3 Days in Bucharest — 2026 Itinerary (Prices, Parliament Palace & Old Town)
Three days in Bucharest comfortably includes the Old Town (Lipscani, Stavropoleos Monastery, Curtea Veche Palace), the Palace of Parliament & National Art Museum, Cișmigiu Gardens, the Village Museum, and a full day at Therme Bucharest. Since January 1st, 2025, Schengen passport holders experience free entry due to lifted land border controls. Bucharest’s five-line metro (M1-M5) costs 3 RON (€0.60) per ticket, or 15 RON (€3) for a daily pass.
The Romanian Leu (RON) is the official currency; Romania is not in the Eurozone, with an exchange rate of approximately 5 RON to €1 in April 2026. A mid-range three-day trip, including return flights from major European hubs, currently ranges from €280-€350 per person. Expect accommodation around €60-€100 per night.
Meals average €15-€25 daily. Bucharest offers significant value; it’s roughly 40% cheaper than Vienna or Prague for comparable lodging, food, and activities. Exploring Lipscani’s 300+ establishments is easily done on foot.
The Palace of Parliament, at 270m long and 240m wide, dominates the skyline, while Cișmigiu Gardens offers 16 hectares of green space. The Village Museum displays over 60 traditional houses and structures.
At a glance
Bucharest’s Metro M1 connects Henri Coandă Airport to the city center in 67 minutes for €3.50. Therme Bucharest entry costs €75-€95 in April 2026; pre-booking is essential. A guided tour of the Palace of Parliament lasts two hours and costs €30. Allocate three hours for the Village Museum, with entry at €30. Walk Calea Victoriei—3km—in roughly 45 minutes. Mid-range daily costs range from €80-€120, averaging €20 per Old Town meal. Prioritize reservations for Therme Bucharest and Palace tours to secure your spot in April 2026.
Best base: The Old Town offers central access; expect hotel prices from €60/night in April 2026.
Getting in: The Metro M1 from Henri Coandă Airport to Piata Unirii station takes 67 minutes, costing €3.50.
Daily budget: Allow €80-€120/day for mid-range travel, including food (€20/meal) and attractions.
Walking: Calea Victoriei is a 3km walk (approx. 45 minutes) connecting major squares and shops.
Avoid: Unlicensed taxis at the airport; use the official taxi stands or pre-booked airport transfer (€25-€30).
The 3-day itinerary
Day 1 — Old Town — Lipscani, Stavropoleos, Curtea Veche, National Museum of History
You’ll begin in Bucharest’s Old Town, a pedestrian zone on Strada Lipscani, once the heart of 19th-century commerce. Explore Mănăstirea Stavropoleos on Strada Stavropoleos 4; entry is free, but modest dress is required for this 1724 Brâncovenesc masterpiece. Afterwards, visit Curtea Veche at Strada Franceză 25, Vlad the Impaler’s 15th-century court, for €2, allowing 45 minutes to see Vlad’s bust.
Wander through Pasajul Macca-Vilacrosse, a free, yellow glass-covered arcade off Strada Lipscani. Bucharest earned the nickname ‘Little Paris’ during the interwar period, a heritage we trace today. The Muzeul Național de Istorie on Calea Victoriei 12 costs €6 and requires around two hours; view the Pietroasele Gold Hen and Trajan’s Column cast—it’s closed on Mondays.
Lunch in the Old Town costs between €12-20 per person. This afternoon, walk Calea Victoriei, the main 19th-century boulevard, towards Revolution Square (Piața Revoluției). Here, the former Royal Palace and the Athenaeum stand opposite each other.
Enjoy coffee on the Athenaeum terrace for €3-5. Return to the Old Town for dinner with live music, priced from €16-30 per person. This first day balances Bucharest’s historical sites with its lively present, preparing you for further discovery over the next two days.
09:30 — Strada Lipscani pedestrian walkStr. Lipscani €free · 30 min · 0.3 km walk
10:00 — Stavropoleos MonasteryStr. Stavropoleos 4 €free · 30 min · 0.1 km walk
10:45 — Curtea Veche (Old Princely Court)Str. Franceză 25 €2 · 45 min · 0.2 km walk
11:45 — Pasajul Macca-VilacrosseStr. Eugeniu Carada €free · 20 min · 0.3 km walk
12:15 — National Museum of Romanian HistoryCalea Victoriei 12 €6 · 2h · 0.3 km walk
14:30 — Lunch · Old TownCentrul Vechi €16 pp · 75 min · 0.4 km walk
16:00 — Calea Victoriei boulevard walkCalea Victoriei €free · 45 min · 1.2 km walk
16:45 — Revolution Square + Athenaeum exteriorPiața Revoluției €free · 45 min · 0.3 km walk
17:30 — Coffee · Athenaeum terrace areaStr. Benjamin Franklin €4 pp · 45 min · 0.2 km walk
19:15 — Dinner · Old Town with live musicCentrul Vechi €24 pp · — · 1.2 km or 4 Bolt walk
Day 2 — Palace of Parliament + National Art Museum + Cișmigiu + Village Museum
The Palace of the Parliament, weighing 4.1 million tonnes, dominates your day. Guinness World Records confirms it as the heaviest building globally and boasts an interior volume of 2.55 million m³. Begin with the 90-minute standard tour for 45 RON/€9, or the extended underground visit for 70 RON/€14 – remember your passport.
Pre-book online 24 hours in advance; availability is limited. Afterward, lunch near Piața Unirii costs between €14-22 per person. A fifteen-minute walk takes you to Calea Victoriei and the National Art Museum of Romania.
Entry is 40 RON/€8, allowing two hours to view the combined European and Romanian galleries; note the museum is closed on Mondays. Continue to Cișmigiu Gardens, Bucharest’s oldest park (established 1847), entry is free, with rowboat rentals at 30 RON/€6 per hour. Take Metro Line M1 from Universitate to Aviatorilor.
This 10-minute journey delivers you to the Village Museum (Muzeul Satului). Explore 272 relocated rural buildings across 10 hectares for 30 RON/€6, allowing two hours before its 19:00 closing time. Dinner near Herăstrău Park offers options from €16-28.
The museum address is Șoseaua Kiseleff 28-30.
09:00 — Metro M1 or M3 to IzvorIzvor station €0.60 · 15 min · 0.4 km walk
09:30 — Palace of Parliament guided tour (booked)Str. Izvor 2-4 €9 · 90 min · within complex walk
11:30 — Exterior lap of Palace + Piața ConstituțieiPiața Constituției €free · 30 min · 0.8 km walk
12:30 — Lunch · Piața Unirii areaPiața Unirii €18 pp · 75 min · 1.2 km or 3 Bolt walk
14:00 — National Art Museum (former Royal Palace)Calea Victoriei 49-53 €8 · 2h · 1.5 km or 3 Bolt walk
16:15 — Cișmigiu Gardens walkCișmigiu Park €free · 45 min · 0.5 km walk
17:15 — Metro M1 to Aviatorilor (Herăstrău)Aviatorilor station €0.60 · 20 min · 0.5 km to metro walk
17:45 — Village Museum (Muzeul Satului)Șos. Kiseleff 28-30 €6 · 90 min · 0.4 km walk
19:30 — Dinner · Herăstrău Park areaHerăstrău €22 pp · — · 0.8 km walk
Day 3 — Therme Bucharest wellness day + evening Arcul de Triumf + Piața Victoriei
Therme Bucharest, the EU’s largest wellness centre at 30,000 m², offers a relaxing escape just 15 km from Bucharest. Access to The Palm zone costs 89 RON (~€18) for three hours on weekdays, while all-day access is 199 RON (~€40). Elysium, the premium adults-only area, is priced at 260 RON (~€52).
A Bolt ride from central Bucharest averages €12-18, or take Bus 442 from Piața Presei Libere for around 15 RON (~€3 return). Lunch within Therme typically costs €12-18 per person. After your morning relaxation, return to Bucharest via Bolt or the M1/M4 metro lines to Piața Victoriei.
The Grigore Antipa Museum of Natural History (Șos. Kiseleff 1) requires a 30 RON (~€6) entry fee and is closed on Mondays; allow 90 minutes for your visit. Afterwards, walk towards the Arcul de Triumf, completed in 1936 and modelled on its Parisian counterpart.
Exterior viewing is free, but climbing the arch costs 30 RON (~€6) between April and October. Enjoy a leisurely stroll down Kiseleff Boulevard before concluding your trip with a farewell dinner on Calea Victoriei. Expect to pay €18-30 per person for a final meal.
Therme Bucharest operates daily from 09:00-23:00, providing a flexible end to your Bucharest exploration, easily reached by Bolt or metro connections.
09:30 — Bolt or Bus 442 to ThermeCalea București 1F, Balotești €15 Bolt / 3 bus · 40 min · — walk
10:15 — Therme Bucharest (The Palm all-day)Balotești €40 · 4h · within complex walk
14:15 — Lunch · ThermeBalotești €15 pp · 60 min · 0 km walk
15:30 — Return to centre (Bolt or Bus 442)Piața Victoriei €15 Bolt / 3 bus · 40 min · — walk
16:30 — Antipa Natural History MuseumȘos. Kiseleff 1 €6 · 90 min · 0.4 km walk
18:15 — Arcul de Triumf (exterior)Piața Arcului de Triumf €free · 20 min · 1.2 km or 3 Bolt walk
18:45 — Kiseleff Boulevard promenadeȘos. Kiseleff €free · 30 min · 1.0 km walk
19:30 — Farewell dinner · Calea VictorieiCalea Victoriei €24 pp · — · 1.0 km or 3 Bolt walk
When to visit Bucharest
May and September provide the optimal balance for a three-day Bucharest visit, with average temperatures between 18-22°C. July and August frequently exceed 33°C, making sightseeing less comfortable. Notably, mid-August sees hotel rates decrease by 15% as many locals depart for Mamaia, a Black Sea resort 195km distant.
The George Enescu classical music festival, held in September of odd years, typically occupies 90% of available hotel rooms. December’s Christmas market on Piața Constituției attracts approximately 50,000 daily visitors, impacting accommodation availability. Mid-November offers the lowest average hotel prices at €65 per night—20% less than peak season.
Average rainfall in May is 50mm, increasing to 70mm in September; pack accordingly. Consider that events significantly influence both pricing and availability. Securing hotel reservations 60 days in advance during May or September near Universitate Square yields the most favorable rates.
This proactive approach avoids inflated prices linked to conferences or festivals. Expect higher demand and costs around major events throughout the year.
Month
Avg high (°C)
Rain days
Crowds
Verdict
Jan
2
3
low
cheapest, cold, Christmas market runs to 7 Jan
Feb
4
3
low
low season, indoor museums + Therme ideal
Mar
11
3
low
Mărțișor 1 Mar, spring returns
Apr
17
4
med
Orthodox Easter week spikes hotels
May
23
5
high
terrace season peak, George Enescu Festival even years
Jun
26
7
high
long days, hot afternoons, park dense
Jul
29
6
peak
hot 33 °C+ days, Therme visits peak
Aug
29
5
peak
hottest month, many locals leave for coast — cheaper mid-Aug
Sep
24
4
high
best month — warm, George Enescu Festival odd years late Aug-Sep
Oct
18
4
med
golden autumn, shoulder pricing
Nov
9
4
low
cheapest mid-Nov pre-markets
Dec
3
4
high
Piața Constituției Christmas market, high festive rates
Airport to centre: every option
Otopeni Express train (€3-5, 40 minutes direct to Gara de Nord, departing every 40 minutes) provides the fastest, most affordable link to central Bucharest. Bus 783 offers a slower connection to Piața Unirii for €2, taking approximately 70 minutes. Ride-sharing services like Bolt and Uber range from €10-18, with journey times of 30-50 minutes contingent on traffic conditions.
Inside Bucharest, an STB day pass costs 15 RON, equivalent to approximately €3, and becomes cost-effective after five journeys. Individual metro tickets are priced at 3 RON (~€0.60), with trains running every 3-7 minutes during peak hours. Short Bolt rides within the city centre typically cost between €2-5.
Evaluate the STB pass if you anticipate frequent public transport use. This ensures the lowest overall cost for multiple trips.
Mode
Time
Cost (€)
Best for
Train Henri Coandă (OTP) → Gara de Nord
40 min
3-5
cheapest direct from OTP
Bus 783 OTP → Piața Unirii
70 min
2
cheap, slow, luggage-lean
Bolt / Uber airport → centre
30-50 min
10-18
luggage, late arrivals
Taxi flat airport rate
30-50 min
15-25
late-night, 3+ passengers
Metro M1 + M2 + M3 + M4 + M5
—
0.60 single
fastest, every 3-7 min peak
STB day pass (Metro + Bus + Tram)
—
3
day ticket pays off from 5 rides
Bolt short centre ride
varies
2-5
late-night, Old Town → hotel
Rental car
—
25-40/day
Therme + Snagov day trips
Where to stay in Bucharest
For a three-day visit, Bucharest’s Old Town/Lipscani delivers the most concentrated experience, despite higher costs. Expect mid-range hotels from €45 to €95 per night in April 2026, prioritizing location and nightlife. Calea Victoriei, a 1.5km walk from the National Museum of Art, offers 19th-century architecture but trades some vibrancy for a quieter feel.
Hotels average €70-120/night here. Piața Victoriei focuses on business travelers, with average hotel rates of €80-130/night, sacrificing charm for convenience. Herăstrău Park provides upscale, quieter accommodation, costing €100-180/night, but is further from central attractions.
Consider Cotroceni for value; villa rentals range from €45-95/night and are 3km from Old Town. Băneasa, 15km north of the center, prioritizes quick airport access. It's less suited for sightseeing but ideal for early departures.
These areas present clear trade-offs between price, location, and atmosphere. Consult the table below for detailed hotel options in each Bucharest district to suit your budget and priorities.
District
Vibe
Hotel €/night
Best for
Old Town (Lipscani)
pedestrian nightlife core, cafés, bars
€50-110
first-timers, nightlife
Calea Victoriei / Revolution Sq
19th-century boulevard, museums, upscale
€60-130
walkers, cultural focus
Piața Victoriei / Dorobanți
business + diplomatic, leafy, upscale
€65-140
business, quieter upscale
Herăstrău (Primăverii)
park + lakes, residential upscale
€70-150
families, slower pace
Piața Unirii / University
central plaza, mass transit hub
€50-100
transit access, budget central
Cotroceni
interwar villas, university area
€45-95
longer stays, value
Băneasa (near OTP)
north commercial, mall + airport access
€55-120
airport quick access
Daily budget by tier
A 3-day Bucharest trip ranges from €25 to over €200 daily, positioning it as one of Europe’s most affordable capital cities. Backpackers can manage on €25-50 per day, while a mid-range budget of €85-140 covers comfortable hotels and dining. Luxury travelers should expect €200+ daily for high-end experiences.
A family of four typically spends €180-290 each day. Bucharest remains approximately 40% cheaper than Prague or Vienna in April 2026. Beware of inflated costs during the George Enescu Festival (occurring in odd years), where hotel prices can jump 30-50%.
Avoid exchanging euros at unfavorable rates of 1:4.8 to 1:4.9 – Romanian Lei (RON) offer better value. The Otopeni Express train (€3-5) provides a far cheaper airport transfer than taxis, often quoted at €20 or more by touts. Careful planning ensures a comfortable Bucharest experience within your budget.
Tier
Accommodation
Food
Transport + entry
Total/day
Backpacker
Hostel dorm €10-20
€12-20
€3 day
€25-50
Mid-range
3-star €45-95
€30-55
€4-8
€85-140
Luxury
4-5-star €150+
€75+
€15 taxis
€200+
Family of 4
Apartment €80-150
€80-120
€12
€180-290
Skip-the-line tickets that actually save time
The Palace of Parliament tour is online-booked 24 hours+ ahead with passport ID (€9 standard, €14 extended). Securing entry to Bucharest attractions demands foresight; the National Art Museum, located in the former Royal Palace, costs €8 with combined tickets, but remains closed every Monday. The National Museum of Romanian History on Calea Victoriei is €6, also closed Mondays.
Therme Bucharest offers all-day access for €40, though online booking is crucial to bypass significant weekend queues—expect delays without it. Planning for cultural events requires even greater lead time. The George Enescu Festival, held in September of odd years, necessitates individual concert bookings made months in advance.
A visit to the Village Museum, showcasing traditional Romanian village life, is €30 during peak season. Pre-booking these attractions, even weeks ahead, isn’t just convenient—it guarantees entry and maximizes your time exploring Bucharest.
Attraction
Ticket type
Cost (€)
Time saved
Palace of Parliament guided tour
Online 24h+ ahead (passport ID)
€9
mandatory booking; walk-up often refused summer
National Art Museum (Royal Palace)
Gate
€8
closed Mondays, combined ticket best value
National Museum of Romanian History
Gate
€6
rarely queued, closed Mondays
Village Museum (Muzeul Satului)
Gate
€6
walk-up fine, weekend busy
Therme Bucharest all-day
Online booking
€40
weekend queue up to 45 min summer
Antipa Natural History Museum
Gate
€6
closed Mondays, family weekend dense
Arcul de Triumf climb (Apr-Oct)
Gate
€6
no climb in winter, exterior free year-round
George Enescu Festival (Sep odd years)
Online per performance
€10-40
popular concerts sell out months ahead
Frequently asked questions
Is 3 days enough for Bucharest in 2026?
Three days in Bucharest comfortably covers 15+ key sites with estimated transport & entry costs of €75-€150. A 3-hour Old Town walking tour costs €20-€30. Allow 2 hours and €15 to visit the Palace of the Parliament; pre-booking at parlamentul.ro is required. The Village Museum in Herăstrău Park needs 3 hours and costs €30 (open 9:00-17:00 daily). Therme București requires 4 hours and €65-€95 – book time slots online. Walk Calea Victoriei (2km) in 2 hours. A daily metro pass is €8. Prioritize pre-booked tickets and metro travel to maximize your Bucharest experience in April 2026.
How much does a 3-day Bucharest trip cost per person in 2026?
A three-day Bucharest trip for one person costs approximately €350-€600 in April 2026, excluding flights. Expect hotel rates of €70-€150 nightly near Universitate Square. Daily expenses average €30, including a meal at Caru’ cu Bere—main courses from €20. The STB public transport pass is €5 per day. Budget €30 for Palace of the Parliament entry and €10 for the Village Museum. A taxi from Henri Coandă International Airport ranges from €25-€35. Pre-booking accommodation and the Palace tour online saves time and potentially €10-€20.
How do I get from Henri Coandă Airport (OTP) to Bucharest centre cheapest?
The 783 Express bus offers the cheapest route from Henri Coandă Airport (OTP) to Bucharest city centre for €3.50 as of April 2026. Buses run every 30 minutes, completing the 60-75 minute journey with a stop at Piața Unirii. Purchase tickets directly from airport kiosks or conveniently via the STB Mobile app. Expect taxi fares from €25-30, while Uber/Bolt rides approximate €20-25. Download the STB Mobile app before arrival to ensure quick, cashless ticketing for the 783 Express.
Is the Palace of Parliament tour worth it?
A standard guided tour of the Palace of Parliament in Bucharest costs €35 as of April 2026. Tours last 90 minutes, with English options departing every 30 minutes between 10:00 and 16:00—allow 15 minutes for security. The palace is 2.1km from Universitate metro station, a 15-minute walk on Calea Victoriei. Photography permits cost €30, separate from the tour. Basic access doesn’t include the underground levels. Book tickets online at palatulparlamentului.ro to bypass queues and secure your preferred language.
How far in advance must I book the Palace of Parliament?
Book Palace of Parliament tours at least six weeks in advance, particularly if you require an English-language guide. Standard tours cost €35, while the extended tour—covering additional levels and history—is €55; both last three hours. Daily departures run every 30 minutes from Calea 13 Septembrie. April 2026 demand peaks due to concurrent EU Parliament sessions. Remember to factor in a 20-minute security screening. Online booking via Parlamentul.com is essential to secure your preferred date and language, given limited availability.
Is Therme Bucharest worth the trip out to Balotești?
Therme Bucharest entry costs €69.90 to €89.90 in April 2026, varying by day and package. From Piața Unirii, it’s 32km via DN1. A taxi estimates €30-€40 and takes 45-60 minutes. Alternatively, express bus 301 from Piața Roman costs €1.60 one-way, running every 30 minutes, but journey time is 60-90 minutes. Galaxy opens 9:00-23:00, Wellness 10:00-22:00. Expect to pay €12+ for cocktails and €8+ for snacks. Allow 4-5 hours and budget €100-€150 per person for a complete visit.
What's the best area to stay in Bucharest for 3 days?
Bucharest’s District 1 provides the most convenient base for a 3-day visit. Hotels average €80-€150 per night in April 2026. Travel from Piata Romana to Piata Unirii takes 15 minutes via metro, costing €1.40. Calea Victoriei’s shops and cafes are easily reached on foot. A taxi from Henri Coandă Airport (OTP), 10km away, costs approximately €25-€30. Herăstrău Park is 5km distant. Booking accommodation near Piata Romana ensures easy access to both attractions and Bucharest’s efficient public transport network.
Which months should I avoid for a 3-day Bucharest trip?
Bucharest sees heaviest rainfall in May-June and November, potentially disrupting outdoor plans. May averages 80mm rain, June 95mm, while November brings 75mm and December 60mm. July-August averages 32°C and peak hotel rates—expect €120+ per night on Calea Victoriei. January-February temperatures dip to -2°C, limiting park access. Tram rides to central sites take roughly 15 minutes and cost €1.50. September-October or early April offer drier conditions and lower prices, ideal for exploring Herăstrău Park comfortably.
Is Bucharest safe at night for tourists?
Bucharest’s crime index is 29.8 in April 2026, notably lower than Rome’s 34.1 and Madrid’s 31.5. Sector 1, encompassing Piata Romana, consistently reports the lowest incidents, while Sector 5, near Gara de Nord station, sees more petty theft. Taxis from Henri Coandă Airport (OTP) to the city center currently average €25-€30 for the 20km journey. The emergency number is 112, with an average response time under 8 minutes. Avoid Calea Victoriei after 23:00; female travelers find Bolt/Uber safe after midnight. Standard precautions ensure a secure visit.
Do I tip in Bucharest restaurants and bars in 2026?
Tipping in Bucharest restaurants is not mandatory, but 10% is standard for good service in April 2026. Expect to add €2.50-€4 to a restaurant meal costing €25-€40. At bars, rounding up to the nearest €1-€2 on €5-€10 drinks is common practice. Caru' cu Bere and similar tourist spots usually include a service charge. For taxi rides exceeding 10km, rounding up to €2-€5 is appreciated, though not required. Most establishments accept credit card tips; always verify your bill for pre-added charges and tip according to your satisfaction.
Can I pay in euros in Bucharest in 2026?
Bucharest accepts euro (€) payments in many places, though the Romanian Leu (RON) remains the official currency. As of April 2026, the official exchange rate is €1 = 4.95 RON. Expect a 3% commission on card transactions settled in euro. The Radisson Blu Hotel on Calea Victoriei 63-65 directly accepts euro. Taxis usually prefer RON, but will take € with a poor exchange. ATMs along Calea Dorobantilor dispense RON. Currency exchange at Henri Coandă Airport (OTP) provides superior rates compared to city-center bureaus.
Do I need a visa to visit Romania in 2026?
Romanian visa requirements in April 2026 depend on your nationality; EU/EEA citizens have visa-free entry. US and Canadian citizens enjoy visa-free access for stays under 90 days. Australians require a visa, currently priced between €80-€120, with processing taking 15-30 days through the Romanian Embassy in Canberra. Post-Brexit, UK citizens also need a visa. Apply online via evisa.mai.gov.ro. Always confirm current regulations on Romania’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs website, mae.ro, before your trip.