Bucharest
An abundance of hot summers, great coffee and green parks.
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Bucharest, the vibrant capital city of Romania blends history, culture, and modernity.
Its impressive architectural mix of medieval, neoclassical, and art nouveau buildings includes the colossal Parliament Palace, the second largest administrative building in the world.
If you already enjoy Eastern Europe, it's worth booking for up to a month to work from during the summer months. Otherwise, it's a great city for a weekend break at any time of the year.
If you already enjoy Eastern Europe, it's worth booking for up to a month to work from during the summer months. Otherwise, it's a great city for a weekend break at any time of the year.
If you already enjoy Eastern Europe, it's worth booking for up to a month to work from during the summer months. Otherwise, it's a great city for a weekend break at any time of the year.
If you already enjoy Eastern Europe, it's worth booking for up to a month to work from during the summer months. Otherwise, it's a great city for a weekend break at any time of the year.
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Summary
I had previously visited Bucharest on a fairly typical Stag Do ten years prior and saw very little of the city aside from the bars of the Old Town. This time I was hoping to see a different side to the city.
Accommodation
You shouldn't have any issues finding a good quality an well priced Airbnb in the city.
If visiting in the summer months, double check the availability of A/C as you may be in for some uncomfortable nights otherwise.
Places to work
Bucharest has no shortage of coworking spaces with various options available across the city. I particularly enjoyed the Seneca Anticafe which you can check out below.
Value
Eating out is good value across the city with lots of affordable options (both local and international cuisines) for lunch and dinner. Card payments are widespread but as ever doesn't hurt to carry some of the local currency (Leu).
Working hours
Based in EET, Romania is one hour ahead of CET.
🇪🇺 Consider working European hours from Asia?
Where to stay
I'd recommend staying close to one of these areas where everything you need will be close by.
Piata Romana
Aviatorilor
Centrul Vechi
Where to work
Seneca Anticafe
A unique hybrid between a book store and a coworking space, I've yet encounter anywhere remotely similar to Seneca. Around a 30 minute walk from Piatta Romana, the space is divided into a silent working area and the more ambient areas of the public bookstore where you are able to take calls.
Coffee, flavoured fruit water and fresh fruit are available and the demographic is a mix of remote workers and university students making use of it as a study space.
There is a peaceful ambience reminiscent of a library, with the ability to pay by the hour for shorter stints.
The surrounding area is full of peaceful green spaces, with great speciality coffee shops just moments away. Would return in a heatbeat should I return to Bucharest.
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Remote work visa
If staying for a prolonged period, you may want to consider a dedicated visa for this destination.
This country is actively working on a visa support for remote workers.
Check your government website for details of how to obtain a tourist visa.
Romania launched a digital nomad visa on December 21st, 2021, targeting non-EU citizens and aiming to attract over 2,000 remote workers annually to boost its economy post-COVID-19.
Valid for 12 months, renewable for another year if requirements met, and with a low cost of living, Romania's digital nomad visa allows foreigners employed by or owning companies outside Romania to work remotely in the country without additional permits.
Citizen Remote is a great source of up to date knowledge for everything to do with remote work visas.
Safety
Off-work
Explore the King Mihai I Park
A sprawling green space surrounding Lake Herăstrău, featuring gardens, playgrounds, boat rentals and restaurants. Perfect destination for a leisurely run or a picnic during the summer months.
Visit the Palace of Parliament
Worth passing by to witness the sheer enormity of the structure. Constructed under the orders of former dictator Ceaușescu, the property owns the title of the world's second largest administrative building.
Walk to the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier
Monument dedicated to soldiers who died in battle for their country, the surrounding park provides a green respite from warm summer days.
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Eat at Sera Eden
An urban oasis featuring ptions for outdoor dining and drinking.
Duration & season
The weather was beautiful at the start of June with only one day of rain throughout the period.
Given how vibrant the local parks are, I would definitely prioritise a summers visit to make the most of them, rather than the during the particularly cold winter months.
Food & drink
People
Both of the coworking spaces I visited were mainly filled with locals with a couple of other remote workers present. Most of the international crowd is likely to be found in the Old Town which acts as the main hub for tourism in the city.
Exercise
Grădina Cișmigiu Run
City Loop with Parks
Verdict
Positives
- Great weather throughout summer.Summers are generally hot and dry with the occasional intense bout of rain.
- A bustling, working environment.I enjoyed the industrious buzz in the city, making it an engaging place to work from.
- Good value compared to Western European cities.Eating out is affordable with good quality options.
- Plenty of green spaces.The parks and lakes are a great addition to the city and perfect for morning or evening runs.
- Vibrant nightlife.The city is renowned for having a robust selection of late night venues.
- Outside of the Schengen Zone.If for whatever reason you have reached your limit of time available within the Schengen group of countries, Romania is an alternative.
Negatives
- Not the most international of destinations.If you are looking for a multicultural environment, there's better destinations. Most tourists are arriving for a weekend in the Old Town with little signs of a remote work culture taking shape.
Tips
- Taxis are cheap.Use Ubers and avoid getting ripped off.
- Consider a trip to Constanța.A popular summertime resort, accessible in an afternoons travel on rather rackety but characterful train.
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