How to Plan a Trip to Bucharest
The complete 2026 guide — flights, hotels, things to do and airport transfers, all in one place. Everything a first-time visitor to Romania needs.
Your 4-step Bucharest plan
Step 1 — Book flights to OTP
Henri Coandă International Airport (OTP) is the main gateway to Bucharest. Compare fares across major airlines and OTAs before locking a date.
See flight deals to OTPStep 2 — Pick a neighborhood
Base yourself in Old Town (Lipscani) for the best first-time visit — Cobblestoned Old Town with bars, restaurants, Stavropoleos Church.
Where to stay in BucharestStep 3 — Plan your itinerary
Start with Palace of the Parliament (Casa Poporului), then build outward. Most first-time visitors need 3-5 days to see the highlights of Bucharest.
Things to do in BucharestStep 4 — Sort your airport transfer
Bus 783 (to Piața Unirii / Centre) is RON 7 (€1.40) and takes 40–60 min. Pre-book a private transfer for stress-free arrival.
OTP arrival guideBefore you book — visa check
Romania is EU + Schengen (joined March 2024) — visa-free for most Western passports up to 90 days. EU passports + IDs accepted for travel.