While Romania isn’t the first country on most people’s itineraries when they’re journeying around Europe, the nation’s capital, Bucharest, is a charming city with a wealth of culture and history. Its streets are lined with elegant architecture from a variety of different periods, which has earned Bucharest nicknames like “Paris of the East” and “Little Paris.” And amongst these beautiful architectural works, you’ll find vibrant street life and cultural experiences around every corner. If you find yourself in Eastern Europe, stop over in Romania for a trip to Bucharest.
The city of Bucharest was first mentioned in history as a citadel built by the Kingdom of Wallachia and later became the home of Vlad the Impaler. Then, when Wallachia and Moldavia were consolidated into the Kingdom of Romania, Bucharest became the political center of the country and eventually was declared the capital. The city has since survived heavy bombings in World War II, a period of communism, and the Romanian Revolution of 1989. With such a long and intriguing history, and so many remnants of this history scattered throughout the city, the best way to get to know Bucharest is to hire a motorbike and explore every nook and cranny of the city.
Here is everything you need to know about hiring a motorcycle in Bucharest. Most things here can also be applied if you are renting a motor scooter. This guide includes:
- Whether it’s safe to rent a motorbike in Bucharest as a tourist
- Whether you need an international driving permit for motorcycle rental in Romania
- The best places to find motorcycle hire in Bucharest
- The price of motorbike rental in Bucharest
- The best things to do in Bucharest on a rental motorbike
Is It Safe to Drive a Motorcycle in Bucharest as a Foreigner?
Driving in Romania isn’t quite as safe as driving in other European countries. The road conditions throughout the country, and in Bucharest, are less than spectacular. There are also quite a few aggressive drivers that won’t hesitate to pass you and cut into your lane right in front of you, forcing you to brake at a moment’s notice. If you plan on driving in Bucharest, or anywhere in Romania, it’s best to always drive defensively and be aware of your surroundings at all times.
While the roads in Bucharest can be a bit of a nightmare, the city is fairly safe otherwise. Of course, you should always be wary of where you are at night. But, in general, violent crime is very rare in Bucharest and petty theft isn’t too much of a problem either. Make sure to keep your keys and wallet close to your person and park your motorcycle in well-lit areas at night and you should be just fine.
Do You Need an International Driving Permit to Hire a Motorcycle in Romania?
If you’re a citizen of the European Union and you have a valid driver’s license from your home country, you are legally allowed to drive in Romania. However, if you’re a citizen of most non-EU countries (the United States included), you’ll have to obtain an international driving permit in order to legally operate a motor vehicle in Romania.
If you want to apply for an international driving permit, you can do so online here. You should apply at least two weeks before departing from your home address because that’s how long the permit usually takes to come in the mail. There is also an application fee of $20. Once you receive your international driving permit, it will be valid for one full year.
Where Can You Find Motorcycle Hire in Bucharest?
If you plan on flying into Bucharest, you’ll most likely be arriving at Bucharest Henri Coanda International Airport, the busiest airport serving Bucharest. You should be able to find motorcycle rental services right outside of the airport terminals. However, if you want to make sure you have a motorbike waiting for you when you get there, you can book your motorbike hire online in advance.
If you’d prefer to arrive at your accommodation before renting a motorcycle, it’s also quite easy to find motorcycle hire closer to the city center, particularly in the Old Town and Uranus sections of the city. Of course, you can also ask the employees at your accommodation and they’ll surely point you in the direction of a motorbike hire shop.
What Does Motorcycle Rental Cost in Bucharest?
Motorcycle rental in Bucharest is relatively afforded compared to Western Europe, for instance. If you want to rent a motorbike such as a BMW F750GS, you can expect it to run you around €95 per day. You can also hire an even more powerful motorcycle, like a BMW R1250GS, for around €145 per day. If those options seem a bit too expensive for you, you should be able to find a motor scooter, such as a Suzuki Burgman 400, for around €60 per day.
With any vehicle that you end up renting, you should see if your rental shop has discounted rates for weekly or monthly rentals if you plan on staying in Bucharest for a while. You also want to double-check that insurance is included in your rental agreement.
What Are the Best Things to Do in Bucharest by Motorbike?
Now that you’re an expert on hiring a motorcycle in Bucharest, Romania, here are some of the best things to do throughout this wonderful city:
Old Town
With its streets lined with buildings dating back to the 15th and 16th centuries, a tour through Bucharest’s Old Town feels like stepping into a page from a history book. This area has served as the home of Romanian royalty, a hub of trade, and an important religious site. You can still see the impact of Ceausescu’s communist era; however, the larger portion of Old Town has been renovated and is now a beautiful modern city.
Take a walk over to the Curtea Veche, an open-air museum that was once the home of Vlad the Impaler. Afterwards, you can head over to the National Museum of Romanian History, where you can see relics and treasures from the nation’s past. Also, don’t forget to have a leisurely stroll around, watch the street life, and pop into some of the many bookstores, coffee shops, and restaurants.
Palace of the Parliament
The Palace of the Parliament is probably the most impressive structure in all of Bucharest, and it’s truly a sight to behold even from a distance. The palace is the second largest administrative building in the entire world behind the Pentagon of the United States. It also claims to be the heaviest building in the world. The sheer size of the Palace of the Parliament is enough to take your breath away.
The Palace of the Parliament has over 3,000 rooms, only a small portion of which you’re allowed to tour through. Still, you can check out where the Romanian Parliament meets and walk through the National Museum of Contemporary Art, which is housed in the building.
Arcul de Triumf
Finished in 1878, this massive granite arch was built by Petre Antonescu and was dedicated to the Romanian soldiers who fought in World War I. It’s decorated with sculptures by some of history’s most famous Romanian artists and it still serves as a reminder of the sacrifice made by the many brave Romanians that fought in the war.
If you go to the Arcul de Triumf at the right time, you might catch a military parade or even a holiday festival going on under the arch. The monument is also located right next to Parcul Regele Mihai I, a big and beautiful park that’s definitely worth taking a walk through.
Ride Around Romania on a Motorcycle
While many choose to skip over Romania during their European adventures, the country has stabilized and prospered since its communist era. Today, the country is full of interesting culture and natural beauty, and taking a ride around the countryside and through the cities of Romania is sure to be an experience you won’t forget.
Napisao 
