Layover Diaries: 7 Hours in Bucharest — The “Little Paris of the East”

When I first searched for my Umrah Plus Turkey & Cairo flights using Trip.com’s multi-city tool, Athens appeared as a tempting layover. But then another option caught my eye — Bucharest, Romania.

Here’s how the multi-city route looked:

• Kuala Lumpur → Jeddah
• Jeddah → Cairo
• Cairo → Athens (layover) or Bucharest (layover) → Istanbul
• Istanbul → Kuala Lumpur (via Tashkent, etc.)

For the Bucharest option, my flights were:

• 04:30 (Nov 10) – Depart Cairo International Airport (CAI)
• 07:20 (Nov 10) – Arrive Bucharest Henri Coandă International Airport (OTP) — Tarom RO102
• Layover: 13h 50m in Bucharest
• 21:10 (Nov 10) – Depart Bucharest (OTP)
• 23:25 (Nov 10) – Arrive Istanbul Airport (IST) — Tarom RO265

For almost the same airfare as Athens, I could swap the Acropolis for a stroll down wide boulevards, ornate Orthodox churches, and grand architecture that once earned Bucharest the nickname: “Little Paris of the East.”

And that’s the beauty of Layover Diaries: with a single flight tweak, an Umrah journey transforms into a European adventure you never thought possible.

🛂 Visa Requirements

For Malaysian passport holders (and several other nationalities), Romania requires a visa.

• Good news: If you already hold a valid multiple-entry Schengen visa or a valid visa/residence permit from the US, UK, or Ireland, you can enter Romania without an extra visa.
• Otherwise: You’ll need to apply for a Romanian visa in advance.

This makes Bucharest a bit trickier than Athens for a spontaneous layover. But if you qualify, it’s a golden opportunity.

🛫 From Airport to City

Henri Coandă International Airport (OTP) is about 18 km from downtown Bucharest. Transit is easy:

• Train: 25 minutes to Gara de Nord (Main Train Station), ~5 lei (€1).
• Bus 783 Express: Around 40 minutes to Piata Unirii (city center), ~3.5 lei (€0.70).
• Taxi / Bolt: ~30 minutes, €10–15.

With a layover of nearly 14 hours, you’ll have plenty of time to explore and return stress-free.

🏛️ What to See in 7 Hours

1. Palace of the Parliament

One of the heaviest buildings in the world (literally!), this massive structure is a symbol of Romania’s complex history. Even if you don’t go inside, the exterior is jaw-dropping. 👉 Visit the Palace of the Parliament with Bucharest: Palace of Parliament Tickets and Guide on Trip.com

2. Old Town (Centrul Vechi)

Cobblestone streets, 19th-century architecture, and lively cafes — this is where Bucharest’s Parisian charm shines. 👉 Enjoy this walking tour of Bucharest — book your tickets and guide through Trip.com

3. Romanian Athenaeum

A stunning concert hall that looks straight out of Paris. Quick photo stop recommended. 👉 Visit Romanian Athenaeum with Half-Day Tour of Bucharest by Trip.com

4. Revolution Square

A historic landmark where Romania’s communist era came to an end in 1989. 👉 Explore the Revolution Square (Piata Revolutiei) — book your tickets and guide through Trip.com

🍽️ Halal Food Options

Bucharest has a small but growing Muslim community. For halal food:

• Restaurant Four Seasons (Lebanese cuisine)
• Dristor Kebab (local favorite for shawarma and kebabs)
• Several Turkish-run eateries around the Old Town.

🕌 Prayer Spots

• Bucharest Mosque (Moscheea Din Colentina) is the main mosque in the city, about 20 minutes by taxi from the center.
• Alternatively, find a quiet park or halal restaurant corner for a short prayer break if pressed for time.

🚕 Tours You Can Pre-Book

If you want a structured layover, book a Bucharest half-day city tour on Trip.com. Most cover the Parliament Palace, Revolution Square, and Old Town — all within 5–6 hours, with pickup and drop-off at the airport possible.

🌍 Why Bucharest Is Worth It

Athens may boast the Acropolis, but Bucharest offers a different kind of magic — boulevards that echo Paris, mixed with Eastern European soul.

For just RM30 more than the Athens option, my Cairo → Istanbul leg could become a Romanian postcard memory instead of a Greek one.

And that’s what Layover Diaries is all about: finding adventure not by spending more, but by choosing smarter.

✈️ Athens vs. Bucharest — Which Layover Should You Choose?

👉 My Take:

• If you want something easy & iconic, go with Athens — no visa headaches, and the Acropolis is a bucket-list sight.
• If you want something unique & less touristy, and you already have a Schengen or UK/US visa, Bucharest is an underrated gem worth the detour.

Layover at a Glance: Bucharest

• Visa: Schengen visa required for Malaysians.
• Airport → City Center: 30–40 mins by bus (€2) or taxi (€15).
• Must-Sees: Palace of the Parliament, Old Town, Revolution Square.
• Halal Food: Several Turkish/Arab restaurants in Old Town.
• Prayer Spots: Bucharest Mosque (Constanța Gate area).
• Currency: 1 MYR ≈ 1 RON.
• Pro Tip: Old Town is compact — perfect for a walking tour.

🔗 Coming up next: Layover Diaries: Tashkent — Gateway to the Silk Road in Under 12 Hours

✈️ Disclaimer: Flight schedules, routes and prices mentioned in this post are based on searches at the time of writing and may no longer be available. Airlines frequently update their fares and layover durations. This guide is intended for educational and informational purposes only — to inspire you to explore layovers as part of your UmrahPlus or travel journey. Always confirm current details directly on Trip.com or with your chosen airline before booking.