Bohemian Bucharest Markets and Mahallas Traditional Food Tour
5
Bohemian Bucharest Markets and Mahallas Traditional Food Tour
By Intrepid Urban Adventures - Romania
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About
Go deep into Bucharest’s local food culture with an English-speaking guide. Walk through Strada Batistei, the Armenian quarter, the Jewish quarter, Mantuleasa, and Mosilor Street and learn about each place’s history. Taste local cheeses, meats, homemade bread, beers, liquors, and other Romanian food. Snap photos at the traditional Obor Market.
Lowest price guaranteeReserve now & pay laterFree cancellation
Ages 6-99, max of 12 per group
Duration: 5h 30m
Start time: Check availability
Mobile ticket
Live guide: English
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Highlights
- Learn about Bucharest’s history from an English-speaking guide
- Walk through many different neighborhoods and admire the architecture
- Taste a wide variety of local food and drink samples
- Visit traditional markets
- Taste traditional Romanian food, including the best local cheese, the beloved mici street snack)
- Sample 3 local beers (or 1 beer, 1 wine, 1 sour-cherry brandy) and brave a shot of Romanian brandy
- Hop aboard a tram and ride through the city alongside locals (Tram ticket included)
- Browse through the biggest and liveliest peasant market in Bucharest
- Taste a doughnut only found in this part of the country
- Explore the neighbourhoods and flavours of Bucharest with local English-speaking guide
- Get personalised tips for the area's best bars and eateries.
What's not included- Additional food and drinks
- Tips/gratuities for your guide
- Begin your culinary tour in University Square and learn about Romania’s history from your English-speaking guide. Take a short walk to Strada Batistei. Visit a restored turn-of-the-century townhouse, where you can sample Romanian entrees (gustari) including goat cheese, cured meat, spring onions, homemade bread, and locally-brewed craft beers. Continue on to the Armenian quarter and admire the mix of architectural styles. Walk to the Jewish quarter and try a street food called covrigi. Afterwards, head to the beautiful area of Mantuleasa and hear about 19th-century and inter-war Bucharest. Sip a cold Romanian weissbier. Hop on a tram for a short ride to Mosilor Street and notice the Communist-era buildings. Go to the Obor Market and try a drink of palinca (brandy). Try a sample of local cow, sheep, and goat cheeses. Taste mici, a skinless sausage with mustard. Finish your food tour with a sweet Wallachian doughnut.
- Start:
- Ion Luca Caragiale National Theatre, Bulevardul Nicolae Bălcescu 2, București 010051, Romania"On the stairs of the National Theatre in front of the main entrance, Nicolae Bălcescu 2, Bucureşti. If you are using Uber, please use this address: Bd. Nicolae Bălcescu 2 instead of writing National Theatre.
End:- Piata Sf. Gheorghe, Bucharest, RomaniaSaint George Square/ Unirea Square
- Not wheelchair accessible
- Near public transportation
If you have questions about accessibility, we’d be happy to help. Just call the number below and reference the product code: 30347P5- Confirmation will be received at time of booking
- Most travelers can participate
- Please notify at least 24 hours in advance as to whether you have any food allergies, sensitivities, or other dietary needs, such as vegetarian/vegan or gluten intolerant
- Small Group tour size a maximum of 12 people. Private tour option available just for you and your group.
- Food samples Include: ‘Peasant platter’ (local cheese and meats, seasonal vegetables, and homemade bread); street snack; 2 mici (includes bread and mustard); election of local cheeses and produce; Wallachian doughnut
- Drink samples Include: 3 beers (or 1 beer, 1 wine and 1 sour-cherry brandy); a shot of tuica (Romanian brandy). Soft drinks and coffee/tea are available as alcohol drinks replacement if required.
- We reserve the right to change both the route and places visited within the tour. Food inclusions are subject to change, dependent on availability on the day.
- During this tour we walk around 6 km and use the public transportation network
- This tour/activity will have a maximum of 12 travelers
- For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours in advance of the start date of the experience.
- If you have questions about this tour or need help making your booking, we’d be happy to help. Just call the number below and reference the product code: 30347P5
From
$62.58
per adult
Select date and travelers
Similar experiences
Itinerary
- Bulevardul Nicolae Bălcescu 2, București 010051, Romania"On the stairs of the National Theatre in front of the main entrance, Nicolae Bălcescu 2, Bucureşti. If you are using Uber, please use this address: Bd. Nicolae Bălcescu 2 instead of writing National Theatre.
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- Bucharest, RomaniaSaint George Square/ Unirea Square
About the operator
Don’t take it from us – here’s what people have to say about this operator:
- richjgreen820 contributionsBest walking tour ever!Had the best walking tour ever with Mihaela yesterday. She is very knowledgeable and passionate and I loved that and how she explained her stories. She used slides and went above and beyond as a tour guide. I feel I have learnt so much thanks to Michaela and I am very grateful to her for the tour, her stories, educating me and all she showed me. I loved her amazing energy that made this tour fun. I would happily book more tours with Mihaela.Written September 13, 2024
- thomasnI3851DH0 contributionsFantastic TourAn excellent tour which I would recommend to anyone. Andrea was a brilliant guide, very knowledgeable on both history and local beers. Lovely to meet her, Christian, Luna and the other guests, it was like a night out with old friends, with a great selection of beers.Written August 23, 2024
- miakF6324GC0 contributionsSuch an incredible and personal experience with our guide Mihaela!Mihaela was the most incredible guide!! It was just two of us and we both felt we connected with her as a friend! She offered wonderful personal experiences and context to the historical facts of the places we visited, so we experienced Bucharest through her. She made the tour personable for us, and we had an amazing lunch of sarmale, mămăligă, and papanași for desert! Could not recommend this tour or our wonderful guide Mihaela more. July was a hot time to go, but we took lots of breaks. Water and a snack (and lunch obviously) is included in the tour, so you’ll be all set!Written July 12, 2024
- brunoverbeek0 contributionsHighly recommendedWe had a private walking tour with Andra. Very interesting and highly recommended. Andra is very knowledgeable and showed us some hidden churches we most certainly would have missed had we been in our own.Written May 31, 2024
- Jkillpack0 contributionsGreat day in BucharestBogdan was a great guide. It Was a personal tour since I was the only one booked. I am so grateful they did not cancel. The tour was informative about the history and interesting. It also included a wonderful lunch. Bogdan was so nice, I highly recommend this tour. The max is 8, even with a group it is a great way to get to know Bucharest.Written November 20, 2023
- Chineham-traveller0 contributionsPerfect evening! Even the rain did not disappointBogden was a great guide. Took the time to explain key facts, had a great knowledge of history and gave us a view of former times. The beers were great and the good excellent. We loved sharing our stories and comparing the differences. The time flew past and we could have talked all night. We loved the differences in the bars we went too. When back, will book again.Written May 11, 2023
- peterstanley340 contributionsExcellent tourWonderful walking tour with Elena, an excellent guide. So knowledgeable about the buildings and history. Good traditional food to finish.Written March 18, 2023
- Taraneh J0 contributionsBeautiful and memorable Visit with ElenaI really liked our tour. Elena was a nice tour guide. I already miss visiting Romania because now I know how they are kind and welcoming. I had a great visit in March. I hope to visit this beautiful country again. Thanks to Elena, who showed us beautiful Bucharest. I wish her the best. She is really valuable and kind.Written March 14, 2023
- SaraLozito0 contributionsA great day in BucharestWe were treated with a 1 on 1 guided experience of Bucharest with Ioanna. She was extremely friendly and knowledgable, even putting up with my incessant questions every few minutes. The entire tour took around 5 hours including lunch, which she guided us through local Romanian foods that we wanted to try. Highly recommend this tour - worth every penny!Written October 12, 2022
- bethporter080 contributionsFinding the beating heart of BucharestMy husband and I were a bit hesitant when we first arrived in Bucharest and saw the communist-era buildings. However, when we joined our walking tour with Elena, she pulled back the concrete curtain and showed us the beating heart of the city. Her energy and passion was evident, and she brought the history of the place to life. There was another group with us for the walking tour, and we then had Elena to ourselves for a traditional lunch at Caru Cu Bere, a historic beer hall. She advised us on our itinerary for the rest of our trip in the countryside, and answered all of our questions. This was the perfect introduction to Romania! Highly recommend.Written September 27, 2022
- Melanie A0 contributionsAbsolutely FantasticAbsolutely excellent tour. I learnt so much about the city and history. Cristina was such a good guide, so knowledgeable and a pleasure to spend the time with. I cannot recommend this tour enough. The meal and restaurant were also 5 star.Written June 4, 2022
- Arthur R0 contributionsGreat tourElena was out guide and was fantastic!!!! Would do this again when I come back. Good pace, good info, good company!Written May 15, 2022
- RobertS56020 contributionsAmazing tour of BucharestBogdan was an amazing tour guide. He explained the foods we were eating as well as the graffiti we passed. He new about the architecture around the city and gave us great insight into history. Without question, I would tour with him again. You will enjoy itWritten April 12, 2022
- K4408FJlisal0 contributionsGreat beer tour and exceptionally educationalBogdan was fantastic - easy to talk to and very knowledgeable. He has a broad knowledge of all elements of Romanian history, and he did a great job of giving me a holistic view. The beer stops were also well thought out and fitted seamless into the tour. Highly recommendWritten June 28, 2021
- N840OJdanielv0 contributionsThis tour made me want to come back to see more!At a friend's suggestion, I took the "Beautiful Decay and Alternative" tour, and I'm so glad I did. I was only in Bucharest for a few days on business and had a single day to look around and get to know the city a little. I wasn't sure what to expect, but I had a great time. My guide, Ioana, was fantastic. The tour took in loads of incredible buildings, from houses to museums, that are in various states of decay but also in various stages of repair and renovation. Each one has a story which Ioana conveyed with knowledge and passion, and we even had special permission to enter a number of them. This was followed by a tour of some amazing street art, which I absoutely loved. We even got to go inside the university and see some incredibe murals by student artists. I got to see a vibrant, creative side of Bucharest which I would otherwise never have been aware of. The tour made me want to visit the city again and get to know it better. If I do, I'll definitely take another one of these tours (maybe the coffee tour Ioana said was in the pipeline!).Written March 7, 2020
These reviews are the subjective opinions of Tripadvisor members and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
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Most Recent: Reviews ordered by most recent publish date in descending order.
Detailed Reviews: Reviews ordered by recency and descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as wait time, length of visit, general tips, and location information.
Popular mentions
5.0
364 reviews
Excellent
348
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11
Average
4
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1
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0
Kristy G
28 contributions
We recently did this tour. It is more of a stroll through the suburbs with some stops for food at a cafe and the Obor Market. We sampled the following:
1. pretzel type bread from a bakery
2. a platter for “lunch” which included 4 dips, salami and pig fat, with some olives and cheese to share as a group. This stop also included one beer and a shot of local liquor at a small street restaurant.
3. One style of cheese at the market
4. Local bbq sausages (2 per person) with mustard and bread roll and one beer at the market
5. A local donut and water from the market
The food was sufficient but we felt it could have included more tastings of different fruits and vegetables and the cheeses or meats especially in the markets as this would be easy to do in this setting.
The tour took about 4.5 hours (about one hour shorter than advertised).
The guide was very knowledgeable and knew all the facts when asked questions about the history and politics of the country.
We would have liked more information about the architecture styles and seen more historic buildings or sites pointed out in the suburban areas that we went to.
Overall it was a pleasant way to spent our time in the suburbs but was probably overpriced for what we got.
1. pretzel type bread from a bakery
2. a platter for “lunch” which included 4 dips, salami and pig fat, with some olives and cheese to share as a group. This stop also included one beer and a shot of local liquor at a small street restaurant.
3. One style of cheese at the market
4. Local bbq sausages (2 per person) with mustard and bread roll and one beer at the market
5. A local donut and water from the market
The food was sufficient but we felt it could have included more tastings of different fruits and vegetables and the cheeses or meats especially in the markets as this would be easy to do in this setting.
The tour took about 4.5 hours (about one hour shorter than advertised).
The guide was very knowledgeable and knew all the facts when asked questions about the history and politics of the country.
We would have liked more information about the architecture styles and seen more historic buildings or sites pointed out in the suburban areas that we went to.
Overall it was a pleasant way to spent our time in the suburbs but was probably overpriced for what we got.
Written August 29, 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
NickAdvisorUK
Cheadle, UK77 contributions
This tour was taken by Andrea who was a charming lady who took us on an excellent tour. She met us with warm pretzels and took us on parts of the city , little gems that you would not find by yourself. This was interspersed with small cafes where we had local beer and platters of food. After a trip on the tram we visited a huge market where we bought cheese and vegetables which she then prepared for us and served with mici, more beers and sweet plum liqueur.
She was a mine of information and gave us plenty of time to ask questions. An absolute joy. Multumesc! X
She was a mine of information and gave us plenty of time to ask questions. An absolute joy. Multumesc! X
Written June 4, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Andrew
Powder Springs, GA2 contributions
Dec 2022
Great Experience. Not only food, but history and architecture. Guide did a great job of finding alternates, when primary stops were "closed for cleaning" (a church). Also got recommendations for other stops for eating when in Bucharest.
Written December 11, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
OrlaCait
Dublin, Ireland167 contributions
Feb 2024 • Family
We enjoyed this walking tour and the food as we approached lunchtime but would have preferred if there were more tastes along the way, and if the buzz of Bucharest's Old Town had been part of it. We had just arrived late the night before so walking across wide thoroughfares, and visiting what felt like suburban neighbourhoods with no atmosphere looking at different styles of architecture, didn't help us to get a sense of the intimate life of the city. We would have liked more time to explore the Ober Market after the sausage/beer tasting rather than spending as much time as we did on the various street corners. Elena was professional and knowledgeable and a very nice guide but we think this tour could be improved with a few tweaks - particularly for first time Bucharest visitors.
Written February 27, 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Hi Orla,
Thank you so much for your recent review. We rely on our traveller feedback in order to improve our tours, and yours is much appreciated. It is nice to have the specifics that you have provided and your suggestions have all been taken on board for review by our product team. We are pleased to know that you did enjoy your time with Elena, and hope that you enjoyed your time beautiful Bucharest!
Written March 1, 2024
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Nathan H
1 contribution
Nov 2023 • Couples
We had a fantastic Friday afternoon with Elena in Bucharest. My girlfriend and I were the only ones on the tour and we were a little apprehensive initially as one on one tours can occasionally a bit a little awkward (especially for 5 hours!) - however these fears were completely belayed as she was incredibly friendly and was willing talk all things Romania and was incredibly insightful and generous with her stories and information about Bucharest's history and modern and old town landscapes. The food was delicious and touring the market was great to see how Bucharest locals interact and enjoy their afternoon. Meals included pretzels for morning snack, artichoke dips at a nice restaurant, meats + cheese + fruit + sausages at the market picnic style in a nice local garden spot then a local donut for dessert to top it off. Oh and local beers with each meal, obviously! Thanks Elena - we had a fantastic day!
Written November 6, 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
ksufan88
Wichita, KS6,447 contributions
Jun 2024 • Couples
We met our guide (Bogdan) on the steps of the National Theatre without any issues. There were a total of seven of us on the tour from multiple countries, but the tour was done all in English. Bogdan gave us an introduction to his country and handed each of us a covrigi (Romanian soft pretzel) while we sat on the steps and talked about Romania. We then walked through neighborhoods to view all the architectural styles of the city before a stop at a restaurant where we shared peasant platters of meats, cheeses, vegetables, spreads and bread along with beer or wine. We ended the tour at the Obor Market where we had the opportunity to sample more vegetables, cheeses and grilled sausages along with a Wallachian donut. By the end of the tour, we were satisfied with the quantity of food and drink that we had the opportunity to sample.
Written June 25, 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Helen R
7 contributions
May 2023 • Friends
One of the best tours ever. Andra was amazing, she has this gift of storytelling that is relatable and gave us a good understanding of the lives of Romanians through the ages. They’ve been through a lot! Loved the spots she chose to take us to taste some local specialties. Can’t recommend highly enough.
Written May 16, 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Stefan
3 contributions
Jun 2023 • Couples
This was a truly wonderful tour! Andreea is a highly knowledgeable and very friendly guide. At the beginning of the tour, she was able to summarise Romania’s history very concisely and clearly. Along the tour, she highlighted significant historical points of interest and some very beautiful buildings. And of course, all the food was amazing, especially the mici! I would certainly recommend this tour to anyone in Bucharest! Thank you again Andreea 😊
Written June 19, 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Laura M
Exeter, NH12 contributions
After three days on tour in Bucharest my family and friends were ready to see a different side of the city. This tour did not disappoint. We braved 100 degree (F) weather to experience delicious Romanian food and local hangouts that you can not do with larger groups. Our guide, Bogdan, educated us on the history of the city and how that influenced the architecture. He shared with us popular Romanian street food which in a few cases he purchased from small shops with just windows. The food-related highlight of the tour was our visit to the Obor farmers market where Bogdan purchased fresh fruits, vegetables and cheese. He then took us to Terasa Obor - a popular place frequented by the locals for their delicious mici. The fruits, vegetables and cheese were prepared by Bogdan and served with the mici. It was wonderful! But the best part was Bogdan. He was open and honest - answering our questions and sharing the highlights of the city, the progress that has been made and the work that needs to be done. If given the chance, everyone should have the opportunity to experience a city this way. Thank you, Bogdan, for sharing YOUR city.
Written July 10, 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
ArunK1290
London, UK105 contributions
Really enjoyable 5 hour walk with a friend (Bogdan) telling us about life, history and the food .
The tour guides we have met are genuine, local and nice people and my wife and I felt well looked after and privileged to enjoy our first day at Bucharest doing this tour. Just the two of us but can be bigger groups depending on the day
Had two beers each and a shot and two food platters so don’t have breakfast
Book with confidence
The tour guides we have met are genuine, local and nice people and my wife and I felt well looked after and privileged to enjoy our first day at Bucharest doing this tour. Just the two of us but can be bigger groups depending on the day
Had two beers each and a shot and two food platters so don’t have breakfast
Book with confidence
Written April 4, 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Do you still require COVID vaccination??
Written June 20, 2022
I will be arriving in August 9th and was wondering if you have a after 12 tour?
Written January 9, 2021
Hello, where does the tour break up? (The National Theater, same as the meeting place?)
Written October 21, 2019
I think it depends on the guide. We took a tram to head back toward the National Theater, but we got off the tram because our guide wanted to show us a coffee shop and bar near the theater. That's where we all went separate ways.
Written October 31, 2019
Hello I would like to book this but 10:00am isn’t doable for us. Are there other times available?
Written October 1, 2019
I found they were very good at answering questions quickly, so my suggestion would be to contact them via their website. However, I believe they only generally offer the one tour per day.
Written October 1, 2019
Would it be better to book this for a Sunday or Monday? Or would it matter?
Written July 13, 2019
Hey there, the experience is equally fun on Sundays and on Mondays :) All the stops are open throughout the week. Looking forward to meeting you if you decide to join the tour!
Dana
Written July 31, 2019
Is it better to book now or wait til we get to Budapest.
Written July 9, 2019
Hi Sally, if your inquiry was referring to Bucharest, then I can tell you that whenever you decide to book is ok with us, but note that there is normally a 24h cut-off time unless there are already other bookings for the tour in question, in which case you can book up until the starting time of the tour. Hope this helps. Dana
Written July 31, 2019
Hello There! Looking forward to visiting Bucharest and booking the tour for two. This may sound silly but are there options for a vegetarian? Thanks so much! 😀
Written May 18, 2019
Hi Lucy, there sure are options for vegetarians! Just let us know before joining the tour so that we can accommodate you.
Written May 26, 2019
Hello,
I would like to book a tour for Sat Jan 12th for 4 adults.
Can’t seem to book on line.
Can you pls assist?
Thank you
Dana
Written January 5, 2019
Go to Urban Adventures; search Food Tours; then fill out the form using: Europe, Romania, Bucharest, Private Tour. Click search and that should come up with a list of their food tours in Bucharest. When you click on Markets and Mahallas it shows Jan. 12 is available for a tour for 4 people. I would definitely suggest you request Dana and it you get her, please give her our regards. The tour starts at 10:30 am.
Written January 5, 2019
Scheduled to go on Sunday, 9/30. One member of our party does not eat pork.
Written September 24, 2018
Should. It be a problem. Pork is a main part of the Romanian diet but there are alternatives and you buy the food with the guide during the tour. Just let the guide know and they will purchase other meats. There was a selection of breads/ pastries/ veg/ fruit/ cheeses so there are other options.
Written September 26, 2018
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