After a peaceful stay in the mountain town of Sinaia, it was time to continue my overland journey to Singapore. The next stop: Bucharest, Romania’s energetic capital. The train ride from Sinaia took just about two hours, and it was one of the most scenic short rides so far — through forests and small towns before reaching the wide, urban landscape of Bucharest.
First Impressions of Bucharest
Bucharest surprised me from the first moment. I didn’t really know what to expect — maybe a grey, busy city — but what I found was quite the opposite. The capital felt lively, young, and creative. The streets were full of people, music, and street cafés.
3 Mistakes I did in Bucharest – You Can do It Better
- Is tap water in Bucharest safe to drink? I got the wrong info and thought tap water in Bucharest is not drinkable. I got it all wrong – thanks to my YouTube community I know now that it’s absolutely safe (link to the video at the end of this post).
- Tap to ride the Metro! No need to buy a paper ticket (what I did) — You can simply tap your credit or debit card at the metro gates. It’s fast and easy.
- Watch out for museum closing days: Many museums and attractions in Bucharest are closed on Mondays or have limited access. Common practice in many places around the world – still I did not think of it when I went to the National Village Museum on a Monday.
Sunday Vibes on Calea Victoriei
One of my favourite experiences in Bucharest was simply walking down Calea Victoriei, one of the city’s main boulevards. Every weekend during the summer season, it’s closed to traffic, and people take over the street. Families stroll, cyclists ride by, and cafés spill out onto the sidewalks.
On that sunny Sunday, a DJ was playing in front of a café, and people were dancing right there in the middle of the day. The whole atmosphere felt carefree and happy — a perfect reminder of how vibrant and welcoming this city is.
Strolling Through the Old Town
Near the southern stretch of Calea Victoriei is the Old Town of Bucharest – a maze of cobblestone streets lined with bars, restaurants, and historical buildings. It’s touristy, yes, but full of energy. I wandered around aimlessly for quite a while, enjoying the vibe and looking at the charming façades and tiny courtyards. It was a Sunday and really busy – at every corner, there seemed to be something happening — a street performer, a café terrace filled with chatting people, or the distant sound of live music.
Stavropoleos Monastery – A Peaceful Corner
Just a few steps away from the buzz of the Old Town, I found the Stavropoleos Monastery. It’s a small but stunning church built in the early 18th century, famous for its stone carvings and peaceful courtyard. Stepping inside felt like entering a different world — quiet, calm, and spiritual. A beautiful place.
- Entry: free
Breakfast Cafe in Bucharest
Close to my AirBnb were plenty of nice cafes and specialty coffee places. I had a good breakfast and my favourite Flat White at M60 Café. Great place, friendly staff, outdoor seating. I can recommend it (my personal opinion – neither am I getting paid nor am I in any way affiliated with the place).
Update October 2025 – on Google Maps it is marked as “temporary closed”. I hope it reopens soon again.
Exploring Bucharest by Metro
To get around the city, I decided to try the Bucharest Metro. I bought my ticket at one of the ticket machines, only to realize later that I could have simply tapped my credit card at the gate instead. Good to know for next time — the metro system is clean, safe, and easy to use, perfect for exploring beyond the city center.
King Michael I Park and the National Village Museum
I took the metro north bound until Aviatorilor station to visit the King Michael I Park (formerly Herăstrău Park), one of the largest green spaces in Bucharest. Locals were out jogging, renting boats on the lake, or simply enjoying a walk under the trees. It’s the kind of place where you can easily spend half a day relaxing and escaping the noise of the city.
Just a short walk away from the park’s main entrance is the National Village Museum, an open-air museum that showcases traditional wooden houses, windmills, and churches from all over Romania. It’s the perfect place to combine with a visit to the park.
I visited on a Monday, and unfortunately, all the village houses were closed — later I saw that it’s clearly stated on their website but I simply did not check beforehand. The good news: the entry ticket was discounted by 50%. Even with some buildings closed, it was still worth it. Walking among the wooden houses, surrounded by nature, felt peaceful and authentic — like stepping into a living postcard from rural Romania.
- Museum entry: 40 LEI | 8 EUR
- Reduced on Monday with houses being closed: 20 LEI | 4 EUR
Palace of the Parliament
No visit to Bucharest would be complete without seeing the Palace of the Parliament — one of the heaviest and largest buildings in the world. It’s a massive landmark that dominates the cityscape. Standing there, it’s hard not to feel small next to it monumental building. It’s truly an impressive sight. It is only possible to visit the Palace of the Parliament with a guided tour. Tickets can be purchased at the ticket office on the same day. If you want to book in advance you need to call or book via a third party travel operator. You can find useful info on the Visit Bucharest website.
- Guided tour: 40 LEI | 8 EUR
Final Thoughts on Bucharest
Bucharest turned out to be one of the biggest surprises of my trip so far. It’s a city of contrasts — history and modern life blending together, quiet monasteries next to lively cafés, and grand architecture side by side with creative street life.
It’s a city that’s alive — and one that definitely deserves more attention from travelers exploring Eastern Europe.
Berlin to Singapore Overland
📍 Sinaia to Bucharest
🚅 Transportation: regional train
💻 Booked via: CFR Călători
🛣️ Distance travelled since Berlin: 1,410 km