs, I didn’t shop much there.
Bucharest’s Lively Streets
The liveliest area was along the street marked in red on the map below. When I visited on the weekend, it turned into a pedestrian-only zone with live music and street performances. Stumbling upon such events is part of the magic of traveling.
One thing I noticed walking around is that Romanians seem to love Italian food—gelato and pizza shops are everywhere.
I tried pizza at Treevi, a popular spot packed with people. A pizza cost about 1,500 yen (~$10 USD) and was generously portioned.
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For dessert, I went to La Romana for gelato. I chose caramel, and it was rich, creamy, and absolutely delicious.
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Café Culture and a Trendy Drink
I also stopped by STEAM Coffee Shop, where I tried something unique that’s apparently trending in Romania: Cold Brew Tonic. It’s a mix of coffee and tonic water—lightly fizzy, slightly sweet, and unlike anything I had tasted before. An unusual but fun experience!
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Must-See Sights in Bucharest
There are two must-visit spots in Bucharest:
- Piața Revoluției (Revolution Square)
This is where former communist leader Nicolae Ceaușescu gave his final speech. It remains a symbol of the 1989 revolution, and for Romanians over 40, it’s a place tied to vivid personal memories of a turbulent time.
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- Palatul Parlamentului (Palace of the Parliament)
Built at an enormous cost, this administrative building is the second-largest building in the world (after the Pentagon). A passport is required for entry, and since same-day tickets can be hard to get, it’s best to secure them a day in advance.
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Day Trip: Dracula’s Castle and Transylvania
The classic excursion from Bucharest is a day trip to Transylvania, including the famous “Dracula’s Castle.” I joined a Get Your Guide tour, which included transportation (tickets were extra). It was far cheaper and easier than traveling independently.
- Bran Castle (Dracula’s Castle)
Nestled in the mountains, the castle has a mysterious atmosphere that matches its legendary reputation.
- Brașov
A charming city with preserved medieval streets, perfect for a leisurely stroll.
- Peleș Castle
A stunningly ornate palace filled with treasures. I was even surprised to find some artifacts originating from Japan!
Along the way, I also tried Romania’s traditional dish, Sarmale (stuffed cabbage rolls). A simple yet hearty comfort food.
Souvenir: Horezu Pottery
Before leaving, I picked up Horezu Pottery, a traditional Romanian craft recognized by UNESCO as Intangible Cultural Heritage. The colorful, handmade designs are warm and cheerful—an ideal keepsake from my trip. I just hoped I could bring it home safely without breaking it.
Final Thoughts
Bucharest is an easy trip from Sofia by bus, and the city offers an intriguing mix of communist-era history, medieval charm, vibrant street life, and delicious food and coffee culture. On top of that, day trips to Dracula’s Castle, Brașov, and Peleș Castle make it a fantastic destination full of variety.
