Bucharest Cruise Port
Giurgiu River Cruise Terminal
Bucharest, Romania Port
București UN/LOCODE ROBUH Port of call
Bucharest Cruise Port Location
| Port Details | |
|---|---|
| Country | Romania |
| Region | București |
| UN/LOCODE | ROBUH |
| Contact | |
| Address | Soseaua Portului 1, Giurgiu 080011, Romania |
| Port phone | +40 246 213 000 |
| Website | www.apdf.ro |
| Geography | |
| Coordinates | 44.43225, 26.10626 |
| Accessibility | |
| Accessible | Limited |
The transfer from the Danube River terminal at Giurgiu to central Bucharest takes approximately 75 to 90 minutes via the E85 road, a route destination partners advise is prone to heavy freight congestion on weekday mornings. You are visiting a city in the historic Wallachia region of southern Romania, a destination that rewards the curious but punishes those who fail to plan for its sprawling geography. Located roughly 40 km (25 miles) from the Snagov Monastery and 125 km (77 miles) from the Carpathian mountain resort of Sinaia, Bucharest acts as the grand, complex anchor of the Lower Danube itinerary. This is a river cruise port experience where the 'port' is merely a gateway; the city itself is an inland metropolis of two million people. You will find that Bucharest is a city of jarring contrasts, where 19th-century French-inspired palaces stand in the shadow of massive, Stalinist-era blocks. Keep in mind that the most common disappointment for travelers is underestimating the sheer size of the urban area. The walking time from the Old Town to the Palace of the Parliament takes nearly 30 minutes, which can be grueling in the summer humidity. This destination rewards those who prioritize one major landmark and a relaxed lunch. It punishes the 'checklist' traveler who attempts to see the city and the northern castles in a single six-hour window.
Bucharest — Port Overview
History
Bucharest first appeared in written records in 1459, signed by the hand of Vlad III, the ruler of Wallachia famously known as Vlad the Impaler. Originally a fortress built to protect the southern borders against the Ottoman Empire, the city’s strategic position on the Dâmbovița River allowed it to evolve into a vital trade hub between Central Europe and the Balkans. By the 19th century, Bucharest had transformed into 'Little Paris,' a nickname earned through its elegant neoclassical architecture, wide boulevards, and the cultural influence of the French-educated elite. This era of refinement was brutally interrupted by the rise of Communism following World War II. The most visible scar on the city today is the 'Ceaușima'—the massive urban demolition ordered by Nicolae Ceaușescu in the 1980s. To build the Centrul Civic and the gargantuan Palace of the Parliament, he razed one-fifth of the historic city, including 20 churches and thousands of homes. You can still see the physical divide today: the surviving 18th-century Stavropoleos Monastery sits just blocks away from the hyper-planned, monochromatic expanses of the communist era. This juxtaposition of imperial ambition and socialist realism is the defining historical narrative you will encounter in every street you walk.
The Verdict
The travelers who get the most from Bucharest are those who embrace its complexities rather than looking for a traditional 'pretty' European port. This guide has been fact-checked by J. Richard and the Waterways Cruise editorial team. A shore excursion with a guaranteed return to the ship, matched to your mobility, interests, and pace, removes any risk of missing departure. No two travelers want the same experience in the 'Little Paris' of the East.
Things to Do & See in Bucharest
| Attraction | Type | Address | Phone | Hours | Website | Admission |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Revolution Square (Piața Revoluției) | Historical Site | Calea Victoriei, Bucharest, Romania | Open 24 hours | visitbucharest.today | Free | |
| Palace of the Parliament | Landmark | Strada Izvor 2-4, Bucharest, Romania | +40 21 316 0300 | Daily 09:00–17:00 | cic.cdep.ro | USD 60 RON |
| Romanian Athenaeum | Cultural Site | Strada Benjamin Franklin 1-3, Bucharest, Romania | +40 21 315 6875 | Daily 10:00–16:00 (except during rehearsals) | fge.org.ro | USD 10 RON |
| National Village Museum (Muzeul Satului) | Museum | Soseaua Pavel D. Kiseleff 28-30, Bucharest | +40 21 317 9103 | Daily 09:00–17:00 | muzeul-satului.ro | USD 30 RON |
| Stavropoleos Monastery | Historical Site | Strada Stavropoleos 4, Bucharest, Romania | +40 21 313 4747 | Daily 08:00–20:00 | stavropoleos.ro | Free |
Revolution Square (Piața Revoluției) · Historical Site
FreeThis is the most historically significant plaza in Romania. You will stand exactly where Nicolae Ceaușescu gave his final speech in December 1989 before fleeing by helicopter from the roof of the Central Committee building. It is worth noting that many visitors walk past the 'Memorial of Rebirth'—a marble spire piercing a metal crown—without realizing it commemorates the 1,000 people who died during the revolution. It is a good idea to stand in the center of the square to see the contrast between the royal library and the brutalist ministry buildings. It is an experience that delivers a visceral sense of the city’s 20th-century trauma. Look for the small wooden crosses at the edge of the square; these are private memorials for individual protesters who fell on this spot.
Calea Victoriei, Bucharest, Romania ·Open 24 hours ·visitbucharest.today
Palace of the Parliament · Landmark
USD 60 RONThe Palace of the Parliament is more than a building; it is a physical manifestation of absolute power. Built at the cost of razing an entire historic district, it remains the heaviest building in the world. You will walk through hallways so wide that Ceaușescu intended to drive his car through them. You will find that the 'Standard Tour' is the best use of time, as it covers the most impressive chandeliers and monumental staircases. Most visitors walk past the intricate lace curtains without realizing they were hand-woven by nuns in Romanian monasteries over several years. This stop gives you a crushing sense of scale that photos simply cannot capture. You will leave either awed by the craft or repelled by the waste—usually both.
Strada Izvor 2-4, Bucharest, Romania ·+40 21 316 0300 ·Daily 09:00–17:00 ·cic.cdep.ro
Romanian Athenaeum · Cultural Site
USD 10 RONDesigned by French architect Albert Galleron, the Athenaeum is the heart of the city's musical life. The circular hall is topped by a dome decorated with gold leaf and a vast fresco depicting the grand sweep of Romanian history from the Roman conquest to the unification of the country. It is a good idea to take a seat in the plush red velvet stalls just to look upward; the acoustics are so perfect that even a whisper from the stage carries to the back row. This experience delivers the refined, 'Little Paris' atmosphere that was almost lost to history. It is a quiet, dignified stop that provides a much-needed aesthetic palette cleanser after the concrete weight of the Centrul Civic.
Strada Benjamin Franklin 1-3, Bucharest, Romania ·+40 21 315 6875 ·Daily 10:00–16:00 (except during rehearsals) ·fge.org.ro
National Village Museum (Muzeul Satului) · Museum
USD 30 RONSpanning the shores of Lake Herăstrău, this is one of the oldest open-air museums in Europe. It contains over 300 structures, including peasant homes with thatched roofs, steep-steepled wooden churches, and traditional barns. It is worth knowing that the houses from the Maramureș region are the most impressive due to their monumental carved gates. You will find that you need at least two hours to see the diverse regional styles. You will come away with a profound sense of the 'other' Romania—the rural, mystical, and deeply traditional culture that still exists outside the major cities. It is the best place in Bucharest to buy authentic, high-quality folk crafts rather than tourist trinkets.
Soseaua Pavel D. Kiseleff 28-30, Bucharest ·+40 21 317 9103 ·Daily 09:00–17:00 ·muzeul-satului.ro
Stavropoleos Monastery · Historical Site
FreeConstructed in 1724, this Orthodox monastery is an island of peace in the chaotic Old Town. Its architecture is the finest example of the Brâncovenesc style—a uniquely Romanian blend of Byzantine, Ottoman, and Late Renaissance elements. You will see columns carved with grapevines and a portico with intricate floral stone work. The small courtyard is often a quiet spot in the city. The visit offers a sense of intimacy that the grander sites lack. It is a place to linger for twenty minutes, lighting a candle and observing the quiet devotion of local worshippers who stop in throughout the work day. The contrast between the monastery’s delicate carvings and the surrounding glass-and-steel modern buildings is the story of Bucharest in a single glance.
Strada Stavropoleos 4, Bucharest, Romania ·+40 21 313 4747 ·Daily 08:00–20:00 ·www.stavropoleos.ro
Eating & Drinking in Bucharest
The local culinary identity is defined by Wallachian abundance—meat-heavy, sour-cream rich, and influenced by Ottoman spices. The regional dish you must seek is *Sarmale* (minced meat and rice rolled in fermented cabbage leaves), which in Bucharest is typically served with a generous dollop of polenta (*Mămăligă*). What makes Bucharest different is the high quality of its *Mici* (skinless grilled sausages); they are juicier and more garlicky than those found in Transylvania. For a local drink, skip the standard wine and try *Țuică* or *Palincă*—potent plum brandies served as an aperitif. You will find the most genuine street food at the 'Obor Market,' where locals queue for grilled mici in paper wrappers. One honest note: tourists expect 'Dracula-themed' food, but this does not exist in local culture. Romanians eat seasonally, and you will find that a simple summer tomato salad in Bucharest tastes more vivid than anything in an American supermarket due to the proximity of the southern vegetable farms.
| Place | Address | Phone | Hours | Website | Price range |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Caru' cu Bere | Strada Stavropoleos 5, Bucharest | +40 726 282 373 | Daily 09:00–24:00 | carucubere.ro | 80 RON – 120 RON (~$17 – $25 USD) |
| Hanul lui Manuc | Strada Franceză 62, Bucharest | +40 730 188 653 | Daily 10:00–23:00 | hanulluimanuc.ro | 70 RON – 110 RON (~$15 – $23 USD) |
| Lineal / Linea / Closer to the Moon | Strada Lipscani 17, Bucharest | +40 752 030 030 | Daily 16:00–01:00 | lineacloser.ro | 35 RON – 50 RON (~$7.50 – $10.50 USD) |
Caru' cu Bere
80 RON – 120 RON (~$17 – $25 USD)You must order the Papanăși—a heavy, traditional dessert served with sour cream and blueberry jam. The interior is a 19th-century masterpiece of carved wood and stained glass. Visitors should book a table in the main hall rather than the terrace to fully appreciate the architecture. Be aware that the service can be slow during peak lunch hours, so do not dine here if you are within 60 minutes of your coach departure.
Strada Stavropoleos 5, Bucharest ·+40 726 282 373 ·Daily 09:00–24:00
Hanul lui Manuc
70 RON – 110 RON (~$15 – $23 USD)Set in the city's oldest operating inn, the dining happens in a massive wooden-galleried courtyard. Order the traditional Wallachian cheese pie. It is the best place to feel the 18th-century caravan heritage of the city. The courtyard is naturally cool even in summer. However, the food is traditional and heavy; it is not the place for a light salad.
Strada Franceză 62, Bucharest ·+40 730 188 653 ·Daily 10:00–23:00
Lineal / Linea / Closer to the Moon
35 RON – 50 RON (~$7.50 – $10.50 USD)This is the right place for a drink because it offers the only perspective where you can see the scale of the Palace of the Parliament and the Old Town spires simultaneously. Locals come here for the sunset. In winter, they have heated 'igloos' on the roof. It is the perfect spot for a Palincă-based cocktail to toast the end of your day.
Strada Lipscani 17, Bucharest ·+40 752 030 030 ·Daily 16:00–01:00
Getting There & Around
Once you arrive in Bucharest from the Danube River, walking is the most effective way to see the Old Town and Calea Victoriei. For longer hops, such as to the Village Museum, use the Bolt or Uber apps; they are highly reliable and cost roughly 25 RON (~$5.50 USD) for a 15-minute cross-town trip. The Bucharest Metro is efficient and clean; a 2-trip card costs 6 RON (~$1.30 USD) and can be purchased at orange vending machines. Avoid the surface buses unless you are comfortable with heavy traffic delays. Bike rentals are available through the I'Velo system in Herăstrău Park, but cycling on main boulevards like Magheru is hazardous due to aggressive driving patterns. One tip most guides miss: the 'Bucharest City Tour' hop-on-hop-off bus is frequently stuck in traffic; you are almost always faster using the Metro between the North (Museums) and South (Old Town) hubs.
Itineraries & Sample Walks
4-Hour Shore Excursion in Bucharest
Palace of the Parliament
10:30 AM (90 min)
This is the world's second-largest administrative building. The tour covers less than 5% of the total space but showcases the staggering scale of the marble and crystal used. You will see the massive ballroom where Ceaușescu planned to address the nation.
- From the cruise coach drop-off at Piața Unirii, it is a 15-minute walk west along Bulevardul Unirii. (Free (walking))
- Entry: 60 RON (~$12.50 USD)
- You must bring your physical passport for entry; a copy or digital version will be rejected at security. Arrive 20 minutes before your booked time.
Stavropoleos Monastery
12:15 PM (30 min)
A tiny 18th-century Orthodox jewel known for its intricate stone carvings and peaceful courtyard. It represents the Byzantine style that the Communist regime attempted to erase.
- Walk 15 minutes east from the Palace into the heart of the Old Town. (Free)
- Entry: Free (Free)
- Visit the courtyard lapidarium to see stone fragments from churches destroyed during the 1980s demolitions.
Lunch Recommendation
Caru' cu Bere
While famous, it is actually the most authentic neo-gothic dining room in the city. The stained glass and wood carvings are 145 years old and the house-brewed beer is superior to anything at the hotel restaurants.
Order: Mici (grilled ground meat rolls) with mustard, Sarmale (cabbage rolls) with polenta
Strada Stavropoleos 5, Bucharest
Cost: 100 RON (~$21.00 USD)
8-Hour Full Day Experience in Bucharest
National Village Museum (Muzeul Satului)
09:30 AM (120 min)
An open-air museum featuring over 300 authentic peasant houses and churches transported here from across Romania. It provides the best understanding of Romanian rural life without leaving the city.
- From the coach drop-off, take a taxi/Bolt (15 mins). (25 RON (~$5.50 USD))
- Entry: 30 RON (~$6.50 USD)
- Walk to the far end of the lake to find the Maramureș wooden church; most visitors stay near the entrance and miss the most impressive structures.
Romanian Athenaeum
12:00 PM (45 min)
The circular concert hall is a symbol of Romanian culture. Inside, a 75-meter long fresco depicts the most important moments in Romanian history.
- Taxi/Bolt from the Village Museum (10 mins). (20 RON (~$4.50 USD))
- Entry: 10 RON (~$2.00 USD)
- Ask if there is a rehearsal; if you are quiet, you can often listen to the philharmonic for the price of a standard entry.
Getting back to the ship
The latest safe departure time from central Bucharest to Giurgiu is 3:30 PM for a 5:30 PM all-aboard. This 2-hour window accounts for the 65 km (40 miles) distance and potential bottlenecks on the Giurgiu-Bucharest highway (E85). A private taxi back will cost approximately 450 RON (~$95.00 USD) and takes 75-90 minutes. There is no reliable public transit return for cruise passengers. If you miss your coach, immediately call the port agent number provided on your daily ship program. Be aware that the ship will rarely hold for independent travelers due to strict lock-timing on the Danube. Missing the ship in Giurgiu will require a 5-hour taxi ride to the next port, Rousse (Bulgaria), or Nikopol, involving a border crossing and significant expense.
Weather & Best Time to Visit Bucharest
Weather & What to Pack
Cruise season: March to November
Spring (15-22°C / 59-72°F) is pleasant. Summer (28-35°C / 82-95°F) is very hot with low humidity but high solar intensity.
What to wear: Breathable linen or cotton is essential for summer. Sturdy, thick-soled shoes are required for the Lipscani cobblestones; thin sandals will result in foot fatigue. A light waterproof jacket is needed for sudden Danube thunderstorms. Dress code is casual for most sites, but shoulders must be covered when entering Orthodox churches like Stavropoleos.
Weather risks: Extreme heat in July can lead to the cancellation of walking tours. Fog on the Danube River in October can occasionally delay the ship's arrival in Giurgiu.
The transition from the cool riverbank at Giurgiu to the heat-trapping concrete of Bucharest can be a 5-degree difference.
| Season | Conditions | Hazards | Affected areas | Visitor advice |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Summer (June–August) | Hot and humid with temperatures often exceeding 32°C (90°F). Rain comes in sudden, heavy afternoon thunderstorms. | The exposed marble surfaces around the Palace of the Parliament and Piața Unirii become heat sinks, radiating intense heat. Dust from ongoing construction can irritate eyes. | The Centrul Civic, the Bulevardul Unirii, and the open plaza of the Village Museum. | Wear a broad-brimmed hat and carry water; shade is virtually non-existent near the Parliament. Plan indoor museum visits for the 2:00 PM – 4:00 PM peak heat. |
| Shoulder Season (May & September) | Mild, pleasant temperatures ranging from 18°C (64°F) to 24°C (75°F) with clear skies. | Evening temperatures drop sharply. The uneven limestone pavers in Lipscani can be slick if morning dew or light frost is present. | Lipscani Old Town and the Herăstrău Park walking paths. | Perfect for the Village Museum. Light layers are essential as the Giurgiu riverbank is significantly windier than the city center. |
Practical Information
Cultural etiquette
Locals greet each other with a firm handshake and direct eye contact. In social settings, men may wait for a woman to offer her hand first. When entering an Orthodox church, women should ideally have their shoulders covered, and men must remove their hats. In restaurants, you signal you are finished by placing your knife and fork parallel on the right side of the plate; splitting dishes is less common than in the US and may be met with confusion. Photography is generally allowed everywhere except for sensitive government buildings and the interior of certain active monasteries during service; always look for a 'no camera' sign. Queueing is generally respected in modern shops, but in older markets, it can be a bit more fluid—remain firm but polite. Tipping is standard at 10% in restaurants; for taxis, rounding up to the nearest 10 RON is appreciated. One common misunderstanding: do not call locals 'Balkan'—most Romanians consider themselves Central European or Latin. Referring to them as anything else can cause slight offense.
Mistakes to Avoid
| Mistake |
|---|
Leaving your physical passport on the ship. |
Trying to see Peles Castle and Bucharest in the same day. |
Walking from the Old Town to the Village Museum. |
Buying 'Dracula' souvenirs in Bucharest. |
Practical tips
In Bucharest, credit cards are accepted in all restaurants and hotels, but you will need cash (RON) for market stalls, small kiosks, and some smaller museums—taxis are strictly cash or app-based. Tipping 10% is the expected norm for good service. Five words that earn goodwill: 'Bună ziua' (Good day), 'Mulțumesc' (Thank you), 'Vă rog' (Please), 'Scuzați-mă' (Excuse me), and 'Noroc' (Cheers). Be alert for the 'overcharging taxi' scam near the Palace of the Parliament—drivers may refuse the meter; use Bolt or Uber to avoid this. Pickpockets are active in the dense crowds of Lipscani; keep your bag in front of you. For religious sites, a simple scarf over the shoulders is sufficient dress code. The best time to visit the Palace of the Parliament is the very first tour of the morning (09:00 AM) to avoid the arrival of large coach groups from other Danube ships.
Cruise Lines Visiting Bucharest
Port of Call
Embarkation / Disembarkation
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FAQ — Bucharest
Is it safe to drink the tap water in Bucharest?
While the tap water in Bucharest is technically treated and safe for locals, that cruise passengers stick is recommended to bottled water to avoid any digestive upset from different mineral content. Bottled water is inexpensive, typically 4 RON (~$0.85 USD) for a 500ml bottle at any local kiosk. It is worth noting that many older buildings in the Old Town have antiquated piping that can affect water taste and quality. For your day trip from the Giurgiu terminal, it is best to fill your reusable bottle on the ship before disembark, as finding potable public fountains in the city center is surprisingly difficult.
How much should I pay for a taxi from the Old Town to the Parliament?
A fair price for this short, 2 km (1.2 mile) trip is between 15 RON and 25 RON (~$3.00 – $5.50 USD). You should always ensure the driver starts the meter. If a driver quoted you a fixed price like 50 RON or 100 RON, they are targeting tourists; politely decline and use the Bolt app instead. Bolt and Uber prices are transparent and typically 30% lower than street taxis. Waterways Cruise clients consistently report that using ride-sharing apps eliminates the stress of price negotiation in Bucharest. If you must use a street taxi, look for reputable companies like Meridian or Speed Taxi clearly marked on the door.
Are museums in Bucharest closed on a specific day?
Yes, most major museums in Bucharest, including the National Village Museum and the National Art Museum, are closed on Mondays and Tuesdays. If your port call falls on a Monday, you should focus your day on the Old Town (Lipscani) and the exterior architecture of the Palace of the Parliament, which remain accessible. The Romanian Athenaeum also has irregular hours based on the philharmonic's rehearsal schedule. It is best to check the official 'Visit Bucharest' website the evening before you dock. For guaranteed access to cultural sites during restricted days, a private walking tour with a guide who can navigate local scheduling nuances can be arranged in advance through your cruise line or a licensed local operator.
What is the best way to get from Giurgiu to Bucharest?
The only reliable method for a one-day port call is a coach transfer or a pre-booked private driver. The 65 km (40 mile) journey takes 90 minutes. Public trains from Giurgiu to Bucharest are slow, often taking 3 hours, and the Giurgiu station is a 15-minute taxi ride from the pier itself. Independent rail travel is not recommended for cruise guests. A private car service pre-arranged costs approximately 750 RON (~$160 USD) for a round trip and offers the flexibility to depart the city at your own pace while guaranteeing a 3:30 PM return departure to the ship.
Can I use Euros to pay for things in Bucharest?
No, the official currency is the Romanian Leu (RON). While some large hotels or high-end souvenir shops might accept Euros, they will offer a very poor exchange rate and return your change in Leu. Most restaurants, shops, and museums in the city center accept major credit cards (Visa/Mastercard). However, for small purchases like a bottle of water, a public restroom fee, or a small tip, you will need local currency. It is a good idea to withdraw 200 RON (~$42 USD) from an ATM upon arrival in the city. Avoid the exchange bureaus at the Giurgiu terminal as their rates are significantly worse than the bank ATMs in central Bucharest.
Do I need to tip my tour guide in Romania?
Tipping is appreciated but not mandatory in Romania. If you have a private guide for the day, a tip of 50 RON to 100 RON (~$10 – $21 USD) is considered very generous and is well-received. For a group coach tour organized by the cruise line, a tip of 10 RON to 20 RON (~$2 – $4 USD) per person for the guide and slightly less for the driver is standard. In restaurants, a 10% tip is expected and is often added manually to the credit card machine—you should tell the waiter the total amount you wish to pay. Romanian service staff rely on tips to supplement modest wages.
Is the Palace of the Parliament worth seeing if I don't go inside?
Yes, the exterior scale of the building and the surrounding Bulevardul Unirii are impressive enough to justify a stop. You can view the massive facade from Constitutional Square (Piața Constituției) without a ticket or a passport. However, you will miss the context of the interior's luxury vs. the country's poverty at the time of construction. Standing in the square gives you a clear view of the 'Champs-Élysées' of the East, which Ceaușescu designed to be slightly wider than the original in Paris. A 15-minute photo stop here is a standard part of any panoramic tour and provides enough scale to understand the dictator's megalomania without the 90-minute commitment of the indoor tour.
Is Bucharest a safe city for walking at night?
Bucharest is generally very safe for travelers, with lower violent crime rates than many Western European capitals. The main city center areas like Calea Victoriei and the Old Town are well-lit and busy until late at night. The biggest safety risks are non-violent: pickpocketing in crowded areas and uneven sidewalks that can cause trips. It is best to stay in well-trafficked areas and avoid the outer industrial suburbs. If you are returning to your ship in Giurgiu, you will likely depart before dark, but if you have an overnight stay, you can walk between major landmarks with high confidence. Just remain aware of your surroundings as you would in any large city.
What should I buy as an authentic Romanian souvenir?
The most authentic item is the *Ie*, a hand-embroidered traditional blouse. A high-quality, hand-made version costs about 600 RON (~$125 USD). Other excellent choices include local honey, especially acacia or linden varieties, and hand-painted Easter eggs from the Bukovina region (available at the Village Museum). Avoid the generic 'Count Dracula' mugs and t-shirts, which are not representative of Romanian culture. For something unique, look for ceramic pottery from Horezu, characterized by its traditional 'cock' motif and vibrant colors. These items can be found at the Romanian Peasant Museum shop or the Village Museum gift shop, where proceeds support local artisans.
How do I use the Metro in Bucharest?
The Metro is the fastest way to travel between the North (Museums) and the South (Old Town). You buy a 2-trip magnetic card at the orange vending machines or ticket windows for 6 RON (~$1.30 USD). You insert the card into the turnstile to enter. The stations are clean and have signage in both Romanian and English. The M2 (Blue Line) is the most useful for tourists, connecting Piața Unirii (Old Town) to Piața Victoriei (Museum District). Be aware that the doors close quickly, and there is no button to open them—they are automatic. Trains run every 5-8 minutes during the day.
Fact-checked and co-written by J. Richard, Founder, Waterways Cruise, with the Waterways Cruise Content Team.
Published May 19, 2026 · Last updated November 2, 2026
This guide is researched and reviewed by our editorial team, but prices, hours, and availability change often. Confirm current details directly with venues, excursion operators, and your cruise line before you travel.