Europe

Bucharest, Romania

A Comprehensive Guide to the Best Places to Run in Bucharest

Stefan Jurca

Bucharest is Romania’s capital and economic and cultural center, located on the banks of the Dâmbovița River near the country’s southern border. Sometimes called the “Paris of the East,” Bucharest is known for its extravagant architecture and high culture, which emerged between tumultuous periods of war, natural disaster, and socialist systemization. Since the Romanian Revolution circa 1989, the city has focused on urban renewal, restoring its parks, streets, and historic center. There are great options and variety for running in Bucharest.

The most popular running destination is Herăstrău Park, a beautiful lakeside space in the north of the city. Other great park running exists in Tineretului and Carol Parks, Văcărești Nature Park, and Plumbuita Park. Runners can explore some of the city’s top tourist sites on our Runseeing tour of Old Town, or check out posh residential neighborhoods such as Cotroceni and Dorobanti. For a long distance run, the best option is the lengthy sidewalk along the Dâmbovița River. Wherever you run, you’re sure to be met with stunning architecture and a glimpse of Bucharest’s fascinating history.

Getting around Bucharest is relatively easy on foot, but public transportation is great here. Most of our routes are within easy distance of the Metro’s four lines. There area also bus, tram, and trolleybus lines with cost-effective, interchangeable tickets.

Editor's Picks

Some of our favorite runs in Bucharest, Romania

Herăstrău Park

One of the most popular running spots in Bucharest. Arc of Triumph, fountains, Japanese Gardens. A highlight... more...

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  • Weather & Climate
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Bucharest has a humid continental climate, with warm summers and cool to cold winters. Typical mid-summer highs are well into the 80sF (28C). It can be humid, with most rain coming in the form of storms/downpours. Spring and fall are mild to warm and gorgeous. Winter can be cold. Although January high temperatures climb above freezing, nightly lows bottom out near 20F (-6C). There can be much colder snaps, and about 56 cm (22 inches) of snow falls annually, so be prepared, clothing-wide.

There are plenty of great lodging options around Bucharest.

The top area to stay for visitors is surrounding Old Town and Unirii Square. This centralized location offers travelers a chance to see it all.

There is also a smattering of hotels in the Primaverii area near Herastrau Park, and south of the city center in the hip Tineretului neighborhood.

STORES

There are outlets for Nike, New Balance, and Adidas centrally located in Bucharest.

GROUP RUNS
The Bucharest Running Club is the go to group in the city. They host a number of races throughout the year.

 

See the Bucharest Running Club’s upcoming events.

The signature running events  in Bucharest are:

Raiffeisen Bank Bucharest Marathon (plus other distances). October.

Volkswagen Bucharest HALF MARATHON.  May.

UNIQA Asigurari Bucharest 10K & FAMILY RUN. April