

On their way to India, Marie & Matt from the blog Voyages à Deux are traveling across Europe by bus and sharing with you great tips, advice, and tricks through their articles!
PENULTIMATE STOP: Bucharest.
Bucharest, the capital of Romania, where we stayed for just two days. A short stay, but more than enough to see everything without even rushing. It leaves time to head into the countryside to the north and discover Transylvania. But first, what to see in Bucharest? Here are our five great tips.
The Parliament

The biggest building in the capital occupies an area of its own. Unmissable, one can enter for a guided tour, but it’s mainly for its imposing architecture that this incredible monument is worth the detour.
Hestrau Park

Located at the northern edge of the city, the lungs of Bucharest offer a lovely green walk between an artificial lake, a small zoo, and a skatepark. It is thus a meeting spot for lovers and families who come to relax away from the city.
The Romanian Village

Located in Hestrau Park, this village remains our favorite visit in Bucharest, mainly because of the extensive reconstruction work done on the various houses that testify to the country’s history. Unfortunately, not all are open, but you can peek through the windows to imagine life from the past. Don’t miss: the traditional craft shop where you can buy hand-painted eggs or embroidery, the most typical souvenirs from the country.
The Old Town

This may not be our favorite place, but it’s impossible to miss since we inevitably end up there either to shop or grab a bite to eat. Must see: the Villacrosse passage with its shisha bars where you can take a break under a nice glass roof and the small pubs (all smoking!) where you can drink a beer for not too much.
Orthodox Churches

Since they are rare around here, they are worth visiting in Romania to admire the precious details on the statues and gilded icons. With the incense smoke and religious hymns enveloping the small nave at all times, a change of scenery is guaranteed!
Our Good Addresses
Where to Sleep?

The second most impressive building in Bucharest after the Parliament, the JW Marriott is an ideal base for getting all the necessary comfort during a stay in the Romanian capital, at very affordable prices for such high-end standards (starting from €180 for a cozy suite with a king-size bed for two). We love the impressive marble staircase leading to the floors, the first of which hosts at least three restaurants. The breakfast, incredibly complete, is offered in one of them, in a room completely open to the lobby. The room itself offers a breathtaking view of the Parliament. Our advice: in the evening, take a step back from the hotel to admire its façade illuminated in different colors. Even more spectacular!
Where to Eat?

The restaurant Hanu’ Berarilor is a good alternative for a romantic dinner, knowing that the city doesn’t have many places to savor. Here at least, you can taste Slovak cuisine without breaking the bank (15€ for two, including wine!) like samale (stuffed cabbage) or polenta. The setting is very nice, quite rustic and picturesque, setting the mood.
In the Romanian village, you can also enjoy the last rays of sunshine on the terrace for a traditional lunch at lovely wooden tables. Here, too, the specialties of the country are featured at a ridiculous price.
Practical Information
The bus station where the buses arrive is quite far from the center. Two options: take a taxi or the bus. Our advice? The first option, given the reasonable price: 1.49 lei per kilometer, which is just 0.30 cents! From Vienna, one of the only possible connections with Bucharest thanks to the unlimited pass, the journey takes about 18 hours, with a few mandatory stops. Our bus showed several movies during the trip (in English with Romanian subtitles), but it all depends on the journey!
Reservations:
As Matt & Marie go to Bucharest:
> Book your cheap trip to Bucharest with Links12
> Book your accommodation in Bucharest
Bucharest seen by Marie & Matt was originally published in Travel Tips, Tricks, and Advice on Medium, where people are continuing the conversation by highlighting and responding to this story.
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