Bucharest/Romania

Bucharest isn't that bad. Many of the less scrupulous types have moved west for richer pickings. Of course, as in any major cities you should watch your belongings and pockets, especially on public transport.

The airports are fine. Otopeni (Henri Coanda) airport is modern enough. Baneasa airport is a pain in the butt being small, with few waiting areas and facilities, but again, fine for just taking a flight on to somewhere else.

The main station, Gara de Nord, isn't too bad either. It's a bit scruffy, a few beggars, but nothing too bad. Main annoyance is the pirate taxi drivers who hassle you, or the expensive taxis that wait right outside. Just ignore them and move on to where the regular cabbies wait.

The Lipscani area has developed into the main night hotspot and now that it's well-lit and busy you won't have any problems (again, just taking the usual precautions: watch your bag/coat etc.)

Sibiu is a nice town, worth a visit, even if just for half a day or an overnight stop.

I agree with Maykal, safety is not an issue here if you are smart about it. The biggest risk I see are pickpockets - so watch your stuff. One perk to visiting Romania is that many Romanians speak at least some English.

As for your trip, please visit other cities in Romania (not just Bucharest). Rent a car and drive to Sibiu - you'll not regret it. Transylvania is the most beautiful part of the country. Check out the Transfagarasan or Transalpina routes which take you through the Carpathian mountains. Google them for more info

Best of luck!

Was going to give you some advice but other two posts just about cover it,Sibiu though more than just nice its a fabulous place.

Hi Robert20, I recently made a trip to Bucharest and will be going back in the next few weeks. I found Bucharest to be quite safe and easy to get around in using public transportation. Specially the taxis. The one thing I found that you need to pay attention to is the amount a taxi will charge. The rate the cab will charge is displayed on the front door of the cab. Most are about 1.4 lei/km. Some are 3.5 lei/km. Be careful which you choose it can get very expensive. At the airport don't use the first taxi driver that approaches you. More than likely it will be one of the expensive ones and it could end up costing you 50 to 100 lei just to get into town, when it should only be about 30. Go outside the terminal and you will see the taxis lined up, pick one that has the better rate displayed. Some of the drivers speak at lest some English which helps, or have a written address or map to locate where you are going.

I spent a lot of time downtown on my own and never had any problems. Just be sensible in what you do, don't flash your money and have a safe and fun trip.