Ultimate Guide To Bucharest Hidden Gems
Bucharest, the city of hidden gems – At a glance, the Romanian capital is not the most picturesque town in Europe. Some may even say it’s not a city where one falls in love at first sight. It is rather a place where the adventurers are challenged to hunt for its secret gems. After all, most shops in Bucharest are hidden either between alleys or behind decaying buildings; sometimes underground or even concealed like a speakeasy in an era of prohibition.
Luckily, on my Experience Bucharest trip, I got to meet many locals that were more than happy to share with me some of their favorite spots. So here is a complete guide to help you navigate the quirky city and find its hidden gems. The list is a compilation of places I visited as well as local’s recommendations.
Basic knowledge
Bucharest is the Capital of Romania
Bucharest time zone: Eastern European Time Zone | UTC+02:00
Romania Currency: Leu/Lei 1 USD = 3.79 Lei
Note: Some of the photos are not taken by me. You can find the owner by clicking or hovering over the image.
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How to spend a luxurious weekend in Bucharest
Best Coffee Shops in Bucharest
One of my favorite things to do when visiting a new city is exploring its coffee culture. I love finding hips and unique coffee shops where I can sit and relax, watch people walk by, or catch up with work. There’s nothing like the aroma of coffee to boost productivity.
Bucharest’s coffee culture went from just a handful of coffee shops in the city to new ones popping up on every corner. Catching up on the modern coffee scene, Bucharest has certainly managed well. The city is now bustling with unique and trendy cafes that are not only Instagram-worthy but also know a thing or two about how to make perfectly brewed coffee.
ORIGO
Strada Lipscani 9 origocoffee.ro
Steam
Location 1: Visarion 2 (Bulevardul Dacia 19) | Location 2: Uruguay 22 facebook.com/SteamCoffeeShop
Camera din față
Str Mendeleev, nr 22 cameradinfata.ro
Tip: Try the coffee before adding sugar! Great coffee doesn't need sugar ;)
If coffee is not your thing, you can check out the many tea places in the city.
It wouldn’t be Experience Bucharest if I didn’t stop by a few bars and clubs! The party scene in Bucharest is eclectic and hidden in unusual places. Music can range from electronic to contemporary Gypsy.
On my first day in Bucharest, the night started with cocktails at a rooftop, followed by an after-party at one of the best clubs in Bucharest. The following nights, we visited different bars, lounges, and clubs. If you are not into partying until the sun comes out but still want to enjoy Bucharest nightlife, you can also taste local beers or creative drinks at hip bars, or a nice glass of wine at wine bars. Bucharest nightlife caters to any taste.
Tip: If you want to party where the locals do, skip Old Town Bucharest.
Player Club playerclub.ro
Control Club facebook.com/clubcontrol
Alt Shift altshift.ro
Expirat facebook.com/expiratclub
Although locals steer away from Old Town Bucharest, there are a few hidden gems in the area you should check out.
Shoteria
As the name implies, Shoteria serves shots! But not just any shots. Their drinks are creative concoctions that will have you coming back for more!
facebook.com/shoteria.bucuresti
Pura Vida Pura Vida offers an intimate atmosphere with a great view of the old town.
facebook.com/skybarhostelbucharest
Day Drinks in Bucharest
It’s 5 o’clock somewhere right? Enjoy a drink with friends or solo at one these fantastic places.
The Wine Bistro Vinexpert Calea Victoriei nr. 155, Bl. D1, sector 1 facebook.com/The-Wine-Bistro-Vinexpert
Linea / Closer To The Moon Calea Victoriei 17, Sect 3 facebook.com/Linea-Closer-To-The-Moon
FIX me a drink Str Ion Brezoianu, nr 23-25 facebook.com/fixmeadrink
Modelier Strada Duzilor, nr.12 facebook.com/MODELiERBAR
Biutiful by the lake 7-9 Nordului Street biutiful.ro Opened during the day in the summer only.
Dianei 4 Str. Dianei, Nr. 4 dianei4.translucid.ro
Gradina EDEN Calea Victoriei 107 (Palatul Stirbei) facebook.com/gradinaeden107
Where To Eat In Bucharest Romania
It may be strange to think of Bucharest as a foodie’s destination but check out these restaurants. It may change your mind!
Tipping in Bucharest: The standard tip is 10%
Tip: Make sure to try Bucharest’s refreshing lemonades! They are 100% natural and with no sugar added. You will find a lemonade section in many restaurants’ menu.
For traditional Romanian fare visit:
La Mama Centrul Vechi Strada Băcani 1 lamama.ro
As the name implies, La Mama invokes traditional homecook fare made by mom. You will find here traditional dishes like Sarmale and Mici but make sure to leave some space for dessert and get their famous Papanasi.
Novotel – Winestone restaurant Calea Victoriei 37B Sector 1 facebook.com/WinestoneVictoriei37
Winestone has a modern take on traditional Romanian dishes yet still remaining true to its roots. They also have a wide selection of local wines that you must definitely try.
Gastronomika Str. Viitorului 34, Bucharesti gastronomika.ro
Gastronomika's chef/owner brings together Romanian cuisine and his favorite dishes from around the world. The winning combination will satisfy anyone looking for great food and a cozy atmosphere.
For more internatinal dishes visit:
Kid you Not Str Domnita Ruxandra, nr 7 facebook.com/kidyounotbistro
Arc Bakery Bd Mărăști, nr 20 arcbakery.ro/
Hashtag Pub Șoseaua Mihai Bravu, nr 32 facebook.com/PubHashtag
Mahala Palatul Bragadiru, Calea Rahovei, Nr 147-153 restaurant-mahala.ro
Acuarela Str Polona, nr 40 facebook.com/Acuarela.BistroDeArte
Caju Str Nicolae Golescu, nr 16 facebook.com/CAJUbyJosephHadad
POINT Str General Eremia Grigorescu, nr 10 facebook.com/pointarthub
Gram Bistro Bulevardul Nicolae Titulescu, nr. 4-8 facebook.com/grambistro
Ză Lokal Calea Victoriei 214 facebook.com/zalokal.ro
The Artist Calea Victoriei 147, Sector 1 theartist.ro
Lente Strada General David Praporgescu 31 lente.ro
Lulu’s Social Bistro Str. Foișorului, nr. 107, Sector 3 lulusbistro.ro
Energiea Str. Ion Brezoianu, nr.4 energiea.ro
Vegetarian and Vegan Restaurants in Bucharest
Romanian is meat lover's paradise! The country’s traditional cuisine is a blend of neighboring regions' traditional dishes as well as Turkish cuisine. Unsurprisingly, you will find lots of meat-heavy dishes in Romania. But fear not, vegans can also strive in Bucharest. There are few vegan restaurants in the city where you can find from simple salads to traditional dishes like Sarmale prepared vegan.
Local tip: During fasting, Romanians Orthodox eat “fasting food” which is vegan. So if you find yourself in a restaurant with limited vegan options on the menu, try ordering “mancare de post”
Rawdia Strada Puțul lui Zamfir 50 tripadvisor.com/Reviews-Rawdia-Bucharest
Aubergine Smardan Street No 33 tripadvisor.com/Aubergine_Restaurant
Rawcoco Strada Aricescu D. Constantin 50A tripadvisor.com/RawCoco_Cofetarie_Si_Ceainarie_Raw_Vegan
Raw Vegan Little Tyke Soseaua Vitan Barzesti, Sector 4, Nr 7D -7E, tripadvisor.com/Raw_Vegan_Little_Tyke
Rawmazing Bulevardul Ficusului 10B tripadvisor.com/Rawmazing
Sara Green Strada Nicolae Caramfil 85 facebook.com/SaraGreenNC
Simbio Strada Negustori nr. 26 facebook.com/SimbioKitchenBar Vegetarian-friendly and vegan options available.
Some of these places serve vegetarian dishes so make sure to ask before ordering.
Shopping in Bucharest
In a city like Bucharest where everything is trendy and quirky, shops are no exception.
Noelle Calea Victoriei 14 facebook.com/Noelle2015
Carturesti Carusel
This shop is probably the most famous store in Bucharest. Its beautiful architecture attracts many visitors and photographers. And if you were anything like me, you would easily spend an hour browsing its catalog. Bonus: They have a lovely coffee shop at the top.
Strada Lipscani 55 carturesticarusel.ro
The Urbanist
Imagine a magical place that serves coffee, sells trendy clothing, and plays killer underground electronic music after hours. Enters The Urbanist.
Bucharest 030167 facebook.com/www.TheUrbanist.ro
Raionul4 14 Nicolae Golescu Street facebook.com/raionul4
Events and Street Markets in Bucharest
The Romanian capital is not only about cool places but also about events. Bucharest is always busy! Between festivals, markets, and art walks, there is no shortage of things to do in Bucharest.
Make sure to check out the event calendar before visiting here:
feeder.ro romanianfriend.com romania-insider.com
FLEA MARKET
fleamarketinsiders.com The Antiquities Collectors Market
Memories Bazaar
Vitan Market
Obor Market
