8 airlines fly to Bucharest:

• WizzAir Malta
• Ryanair
• Tarom
• HiSky
• Animawings
• AirSerbia
• FlyOne
• LOT - Polish Airlines

Compare times and prices to find the best deal to Bucharest.

Bucharest is served by Henri Coandă International Airport (formerly Otopeni), situated approximately 16 kilometres north of the city centre. This is Romania's largest airport and the primary gateway for international visitors. Several convenient transport options connect the airport to the city, with varying costs and journey times depending on your budget and time constraints.

The most economical choice is the BILAS airport bus, which operates regular services to Piața Universității in the city centre. The journey takes approximately 1.5 to 2 hours during off-peak hours, costing around £3–5 per person. For a faster alternative, the train service from Bucharest Nord Station offers a more direct route, taking roughly 25–30 minutes with fares starting from £2–3. Taxis and ride-hailing services (Uber, Bolt) provide greater convenience and door-to-door transport, typically costing £12–18 and taking 30–45 minutes depending on traffic. Private shuttle services are also available for those preferring a more comfortable journey.

Bucharest, often called the 'Paris of the East,' blends Belle Époque architecture with communist-era landmarks and vibrant contemporary culture. The city rewards exploration on foot, particularly in the historic Old Town where narrow cobbled streets reveal hidden courtyards, traditional restaurants, and charming cafés. Beyond the centre, tree-lined boulevards and sprawling parks offer respite from urban bustle, whilst world-class museums showcase Romania's rich cultural heritage.

Essential neighbourhoods and attractions include the architectural marvel of the Palace of Parliament (the world's second-largest administrative building), the atmospheric Old Town (Lipscani) with its medieval street layout, and Revolution Square, a powerful historical landmark. Nature lovers should explore Herăstrău Park, a verdant 188-hectare escape perfect for leisurely strolls, whilst the Village Museum preserves authentic rural architecture from across Romania. Don't miss the elegant Dorobanți Boulevard with its grand fin-de-siècle villas and contemporary boutiques.

• Palace of Parliament
• Old Town (Lipscani)
• Herăstrău Park
• Revolution Square
• Village Museum
• Dorobanți Boulevard

Romanian cuisine reflects centuries of cultural influence, blending Byzantine, Ottoman, and Central European traditions into hearty, flavour-packed gastronomy. Bucharest's dining scene celebrates these traditional recipes whilst embracing modern culinary innovation. Local restaurants range from unpretentious establishments serving time-honoured recipes to contemporary fine-dining venues reinterpreting classics. Mealtimes are social occasions, often stretching several hours with wine, conversation, and generous portions—hospitality is paramount in Romanian food culture.

Don't miss the essential specialities that define local eating. Ciorbă de burtă, a rich tripe soup with vinegar and sour cream, is the quintessential comfort food. Mici—seasoned minced meat rolls grilled to smoky perfection—are beloved street food and restaurant staples. Sarmale, cabbage rolls stuffed with spiced meat and rice, offer warming sustenance, whilst Mămăligă, a polenta-like cornmeal dish, provides humble satisfaction. For dessert, Papanasi—fried dough pastries topped with jam and sour cream—are irresistible. Complete meals with local wines, rakiu (fruit brandy), or țuică (plum brandy), traditional spirits central to Romanian hospitality and celebratory meals.

• Ciorbă de burtă (tripe soup)
• Mici (grilled meat rolls)
• Sarmale (cabbage rolls)
• Mămăligă (cornmeal polenta)
• Papanasi (fried pastries)
• Țuică and rakiu (traditional spirits)