Under $100: Bucharest, Romania

Romania’s vibrant capital city features a unique blend of Balkan and Latin culture and a striking combination of old and new. The city offers world-class museums, charming cafés, beautiful parks, distinctive culinary traditions and a vibrant nightlife.

Kick off your day with a quick bite at Origo Coffee shop, where you’ll find baked goods and coffee for a dollar or two before starting your sightseeing. While much of the city has been modernized, it also features a rich history including 17^th- and 18^th- century Orthodox churches. Visit the renowned Palace of Parliament, the second-oldest administration building in the world, for about $6. For the same price, visit the National History Museum, which boasts an impressive collection and the iconic statue of Emperor Trajan that resides on the museum’s steps. The Romanian Athenaeum is a stunning architectural gem at the heart of the country’s classical music tradition. While it is normally only open during concerts, visitors can usually sneak a peak inside during the day.

Enjoy lunch from the Obor Market, the city’s largest outdoor public market, or Caru cu Bere, a 1897 beer house. Despite a somewhat touristy vibe, this gem is a must-visit as the oldest beer house in Bucharest, featuring Belle-Époque interior décor and traditional Romanian food. Hearty dishes start at around $6.

© Mihocphoto | Dreamstime

Stroll through the Cișmigiu Garden featuring shaded walkways, serene lakes and cafés — the perfect place to relax during a long day of sightseeing. Hit the Calea Victoriei, home to Belle-Époque architecture and upscale boutiques. Once dubbed “Little Paris,” Bucharest offers tree-lined boulevards and its own Triumphal Arc. Walk the quaint, maze-like, cobblestone streets of Lipscani, the pedestrian district, or take a guided tour of the city center to see as much as possible for little to no cost. For book lovers, the Carturesti Carusel library is an impressive six-level building in a restored 19^th-century home, and next door to the library is the Gabroveni Inn, a cultural center offering free exhibitions and events.

For dinner, try Cercul Militar National, a restaurant in The Palace of the National Military Circle, built in 1911. This French Neoclassical restaurant offers an affordable and unique dining experience. After dinner, take the Bucharest Pub Crawl, which brings you to five pubs and clubs for only €9 and includes drinks. You can also grab drinks at Bordello, a gastropub, 1930s speakeasy and cabaret all in one.

Old Town © Viorel Dudau | Dreamstime

To get around Bucharest, public transportation is the way to go. The system of metros, buses, trams and trolleys cover the city extensively and run daily from 5 a.m. to 11:30 p.m. Standard bus rides cost around 31 cents per trip. Taxis are also an option but be careful of rip-off rides. It’s best to call taxis in advance or use a transportation app like Speed Taxi, Meridian or Star Taxi.

Bucharest offers some of the nicest and safest hostels in Europe. Hostel Bucharest is a centrally located, safe and well-known brand that offers a free welcome drink on arrival, air conditioning and private rooms, from around $8. Little Bucharest Old Town Hostel, located in the pedestrian old town center, is another safe option, also for around $8.

From lively clubs and bars to historic architecture and unique cultural traditions, Bucharest has so much to offer, and it is all accessible on a budget.