Is Bucharest Safe? Tourist Tips, Tricks And More!
So you’ve got Romania on the mind, but probably find yourself wondering: Is Bucharest safe?
Let’s dive into the city’s heartbeat and separate the myths from the truths!
Tom Henty Travels is here to detail the common pitfalls in the Romanian capital, along with some tips and tricks to navigate Bucharest safely, so you can enjoy your city break to the fullest.
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Bucharest has the reputation of a safe European city for locals and International tourists to enjoy its quaint spots, quirky art, and the Palace of Parliament, which is the world’s largest administrative building, and one of the highlights of the Romanian capital.
As with any place you visit, there are some common scams you should be aware of when visiting.
Although it doesn’t feel as traditional or slow paced as the popular Transylvanian cities of Romania, it certainly has high social energy flowing through its packed squares and narrow Old Town alleyways.
Bucharest offers a city break with touch of elegance and class as it mimics other historic European cities, such as Vienna and Barcelona, in terms of grand architecture and relaxed vibes. However it also manages to maintain its traditional Balkan style character well.
What Is Bucharest Like?
Bucharest is home to a population of 1.83 million people and is the largest city in Romania. It is known for its beautiful parks, mixed architecture styles, and vast boulevards.
The Romanian capital comprises many different neighbourhoods, all offering a different vibe. ‘Centrul Civic’ is known for its administrative buildings and grand architecture. This is where you will find the famous Palace of Parliament.
A central residential district is ‘Tineretului’, which is now a lively spot with many youths working and living in this central spot. Visitors usually find themselves staying and finding entertainment in the ‘Lipscani’ area (Old Town).
The weather in Bucharest is continental, so it experiences hot summers and cold winters. The sunshine hours stay long and temperatures remain warm into October.
Historic monuments displaying the proud history of the Romanian capital can be found across the parks and squares of Bucharest.
Is Bucharest Safe? Things To Know
Here are a few things that you should be aware of before heading to this beautiful city.
Carrying Identification
Carrying some identification is legally required for everyone within Romania, so make sure you carry your passport, or driving licence. Photocopies should be sufficient if you are stopped and asked to show ID.
Charging For Public Toilets
It is legal for companies to charge the public to use toilets so be prepared to have to pay in popular places in the city. It is a good idea to carry small denominations of the local currency.
Wildlife
Romania is home to wildlife that can potentially cause you harm. You will see stray dogs throughout Romania, and although most of them are harmless, it is advisable to avoid approaching them.
In Transylvania and other forested areas, there are brown bears and wild boars. You should stick to the designated trail paths, or travel with organised tours in these areas.
Natural Disasters
Although Bucharest does not have a long history of natural disasters, Romania is based in an earthquake zone, and can be prone to flash flooding in areas.
Dating Scam
Some males and females in Romania have a reputation for dating scams, primarily, on international tourists. It is recommended that you avoid any unnatural interactions with strangers.
Tipping Culture
Tipping isn’t a legal requirement in Romania. However service staff are low paid, so it is common courtesy to leave a small tip if you receive good service.
Dressing conservatively is expected when visitors go and visit the local Orthodox churches.
Common Scams In Bucharest
Planning a trip to Bucharest? Stay informed and protect yourself by learning about the common scams in the city. We’ve got the tips you need to stay safe and enjoy your visit without any unwelcome surprises.
Overpriced Taxis
Taxi drivers in Bucharest are notorious for charging ‘tourist’ prices, which are inflated by as much as the driver thinks he can get away with in any given situation.
On average, a reasonably priced taxi journey from the airport to the main areas of Bucharest should cost anywhere between 50 – 80 Lei (£8 – £15). Our taxi driver tried to charge us 290 Lei (£50) as his meter said that price, however we had done prior research and refused to pay so much. Overcharging and any potential awkward situations can be avoided by agreeing to a fixed rate before entering any vehicles.
Uber is tricky to use from the airport when you first land due to the car parks at the airport, though this may be the better option if travelling further into the city.
Counterfeit Products
As with other popular tourist sites in Romania, Bucharest can be the perfect spot for scammers selling fake perfume or designer goods.
As with any other countries, you rarely receive the quality that you are initially shown when negotiating.
High Charges On Cash Machines
In Romania, certain banks charge hefty fees (some up to 20% including a poor conversion rate) so make sure you plan in advance.
International credit cards are designed to avoid fees when spending or withdrawing abroad. In Romania, they accept cards in most places, so this is a good way to prepare in advance.
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How to stay safe in Bucharest at night
The advice here is mainly common sense or general travel tips, however, it will help you consider the dangers of city life at night.
Stay close to the Old Town
If you are nervous about traversing Bucharest at night then staying close to the Old Town area is advisable. The winding streets of this area are well lit and filled with people socializing in the outdoor seating areas.
Use Uber to and from your hotel
Using Uber is a safe way to travel around Bucharest, with the drivers all showing reviews and travel history for peace of mind. The live tracker also means you can stay inside where you are until it arrives.
Ignore any strangers trying to interact with you
As with many International cities, you may have strangers approach you to try and sell you something- if you just ignore them and remain firm but polite, they should leave you alone.
Travel with others if possible
As with any other destination, you will feel safer if you are travelling with friends or family. If this is not possible, then booking an official tour for activities is a good way to experience Bucharest as part of a group.
Keep a close eye on your drinks
The bars and clubs in Bucharest are packed with locals and tourists, so it is advisable to keep your drink close by at all times. If you suspect anything, then report it and move onto another bar.
Safest Places To Stay In Bucharest
Staying close to the Old Town area keeps you close to the main attractions, nightlife, and transport options. Here are three hotels with high level reviews for you consider:
At Matisse Bucharest, you can enjoy spacious rooms with all the amenities you need, including free Wi-Fi, air conditioning, and a cosy seating area. With its prime location, you’ll be just steps away from the city’s top attractions, restaurants, and nightlife. Ideal for both leisure and business travellers, this hotel ensures a comfortable and convenient stay
If you’re heading to Bucharest, Historic Centre Residence is so nice and modern. The rooms are comfy with free Wi-Fi and air conditioning, plus it’s got a nice seating area to chill. Best part? It’s right in the heart of the city, so you’ll be close to all the cool spots, restaurants, and nightlife. Perfect for whatever kind of trip you’re planning.
💫Hilton Garden Inn Bucharest Old Town
The Hilton Garden Inn is the ideal place to stay during your trip. It’s got all the comforts you need like free Wi-Fi, air conditioning, and super modern rooms. Plus, it’s in a great location, so you’re close to all the best spots for eating, sightseeing, and nightlife.
Whether you’re on a work trip or just exploring the city, it’s a solid pick. Take a look and see if it fits your plans:
How to get around Bucharest
Bucharest is a grand city which covers 240 km², so you may need to use different transport options depending on your plans. Here are plenty of good options to choose between.
Trams
Over 20 tram lines are used to navigate the city. The ‘hop-on hop-off’ system is hassle free and budget friendly.
By Foot
Walking is viable in many areas of the city. However Bucharest is a big city, so you may want to consider using this method alongside another transport option. It may not be suitable in bad weather in the winter time.
Metro
Bucharest is home to a vast Metro system, which spans across over 60 stations and 5 lines. There is around 1 km between many of the stations, so this is a good way to move more quickly through the capital.
E-Scooter
Lime e-scooters are available to pick up throughout the city by using the Uber app. We found this to be a very efficient and cheap way to traverse the city. The scooters are fast and go upwards of 20 km/h. They can be dropped off anywhere in the city for convenience.
Uber/Taxi
Uber needs no introduction and the service is abundant throughout Bucharest. Taxis are also very easy to flag down, but make sure you stay alert when it comes to negotiating prices.
Things To Do In Bucharest
When heading to Bucharest, there is so much to see and do. We have hand picked the top 3 to make things that little bit easier for you!
Therme Bucuresti, the largest thermal wellness and entertainment complex in Europe, offers a perfect retreat for tourists seeking relaxation and rejuvenation amidst its pools, saunas, and lush surroundings.
Discover Bucharest’s history on a Palace of Parliament Tour, exploring one of the world’s largest administrative buildings with stunning architecture and fascinating insights.
Step into a world of wonder at the Bucharest Museum of Senses, where visitors can engage their senses and explore interactive exhibits that promise a fun and memorable experience.
Is It Worth Visiting Bucharest?
Absolutely, yes! My favourite aspects of Bucharest are the beautiful parks which spread across the city and are filled with locals on sunny days, which last until well into October (unless we got lucky on our visit then).
Two of the most popular parks in Bucharest are ‘Herăstrau’ & ‘Cismigiu’, both of which are pleasant spots to hang out and enjoy nature on weekends. We enjoyed sitting by the fountains in ‘Unirii Square’, close to the Old Town.
The city has a very laid back feel, with many locals and tourists feeling comfortable sitting outside for dinner and drinks on an evening, especially in the Old Town area.
There is a modern feel to the city which differs from some other Balkan cities in the region. The streets feel grand and elegant, but then you walk round an alleyway and find traditional and colourful buildings, with that touch of Romanian character.
The colourful street art which is popping up throughout the Romanian capital is also unique and enjoyable to admire as you wander along the city’s impressive boulevards.
Although it has some similarities in architecture and other things, Bucharest has a completely different feeling to it than Transylvania. The famous castles, along with Brasov, seem much more old fashioned, unable to match Bucharest’s international influences.
Visiting both areas of Romania is recommended, so you can experience both vibes and compare them.
Conclusion: Is Bucharest Safe?
Yes, Bucharest is safe.
We have considered the dangers and risks for Bucharest, and ultimately decided that the Romanian capital is a very safe city, relative to many other global cities.
It is a pleasure to ride the public transport, which is very cheap and efficient, and the parks offer a tranquil feeling, especially on a Sunday in the sunshine.
There is no doubt that your city break to Bucharest will go according to plan , and you will fully enjoy all the quirks that the city has to offer, providing you use common sense and prepare your transport options in advance.
It is time to book your flights to one of the best Balkan destinations!
