New York NYC to
Bucharest
from $2711
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Bucharest
from $2977
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Bucharest
from $2456
Chicago ORD to
Bucharest
from $3021
Dallas DFW to
Bucharest
from $3154
Houston IAH to
Bucharest
from $3598
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Bucharest
from $3675
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Bucharest
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Bucharest is the capital city of Romania. With an overwhelming population of 1.8 million, it is one of the largest cities in all of Eastern Europe. The first ever mention of the city was by Prince Vlad III Dracula. Yes, that Dracula. He mentioned the city on September 20th, 1459, when it was chosen to be the summer residence of the Prince’s court. Despite its old age, remains of the palace can actually still be seen today. Go take a gander at the ruins and stroll through this city’s long history.
Bucharest has two known nicknames: “Little Paris” (or “Paris of the East”) and “New Berlin.” The first nickname was given after many buildings were constructed with Haussmannian and Art Nouveau-style architecture. The second nickname was garnered after street artists took to the city to decorate the walls with graffiti and murals.
Romania has an internet speed that rivals that of Japan, Israel, and South Korea. In fact, it is actually some of the fastest internet you’ll find in all of Europe. Download speeds can actually be twice the average speed of much of the US!
While part of Europe, Romania does not make use of the euro. Instead, the country’s currency is called Lei or RON. If you plan to exchange money from a shop, check to see if they take commission. Try to find yourself a place that does not.
Many European cities have copied the Parisian Arc de Triomphe, and Bucharest is no different. The Arcul de Triumf was constructed in 1878 after Romania gained its independence. Unfortunately, the structure was first built with wood and it quickly disintegrated. Fortunately, a second arch replaced it in 1922 after World War II ended. This too didn’t last long as it was demolished to pave the way for the larger arch that can be seen today. Go visit and take your obligatory under-the-arch picture. Reminisce in the rich history as you gaze upon its majesty.
Bucharest is home to the longest boulevard in all of Europe! Bulevardul Unirii is a whopping 3,500 meters long, much longer than the famed Champs Élysées. Go for a stroll on one of the most famous streets in Europe!
While in Romania, be sure to try the country’s most famed dessert: papanasi. It is basically a cheese donut that is either fried or boiled. It is usually made with a soft cheese such as urdă and covered with either sour cream or sour jam (or both).
Understandably, many people confuse Bucharest with Budapest. Michael Jackson played the first international concert after the fall of communism in Bucharest and unfortunately addressed the crowd by saying, “Hello Budapest!” Ever since, Romanians have been very sensitive to people who confuse the name of their capital with that of a different country’s main city. Be careful.
You may see people trying to help drivers park on the street. These are not government officials or parking professionals. These are just regular old Romanians trying to scam bad drivers out of money. Unless you are not skilled at parallel parking on the street, drive right past them and find your own parking spot. It will save you 10 lei.
While one can never speak in absolutes, Romanians themselves mention the lack of diversity in the country’s linguistics. Many countries in Europe contain people who speak multiple languages, but Romanians tend to stick to Romanian. The older generation, that is. Tips from Romanians teach tourists to veer toward the younger generation if they are looking for assistance in English. However, don’t rely on them. Be sure to have an internet connection, lots of cellular data, or a Romanian dictionary at your disposal in order to get around town.
There are two airports in Budapest: Bucharest Henri Coanda Airport and Bucharest Aurel Vlaicu Airport. Both offer business class flights to the public.
According to locals, the best time to visit Bucharest is in the spring. From March to May, parks are verdant, flowers bloom, birds sing, and the weather is pleasant.
Most flights from DC to Bucharest include at least one layover; the entire trip will take roughly 12 hours. Voyagu/BCC can help find a business class flight that suits your schedule.
Voyagu does not rank its valued airline partners, but we provide a list of airlines that offer both discounted business class airfare and last-minute business class deals to Bucharest. Some of these may not have direct flights while instead arranging comforting connections:
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