Bucharest quickly became our perfect New Year’s Eve destination – ticking all the boxes for affordability, distance, and things to see and do. Even back in 2019, we were surprised at how much the city had to offer. Fast forward to 2025, and Romania’s capital continues to charm visitors with its mix of gritty history, creative spaces, and great value for money. Here’s how we spent our long winter weekend in Bucharest, with a few updated tips and highlights for anyone visiting this year.

(Fun fact: Bucharest was named one of ROL Cruise’s best European city breaks in 2019. — and we think it still deserves a spot on that list today.)

Friday – Day One 

We arrived in Bucharest late afternoon and took an Uber to our hotel — a convenient and safe choice we stuck with throughout the trip. Uber remains widely used in Bucharest in 2025, alongside Bolt and local ride-share options, all very affordable.

First stop: food and caffeine. Having skipped lunch and not in the mood for airplane snacks, we headed out into the Old Town. That’s when we stumbled upon The Urbanist — a hipster café-meets-boutique offering excellent coffee and light bites. It’s still going strong in 2025, and remains a great intro to Bucharest’s growing coffee scene

Tip: The coffee culture in Bucharest has only flourished since our visit. Check out M60, Origo, or Beans&Dots for even more standout brews.

Bookshops to Fall in Love With

You can’t visit Bucharest and miss Cărturești, a Romanian chain reinventing the bookshop as a cultural space. We visited Cărturești Verona first — set in a 19th-century aristocratic house, it’s every book lover’s dream. The architecture alone is worth the visit.

But the real showstopper? Cărturești Carusel. Nicknamed the “Carousel of Light,” this stunning multi-level bookstore in a restored bank building is an Instagram sensation for a reason. It’s become even more popular in recent years, so expect a few more fellow visitors in 2025, but it’s still magical.

Dining With the Locals

That evening, we booked a supper club experience through Eat With — and it ended up being one of the best parts of the trip. Romanian cuisine, local wine, and new friends — what more could you want? You can read more about my experience here.

EatWith is still active in 2025, though Airbnb Experiences has also grown in popularity for local dining events.

Saturday – Day Two 

Originally, we planned to visit Curtea Veche, once the residence of Vlad the Impaler, but it was closed for renovations. (As of early 2025, parts of it are still under restoration.) Instead, we returned to Cărturești Carusel and let the books and design carry us away.

I was not disappointed.

Local Treasures: Antique Markets & Book Bargains

Next up, shopping — but not your usual high street fare. We found a local antiques bazar that felt more like a flea market in a church than a shopping centre. One highlight? A delicately painted traditional egg that now lives on my bookshelf. This is one of my lesser known recommendations for places to visit in Bucharest.

Our host from the EatWith dinner, Miruna, also pointed us toward Antic Ex Libris — a hidden gem of a secondhand bookshop where you can pick up English titles for less than the price of a coffee. Still going strong in 2025 and highly recommended for bookworms.

Photo Ops & Pasajul Hopes

In search of great photo spots, we headed to Pasajul Macca-Vilacrosse, a covered yellow-glass arcade with a glamorous past. We stopped for lunch here — though if you’re after value, Old Town has more budget-friendly bites.

Then it was on to Pasajul Victoria, known for its canopy of colourful umbrellas. Sadly, the timing wasn’t right and they were down. In 2025, it’s still a hit-or-miss spot depending on season and weather, but worth a quick stroll just in case!

A Breath of Fresh Air

We ended the afternoon with a walk through Cismigiu Gardens, a peaceful park in the heart of the city. Even in winter, it’s a beautiful place for a breather. Then, time for tea! We recharged at a charming tea house before heading to Hard Rock Cafe Bucharest (yes, we had a reservation — and yes, we needed it).

Sunday – Day Three

Free Walking Tour

We joined The Story of Bucharest free walking tour, which met in Piata Unirii Park. A brilliant way to see the city through a local’s eyes. (Free tours are still popular in 2025, but do tip your guide — they earn it.)

Lunch: Caru’ cu Bere

You can’t leave Bucharest without eating at Caru’ cu Bere (“The Beer Wagon”). It’s touristy, yes, but historic and atmospheric — and we had a great table (Reserved #42!). Book ahead.

Soak & Unwind: Therme Bucharest

For the afternoon, we escaped the cold with a 3-hour pass to Therme, one of the largest urban wellness centres in Europe. In 2025, it remains a standout — pools, saunas, palm trees, and thermal waters just 20 minutes from the city. Don’t miss these top tips to make the most out of your visit.

Monday – Day Four

We started the day with another free walking tour, this time The Royal Century, meeting outside the National Military Club. A deeper dive into Romania’s royal past and architecture.

Afterwards, we stopped at a nearby café for breakfast and coffee (check out Artichoke or Trofic for 2025 faves), before visiting the Romanian Athenaeum, a cultural gem and classical music haven.

Lunch at Mamas (local food, great portions), then a little retail therapy at Bucharest Mall before winding down with dinner at Paine Si Vin (rustic, wine-focused and lovely) and drinks at Pura Vida Sky Bar.

Our New Year’s Eve highlight? Dancing the night away at Revelion in Constitution Square — a massive public party with fireworks and a surprise Destiny’s Child throwback DJ set.

Final Tips for 2025 Bucharest Visitors:

• Use Uber or Bolt for easy transport.

• Book ahead for walking tours and popular restaurants.

• Don’t skip Therme, even if you’re not a spa person.

• Pack layers — winters are cold but walkable.

• Be open to surprises — Bucharest is full of hidden gems.