Bucharest: A Surprising Romanian Adventure in the Heart of Europe, Made Simple with an eSIM
Esimfly · 8 April 2025
When you fly to Romania, you rarely know what to expect. But I have to say it - Bucharest was one of the nicest surprises of any trip I've taken in Europe.
It isn't just another classic European capital. It blends heavy communist architecture with pockets of French elegance, rich culture with great food at comfortable prices, ancient buildings with buzzing bars.
Add to all that a feeling of freedom, of lightness, and the chance to experience the city entirely at your own pace.
I went for a few days, on my own, with a backpack, a lot of curiosity and an eSIM for abroad that made sure I was never stuck without internet, not even for a moment.
That may sound like a technical detail, but it's absolutely critical, because Bucharest is no small town. There's a lot to discover, and if you want to do it properly, you need to be connected.
Arriving in Bucharest: landing in a city with a soul
Bucharest's airport is called Henri Coandă and sits about 20 km from the city centre.
The easiest way in is a taxi or an Uber, and the journey time depends on the hour. There's also a direct train to the main railway station.
Right at the airport, with my digital SIM already active, I ordered an Uber without a moment's delay. It sounds trivial, but the time, frustration and wandering it saved me were anything but.
Getting around: not complicated, but you'll want a connection
Bucharest has an extensive public transport network of buses, trams and a metro (Metrou).
Honestly though? I found myself mostly using Uber or Bolt - simple, cheap and convenient, especially with a few people travelling together.
And even if you'd rather take public transport, you need to know where to get off and when the train arrives. If you're connected through an eSIM for abroad, you just open the map and that's it. No asking around, no guessing.
The old town: charm between alleyways and bars
I started my trip in the old town, Lipscani, and that really is where Bucharest comes alive.
Narrow lanes, small cafes, shops selling local goods, restaurants serving rich soups and juicy Romanian kebabs, and of course endless bars, some with dancing.
In the evening the place fills with life. Young locals, tourists, live music - a mix of being abroad and feeling warmly at home.
I found a tiny wine bar tucked inside a hidden courtyard, somewhere I'd never have discovered without the internet on my phone.
The Palace of the Parliament: communist scale
You can't visit Bucharest without seeing the Palace of the Parliament. It's the second-largest building in the world (after the Pentagon), built under Ceaușescu to project power.
It's vast and imposing, and you can go inside, but you must book a tour in advance and bring your passport.
Here again I saw the advantage of a SIM for abroad - while I was wandering the city, I simply booked the tour online.
Museums and culture: reasons to come back
Bucharest is not short on museums, whether you love history, art or local culture.
I particularly enjoyed the National Museum of Art of Romania and the Village Museum (Dimitrie Gusti Village Museum), a faithful reconstruction of traditional Romanian villages using original houses relocated to the site.
My tip: before you go in, always check the opening hours, whether tickets are needed and whether there are discounts. When you're connected, it's all one tap away.
Romanian food: hearty, warm and delicious
Wow, did I enjoy eating in Bucharest.
Romania is a relatively cold country, and its kitchen is made precisely for anyone after comfort food:
- Sarmale - cabbage leaves stuffed with meat and rice
- Ciorbă de burtă - a tangy tripe soup (if you're up for it, it's an experience!)
- Mici - small grilled kebabs served with mustard
- Papanasi - a doughnut dessert with sour cream and jam, absolutely wild
I'd move from restaurant to restaurant reading reviews and checking photos of dishes, all in real time, thanks to a virtual SIM for abroad that worked without any fuss.
Shopping and markets: plenty of both
If you're after shopping, the AFI Cotroceni mall is huge and modern, with brands from all over the world.
But if markets are more your thing, Obor Market is a genuinely local experience. Stalls of cheeses, cured meats, fresh fruit and vegetables, and colour everywhere.
Here too, without a connection I wouldn't have found the market, the opening hours or the particular stall I'd read about in a review online.
Where to stay: every style, excellent prices
Bucharest has an enormous range, from luxury hotels to designer hostels and comfortable Airbnb apartments in the centre.
I stayed in one of the small hotels in the old town - quiet, clean, nicely designed and, most importantly, perfectly located.
I found it through a blog recommendation, checked the reviews and compared prices, all while walking around the city.
There's no doubt: when you're connected, you feel completely in control.
Weather: when should you go?
- Spring (April to June): blossom, pleasant weather, lots of green
- Summer (July to August): hot, but nothing extreme
- Autumn (September to October): falling leaves, cool and pleasant
- Winter: for anyone who loves snow and a festive feeling - the Christmas markets here are gorgeous
I went in October and the weather was perfect.
Checking the forecast, packing accordingly, changing your route because of rain - it all becomes effortless when you're connected, and that's exactly the beauty of an eSIM for abroad.
How constant connectivity made all the difference
It isn't just about "browsing the internet".
It's knowing where you are, finding your way, booking a place, reading reviews, sharing a moment, communicating.
Especially somewhere like Romania, where signs aren't always in English, people don't always understand you and open WiFi isn't always around, a smart SIM for abroad is simply essential.
I used eSIM. It took a second to install, and it just worked.
I never got stuck, never overpaid, and most importantly, never felt dependent on anyone.
The bottom line: Bucharest is far more than you'd expect
This is a city with rhythm, with depth, with flavours and colours.
It bridges modern Europe and the Europe of the past, quiet and pace, wealth and simplicity.
You can feel at home within a day, and still find endless adventures.
If you want a close, surprising, affordable, easy destination that's still full of substance, Bucharest is worth it.
And if you want to do it smartly, just set off prepared - with steady internet, a charged phone and an open map.
For me, that made all the difference.
Want to keep reading in the same vein? Here are a couple more articles that might help:
Planning the trip? Order your Romania eSIM before you fly — the QR code arrives by email within minutes.