When it comes to its nightlife, Bucharest is still marching to the beat of its own drum. In practice, this means the Romanian capital has something for everyone. Here are the best bars to pick from for a night out in Bucharest, one of the most upbeat party destinations in Europe.
Fix Me a Drink
Bar, Cafe, Cocktail Bar, Beer
Located in one of the hippest creative hubs in Bucharest, Universul Palace, which also hosts a theatre and a café, Fix Me a Drink is a ‘botanical bar’ that will challenge any expectations you might have about cocktails. The very knowledgeable staff will fix you a highly customised drink infused with some of the most original ingredients you can come across: quince shrub, pollen liqueur, kefir lime and myrrh extract and more.
Fabrica De Bere Bună
Bar, Craft Ale Bar, Tapas
Located on Calea Victoriei, the biggest and most important Bucharest artery due to its cultural offerings, Fabrica De Bere Bună was created by the people behind the local microbrewery producing Zăganu, one of the most popular local craft beer brands. In addition to their brew, you can sample a well-curated selection of Romanian craft beers, including a handful of Ground Zero beers.
Shoteria
Make your visit to Shoteria, in the Old Centre, your warm-up session or the last stop before you hit the clubs, and you won’t miss out either way. Small, resembling a train carriage, it displays its menu on the wall in a way that will instantly recall the departures and arrivals board at railway station Gara de Nord, and has no seats. So count on their creative selection of shots, cocktails to keep you going and from going away too soon.
The Urbanist
If you ever find yourself wandering around Bucharest’s Old Centre looking for a good drink, a haircut, a tattoo and some new clothes – all at the same time – then look no further than The Urbanist. Serving a great selection of drinks, including matcha tea blends and other non-alcoholic options, the place doubles as a denim shop, barber’s and tattoo parlour on certain selected days and a live DJ party venue every weekend.
Start your night off in Bucharest at Interbelic and, chances are you may never make it anywhere else. Serving outstanding cocktails, they expertly cultivate an upbeat vibe thanks to the cozy interior, a good selection of dance music, friendly staff and dedicated fans.
Pura Vida Sky Bar
Hotel
When in Bucharest’s Old Centre, sip your cocktail while taking in the views: with its irregular, dome-shaped rusty looking roofs, the city will unfold itself before your eyes. For the best experience, pop by Pura Vida Sky Bar at sunset and start off your evening mixing with the cosmopolitan crowd, as chances are you’ll meet someone who has just dropped of their luggage at the hostel downstairs and is looking for a drink and a conversation.
Control
Bar, Nightclub, Pub Grub, Romanian
You can almost take it for granted that, if you head to Control any weekday, year-round and stick close the bar, you’ll find great drinks and good music and conversation will find you. Particularly at weekends and, somewhat surprisingly, on Tuesdays – which are a thing since the club halved drink prices after 10pm – if you are in Control you can simply forget about everything else around.
Linea / Closer To The Moon
Bar, Cocktail Bar, Pub Grub
There’s something very light and easygoing about Linea, the newest sky bar in town. It could be the stylish decor, the outstanding selection of cocktails, the hip, outgoing crowd it attracts, or simply the fact that it is so close to the moon. Perched up on a rooftop at the edge of Bucharest’s Old Centre, it offers great views over the city, especially after dark.
E3 by Entourage
If you fabulous and you know it, and want to meet more like-minded people, then E3 by Entourage in the up-and-coming neighbourhood of Floreasca, north of the city, is the go-to place. Serving amazing cocktails in a beautifully decorated interior, it attracts the beautiful people in Bucharest, who start off their evening here before heading to one of the posh clubs in the area, such as Gaia and Fratelli.
Niște Domni și Fiii
Located on one of the winding cobbled streets in the Old Centre, Niște Domni și Fiii, meaning ‘some gentlemen and their sons,’ is a no-fuss bar serving decent drinks to decent crowds who return for its laidback vibe, casually decorated interior and cozy atmosphere, particularly at weekends.
