Useful Information

Buses are safe, but use your common sense, and use internal pockets, just to be 100% sure. Other than that, you'll see that Bucharest is a far safer city than its western European counterparts.

Bucharest has perhaps the largest population of stray dogs for a city in eastern Europe. Although their numbers are gradually decreasing due to projects by the City Hall, they still remain a threat to safety as at least ten people have to be hospitalized every day for painful dog attacks, and at night they tend to form packs which greatly increases their danger. Rabies vaccinations are not required but recommended: there have been no rabies cases in Bucharest since 1979. Most dogs will not give you a problem unless you go out of your way to pester them, but many dogs have been treated poorly, and thus be extremely wary of them, and do not approach a stray dog if you are alone. It is perhaps best to walk around in a group or walk where you see other people. They are more present in the suburbs and although you can see dogs even in the downtown, is more likely to not be boder in the city center.

Walking around at night isn't safe in some parts of the city. If you must travel into the suburbs or other neighbourhoods, it's safer to take a taxi. The crime rate is low, but a traveler must always be cautious. It is very difficult for anyone to get away with violent crime because everything is packed so closely together, any loud noise will attract attention. And this is truly a city that doesn't sleep. You'll find people out and around at all hours in most parts of the city.

One must be incredibly careful as a pedestrian in Bucharest. Drivers are inconsiderate and often do not obey traffic signals. NEVER assume a car will stop for you at a red light - be vigilant at all times. Best way to travel safe.

It is generally NOT recommended to drink tap water, mostly because the old pipe network that the city has at its disposal, and the huge amounts of chlorine added into the water. You should buy bottled water, available in 2 liter bottles (carbonated - apa minerala, or non-carbonated - apa plata; about 1.5-2.5 RON/bottle), or in 5 liter bottles (non-carbonated, about 3.0-5.0 RON/bottle).

Those with allergies may find Bucharest annoying in that it is both hot and very dusty in the summer, with temperatures easily exceeding 40 C in July and August, so bring whatever you might need to stay comfortable. Please note that there are very limited shaded areas in Bucharest, so, during the summer, sun strokes and heat strokes can be very dangerous.

Pharmacies are usually open between 9 AM and 6 PM, but many will stay open through the night. In Romania, there are relatively few over-the-counter drugs available, but pharmacists are allowed to dispense limited quantities of some prescription drugs (such as pain relief medicine) for what they see as immediate needs. Bucharest has 6 designated emergency hospitals and a modern ambulance service, plus a large number of additional public and private hospitals, clinics, and dental practices.

Get out

Snagov is a small town 20 km north of Bucharest, and a quick escape from the city for many locals, with its big lake and beaches. Visit the small monastery on the island in the middle of the lake, where the grave of Vlad III lies (better known as Dracula or Vlad The Impaler). (Note that the monastery is quite hard to get to, and you may need to rent a boat)

Mogosoaia is yet another small town close to Bucharest (5 km), featuring a large late 17th century palace in the unique Br�ncovenesc style.