A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Bucharest vs. Reims for Food, Couples, Attractions, and Nightlife

Should you visit Bucharest or Reims?

Which is cheaper to visit? Which is more expensive for vacation?

Which city should you visit? Read on to compare the activities as well as the prices of travel for Bucharest and Reims. We'll break down costs for accommodation, food, transportation and more to help you learn more about these two destinations. Then, you can figure out if either of these two places are accessible based on your travel budget, schedule, and interests. So, let's dig into it.

Bucharest

Bucharest is a historical, less touristy, and undiscovered city. Because this is such a big city, visitors will find many sights and attractions around town. Other popular activities here include shopping, museums, and nightlife.

Reims

Reims is a cultural, beautiful, and relaxing city. The beauty of this spot is also one of the main reasons why visitors come. And you can't forget about the shopping, museums, and nightlife.

Bucharest and Reims: Pros and Cons

Pros
  • Popular museums and historical sights
  • Active nightlife
  • Scenic old town
  • Good for backpackers and budget travelers
Things to Consider
  • Less popular for food
  • Less family-friendly
  • Less popular with couples
Pros
  • Popular museums and historical sights
  • Popular for food and cuisine
  • Active nightlife
  • Good for couples and romance
  • Good for backpackers and budget travelers
  • Impressive beauty
Things to Consider
  • Less family-friendly


Is there more to do in Bucharest or Reims?

Travelers will usually find more to do in Bucharest than Reims, as it is bigger with more sights, attractions, and activities for visitors. Bucharest is more popular for its historical sights and big city activities, while Reims is known for its food, shopping, and impressive beauty. Reims is more touristy than Bucharest and is known for its Champagne Houses, impressive architecture, and beautiful cathedral. Bucharest is popular for its wide avenues and longstanding religious institutions. It is also home to The Palace of Parliament.

How is Bucharest different from Reims?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

Let's take a look at the differences and similarities between Reims and Bucharest. Then, you can decide for yourself which place is better for your next trip.

Are the Museums and Historical Sights Better in Bucharest or Reims?

Bucharest
Reims

Plenty of people visit the good sights and museums in both Bucharest and Reims.

Bucharest offers a variety of museums and landmarks to choose from. The city is rich in landmarks and historical buildings. Popular sights include the Romanian Athenaeum, the Palace of the Parliament, Stavropoleos Church, and Curtea Veche.

If you're looking for an educational opportunity, there are a decent number of museums and historical sights around Reims. Sights around town include Cathédrale Notre-Dame de Reims, Palais du Tau, Basilique Saint-Rémi, and Musée des Beaux-Arts.


Is the Food Better in Bucharest or Reims? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Bucharest
Reims

Reims is renowned for its restaurant scene. Also, Bucharest is still popular, but not quite as popular for its local flavors and cuisine.

Eat your way through Reims, as it has many local or world renowned restaurants to choose from. While its famous for its Champagne, the city also has Michelin starred restaurants, local produce, and an amazing regional cuisine. The region is known for its ham, cheese, mustard, and truffles.

Bucharest is becoming an appealing option for foodies. Many Romanian recipes have been passed down through the generations and they still use traditional flavors. You'll see some German or Hungarian influences, but the flavors are still uniquely Romanian. Popular dishes include ciorba (tripe soup), cabbage rolls, and mici (grilled meat rolls).

Is Bucharest or Reims Better for Nightlife?

Bucharest
Reims

Party-goers will find similar levels of energy in Bucharest and Reims.

Bucharest has an active nightlife scene for those who seek it out. The city has come to life with its party scene, with many bars and clubs that you can choose from. There are rooftop bars, chic dance clubs, and cozy pubs where you can pass the evening. You'll find most of the upscale clubs in the northern part of the city, with a more casual scene found in the downtown areas around Universitate and Romanā.

If you're looking for night time activities Reims has a few options to choose from. The nightlife scene is relaxing but active. Most locals hang out with friends at local bars near Place Drouet d'Erlon or the Rue Chanzy area. Bars have a combination of local beers and Champagne.

Is Bucharest or Reims Better for its Old Town?

Bucharest
Reims

Bucharest is a nice place to visit for its historic old town charm. However, Reims does not have a historic old town.

Bucharest offers a nice historic old town area. The old town dates back to the 15th and 16th centuries, with much of the historical charm seen in the architecture. Many of the buildings have been restored, but others are still awaiting repairs. This gives the area a sense of authenticity that you often miss in other old towns.

Reims does not have a historic old town.


Is the Shopping Better in Bucharest or Reims?

Bucharest
Reims

Reims is well known for its shopping opportunities. Also, Bucharest is still popular, but not quite as popular for its shopping areas.

Reims is a popular shopping destination with plenty of stores. You'll find not only Champagne, but also jewellry, designer fashion, and chocolate. The best shopping is located around the Place Drouet d'Erlon which is a pedestrian area. Also check out the shopping streets of Rue de Vesle and Cours Langlet.

Bucharest has a variety of shopping areas worth visiting. The residents love fashion, and you'll find many shopping centers around town where you can find a good deal. In addition to the many malls, there are also antique shops, flea markets and boutique clothing stores where you might find a hidden gem.

Is Bucharest or Reims Better for Families?

Bucharest
Reims

Most people don't think of either Bucharest or Reims as a family destination.

Bucharest doesn't usually come to mind when thinking about kid-friendly destinations. Kid-friendly activities include kid's play areas, museums such as the Museum of the Senses, and water centered activities like rowing in the park or visiting the wellness center Therme.

For families, Reims is not always the best place to visit. Kids will enjoy exploring the historical city center or visiting the Palace of Tau. For a unique activity, view the region from above with a hot air balloon ride.

Is Bucharest or Reims Better for Couples?

Bucharest
Reims

Reims is renowned for its romantic activities. However, Bucharest is not particularly known for couples.

Reims is fantastic couple's destination with fun and romantic activities. This romantic area is perfect for couples who enjoy wine and history. There is beautiful architecture as well as wine tours and breathtaking hot air balloon rides. Visiting the Champagne Houses is a must for any couple visiting the area.

Bucharest is not always the best place to visit for a couple. The city has some romantic settings such as wandering down Victory Avenue or exploring the historic Cotroceni Neighbourhood. There are also several gardens and a number of nice cafes to explore.


Is Bucharest or Reims Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Bucharest
Reims

Bucharest and Reims are good places to visit for backpackers and budget travelers.

Plenty of backpackers visit Bucharest. The city is affordable, but it's often overlooked by backpackers. Part of the charm for many is the sense of authenticity that can often be hard to find in travel these days.

Plenty of budget travelers visit Reims. It's located in the Champagne region, which isn't often associated with backpackers, but it's still not to be missed.

Is Bucharest or Reims Better for Public Transit? Which Is Easier to Get Around Without a Car?

Bucharest
Reims

Bucharest is well known for its public transit. Also, Reims is still popular, but not quite as popular for times when you don't have a car.

Bucharest offers a very effecient public transportation network. Public transit options include trams, buses, and trolley buses.

While Reims offers some public transit options, it might not be your first choice. In town there are buses and trams, but to get into the countryside you'll need your own car.

Is Bucharest or Reims a more walkable city?

Bucharest
Reims

Reims is well known for its high level of walkability. Also, Bucharest is still popular, but not quite as popular for its ease of walking around.

Reims is a very walkable city. You can explore the city on foot and reach many local Champagne Houses. If you really want to explore everything in depth, you'll need a car.

Bucharest is a somewhat walkable city. Many of the tourist attractions are within a walkable area.


For even more information, also check out Is Bucharest Worth Visiting? and Is Reims Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Reims or Bucharest?

How long in Bucharest or Reims?

In either Bucharest or Reims, you'll find plenty of activities to fill your time. Most visitors tend to spend more time in Reims than Bucharest because of the overall number of sights and activities. Usually, 1-3 days is a good amount of time for Bucharest, and 2-5 days is enough time in Reims.

Families should spend more time in Reims than Bucharest. Because of the many family-friendly attractions and fun things to do for kids in Reims, it's a great place to visit with the whole family.

Couples should spend more time in Reims than Bucharest. You'll find plenty of romantic sights and fun activities in Reims that are perfect for a weekend getaway or a longer couple's trip.

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Reims than Bucharest if your budget allows for it. With a larger number of budget-friendly sights, good nightlife, and active things to do, anyone traveling on a budget would have a good time in Reims.


  • How many days in Bucharest or Reims? Ideal Length of Stay
    Bucharest 1-3 
    Reims 2-5

One day in Bucharest or Reims?

In Bucharest, many people enjoy the shopping and museums that this charming destination offers. This city offers a variety of activities to choose from. Because of this, one day is usually enough time for a trip here.

You'll find shopping and museums around the city of Reims. Since there is so much to do in the area, one day is probably not enough for all of it. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do.

A weekend in Bucharest or Reims?

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Bucharest. For many, it makes a great getaway for a weekend. This would be the perfect place to spend a weekend, as it has just the right amount of activities. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision.

You'll find museums and nightlife around the relaxing destination of Reims. This is a popular place to visit for a weekend.A weekend should give you a good understanding of everything this city has to offer. This city offers a variety of activities to choose from.

Five days in Bucharest or Reims?

Bucharest is a fun place to experience. Travelers enjoy the nightlife and food when visiting the destination of Bucharest. Most people find that five days is more than enough time to see everything.

You'll find nightlife and food around the scenic city of Reims. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision. If you have five days, this city makes for a great vacation. Most people head to the area for the food. Five days should give you a good understanding of everything this city has to offer.


A week in Bucharest or Reims?

You'll find food and shopping around the undiscovered destination of Bucharest. Take your pick from the many activities offered here. One week is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare.

Reims is a popular choice for travelers. One week is usually plenty of time to spend here with extra days to spare. With this much time, visitors often visit nearby destinations or take day trips. It will give you the chance to have new experiences.


For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best One-Week (7-Day) Tours from Bucharest, The Best Family-Friendly Tours to Romania, The Best Historical Tours in France, and The Best 10-Day Tours in France.


Which place is cheaper, Reims or Bucharest?

These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.

The average daily cost (per person) in Bucharest is $137, while the average daily cost in Reims is $140. These costs include accommodation (assuming double occupancy, so the traveler is sharing the room), food, transportation, and entertainment. While every person is different, these costs are an average of past travelers in each destination. What follows is a categorical breakdown of travel costs for Bucharest and Reims in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Bucharest $63
    Reims $71
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Bucharest $126
    Reims $142
Compare Hotels in Bucharest and Reims

Looking for a hotel in Bucharest or Reims? Prices vary by location, date, season, and the level of luxury. See below for options and compare which is best for your budget and travel style.

Hotels in Bucharest


Hotels in Reims


Kayak helps you find the best prices for hotels, flights, and rental cars for destinations around the world. Compare prices for multiple destinations when planning your next trip.


Our Analysis
We've analyzed the average and typical hotel prices based on guest reviews, star ratings, and hotel amenities here: Bucharest Hotel Prices and Reims Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Bucharest $26
    Reims $42

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Bucharest

Some specific examples of transportation prices in Bucharest:

  • Bucharest to Drobeta Turnu Severin - Private Transfer - Driver and Car: $207
  • ATV Adrenaline Race in Carpathian with Private Transfer: $141
  • Airport Bucharest Transfer: $54
  • Airport Henri Coanda (Otopeni) to Bucharest - Private Transfer - Driver: $43
  • Airport Private Transfer - to or from any Bucharest hotel: $64
  • Airport Transfer Bucharest - Brasov ,Brasov- Bucharest: $65
  • Airport to Bucharest - Private Transfer from Henri Coanda Airport OTP Otopeni : $43
  • Airport to Bucharest /Private Transfer from OTP Henri Coanda: $39
  • Arrival Private Transfer from Bucharest Airport OTP to Brasov in Business Car: $147
  • Arrival Private Transfers from Bucharest Airport OTP to Bucharest City: $65
  • Arrival Private Transfers from Bucharest Airport OTP to Bucharest City: $51
  • Arrival Private Transfers: Bucharest Airport OTP to Bran Castle of Dracula: $240

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Reims

Some specific examples of transportation prices in Reims:

  • From Transfer and Drive Through the Champagne Region: $856
  • Private Transfer From Reims To Paris, 2 Hour Stop in Epernay: $227

Is it cheaper to fly into Bucharest or Reims?

Prices for flights to both Reims and Bucharest change regularly based on dates and travel demand. We suggest you find the best prices for your next trip on Kayak, because you can compare the cost of flights across multiple airlines for your prefered dates.





Food
  • Food Meals for one day
    Bucharest $58
    Reims $43

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Bucharest

Also, here are some specific examples of food and dining related activities in Bucharest.

  • Dinner at the Museum of Communism - Traditional Food Tour: $53
  • Bohemian Bucharest Markets and Mahallas Traditional Food Tour: $60
  • Cooking Class traditional food: $65
  • Street Food Tour with a Local Guide: $74
  • Unhealthy Food Tour of Bucharest – 4 hours: $75
  • Bucharest Evening Tour and Traditional Dinner: $84
  • Bucharest Evening Tour and Traditional Dinner - 3 hours: $86
  • Private Walking Food Tour - Culture, History & Traditions: $98
  • Historical and Cultural Tour with Romanian Cuisine dinner: $141
  • Cooking Class in Transylvania - Day Tour from Bucharest: $182
  • 4-Hour Walking Food Tour in the Old Town: $202

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Bucharest $15
    Reims $20

Tours and Activities in Bucharest

Here are a few actual costs in Bucharest for available activities, ticket prices, and tours:

  • Tour Reyes y Palacios Bucarest: $11
  • Reptiland Bucharest Entry Ticket: $13
  • Communism Walking Tour from Lenin to Ceausescu in Bucharest: $13
  • A Tale of Bucharest Old Town Walking Tour: $16
  • City Highlights Guided Walking Tour: $17
  • Bucharest Highlights Walking Tour: $17
  • Calea Victoriei and Old Town Highlights Tour: $19
  • Parliament Palace Skip-the-line Ticket: $20
  • Palace of Parliament Bucharest 1 Hour Guided Tour: $21
  • Virtual Reality Experience: $21
  • Buchaest: Peles Castle, Bran Castle, & Brasov Old Town Tour: $21
  • Guided Tour at museum Casa Storck: $21

Tours and Activities in Reims

Here are a few actual costs in Reims for available activities, ticket prices, and tours:

  • First Discovery Walk and Reading Walking Tour: $3.21
  • Reims Scavenger Hunt and Best Landmarks Self-Guided Tour: $6.56
  • City Exploration Game and Tour: $6.95
  • Self-Guided Highlights Scavenger Hunt & Walking Tour: $6.95
  • Guided Tour of Cathedral of Notre Dame de Reims: $9.62
  • Reims UNESCO site: Basilica of Saint-Remi Guided Tour: $9.62
  • Reims Art Deco guided tour: $9.62
  • Reims Cathedral of Notre Dame Guided Tour: $9.83
  • Reims : city-center discovery tour and champagne tasting: $16
  • Discovery tour (2 tastings): $20
  • Entrance ticket to Pressoria in the heart of Champagne with Tasting: $20
  • Champagne Guy De Chassey: Traditional Tour & Tasting: $27

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Bucharest $9.17
    Reims $24

Sample the Local Flavors in Bucharest

Also in Bucharest, these are the prices for nightlife and alcohol related activities from various tour providers:

  • Weekend Pub Crawl: $24
  • Bucharest Pub Crawl in the Old Town: $25
  • From Romanian Wine Tasting Tour: $26
  • Bachelors Party in Custom Bar Crawl: $37
  • Private Bar Crawling in Bucharest Old City: $43
  • Private Wine Tasting in Bucharest: $43
  • Pub Crawl in the Old CIty and Rooftop Hopping in Bucharest: $47
  • Romanian Wine Tasting: $49
  • Private Romanian Wine Tasting in Urlați: $51
  • Bucharest Old Town Pub and Bar Crawl with Guide: $57
  • Bucharest VIP Bar Crawl in Lipscani 'Old Town': $59
  • Bucharest City Tour and Wine Tasting: $84


When comparing the travel costs between Bucharest and Reims, we can see that Reims is more expensive. However, the two cities are actually relatively comparable in price, as the difference is somewhat minimal. Generally, this means that you could travel with generally the same travel style and level of luxury in each place. Since both cities are in Europe, it's no surprise that their costs are relatively close, as many destinations here have somewhat similar travel prices overall.

If you're trying to decide if either of these two destinations are within your price range, also see Is Bucharest Expensive? and Is Reims Expensive?.


Which is Bigger, Bucharest or Reims?

Bucharest has a larger population, and is about 10 times larger than the population of Reims. When comparing the sizes of Bucharest and Reims, keep in mind that a larger population does not always imply the destination has more attractions or better activities. So, always research the type of place that you want to visit along with the activities and attractions that interest you.


When is the best time to visit Bucharest or Reims?

Both destinations experience a temperate climate with four distinct seasons. And since both cities are in the northern hemisphere, summer is in July and winter is in January.

Should I visit Bucharest or Reims in the Summer?

Both Reims and Bucharest are popular destinations to visit in the summer with plenty of activities. Many visitors come to Bucharest in the summer for the city activities and the family-friendly experiences. Also, most visitors come to Reims for the family-friendly experiences during these months.

In the summer, Bucharest is a little warmer than Reims. Typically, the summer temperatures in Bucharest in July average around 23°C (73°F), and Reims averages at about 19°C (65°F).

It's quite sunny in Reims. The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Bucharest. Bucharest usually receives more sunshine than Reims during summer. Bucharest gets 289 hours of sunny skies, while Reims receives 235 hours of full sun in the summer.

In July, Bucharest usually receives more rain than Reims. Bucharest gets 64 mm (2.5 in) of rain, while Reims receives 52 mm (2 in) of rain each month for the summer.


  • Summer Average Temperatures July
    Bucharest 23°C (73°F) 
    Reims 19°C (65°F)

Should I visit Bucharest or Reims in the Autumn?

Both Reims and Bucharest during the autumn are popular places to visit. Most visitors come to Bucharest for the city's sights and attractions and the shopping scene during these months. Also, the autumn months attract visitors to Reims because of the shopping scene and the natural beauty of the area.

In October, Bucharest is generally around the same temperature as Reims. Daily temperatures in Bucharest average around 13°C (55°F), and Reims fluctuates around 12°C (53°F).

In the autumn, Bucharest often gets more sunshine than Reims. Bucharest gets 177 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Reims receives 122 hours of full sun.

Bucharest usually gets less rain in October than Reims. Bucharest gets 32 mm (1.3 in) of rain, while Reims receives 52 mm (2 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    Bucharest 13°C (55°F) 
    Reims 12°C (53°F)

Should I visit Bucharest or Reims in the Winter?

The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Bucharest and Reims. The winter months attract visitors to Bucharest because of the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine. Also, the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine are the main draw to Reims this time of year.

It's quite cold in Reims in the winter. The weather in Bucharest can be very cold. Bucharest is much colder than Reims in the winter. The daily temperature in Bucharest averages around -1°C (29°F) in January, and Reims fluctuates around 3°C (37°F).

Bucharest usually receives more sunshine than Reims during winter. Bucharest gets 71 hours of sunny skies, while Reims receives 50 hours of full sun in the winter.

In January, Bucharest usually receives less rain than Reims. Bucharest gets 40 mm (1.6 in) of rain, while Reims receives 44 mm (1.7 in) of rain each month for the winter.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    Bucharest -1°C (29°F) 
    Reims 3°C (37°F)

Should I visit Bucharest or Reims in the Spring?

The spring brings many poeple to Bucharest as well as Reims. The activities around the city are the main draw to Bucharest this time of year. Also, many travelers come to Reims for the natural beauty.

In the spring, Bucharest is a little warmer than Reims. Typically, the spring temperatures in Bucharest in April average around 12°C (54°F), and Reims averages at about 9°C (49°F).

In the spring, Bucharest often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Reims. Bucharest gets 185 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Reims receives 172 hours of full sun.

Bucharest usually gets around the same amount of rain in April as Reims. Bucharest gets 46 mm (1.8 in) of rain, while Reims receives 43 mm (1.7 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    Bucharest 12°C (54°F) 
    Reims 9°C (49°F)

Typical Weather for Reims and Bucharest

Bucharest Reims
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan -1°C (29°F) 40 mm (1.6 in) 3°C (37°F) 44 mm (1.7 in)
Feb 1°C (34°F) 36 mm (1.4 in) 4°C (39°F) 42 mm (1.7 in)
Mar 6°C (43°F) 38 mm (1.5 in) 7°C (44°F) 51 mm (2 in)
Apr 12°C (54°F) 46 mm (1.8 in) 9°C (49°F) 43 mm (1.7 in)
May 18°C (64°F) 70 mm (2.8 in) 13°C (56°F) 60 mm (2.4 in)
Jun 21°C (70°F) 77 mm (3 in) 17°C (62°F) 59 mm (2.3 in)
Jul 23°C (73°F) 64 mm (2.5 in) 19°C (65°F) 52 mm (2 in)
Aug 22°C (72°F) 58 mm (2.3 in) 18°C (65°F) 49 mm (1.9 in)
Sep 18°C (65°F) 42 mm (1.7 in) 16°C (60°F) 50 mm (2 in)
Oct 13°C (55°F) 32 mm (1.3 in) 12°C (53°F) 52 mm (2 in)
Nov 6°C (44°F) 49 mm (1.9 in) 7°C (44°F) 53 mm (2.1 in)
Dec 1°C (34°F) 43 mm (1.7 in) 4°C (39°F) 50 mm (2 in)