🌍 Overview
Bucharest, the capital of Romania, has emerged as a hidden gem for digital nomads seeking an affordable and culturally rich destination. As a remote work hub, Bucharest offers a unique blend of history, entertainment, and modern amenities, making it an attractive choice for digital nomads. The city’s cost of living is relatively low, with a 1-bedroom apartment costing around $352 per month, and an average restaurant meal priced at approximately $6.1. This affordability, combined with a growing expat community and decent digital nomad infrastructure, has contributed to Bucharest’s rising popularity among remote workers. The city’s nomad scene is still developing, but it already boasts a handful of excellent coworking spaces, a vibrant social scene, and a wide range of cultural attractions.
One of the primary draws for digital nomads in Bucharest is the city’s laid-back atmosphere and relatively low cost of living. The average speed of the internet in Bucharest is 54 Mbps, with fiber availability in many areas, making it an ideal location for remote workers who require fast and reliable connections. Additionally, the city’s social and nightlife scene, although not as vibrant as some other European capitals, offers a unique blend of traditional and modern entertainment options. From trendy bars and clubs in the Lipscani area to traditional Romanian restaurants and cafes, there’s something for every taste and preference.
As a digital nomad destination, Bucharest is still evolving, but it has already gained a reputation as a welcoming and affordable location for remote workers. The city’s digital nomad community is growing, with many like-minded individuals gathering at coworking spaces, cafes, and social events. With its rich history, cultural attractions, and modern amenities, Bucharest is an excellent choice for digital nomads seeking a unique and rewarding experience. Whether you’re looking for a short-term stay or a longer-term base, Bucharest has something to offer, from its stunning architecture to its vibrant cultural scene.
🏘️ Best Neighborhoods
Cotroceni
Cotroceni is a charming neighborhood located in the western part of Bucharest, known for its beautiful parks, historic buildings, and vibrant atmosphere. The area is popular among expats and digital nomads, with a range of accommodation options available, including apartments and shared houses. The typical monthly rent range in Cotroceni is between $250-$400, making it an affordable option for remote workers. One of the main pros of Cotroceni is its proximity to the city center, with many amenities and attractions within walking distance. However, the area can be quite noisy, especially during rush hour, and the internet quality can be patchy in some areas.
Lipscani
Lipscani is the heart of Bucharest’s old town, a bustling neighborhood filled with historic buildings, bars, restaurants, and cafes. The area is a hub for nightlife and entertainment, with many venues staying open late into the night. The typical monthly rent range in Lipscani is between $300-$500, making it a bit pricier than Cotroceni. However, the area offers a unique and vibrant atmosphere, with many opportunities to meet new people and experience the city’s social scene. One of the main cons of Lipscani is the noise level, which can be quite high, especially at night. Additionally, the area can be quite touristy, which may not appeal to everyone.
Floreasca
Floreasca is a upscale neighborhood located in the northern part of Bucharest, known for its beautiful parks, modern amenities, and high standard of living. The area is popular among expats and digital nomads, with a range of accommodation options available, including luxury apartments and villas. The typical monthly rent range in Floreasca is between $400-$700, making it one of the more expensive areas in the city. However, the area offers a high level of comfort and convenience, with many amenities and services available, including high-speed internet and modern coworking spaces.
Dorobanti
Dorobanti is a charming neighborhood located in the central part of Bucharest, known for its beautiful architecture, historic buildings, and vibrant atmosphere. The area is popular among expats and digital nomads, with a range of accommodation options available, including apartments and shared houses. The typical monthly rent range in Dorobanti is between $250-$400, making it an affordable option for remote workers. One of the main pros of Dorobanti is its proximity to the city center, with many amenities and attractions within walking distance. Additionally, the area is known for its high level of safety, with a strong police presence and low crime rate.
Digital Nomad Guide
Bucharest has a growing number of coworking spaces, with many options available to suit different needs and preferences. Some popular coworking spaces include Hub Coworking, which offers monthly rates starting from around $100, and The Hub, which offers daily rates starting from around $10. The city’s internet quality is generally good, with average speeds of 54 Mbps and fiber availability in many areas. However, the reliability of the internet can vary depending on the location and provider.
The nomad community scene in Bucharest is still developing, but there are already several groups and events available for remote workers to connect and network. The Bucharest Nomads Facebook group is a great resource for meeting like-minded individuals and staying up-to-date on events and activities. Additionally, the city hosts several coworking spaces and cafes that offer regular meetups and social events.
Some of the best cafes to work from in Bucharest include Cafe Verona, which offers high-speed internet and a cozy atmosphere, and Cafe Lumen, which offers a modern and stylish space with plenty of power outlets. Other popular options include the cafes in the Old Town, such as Cafe Gradina and Cafe Krypton, which offer a unique and historic atmosphere.
For visa options, Romania offers a range of possibilities for remote workers, including the digital nomad visa, which allows individuals to stay in the country for up to one year. The requirements and costs for this visa vary depending on the individual’s nationality and circumstances, but generally include a valid passport, proof of income, and health insurance. It’s recommended to consult with the Romanian embassy or consulate in your home country for the most up-to-date information and guidance.
In terms of banking and practical setup, Romania has a relatively modern and efficient system, with many banks and financial institutions offering services in English. Some popular banks for expats and digital nomads include Banca Transilvania and Raiffeisen Bank, which offer a range of services, including current accounts, credit cards, and loans. Additionally, the city has a range of currency exchange offices and ATMs, making it easy to access cash and manage your finances.
🎨 Culture & Vibe
Bucharest has a unique and fascinating culture, with a rich history and heritage. The city is home to many museums, galleries, and cultural attractions, including the National Museum of Art, the Museum of the Romanian Peasant, and the Romanian Athenaeum. The city’s food scene is also worth exploring, with many traditional Romanian dishes available, such as sarmale, mamaliga, and ciorba. Some of the best neighborhoods for food include the Old Town, which offers a range of traditional restaurants and cafes, and the neighborhood of Cotroceni, which is known for its upscale restaurants and bars.
The nightlife and social scene in Bucharest is also worth experiencing, with many bars, clubs, and venues available, especially in the Lipscani area. Some popular nights to go out include Fridays and Saturdays, when the city’s bars and clubs are at their busiest. However, it’s worth noting that the city’s nightlife scene is not as vibrant as some other European capitals, and the best nights to go out may vary depending on the season and events.
In terms of language, Romanian is the official language, but many people in Bucharest speak English, especially among the younger population and in the service industry. However, it’s still worth learning some basic Romanian phrases, such as “hello” (salut), “thank you” (multumesc), and “excuse me” (scuze), to help you navigate the city and interact with locals.
⭐ Highlights
- Visit the Palace of the Parliament, a massive and impressive building that offers guided tours and stunning views of the city.
- Explore the Old Town, a charming and historic neighborhood filled with cobblestone streets, bars, and restaurants.
- Check out the Museum of the Romanian Peasant, a unique and fascinating museum that showcases the country’s rural heritage and traditions.
- Take a stroll through the Cismigiu Park, a beautiful and peaceful green space that offers a range of walking trails, lakes, and gardens.
- Visit the Romanian Athenaeum, a stunning concert hall that hosts a range of cultural events and performances throughout the year.
- Take a day trip to the nearby town of Sinaia, which offers a range of historic attractions, including the Peles Castle and the Sinaia Monastery.
💡 Practical Tips
- Visa requirements: For US citizens, a visa is not required for stays up to 90 days, but it’s recommended to check with the Romanian embassy or consulate for the most up-to-date information. For EU citizens, a visa is not required, but it’s recommended to register with the local authorities and obtain a residence permit.
- Getting around: The city has a range of public transportation options, including buses, trams, and metro lines. The most convenient way to get around is by using the city’s public transportation app, which offers real-time information and ticketing.
- Safety considerations: Bucharest is generally a safe city, but it’s still worth taking some precautions, especially at night. Avoid walking alone in dimly lit areas and keep an eye on your belongings, especially in crowded areas.
- Best time to visit: The best time to visit Bucharest is in the spring and autumn, when the weather is mild and pleasant. The summer months can be hot and humid, while the winter months can be cold and snowy.
- Local tips and warnings: Be aware of the city’s traffic rules and regulations, especially when crossing the street. Additionally, be mindful of the city’s cultural norms and customs, especially when interacting with locals.
- Money matters: The local currency is the Romanian leu, and it’s recommended to have some cash on hand, especially when visiting smaller towns and villages. Credit cards are widely accepted in the city, but it’s still worth having some cash for smaller purchases.
- Healthcare and insurance: The city has a range of public and private healthcare options, including hospitals and clinics. It’s recommended to have health insurance that covers you for the duration of your stay, especially if you have any pre-existing medical conditions.
