Romania
Profiled in Bucharest · Southeast Europe
A big, brash, green-fringed capital where belle epoque mansions, brutalist blocks and a buzzing specialty coffee scene share the same wide boulevards.
Cost of living
What a month costs
One of the cheaper EU capitals. Rent and eating out are affordable, though prices in the smart northern districts have climbed fast.
The scores
How it rates for a moving family
See and do
Top 10 in Bucharest
- Palace of the ParliamentThe colossal communist-era building, one of the largest in the world, with guided tours.
- Romanian AthenaeumThe domed 1888 concert hall and home of the George Enescu Philharmonic.
- Old Town (Lipscani)Cobbled lanes packed with bars, cafes and restored 19th century buildings.
- Stavropoleos MonasteryA tiny, exquisite Brancovan-style church tucked into the Old Town.
- Dimitrie Gusti National Village MuseumAn open-air museum of relocated peasant houses on the shore of Herastrau lake.
- King Michael I Park (Herastrau)The huge central park around a lake, the city's favourite green lung.
- Cismigiu GardensThe oldest public garden in the city, leafy and central.
- National Museum of Art of RomaniaHoused in the former royal palace on Revolution Square.
- Arcul de TriumfThe city's triumphal arch, echoing Paris, on the northern boulevards.
- Carturesti CaruselA stunning white-galleried bookshop in a restored Old Town building.
Where to go
Weekend escapes
- BrasovA postcard medieval old town under the Carpathians, about two and a half hours north.
- Sinaia and Peles CastleThe fairytale royal summer palace in the Prahova Valley, easy by train.
- Bran CastleThe hilltop fortress marketed as Dracula's castle, near Brasov.
- Constanta and MamaiaBlack Sea port city and its long sandy beach strip, two hours east.
- Snagov LakeA forested lake escape just north of the city with a monastery said to hold Vlad the Impaler.
Coffee
Best cafes
- Origo Coffee ShopA pioneer of the local specialty coffee scene, central and always busy.
- M60A design-led cafe on Mendeleev street, popular with laptop workers.
- Beans & DotsBright specialty coffee spot known for good brews and brunch.
- SteamA cosy specialty coffee bar with serious espresso.
- Carturesti CaruselCoffee inside the beautiful multi-level Old Town bookshop.
Restaurants
Where to eat
- Caru' cu BereThe grand 1879 beer hall serving hearty Romanian classics under carved wood and stained glass.
- Hanu' lui ManucA restored 19th century inn with a galleried courtyard and traditional food.
- Lacrimi si SfintiReimagined Romanian country cooking from poet Mircea Dinescu.
- Zexe ZahanaA nostalgic take on old Bucharest grill and comfort dishes.
- Casa DoinaElegant fine dining in a historic villa with a garden terrace.
- KaiamoAmbitious modern Romanian tasting menus using local produce.
Morning
Best breakfast
- SimbioA long-running brunch favourite near Herastrau with a big garden.
- FrudisiacAll-day brunch spot known for eggs, pancakes and fresh juices.
- M60Reliable morning coffee and breakfast plates on Mendeleev street.
- Beans & DotsGood coffee paired with eggs and pastries to start the day.
- Origo Coffee ShopTop-tier espresso and light morning bites in the centre.
Residency
EU and EEA citizens simply register their residence, and Romania is now inside the Schengen area. Non-EU movers need a long-stay visa and residence permit, with a digital nomad visa available for remote workers.
Tax
Romania levies a flat 10 percent personal income tax, one of the lowest headline rates in the EU. Dividends and some other income are taxed separately, so take advice on the small-company and freelance regimes.
Thinking about moving here for real? See the verified Romania residency and citizenship routes →
Curious what you would actually pay? See the Romania tax profile: income, corporate, VAT and exit rules →
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