Romantic 48 Hours in Bucharest — Spring Escape for Couples
A slow-paced, intimate 2-day itinerary in Bucharest (May, Spring) built for couples: cozy cafés, quiet gardens, cultural highlights and two special romantic moments — a golden-hour rooftop cocktail and an indulgent spa at Therme. Designed for lingering conversations, soft light, and picture-perfect sunsets.
Highlights
- Golden-hour rooftop cocktail with city views (InterContinental 18 Lounge)
- Hand-in-hand stroll through Cişmigiu Gardens with a lakeside break
- Cărturești Carusel — an atmospheric multi-level bookstore for slow browsing
- Private-feeling spa & thermal pools at Therme București
- Guided visit to the Palace of the Parliament and a concert-hall moment at the Romanian Athenaeum
Itinerary
Day 1
A relaxed day in central Bucharest: Old Town & bookshop charm, quiet garden time, a rooftop cocktail at golden hour, and a candlelit dinner.
Morning stroll — Stavropoleos Church & Lipscani (Old Town) — intimate lanes and hidden courtyards
Start gently in Lipscani’s quieter lanes. Visit the small, ornate Stavropoleos Church and wander cobbled streets for atmosphere and photo moments.
Tips from local experts:
- Arrive mid-morning to avoid tour groups; the church is especially peaceful around 10:00–11:00.
- Bring comfortable shoes (cobblestones) and pause on a secluded bench for a private photo together.
- If mobility is a concern, head to the small inner courtyard of Stavropoleos where seating is easily accessible and shaded.
Brunch at Simbio — leafy courtyard café with a relaxed, romantic vibe
Savor seasonal dishes and coffee in Simbio’s warm, garden-like setting — a low-key, cozy spot that feels private even in the city centre.
Tips from local experts:
- Reserve a table in the garden area when booking; it’s calmer and ideal for extended conversations.
- Try a sharing plate and a pastry to keep the meal unhurried — great for lingering over coffee.
- Simbio has a gentle slope to the entrance; ask staff for a table on the ground level if stairs are difficult.
Afternoon walk & lakeside moment — Cişmigiu Gardens
Stroll the romantic paths of Grădina Cișmigiu, pause by the lake for hand-in-hand views, and (season permitting) hop into a rowboat for 20–30 minutes together.
Tips from local experts:
- In May the trees are in bloom — sit on a quiet bench facing the lake during golden light for an intimate moment.
- Rowboat rentals are seasonal; check availability on arrival and book early in the afternoon to avoid queues.
- There are gentle slopes and paved paths; couples wanting quieter spots should head toward the northern side of the lake.
Coffee break at Origo — specialty coffee in a calm setting
Recharge with an expertly brewed coffee or tea. Origo is a favorite for quality coffee and a minimal, intimate interior — perfect for a quiet pause.
Tips from local experts:
- Ask for a coffee flight to taste small pours together — a sweet, intimate shared experience.
- If you prefer a quieter table, request a seat away from the espresso bar when you arrive.
- Origo closes earlier than bars — check opening hours so this remains a relaxed stop rather than a rush.
Browse & linger — Cărturești Carusel bookstore (Carusel Bookshop)
Wander the six floors of Cărturești Carusel — a photogenic, candle-lit bookshop with quiet nooks ideal for intimate browsing and buying a shared keepsake.
Tips from local experts:
- Look for Romanian poetry or an illustrated Bucharest guide to take home as a memento of the trip.
- Head to the upper levels where it’s quieter and there are window seats perfect for sharing a book.
- Weekday afternoons are the calmest — avoid weekend crowds if you want a private, unhurried visit.
Special moment — Rooftop cocktail at 18 Lounge (InterContinental) at golden hour
Celebrate the evening with a rooftop cocktail at InterContinental’s 18 Lounge — sweeping city views as the light softens into sunset.
Tips from local experts:
- Book a window-side or terrace table in advance for unobstructed sunset views (golden hour in May ~20:00–20:30).
- Dress smart-casual — some rooftop bars enforce a relaxed dress code after dusk.
- Arrive 15 minutes before sunset to secure a prime spot and watch the city glow together.
Day 2
A cultural morning followed by a restorative, couple-focused afternoon at Therme București — a private spa experience for two and relaxed evening return.
Morning visit — Romanian Athenaeum (Ateneul Român)
Admire the elegant concert hall (inside visit or short guided tour) and take a quiet moment in the foyer or steps — ideal for a cultured, slow morning.
Tips from local experts:
- Check the concert schedule — a mid-morning rehearsal or short recital can be a lovely surprise.
- Photography is allowed in public spaces but ask before photographing inside during events.
- If mobility is an issue, the main foyer and exterior steps are accessible and still very atmospheric.
Guided tour — Palace of the Parliament (half-day guided visit)
A guided tour of this monumental building gives context to Bucharest’s history; choose a quieter mid-morning slot to keep the experience calm.
Tips from local experts:
- Book the guided tour in advance — spaces are limited and early slots are less crowded.
- Wear comfortable shoes and bring a light layer; some interior rooms can feel cool even in May.
- The tour involves walking and steps; if mobility is a concern request any accessible-route info when booking.
Lunch at Hanu' lui Manuc — historic courtyard dining
An atmospheric lunch in a sheltered courtyard; traditional dishes in an intimate setting that still feels quintessentially Bucharest.
Tips from local experts:
- Ask for a table in the courtyard away from the main entrance for more privacy.
- Share a couple of classic dishes rather than ordering many mains to keep the meal relaxed.
- If you prefer quieter hours, request a noon reservation — evenings can be livelier and more crowded.
Transfer: Private taxi or rideshare to Therme București (Balotești)
A direct transfer north to Therme — plan for a 30–45 minute drive depending on traffic. Keep water bottles and light coverups for the spa.
Tips from local experts:
- Book a rideshare or taxi with a comfortable vehicle (many drivers will wait or return later for you).
- Bring swimwear, flip-flops, a light robe or long cover-up for walking between pools in spring evenings.
- Confirm the return pick-up window with the driver or pre-arrange a time so the evening remains worry-free.
Special moment — Spa & thermal pools at Therme București (couples’ relaxation)
Four hours of warm thermal pools, jacuzzis, saunas and quiet zones designed for relaxation together. Consider booking a private couple’s massage or a VIP lounge.
Tips from local experts:
- Pre-book a couples massage or private cabin early — these sell out on pleasant weekends.
- Aim for the quieter adult-only zones and late-afternoon times (after 17:00) for a more intimate atmosphere.
- Locker rooms can get busy; keep valuables in a single locker and arrange a clear meeting point for returns.
Dinner at Therme restaurant — relaxed, poolside dining
Simple, fresh dinner at one of Therme’s restaurants or lounges — an easy, restorative end to the day without rushing back into the city.
Tips from local experts:
- Choose a table with a mellow view of the pools for a relaxed end to your spa day.
- If you want a city dinner instead, book a rideshare back with a 21:30 pick-up to avoid rush travel.
- Keep dinner light (salads, grilled fish) to prolong that post-spa glow and good sleep.
Transfer: Return to Bucharest city centre
Evening transfer back to central Bucharest. A calm, short ride will return you to your hotel for a slow, private evening.
Tips from local experts:
- Schedule a rideshare for a direct return and avoid multiple stops so you can relax during transit.
- If you’re staying near University Square or Old Town, note that central traffic is lighter after 22:00.
- Keep the driver’s details and a meeting photo (phone) to reduce any confusion at Therme’s large drop-off area.
