Budget-Friendly Bucharest: Exploring the Romanian Capital on a Shore Excursion

If you are cruising to the Mediterranean in 2024 and want to experience something different, something truly off the beaten path, then Bucharest, the vibrant capital of Romania might be the answer. This unheralded but excellent city is rich in history and culture and has an edgy, alternative charm that makes it a brilliant choice for travellers looking for a change from the more popular spots.



Best of all, thanks to its status as a hidden gem, it remains incredibly affordable, meaning that you can plan a wonderful day trip or shore excursion without breaking the bank! So if you want something different from your next European excursion, here’s how to explore the wonderful capital of Romania on a budget.

Efficient and Affordable Transport



Bucharest’s public transport system is efficient and incredibly affordable. From buses and trams to an extensive metro network, getting into and around the city centre is a breeze. The metro is particularly useful, with tickets costing as little as 5 Romanian lei (1 dollar) for a round trip. It is worth checking with your cruise operator to plan a shuttle bus from your port to the city itself.

Historical and Cultural Attractions



Bucharest is full of amazing historical sites and interesting cultural attractions that will fill your day without emptying your wallet.

Start off with the bombastic magnificence of the Palace of the Parliament, a hubristic monument created by the dictator Ceacescu to be one of the largest buildings in the world. It is both impressive and extremely over-the-top, and a testament to the complex history of both Romania and Eastern Europe more generally. Entry isn’t free, but guided tours are available for extremely reasonable prices, and it is a great way to discover more about Romania’s history and politics.



Next up, take a few hours to wander around the cobbled streets of Bucharest’s Old Town, with its combination of charming architecture, pretty churches, and excellent cafes and restaurants. Many of the most impressive sights, including Stavropoleos Church and Manuc’s Inn, are free to enter, and a great way to spend an afternoon is with a stroll through Cismigiu Gardens, Bucharest’s oldest and most charming park.

Inexpensive Culinary Delights

If hunger strikes, you can satisfy your cravings easily, deliciously, and inexpensively in the Romanian capital. There is a huge variety of budget-friendly local eateries to try, as well as some amazing street food options. Don’t miss out on traditional Romanian dishes like “mici” (grilled minced meat rolls), “sarmale” (cabbage rolls), and “ciorbă” (sour soup) at the sit-down restaurants, or grab a quick bite of “covrigi” (pretzels), “plăcinte” (savory or sweet pies), or “kürtőskalács” (chimney cake).

Free and Low-Cost Activities



There are plenty of great activities in Bucharest that are either free or extremely low-cost and it is easy to dive deep into the history, heritage, and culture of the city without spending a fortune.

Free walking tours are one of the best ways to explore Bucharest, with expert local guides taking you on a deep dive into its amazing hidden gems and rich history. Of course, tipping the guides at the end is appreciated, but not mandatory.



Museums and galleries in Bucharest are often free or heavily discounted on certain days, so check their websites and plan in advance if you want to save. The National Museum of Romanian History and the National Museum of Art of Romania are must-visits.

While many shore excursions in Europe are pricey, Bucharest is a wonderful option for a budget-friendly day trip and a true hidden gem. It is interesting, unusual, and affordable, making it a great addition to any European cruise itinerary.

Note: The photographs in this article are courtesy of wikipedia.org and have been borrowed under the Creative Commons License. Each photograph has been linked to its host page on wikipedia.org.

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4 Unusual Activities to Try on Your Next Trip to Europe

Do you prefer to term yourself a traveler rather than a tourist? Do you crave new adventures and activities you won’t find in any guidebook? Is your idea the perfect holiday one in which you experience different cultures, try novel things and make unforgettable memories?

If you answered yes to those questions, it’s quite likely you’re continually on the hunt for engaging and innovative destinations, complete with unusual pursuits to fill your schedule. Thankfully, you’re in luck – we’ve compiled a list of some of the lesser spotted and lesser practiced activities from across Europe to keep you busy on your next trip.

Go coasteering in the UK

This is one for the adrenaline junkies out there. Coasteering is a new and increasingly popular pastime which combines elements of climbing, swimming, abseiling and, most notably of all, cliff jumping. Face your fears and leap into coastal waters to access hard-to-reach caves and remote nooks and crannies. Although born in the UK, coasteering can be practiced anywhere really – just make sure the water is of sufficient depth and the tides aren’t too strong before taking the plunge.

Stay in a former military prison in Slovenia



The Slovenian capital of Ljubljana is simply bursting with color, culture and exquisite cuisine… but one of the most eye-catching attractions here is a former military prison-turned-hostel. Celica Art Hostel boasts a variety of different cells, each of which has been decorated in its own unique style. For those who don’t fancy the claustrophobia of a barred room for the night, there are several “regular” dormitories to choose from too, while the bar is a hub of activity even among those not staying behind bars.

Take in a cricket game in Eastern Europe

While you might not normally associate cricket with Eastern Europe, the sport is fast growing in popularity across the continent. Once confined to places such as the British Isles, Australia and India, it’s now not uncommon to see big crowds flock to see breakthrough names such as Ramesh Satheesan hit his opponents for six and keep up to date with the ECS T10 live scores in person. Having already visited Bulgaria and Romania this year, the European Cricket Series will no doubt land on other Eastern European shores soon.

Go ice fishing in Finland



While winter might not strike you as the ideal time to plan a trip to Europe (let alone the northern part of the continent), there are plenty of attractions at this time of year. Skiing, snowboarding and tobogganing are among the most popular, while indulging in a sauna or taking a husky ride are also widespread. But there are few activities more traditional and typical than finding a good spot on a frozen lake, drilling a hole in the ice and waiting for a bite on the end of your line. You can even cook your catch over an open fire (though not on the lake itself, of course!).

The next time you’re gearing up for a trip to Europe, why not set aside time in partake in one of these unusual pastimes? We’re sure you’ll be glad you did.

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5 Unlikely Holiday Destinations in Europe

When most of us think of a European holiday, we think of Paris, London, Amsterdam, Spain, Switzerland, Greece or even Germany. These are great holiday destinations, but there is more to Europe than these extremely popular cities and countries. There are places that offer sensational landscapes, rich cultural past, exceptional experiences and all this at great value for money. Here are 5 such unlikely holiday destinations in Europe:

Romania – Land of the Dracula


This Balkan country is the land of the Dracula. It is one of the cheapest countries to travel in Europe and also one of the most culturally vibrant. The Transylvanian Alps, Carpathian mountains, the Danube river and the Black Sea make this country a paradise for spectacular landscapes. From the painted monasteries of Southern Bukovnia to the megalomaniac monuments of Bucharest, from the biosphere reserves of the Danube Delta and the Black Sea Lagoons to the monasteries and deserts of Oltenia, from the baroque cities and traditional German villages of Banat to the traditional wooden churches and mountains of Maramures and from the medieval cities of Muntenia to the ski resorts of Transylvania, Romania offers travelers a lot of avenues to choose from.

I would go to Romania for its medieval churches, monasteries, laid back villages, friendly people and for the scenic Danube delta.

Poland – Eastern Europe’s Highlight


One of the largest countries of Eastern Europe, Poland offers great history from the  second World War. It’s unique mix of culturally strong beautiful European cities and relatively unspoilt countryside makes it a top holiday destination in Europe. From the sandy beaches with dunes and cliffs on the Baltic coast to the magnificent medieval cities of Krakow and Lublin in the South, from the picturesque backwaters of Podlachia to the warm and camping friendly countryside of Warmia- Masuria, from the beautiful Renaissance era town of Zamosc to the red-brick Gothic castle at Malbork and from the metropolitan center of Poland with Warsaw and Lodz to the birdwatcher’s paradise and inland dunes of Greater Poland, Poland has enough charms to keep you spell bound on your holiday.

Whether you are a culture buff, bird watcher, outdoor enthusiast, cyclist or even a party animal, Poland would appeal to you.

Norway – Northern Lights 


Arctic Circle, Northern Lights (Aurora Borealis) and Midnight Sun are some of the top things that come to mind when someone mentions Norway. A rugged landscape shaped by the Ice Age, Norway is famous for its amazing scenery that includes forested hills and valleys, mountains, a long coastline with fjords and some of the world’s greatest waterfalls. One of Europe’s sparsely populated countries, it is home to the most beautiful road in the world at Atlanterhavsveien, the largest glacier on European mainland at Jostedalsbreen and the northernmost part of Continental Europe at Nordkapp. Norway is also a top place in Europe for its party life.

If polar ice, ancient Sami culture, picturesque fjords, arctic islands and lots of adventure is what you seek, then Norway would be your perfect getaway. The easiest way to get here is to take flights to Oslo from many places in Europe or by taking the famous Norwegian cruises.

Iceland – Volcanoes and Ice


This Nordic country is home to glaciers, volcanoes, waterfalls and lots of rugged geography. This is one of those countries to visit if you are a outdoor, nature and scenic landscape buff. Due to its proximity to the arctic circle, one can also experience the Midnight Sun and the Northern Lights here. From the lava fields and waterfalls of North Iceland to the largest city of Reykjavik, from the ice covered volcanic crater at Snaefellsjokull National Park to the most beautiful waterfall in Iceland at Gullfoss and from the whale watching site of Husavik to the geothermal hot springs at Geysir, Iceland has many of nature’s special sights that are bound to keep you captivated.

All you have to do on your trip to Iceland is to stray a bit away from the capital city and the rugged geography will come into view.

Serbia – Balkan Music and National Parks


Considered as one of the earliest settlements in Europe, Serbia is the birth place of many Roman Emperors. Home to the famous tennis stars and all-night party clubs, its capital, Belgrade has been voted as one of the most up and coming capitals of Europe. One of the top things about Serbia is its famous Balkan music with its traditional brass bands and trumpet festivals. Summers are popular for outdoor activities and national parks, while winters are known for ski slopes and mountain cabins. From the medieval 12th century monastery of Studenica to the Fruska Gora National Park that is dotted with ancient monasteries and wineries, from the breath taking Djerdap national park to the medieval castle in Golubac and from the famous ski resort of Zlatibor to Vrsac, one of the most beautiful cities in Serbia, this South East European country has attractions for every season.

Be it culture, history, scenic nature, wineries, nightlife, music, castles, churches or wildlife, Serbia has all this and more. You are bound to enjoy this beautiful Balkan country.

Disclosure: This post was written in partnership with Flybe.

Note: The photographs in this post have been borrowed under the Creative Commons License and have been linked to their respective host domain pages.

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