Thinking about a city break? Bucharest has all you need to keep you entertained for a few days. With the airport a short distance from the city and Ubers cheaper than coffee, you’ll be guaranteed a stress-free and an out-of-the-ordinary weekend.

Check out our favourite bookmarks:

1. Therme Bucharesti

About 10 minutes from the airport, this enormous spa lives up to its reputation as the biggest spa in Europe. With giant floor-to-ceiling palms and tropical plants, the spa makes you feel as if you’re in the jungle. Definitely buy the full package, including entry to the Elysium zone, which has the best saunas. The main pool is stunning, with various jacuzzi jet locations, a bar, and an outdoor section featuring a lazy river-style pool.

The food hall is a relaxing haven, set apart from the noise of the main area. The food is great and costs around £10 per person. The spa gets really busy at weekends and as the day goes on, so if you’re after a quiet, zen-like day, aim for a weekday or arrive early in the morning.

We can’t help but mention that the spa also houses a huge water slide section for young and not-so-young visitors – because why should children have all the fun? When in Bucharest…

2. Pasajul Englez

Pasajul Englez (or the ‘English Passage’ if you’re not fluent in romanian yet) is one of the city’s best-kept secrets—mostly because no one can ever seem to find it! Originally designed as a covered walkway, it later gained a more infamous reputation. Today, it’s a rundown alleyway, home to social housing and a few closed-down shops. While its vintage architecture and moody lighting make it a great spot for photography, it’s best to visit during the day, as the passage doesn’t feel safe after dark.

3. Obor Market

Don’t miss Obor Market for the most authentic Romanian experience of the city. You are not ready for what will hit you in this vast indoor and outdoor melting pot of colours and flavours. Ranging from households and clothing items to delicious local delicacies, Obor Market feels like your countryside local shop blown up to extra-large proportions. Barely anyone speaks English in the little stalls which make communication quite entertaining – unless you get on the wrong side of the vendor, in which case, you might inadvertently start an argument. Speaking of which, arguments between vendors seem the norm here so don’t be alarmed and enjoy the show!

4. Teresa Obor

Before you leave the market swing by this amazing food stall and get involved with Bucharest’s best Miçi. Due to its fame, the queue might be a bit long, so try to arrive just before midday. The stall is cash only, so make sure you have plenty of LEU as you’re going to want to go back for more. Yes they’re that good, and for around 100LEU each, you’ll end up with a million of them.

5. The Nomad Skybar

Hidden in the old town, this top floor bar is only accessible by an ominous lift. Like most places in Bucharest, reservation is a must. However, if you don’t mind an afternoon cocktail (or morning we don’t judge) the staff are likely to let you in without a booking. The fun and trendy decor gives this bar a vibrant atmosphere that reflects well the general feel of a city that is finding its voice.

6. Gran Cafe’ Van Gogh

Enter a world of art and great-tasting coffee at this unique café. Nestled in the heart of the old town, this café stays true to its name. The world-renowned artist is celebrated on every inch of the walls, including the winding staircase, making the space feel more like a gallery than a coffee shop. You’ll find yourself sharing your sitting area with hundreds of monstera plants, which, rather than making the café feel cramped, create a sense of privacy and tranquillity in each room. Ok maybe it’s a little cramped, but they really do look nice!

7. Take in the city

It’s hard to identify what style of architecture Bucharest has. To be honest, Bucharest itself probably doesn’t even know. This intriguing identity crisis comes from its history of being influenced by the Ottoman Empire, the Soviet Union, and the communist era over the years. It’s a clash of grandeur and poverty, modernity and antiquity with each street wall covered in some sort of colourful graffiti – a remanence of a young population’s protest against the communist regime in the early 90s.

The Old Town is a quaint quarter with cobblestone streets, made vibrant by the many up-and-coming restaurants, cafés, and historical buildings. It’s not unusual to see a beautiful Neoclassical building with a block of flats towering behind it, completely abandoned, with every window smashed. But that is precisely what makes Bucharest so charming. It has an underlying confidence in knowing that it doesn’t compare to other European cities in conventional beauty – but that’s totally fine. It delivers in other ways. And we agreed.

8. Coftale Specialty Coffee Shop

A short distance from the city centre, take a rest and unwind in this cosy and quiet garden café. The indoor section is an old Victorian-style house with high ceilings and wall art, giving each room the feel you’re at the home of someone important. Make a reservation ahead of time to secure your spot and avoid angering the staff – spontaneity is not rewarded in Bucharest!

Before we go we should mention that card payments are widely accepted in the city, a part from some smaller shop and markets. Thank you for reading and have a great trip!

Not sure what tune should complement your city break? Try this!