If you clicked on this article, you're probably a student in Bucharest. But even if you don't fall into these two categories, I still invite you on this "journey" through the capital, where we'll discover super fun locations based on any budget.
Activities and "More" Low-Budget Locations
Although Bucharest is an expensive city, there are a few things to do when you're bored that won't force you to eat bread with pate for the next month. So, get organized with some friends and have fun:
1. Old Town (Centrul vechi)
Even though it might seem like the most basic location in Bucharest, during the day, it's worth a visit. Old Town may not be everyone's attraction at night, but it can be a real treasure in the afternoon (if you know how to explore it). Along with some friends, you can stroll around, visit the Carusel Bookstore (a very Instagrammable place for photography enthusiasts). Also, here you'll find Art Safari, a very interesting exhibition that changes its theme every few months. It's quite expensive, but many universities offer free entry to students (e.g., SNSPA, ASE, etc.). Afterward, you probably want to relax, and the center offers a multitude of terrace options. For decent prices, Xclussive Grill&Crêpes could be a suitable choice: a coffee (around 20 lei) or a lemonade (maximum 25 lei). However, if you want a location that looks great on your Instagram feed, Grand Café Van Gogh is the right place. Prices may vary a bit, but the atmosphere and the decor of this cafe justify the slightly higher expenses.
2. Victoriei Avenue (Calea Victoriei)
Certainly the best area if you want to complete your step count for the day. However, if you're not a fan of walking, you can always rent a bike or an electric scooter and ride on the specially designed track. In the end, you can stop at one of the many terraces/cafes. Los Amantes, a Mexican-themed restaurant, is suitable for anyone who wants to try something new. Although it may seem beyond a student's budget, unlike other restaurants with the same theme, it's worth every penny (must-try: tacos!).
3. Board games night
Want a more fun and interactive evening with some friends? Then I have a few options for you: Lente Dionsie Lupu and Time-Out Café. At Lente, you can come to work on your college projects, but it can also be a place where the fun lasts late into the night. With a multitude of games: Activity, Alias, etc., it's the perfect environment for a Saturday night with loved ones. From a menu perspective, they can be a bit more pretentious, so another similar option is Time-Out Café. The differences? Location and menu! At Lente, you can get there from almost any corner of Bucharest, thanks to the subway at Romană, while at Time-Out, it's more difficult, with only a few buses in the Calea Moșilor area. Also, here, you can only get snacks, not full meals, which is not necessarily a drawback, as who eats cooked food at a board game night?
4. Second hand shops
Whether you want to do window shopping or even leave with some clothing items from this walk, Bucharest offers you a multitude of second-hand shops that can satisfy all tastes. Because we don't want to give you inaccurate information on this subject, TikTok can come to our aid, with lots of recommendations. A trustworthy person is: @bunaeusuntcriss. Check her out! We promise you won't regret it.
Night-life in Bucharest
Our recommendation when it comes to nightlife in the capital is to gather a few friends at someone's place and have your own party because most options are too expensive for a simple student's budget (and many are not worth the expense). However, if you want to step out of your comfort zone, we have a few recommendations that won't disappoint.
1. Apollo 111
From the perspective of many students, it's one of the few clubs in Bucharest that deserves its entrance fee (50 lei). The music is good, people are friendly, in short, a place where anyone can integrate. Also, the drinks have prices like in any normal club (they're not exaggerated).
2. On The Block
It's a party with trap music that takes place every 2-3 months at Expirat Club. The entrance fee is 50 lei, prices are similar to Apollo, but the music and atmosphere are everything. You won't experience such an experience in any other club. So if you're a fan of Future, Drake, Kanye, etc., On The Block is exactly what you're looking for.
3. Karaoke Night
After so many "clubbing" nights, enter something family-friendly. So gather your group and get ready to lose your voice. A perfect location is Mojo Club (also in the Old Town area), open from Monday to Friday, and on weekends after 22:00, you can continue the party right there (if your voice still holds).
These are our recommendations for a student who has just arrived in Bucharest, who doesn't know where to start this new adventure. Our advice is not to say no to any offer; this way, you'll discover the most beautiful and fun sides of this wonderful city.