Budgeting for Bucharest: A useful guide
I have recently returned from a short trip to Bucharest, the capital city of Romania. Whilst I knew that Bucharest would have affordable food and drink prices (particularly compared to London!) I wasn’t quite prepared for how far my money would go in Bucharest. This is why I have created a guide to budgeting for Bucharest and have included all the useful information that I wish I knew before I arrived in the exciting city of Bucharest.
What currency do they use in Bucharest?
The currency used in Bucharest is the Romanian Leu (RON). It’s worth checking the current exchange rate before your trip to ensure that you get the best value when exchanging money. During my time in Bucharest, I found that it was roughly £1 for 5 RONs. If you’re anything like me then trying to work out whether something is affordable or not can be extremely tricky! I divided each price of an item by 5 to get a rough estimate in pounds (£) and was consistently pleasantly surprised with the prices when my bank showed up with each transaction. Credit and debit cards are widely accepted, and whilst I didn’t actually use any cash, I personally think that it’s a good idea to carry some cash for smaller, local establishments or for tips.
Is Bucharest a cheap city?
Yes, Bucharest is generally considered an affordable city, especially when compared to major Western European cities. You can enjoy high-quality food, drinks, and entertainment without breaking the bank. However, prices can vary depending on where you go, so it’s helpful to plan in advance and know which areas offer the best value for your money.
How much is a meal out in Bucharest?
A meal in a mid-range restaurant will typically cost around 30-50 RON (£6-£10), but you can find even cheaper options at local eateries or street food vendors. For a more upscale dining experience, expect to pay about 100-150 RON (£20-£30) per person. One of my favourite activities to do when planning a trip abroad, is to search for popular restaurants on Tripadvisor within the city, to get a rough estimate of how much I should expect to spend on food/drink. By doing this, I also begin to unconsciously plan an itinerary for good places to visit. This is how I found one of my new favourite restaurants, Casa Doina! Overall, eating out in Bucharest can be quite affordable if you know where to go.
How much is a pint in Bucharest?
A pint of local beer costs around 10-15 RON (£2-£3), making Bucharest a very budget-friendly city for beer lovers. Craft beer and imported options are slightly more expensive, but still reasonably priced compared to Western Europe. I would personally recommend trying Ursus, a delicious Romanian beer.
Most affordable places to eat and drink
Some of the best affordable restaurants and bars in Bucharest are located in the Old Town area, where you can find a mix of traditional Romanian dishes and international cuisine. Here, you can find local gems like “Caru’ cu Bere” for a great value meal and experience. Additionally, street food markets and fast-casual dining spots are excellent for cheap eats. My personal favourite restaurant in the old town area was Les Bourgeois. This restaurant is a cosy and inviting bar/restaurant located centrally in the old town and the prices were exceptional considering how delicious the food was.
Transportation in Bucharest
Public transportation in Bucharest is inexpensive and efficient. A single ride on the metro costs about 3 RON (50p), and you can purchase day or multi-day passes for added convenience. Buses and trams are also widely available, with similar pricing. When we arrived in Bucharest airport, we headed straight to the bus stop and I couldn’t quite believe the cheap price of 50p for almost an hour ride to the city centre!
Ride-sharing apps like Uber and Bolt are also popular and affordable alternatives to taxis. I used Bolt to get to and from Therme spa and because Bucharest is so cheap, I even treated myself with a Bolt trip to the airport at the end of the trip! The prices of the Bolt were noticeably a lot more affordable than Ubers here in the UK.
Can you walk around Bucharest?
Yes, Bucharest is a walkable city, especially in the central areas like Old Town. Many of the key attractions, restaurants, and bars are located within walking distance of each other. However, the city is quite spread out, so you may want to rely on public transport or ride shares if you’re venturing outside the main areas. If you plan to visit Therme or are travelling to/from the airport, be aware that they are fairly long journeys on a bus. If you’re planning to travel by Bolt then this will likely be the most expensive part of your trip, so make sure to plan accordingly.
So… How much should I budget for Bucharest?
For a budget-friendly trip to Bucharest, you can expect to spend around 150-200 RON (£30-£40) per day, including meals, drinks, transport, and sightseeing. If you plan to enjoy more luxury experiences, you might want to budget closer to 300-400 RON (£60-£80) per day. However, I personally found that £30 a day was enough and collectively for three days in Bucharest for two people, we spent just under £180. This was without compromising on any activities or delicious treats.
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