Bucharest and the Carpathian Mountains: A Short but Unforgettable Trip
In just four days, Romania managed to win us over completely. Our journey began in the vibrant and charming Bucharest, a city that blends the elegance of history with the pulse of modern life. To get a taste of the wild beauty of Transylvania, we rented a car and took a day trip to the impressive Carpathian Mountains. There, among lush green slopes, mysterious castles, and quaint villages, we discovered a side of Romania that feels straight out of a fairytale. A short getaway that left us with images and emotions we’ll remember for a long time.
How We Got There and Where We Stayed
Our trip to Romania began with a Ryanair flight from Thessaloniki to Bucharest, with round-trip tickets costing only €40 — an affordable choice that allowed us to plan our trip comfortably. In Bucharest, we chose to stay at Victoriei City Studios, a cozy and functional accommodation located in the heart of the city, costing €50 per night. Its location gave us easy access to the main attractions and made us feel like locals.
Our First Day in Bucharest — The Little Paris
After arriving at the hotel and getting some well-deserved rest, we began our first exploration late in the afternoon, as the heatwave that day was quite intense. We decided to stroll through Bucharest’s Old Town, where the cobblestone streets and charming alleys create a magical atmosphere.
We wandered slowly among historic buildings and cozy cafes, visiting the impressive Stavropoleos Church, a monument rich in spirituality and history. Afterwards, we stopped to pick up some souvenirs, searching for small local gifts to remind us of this special trip.
Before heading back to the hotel, we enjoyed a delicious dinner at a beautiful restaurant in the Old Town. Juicy lamb chops, zacusca and papanasi paired with refreshing drinks were just what we needed to cool down from the overwhelming heat. This first evening walk gave us a real taste of Bucharest’s vibrant pulse and lively spirit.
Day Two: A Refreshing Escape at Bucharest’s Thermal Baths
The heatwave was still intense on our second day, but we didn’t let the heat hold us back. Our itinerary included a visit to Bucharest’s famous and beautiful thermal baths — a cool oasis of relaxation right within the city.
This spacious and stylish complex offers numerous pools, both indoor and outdoor, as well as saunas for complete rejuvenation. Sun loungers scattered around every corner, swim-up bars serving refreshing cocktails, snack kiosks, and showers with clean water — all combined to create an atmosphere reminiscent of exotic getaways far from the urban bustle.
Tickets come in three duration options: 3 hours, 4.5 hours, and full-day passes, priced between €18 and €36. Depending on the ticket you purchase, you unlock access to three different areas of the complex.
We chose the full 4.5-hour ticket, which granted us access to a special zone featuring a variety of saunas, as well as a large park area with impressive water slides — perfect for both relaxation and fun.
The thermal baths are located near Otopeni Airport, easily accessible by public transport. For those seeking more convenience, a taxi ride costs about €15, offering flexibility and speed.
Visiting this cool paradise was a refreshing experience that gave us the energy to continue exploring the city, despite the overwhelming heat of the day.
The Rest of Day Two: Culture and a Walk Along Calea Victoriei
As the heat began to subside in the afternoon, we set out to explore Bucharest’s rich cultural heritage. Our first stop was the impressive Romanian Athenaeum, a neoclassical architectural masterpiece and a cultural symbol of the city.
Next, we strolled along Calea Victoriei, one of the city’s most historic streets, which was pedestrianized from a certain point onwards, creating a large, car-free walkway. Along the way, we admired many important landmarks, including the National Museum of Art, the Memorial of Rebirth, the statue of King Carol I, the PalaKing Carol Ice of Deposits and Consignments, and the National Museum of Romanian History.
To wrap up our day, we took a final short walk through the charming alleys of the Old Town, soaking in the atmosphere before catching the bus back to our hotel. The next day awaited us with a beautiful day trip to the Carpathian Mountains, culminating in a visit to the legendary Bran Castle, famously known as Dracula’s Castle.
Day Three: A Day Trip to the Enchanting Carpathian Mountains and Bran Castle
Our third day started with excitement for a day trip to the famous and charming Carpathian Mountains. With the heatwave having finally eased and the weather turning into pleasant summer conditions, we felt it was the perfect time to discover the wild nature and rich history of the area.
After picking up our rental car — an important tip: avoid renting a car with pick-up at the airport, as even if you have a reservation, the queues are usually very long — we began our journey towards the mountains.
During the drive, we encountered some unexpected delays due to heavy traffic and minor road issues. It’s worth noting that driving in Romania requires great caution, as drivers can often be careless and traffic accidents are not uncommon.
Because of these challenges, we weren’t able to visit all the places we had planned. Specifically, we didn’t have time to see the famous Peleș Castle in Sinaia, but we did get a glimpse of this beautiful mountain resort town known for its rich history and impressive architecture.
Sinaia is famous for its 17th-century monastery, an important religious and cultural monument. The area is surrounded by dense forests and beautiful hiking trails, ideal for nature lovers and explorers.
After about 4.5 hours of driving and many beautiful sights along the way, we finally arrived at Bran Castle, a true treasure of Transylvania. The castle impressed us with its immaculate preservation and its beautiful exterior courtyard.
Bran Castle is widely known for the legend that connects it to Count Dracula, inspired by Bram Stoker’s famous novel. Although the connection to the historical Vlad Ţepeș (the real-life Dracula) is not so direct, the castle retains a magical atmosphere filled with mystery and history.
We walked through the narrow corridors and rooms of the castle, admiring the medieval architecture, hidden passages, and beautiful decorative details. The view from the castle walls over the surrounding mountains was simply breathtaking — an image that is etched deeply in our memory.
Tip: Due to the stunning beauty and variety offered by the Carpathian Mountains, a great choice for those wanting to explore them more thoroughly is to spend three days in one of the mountain resorts in the area. This way, visitors can fully enjoy the enchanting landscapes and discover more sites that we didn’t manage to see.
For us, the next time we visit the Carpathians, our goal will be to explore more places and experience even more deeply the unique beauty of this region.
Day Four: Our Last Day in Bucharest and Departure
Day four was the day we would leave Bucharest. Our flight was at 9 PM, which gave us the perfect opportunity to explore a bit more of this beautiful city.
After kindly asking the hotel staff to extend our check-out time, they graciously allowed us to stay in our room as long as we wanted without any extra charge — a very pleasant surprise that let us enjoy our last day with comfort and ease.
We began our final explorations with a three-hour guided tour of selected city highlights, which we booked through the platform Bucharest Walkabout Free Tours. Our local guide shared valuable insights into Bucharest’s history and how the city was shaped during the era of the political leader Ceaușescu.
The tour had no fixed fee; visitors gave the guide a tip based on what they felt the experience was worth.
After the tour, we took a leisurely walk through the beautiful Kiseleff Park, ending at the impressive and historic Arcul de Triumf (Arch of Triumph) — the last landmark we visited before returning to our hotel.
There, we packed our bags and headed to the airport, closing a wonderful and exciting trip in the heart of Romania with great memories.
Wrapping Up Our Trip to Romania
Our experience in Bucharest and the enchanting Carpathian Mountains was truly unique and filled with wonderful moments. From the vibrant history and lively atmosphere of the capital to the peace and wild beauty of the mountains, each day offered us something special.
This trip has whetted our appetite for even more exploration in Romania, and we will definitely return to discover more hidden gems and breathtaking landscapes that this beautiful country has to offer.
We highly recommend adding Romania to your travel list — whether for a short city break or a longer mountain adventure. It will surely charm you just as it did us!
Travel Tips for Bucharest and the Carpathian Mountains
Bring a jacket and an umbrella: Although summer in Bucharest can be very hot, the next day the weather might be cooler, especially in the Carpathians, where temperatures can drop significantly even during heatwaves.
Don’t forget your swimsuit and flip-flops: These are essential for visiting the thermal baths in Bucharest, where you can enjoy pools and saunas.
Towels: The thermal baths provide towels at a small cost, so there’s no need to bring your own.
Drive with extra caution: Driving in Romania requires particular care, as there are quite a few traffic accidents, especially on the roads leading to the Carpathians.
Prefer public transport, taxis, or rental cars for getting around: This way, you can see more of the city and surrounding areas, making your trip more comfortable and efficient.