_ESCAPERS: Journey to Bucharest – The Heart of Romania
The travel blogger and journalist from OLOI MEDIA, Katerina Christofi @Travel_escapers_, traveled to Romania and discovered that Bucharest is not just a capital city, but a place full of surprises, history, and unexplored corners that impress you.
“Thinking of Bucharest? Stay with us because this city is not just another capital. It’s contrasts that shock you, flavors that surprise you, and little surprises in every alley.”
When we arrived in Romania, we only had some images in our minds: “Little Paris of the Balkans,” a bit of French finesse here and there. But what did we find? Something more real, more vibrant, more authentic. Something that makes you walk with open eyes and want to capture everything.
Old Town & First Impressions
The Old Town feels like stepping into another era. Cobblestones, old balconies, street artists everywhere, small cafés, and medieval restaurants make you feel like you’ve traveled back in time.
And yes — our street photographer “caught” us. We walked the same street twice for the perfect photo. (After Paris, it’s become a tradition)
Tip: Don’t be afraid to walk the same alleys again — every corner gives you a different feeling, different light, and different photos.
Unexpected Food
If there’s something that surprised us, it was the food.
At the historic restaurant Caru‘ cu Bere, you feel like entering another era. Carved wooden ceilings, stained glass, and Romanian music. We took the house specialty platter for two — 195 RON (~40€). With drinks, we paid about 50€ total. For such an experience? Absolute value.
In a completely different vibe, Excalibur puts you in a medieval setting. You eat medieval dishes, large portions, heavy meats — as if you’re invited to King Arthur’s table.
https://www.instagram.com/reel/DGBnuCoC-h6/?utm_source=ig_embed
And then came the surprise of our trip: in Brașov we found local bakeries with sweets at 1€. We tried sour cherry strudel — Austro-Hungarian influence, Romanian perfection.
Hidden GemsYou Must Not Miss
Bucharest has spots not seen in “classic” guides.
The Macca-Vilacrosse Passage, with its yellow glass roof, is ideal for coffee and photos.
The bookstore Cărturești Carusel, looks straight out of Pinterest — white curved stairs, minimal aesthetic, and rooftop café.
The Van Gogh cafe
Naturally Umbrella Street — small, colorful, full of positive energy.
Tip: Go early in the morning for photos without crowds.
The Ultimate Relaxation
If you go to Romania and do not visit Therme Bucharest… then you’re truly missing half the experience. This is a must.
If you want a break from the city, this is the place. Just 30 minutes from downtown Bucharest, you enter a completely different world: palm trees, tropical atmosphere, indoor and outdoor heated pools, saunas, jacuzzis, and ultimate relaxation.


Sincerely, it felt like leaving a city trip and entering a mini wellness retreat.
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The daily trip to Transylvania cost about 15€ for transport + 20€ for entrances. We visited the legendary <s<trong<Bran Castle<Bran Castle<Bran Castle<Bran Castle<Bran Castle<Bran Castle<Bran Castle<Bran Castle<Bran Castle<Bran Castle<Bran Castle<Bran Castle<Bran Castle<Bran Castle<Bran Castle<Bran Castle<Bran Castle<Bran Castle<Bran Castle,B connected with Dracula's myth (although the real Vlad the Impaler didn't live there permanently—fun fact).</B connected with Dracula's myth (although the real Vlad the Impaler didn't live there permanently—fun fact).</B connected with Dracula's myth (although the real Vlad the Impaler didn't live there permanently—fun fact).</B connected with Dracula's myth (although the real Vlad the Impaler didn't live there permanently—fun fact).</B connected with Dracula's myth (although the real Vlad the Impaler didn't live there permanently—fun fact).</B connected with Dracula's myth (although the real Vlad the Impaler didn't live there permanently—fun fact).</B connected with Dracula's myth (although the real Vlad the Impaler didn't live there permanently—fun fact).</B connected with Dracula's myth (although the real Vlad the Impaler didn't live there permanently—fun fact).</B connected with Dracula's myth (although the real Vlad the Impaler didn't live there permanently—fun fact).</B connected with Dracula's myth (although the real Vlad the Impaler didn't live there permanently—fun fact).</B connected with Dracula's myth (although the real Vlad the Impaler didn't live there permanently—fun fact).</B connected with Dracula's myth (although the real Vlad the Impaler didn't live there permanently—fun fact).</B connected with Dracula's myth (although the real Vlad the Impaler didn't live there permanently—fun fact).</B connected with Dracula's myth (although the real Vlad the Impaler didn't live there permanently—fun fact).</B connected with Dracula's myth (although the real Vlad the Impaler didn't live there permanently—fun fact).</B connected with Dracula's myth (although the real Vlad the Impaler didn't live there permanently—fun fact).</B connected with Dracula's myth (although the real Vlad the Impaler didn't live there permanently—fun fact).</B connected with Dracula's myth (although the real Vlad the Impaler didn't live there permanently—fun fact).</B connected with Dracula's myth (although the real Vlad the Impaler didn't live there permanently—fun fact).
https://www.instagram.com/travel_escapers_/?utm_source=ig_embed
And then… fairy-tale Peleș Castle.
Built in 19th century,
it was one of first castles in Europe
with electricity.
Architectural masterpiece.
https://www.instagram.com/reel/DGL2ktcN4p0/?utm_source=ig_embed

History
&
Contrasts
The small but impressive
Stavropoleos Monastery
(1724)
mixes Byzantine,
Ottoman,
and Baroque styles
—a quiet sanctuary
within city.
Then,
the ultimate contrast:
the massive Palace
of Parliament,
the second largest administrative building
in world after Pentagon.
Built during communist regime
of Nicolae Ceaușescu—and carries heavy history.
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Practical Information
• Airbnb for 7 days:
160€
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p• Food:
10–25€ per person
• Trip
to Transylvania:
approximately 35€ total
• Flights from Cyprus:
approximately 40€ per person
• Ideal period:
spring
&
autumn
If planning trip
to Romania,
include Bucharest on your list.
Not just
to say you’ve been—but
to truly experience it.
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