Things to do at night in Bucharest to experience the city like a local

If you’re visiting Bucharest, your days will be spent exploring the Old City center and learning about Romanian history at the city’s wonderful museums and landmarks like the National Theatre and the Village Museum. But if your evenings are wide open, there’s a lot to be excited about.

Romania's capital city is an underrated nightlife destination for thrifty Europeans and adventurous international travelers. Bucharest’s thriving nightclub culture is highly underrated, and while the scenery doesn't quite compete with Ibiza, it's absolutely one of the best in Eastern Europe. The nightlife culture is high energy, so expect crowded dance for and booming EDM or techno music. There's also a more refined element to the city, with rooftop bars and jazz clubs. 

Planning a trip to Bucharest? Don’t let your bags get in the way of sightseeing or clubbing. Use the Bounce luggage storage service so you can stash your bags while you get right to the fun.

What to do in Bucharest at night if you’re looking for… 

An energetic night out

The best way to experience Bucharest's nightlife scene is by hitting a nightclub or cocktail bar. There are plenty of neighborhoods lined with venues for live music or themed parties, but Old Town (Lipscani) is the most popular. You’ll still want to explore off-the-beaten-path for low-key clubs or traditional taverns serving delicious local cuisine. 

Old Town is an obvious clubbing destination

While its historic streets are best known for their appealing architecture and Old-World aesthetics, you’ll see the district come alive in surprising ways once the sun sets. You’ll be able to grab a meal of traditional Romanian cuisine (try the sarmale at Carul Cu Bere) before burning off all those calories dancing at one of the many clubs.

Pro tip: For summer visits, keep an eye out for beer gardens! Despite the swanky location, it’s generally quite affordable to dine and drink in Bucharest’s Old City.

Have an upscale evening on Calea Floreasca

If you’re not interested in a sweaty dance floor filled with college kids and twentysomethings, you can head to the elegant Calea Floreasca for some of the better restaurants in Bucharest. You’ll find stylish modern bistros under the twinkling city lights and cozy traditional restaurants along the waterfront of Lake Herastrau for a sunset stroll. 

Calea Victoriei provides a lively atmosphere

Beer gardens aren’t just a German institution, you’ll be able to find a rooftop restaurant or pub serving local craft beers and delicious food on this beautiful boulevard. It’s easy to find a place that fits your style, as there are both busy nightclubs and relaxed wine bars. 

Pro tip: Organizing a pub crawl or just trying to grab a few drinks? Start at Piata Victoriei (Freedom Square) and head towards Old Town.

A distinguished evening 

The sexiness of the Bucharest nightlife scene is certainly appealing, but history buffs and sophisticates will also find plenty to get excited about in the Romanian capital. 

National History Museum

There are plenty of Bucharest museums worth visiting, but you’ll be able to hit the National History Museum at night during its special exhibitions held after hours. The programming rotates quite a bit, but expect deep dives into specific aspects of Romanian culture and particularly fascinating periods of the country’s history being eliminated. Museum lockers are a hassle and can slow down your entry, but Bounce makes it simple and cashless to drop bags off at our facilities. 

Start at University Square for sunset

One of the most historic and beautiful locations in Bucharest is this historic square, especially during the sunset. It’s worth popping by to enjoy some people-watching on your way to dinner!

Pro tip: Time your visit as close to December as possible and you can add the square's Christmas market to your itinerary. It's particularly beautiful at night when the tree is lit.  

Take in a show at the Romanian Athenaeum

This gorgeous domed landmark and venue dates back to the 19th century and is a regal setting for classical music, ballet, or opera performances. The George Enescu Philharmonic Orchestra is revered throughout Europe as one of the best of its kind, and there are performances throughout the year along with a rotating program of ballet and theater. The cloakroom is rather small and there aren't lockers onsite, so stopping by a Bounce location on your way to the show is the best way to deal with the bags.

A maximized night out

On a longer layover or stopping in Bucharest on a longer trip? There are a few ways to take in the big city, even for just one night.

Explore Bucharest Old Town

The Old City Center, known locally as Centrul Vechi, is your quintessential historical district. You'll find the well-preserved architecture and narrow cobbled streets filled with boutiques and grand cafés. It's nothing new, but it's a vital part of the Bucharest experience that's actually improved when the sun goes down. The streets are lit by lamps, providing an intriguing backdrop for evening strolls, or even pub crawls. Even in winter, the weather will be fairly comfortable so long as you pack a coat, and the crowds of tourists and locals make the Old City a safe place to explore at night. Bounce has locations serving the district, so you'll be able to head to the area bag-free when you get into town. 

Take a nighttime walking tour

If you get into town later but want to go sightseeing right away, you can join a walking tour even at night. Because you’ll be with a crowd, tour groups are a great way to walk through the city center at night while feeling safe. You'll get an enjoyable evening stroll while also seeing landmarks like the Triumphal Arch, Romanian Athenaeum, Palace of Parliament, Royal Palace, Revolution Square, and Victory Avenue lit up under the night sky. Bucharest’s well-lit historic districts are gorgeous at night and certainly earned the former nickname of “Little Paris.” If you're planning on taking a tour, you'll want to leave the bags with Bounce so you can get around easier. 

Explore the Macca-Vilacrosse Passage

This opulent shopping arcade features a magnificent glass roof and scenery evoking Parisian aesthetics. Retail centers like this will seem like a novelty to American tourists as the architecture will appear too beautiful to possibly house a shopping mall, but you'll have plenty of luxury boutiques and a few fine dining establishments.

Pro tip: This is one of the best things to do at night in Bucharest when it's raining. Then, head to the snazzy wine bar to cap off a successful shopping spree. 

Heading to Bucharest to go wild on the dance floor? The Romanian capital is the perfect place to head with your friends or a loved one for dining, drinking, and dancing, and Bounce will be there to take care of the bags. With locations in countless other European capitals, Bounce is your go-to luggage storage resource whether you enjoy the top things to do at night in Bucharest or take the party elsewhere.