Bucharest on a budget isn’t just possible — it’s surprisingly fun. From walking tours and bakeries to cheap public transport and affordable stays, here’s how to experience the best of Romania’s capital without overspending.
Disclosure: This page contains affiliate links. If you purchase through these links, I may earn a small commission at no extra cost to you. Thank you for supporting CheapWanderlust!
Where to Stay on a Budget
Bucharest has plenty of affordable places to stay — from hostels to budget hotels and guesthouses.
→ Read our full Romania itinerary for affordable routes and stays
Good areas for budget travelers:
Old Town (Centrul Vechi): Lively, central, but can be noisy
Piata Romana / Universitate: Central and well-connected, but less party-heavy
Tineretului or Unirii: Good transport, cheaper stays, quieter streets
Browse affordable places to stay on Booking.com
Tip: Some private rooms in guesthouses or aparthotels are cheaper (and quieter) than dorms.
What to Do (That’s Actually Worth It)
1. Free Walking Tour
Join a local walking tour — you’ll learn about communist history, quirky architecture, and modern-day life.
→ Check tours on Viator or GetYourGuide
2. Stroll Through Old Town
It’s touristy, yes — but the architecture and atmosphere are still worth a wander. Skip the overpriced bars and enjoy a €1.50 Romanian pastry instead.
3. Visit the Palace of the Parliament
It’s one of the heaviest buildings in the world (really), and a tour costs ~€10. You need your passport to enter.
4. Explore Cismigiu Gardens
Right in the center — perfect for a picnic, coffee, or budget downtime.
5. Carturesti Carusel Bookstore
Instagram famous, but still genuinely beautiful — and free to enter.
Where to Eat Cheap (and Well)
You can eat well in Bucharest for under €10 per day if you skip the tourist menus.
Local Spots:
Caru’ cu Bere: Iconic, but touristy. Worth it for the vibe at lunch if you want to splurge a little (€6–€10 meal).
La Mama: Romanian dishes, decent prices, relaxed vibe.
Dristor Kebab: Late-night budget food near Old Town.
Street food & bakeries:
Covrigi (pretzel-style snacks) for ~€0.50
Romanian pastries and meat pies for €1.5–€2.5
Look for Luca, Fornetti, and Patiseria Tineretului
Getting Around Bucharest
Public transport is extremely cheap — and sometimes chaotic.
Metro:
Modern, clean, and easy to use
Single ride: ~€0.60
Buy tickets at kiosks or machines in metro stations
Buses & Trams:
Also cheap, but harder to navigate as a tourist
Use Moovit app or Google Maps to plan your route
I recommend using a Wise card — it works for transport tickets, snacks, and local meals.
→ Check our guide to getting around Romania on a budget
What to Avoid
Taxis hailed from the street: Use Bolt or Uber to avoid being overcharged
Clubs in Old Town with pushy promoters: Often overpriced and underwhelming
Currency exchange booths in the city center: Many have bad rates — use ATMs or pay by card
Optional Budget-Friendly Tours
Palace of Parliament entry tour
Communist History walking tour
Day trip to Snagov Monastery or Mogosoaia Palace
You can browse group tours or private guides on Viator or GetYourGuide — many start at just €10–€15.
Sample Budget: 1 Day in Bucharest
| Item | Cost |
|---|---|
| Hostel or budget guesthouse | €15–€25 |
| Meals (local & cheap) | €7–€10 |
| Metro / tram tickets | €1.20 |
| Coffee/snack | €1.5–€2.5 |
| Entry/tour (optional) | €5–€10 |
Daily total: ~€20–30 comfortably
Final Thoughts
Bucharest isn’t the prettiest capital in Europe — but it’s gritty, real, and surprisingly affordable. With a little planning, you can explore museums, walk historic streets, and eat well without spending more than €25–€30 a day.
Stick to local food, avoid taxi scams, and stay near a metro station — and you’ll get the best out of Romania’s capital without overspending.
Planning your first trip to Romania? Here’s what travel costs really look like