If you’re tired of waiting until late at night to enjoy a great cocktail in a trendy bar, we’ve got some fantastic spots for you in Bucharest! While there are numerous bars in the historic Lipscani district vying for your attention, many may disappoint you with subpar cocktails like a Mojito made with lemon instead of lime, or a weak Cosmopolitan lacking color. We’ve experienced these pitfalls so you don’t have to.
Fortunately, you don’t have to settle for less to enjoy a delicious pre-dinner cocktail. These bars are some of the most stylish, intriguing, and cool places we’ve had the pleasure of visiting across Europe. Here are our top picks:
Nomad Skybar is one of the most stylish venues in Bucharest. You can sit inside, around the central horseshoe bar, at tables, or in lounge chairs in an elegantly lit room. You can also venture outside to soak in sunlight, admire historic rooftops, or enjoy the twilight as the city starts to twinkle. The bartenders here are professionals, and their Singapore Sling is top-notch. They’re open every day except Monday, from 4:00 PM to 2:00 AM (until 6:00 AM on weekends), and they serve food as well.
Linea is a fantastic spot above the hustle of Bucharest. It might be a bit tricky to find without big signs, but as you walk past an open door with a neon Linea sign, take the elevator. Inside, you’ll find a luxurious setting with an intimate atmosphere, featuring a long bar, tables, and sofas under green foliage. We loved it so much we visited multiple times, enjoying live Bossa Nova jazz, dinner, and a perfect Espresso Martini. For an outdoor experience, head upstairs to an amazing area with a bar, tables, and igloo-like pods. They’re open daily from noon to 2:00 AM and are a must-visit spot in Bucharest.
Control Club is bustling with activity day and night. Don’t worry, it’s not a local S/M club! During the day, locals gather in the garden for a drink, and at night, people flock to the main cocktail bar for live music. It has a real Rock N Roll vibe that’s relaxed during the day and more energetic at night. Their Mai Tai is a delightful mix that tastes like liquid candy—with booze. The garden is rustic and relaxed, while the interior bar is wonderfully dark and moody. They’re open daily from 10:00 AM (noon on weekends) to 6:00 AM.
One hidden gem is a secret garden you access by walking through a gate, across a courtyard, around a house, and down some stairs. Away from the bustling Calea Victoriei, you can sit on lamb skin under green foliage, pet the local cat, and enjoy a cocktail or two. If the weather isn’t great, you can sit inside the greenhouse-style bar. They’re open from 4:00 PM to 2:00 AM (starting at 11:00 AM on weekends) and frequently host events with music. It’s a local favorite among Bucharest residents.
Our final recommendation is a hipster café meets bar meets shop. Normally, I’m not a fan of these business mashups, but their decent cocktails won me over. It’s also open from 8:30 AM. The Urbanist is a sunny spot perfect for enjoying a beer, a glass of wine, or a cocktail while watching the world go by. If the weather doesn’t cooperate, opt for the hanging chair inside. They have DJs playing on weekend evenings and organize regular events. They’re open daily from morning to late afternoon (until 3:00 AM on weekends).
These bars offer a varied and vibrant cocktail scene in Bucharest, ensuring you won’t be disappointed.
suansuan