Bucharest, the capital of Romania, is renowned for its wide, tree-lined boulevards, magnificent Belle Époque buildings, and a reputation for a high-spirited lifestyle, earning it the moniker of “Little Paris” in the 1900s. Here, we provide you with essential facts and information about this vibrant city.
Bucharest Facts
History
- First Mention: Bucharest was first mentioned in historical documents in the year 1459.
- Capital Status: It became the capital of Romania in the year 1862.
- Size in EU: Bucharest ranks as the 6th largest capital within the European Union.
- Palace of the Parliament: The city boasts the Palace of the Parliament, which is the second-largest building globally.
- Transit Network: Bucharest’s surface transit network, operated by Regia Autonoma de Transport Bucuresti, is the fourth-largest in Europe.
Is Bucharest a Crowded City?
- European Rank: Bucharest is the 11th largest city in Europe.
- Traffic Situation: Weekdays in Bucharest can be crowded, with frequent traffic jams during rush hours at many intersections. However, during weekends, the city experiences reduced congestion as students return home, and local residents seek refuge elsewhere. Parks become popular destinations on weekends, while city streets are relatively less congested.
Country and City Telephone Codes
- Bucharest Telephone Code: +40 21
- Romania Dialing Code: +40
Electricity
- Electricity Voltage: The electrical current in Bucharest is 230V. Non-European Union visitors may need adapters.
- Socket Plug Type: EU
Local Time
- Time Zone: Romania follows the Eastern European Time Zone, GMT + 2 hours.
- Time Comparison: When it is 12:00 in Bucharest, it corresponds to 11:00 in Berlin, 10:00 in London, 05:00 in New York, 20:00 in Sydney, and 13:00 in Moscow.
Temperature
- Summer: The average summer temperature ranges from 23 to 35°C.
- Winter: In winter, the average temperature can drop to 0-10°C below zero.
Travel Documents
- Visa Requirements: American and Canadian citizens, as well as citizens of Australia, New Zealand, and most European countries, do not require an entry visa for stays up to 90 days, either within a single visit or multiple visits within a six-month period. However, all overseas/non-EU visitors must possess a valid passport for the entire duration of their stay, ensuring it does not expire before their intended departure date. Travelers are advised to check their passport’s expiration date carefully before traveling to Europe. Please consult the list of states whose citizens, holding simple passports, require a visa for entry into Romanian territory.
Administration
- President of Romania: Klaus Werner Iohannis (since 2015)
- Mayor of Bucharest: Nicusor Dan (since June 2020)
- Administrative Sectors: Bucharest is divided into six administrative sectors, each further subdivided into districts. These sectors are numbered from one to six:
- Sector 1: Aviatorilor, Aviaţiei, Băneasa, Bucureştii Noi, Dămăroaia, Domenii, Dorobanţi, Gara de Nord, Griviţa, Victoriei, Floreasca, Pajura, Pipera, Primăverii, Romană
- Sector 2: Colentina, Iancului, Moşilor, Obor, Pantelimon, Ştefan cel Mare, Tei, Vatra Luminoasă
- Sector 3: Balta Albă, Centrul Civic, Dristor, Dudeşti, Lipscani, Muncii, Titan, Unirii, Vitan
- Sector 4: Berceni, Olteniţei, Tineretului, Văcăreşti
- Sector 5: 13 Septembrie, Cotroceni, Dealul Spirii, Ferentari, Rahova
- Sector 6: Crângaşi, Ghencea, Giuleşti, Drumul Taberei, Militari
Currency
- Romanian Leu: The official currency is the Romanian Leu, with 1 leu equal to 100 bani.
- Exchange Rates: As of the featured photo’s publication, the approximate exchange rates are 1 EUR ≈ 4.5 Lei and 1 USD ≈ 4.32 Lei. The official National Bank of Romania exchange rates can be found here.
Curious about what else Bucharest is known for? Uncover the city’s unique charm and rich history in our blog post this subject.‘ Explore fascinating facts and essential information that will enhance your understanding of this vibrant capital.
The featured photo from this post is published courtesy of Dan Mihai Balanescu.
