Spring Escape in Bucharest

#springitinerary There’s something magical about spring in Bucharest. Maybe it’s the way the city shakes off winter so gently — like it’s waking up after a long, thoughtful nap. I didn’t have much planned for the day, which turned out to be the best plan of all. I started my morning in the heart of the Old Town, at a tiny café that smelled like roasted beans and sunshine. The barista greeted me like an old friend and handed me my usual — a flat white with oat milk. I found a table outside, watched people pass by, and just soaked it all in. There’s something deeply comforting about watching the city breathe. After coffee, I wandered aimlessly, letting my feet guide me. I ended up in Cişmigiu Gardens, where spring had fully arrived. Cherry blossoms were in bloom, couples sat on benches sharing secrets, and a few kids were feeding ducks by the lake. I sat under a tree with no agenda, listening to birds and the occasional rustle of leaves. It was peaceful in a way that made time feel irrelevant. Lunch was beautifully simple — a warm covrig (a Romanian pretzel) from a street stall, eaten while walking along Calea Victoriei. That stretch of road feels like a timeline of the city — elegant, historical, and quietly vibrant. I popped into a bookstore, bought a notebook I didn’t need, and kept walking. In the afternoon, I visited the Village Museum. Tucked beside Herăstrău Park, it’s an open-air collection of old Romanian homes and buildings from across the country. Surrounded by lilac bushes and fresh green grass, I strolled slowly, imagining life in a simpler time. As evening crept in, I made my way to a rooftop bar. With a view over the city and a drink in hand, I watched the sky melt into gold and lavender. There were no grand adventures today. No checklists, no rush. Just a slow, beautiful day where I got to feel present. Sometimes, the best travel days are the ones where you do the least — and feel the most.