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

Should you visit Bucharest or Seattle?

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 Seattle. 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 nightlife, food, and shopping.

Seattle

Seattle is a progressive, cultural, and outdoorsy city. Travelers will also find plenty of sights and attractions here, as it's a big city that attracts lots of visitors. It's a beautiful place to visit, too. And you can't forget about the food, beaches, and hiking.

Bucharest and Seattle: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Bucharest or Seattle?

Visitors will generally find more to do in Seattle than Bucharest. While Bucharest is larger than Seattle, Seattle has more sights, attractions, and activities for tourists. Seattle is more popular for its museums, theatre productions, food, nightlife, music, beaches, hiking, big city activities, and impressive beauty, while Bucharest is known for its historical sights. Seattle is more touristy than Bucharest and is known for its beautiful waterfront setting, diverse culinary scene, thriving art and cultural venues, and being the home of many international tech companies. It is also home to The Space Needle. Bucharest is popular for its wide avenues and longstanding religious institutions.

How is Bucharest different from Seattle?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

Let's take a look at the differences and similarities between Seattle 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 Seattle?

Seattle is well known for its museums and landmarks. Also, Bucharest is still popular, but not quite as popular for its historical sights.

Visitors can fill many days exploring the museums and attractions around Seattle. The city's most iconic landmark is the Space Needle. There's also a zoo, aquarium, and a handful of nice museums. Several favorites include the Chihuly Garden and Glass, the Museum of History & Industry, and the Seattle Art Museum.

If you're looking for an educational opportunity, there are a decent number of museums and historical sights around Bucharest. 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.

Is Bucharest or Seattle Better for Theater?

Seattle is a good destination for its theatre productions. However, Bucharest is not a theatre destination.

With some theater and performance venues, you might want to see a show in Seattle. There are a handful of theaters where you can enjoy traveling Broadway shows or smaller productions.

Bucharest is not a theatre destination.

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

Seattle is well known for its restaurant scene. Also, Bucharest is still popular, but not quite as popular for its local flavors and cuisine.

Eating is part of the travel experience when you visit Seattle. The city has many diverse dining options that make it a popular foodie destination. The seafood is world-class with many restaurants offering fresh caught salmon and oysters. There are also many great Asian restaurants with Pho, sushi, and dim sum all being popular around town. Seattle is also famous as the birthplace of Starbucks coffee, and both chain and independent coffee shops are common. Finally, make sure you check out the donuts at Pike's Place Market.

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 Seattle Better for Nightlife?

Seattle is well known for nightlife and partying. Also, Bucharest is still popular, but not quite as popular for its evening party scene.

Seattle is a popular destination for visitors looking to party into the night. The city is known for its breweries and eclectic nightlife scene. There is a thriving theater scene as well as many bars and trendy restaurants. The best neighborhoods for nightlife include Capitol Hill, Belltown, and Downtown.

If you're looking for night time activities Bucharest has a few options to choose from. 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.

Is Bucharest or Seattle Better for Music?

Seattle is well known for its live music scene. However, Bucharest is not a live music destination.

Music is a popular form of entertainment in Seattle. The city has developed its own music culture around several genres including alternative rock and grunge.

Bucharest is not a live music destination.

Is Bucharest or Seattle Better for Beaches?

Seattle is a good destination for the beache. However, Bucharest is not a beach destination.

Seattle offers a nice beach destination. The city is surrounded by water so there are a number of rocky and sandy beaches nearby. Some beaches are more popular with locals while others attract a large amount of tourists. Alki Beach Park, Discovery Park, and Golden Gardens Park are among the best.

Bucharest is not a beach destination.

Is Bucharest or Seattle Better for its Old Town?

Bucharest is a nice place to visit for its historic old town charm. However, Seattle 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.

Seattle does not have a historic old town.

Is Bucharest or Seattle Better for Hiking?

Seattle is well known for its hiking experiences. However, Bucharest is not a hiking destination.

You'll find a nice variety of hiking trails around Seattle. It's famously an outdoorsy city and the hiking will not disappoint. Within a half hour drive of town you'll find beautiful forests and stunning natural beauty. Head into the Cascades, to the coastal rainforests, or around Mount Rainier for all kinds of diverse landscapes. Seattle is well situated for you to experience hiking through the diverse Pacific Northwest landscapes.

Bucharest is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Bucharest or Seattle?

Shopping is a popular activity in both Seattle and Bucharest.

Bucharest offers some nice shopping areas. 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.

Seattle has a variety of shopping areas worth visiting. Shopping in town has an eclectic mix of high end brands, local vendors, and vintage shops. There are farmers markets as well as the famous Pike Place Market, but also major malls with all of the standard department stores.

Is Bucharest or Seattle Better for Families?

Seattle is a good destination for its family-friendly activities. However, Bucharest is not particularly known for its kid-friendly activities.

You'll find plenty of kid-friendly things to do in Seattle. This is an outdoor city with plenty of places where kids can run around and experience nature. There are several good museums as well as outdoor activities, parks, and a zoo. Make sure you check out the Burke Museum of Natural History and Culture, Volunteer Park, and Artists at Play Playground.

For families, Bucharest is not always the best place to visit. 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.

Is Bucharest or Seattle Better for Couples?

Seattle is a good destination for its romantic activities. However, Bucharest is not particularly known for couples.

Seattle makes for a fun place to visit for a couple. The city has a laid back vibe, a nice downtown area, and plenty of outdoor activities. There are a diversity of restaurants to enjoy and a great nightlife scene that makes for a good couple's getaway.

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 Seattle Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Bucharest and Seattle 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 Seattle. Although it's not the most popular city for backpackers in America, the city's chill vibe, fun breweries, and lively setting make it a great spot for young backpackers.

Is Bucharest or Seattle Better for Students?

Seattle is well known for students. However, Bucharest is not popular with students.

Many students visit Seattle. It is a major IT center with a large university, so international students will have plenty of opportunities here. It's also a vibrant city with many outdoor recreational opportunities and a fun nightlife scene.

Bucharest is not popular with students.

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

Bucharest is notable for its public transit. Also, Seattle is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit 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.

Seattle has some public transit options. There is a light rail system, a monorail, a street car, and buses.

Is Bucharest or Seattle a more walkable city?

Seattle 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.

Seattle is a very walkable city. Many neighborhoods are very walkable, particularly in the downtown and major tourist areas.

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 Seattle Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Seattle or Bucharest?

How long in Bucharest or Seattle?

Visitors can find plenty of fun things to do in both Bucharest and Seattle. In our opinion, Seattle has more to see and do, so we recommend spending more time in Seattle than Bucharest. In general, 1-3 days is a good amount of time for Bucharest, and 2-3 days is enough time in Seattle.

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

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

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Seattle 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 Seattle.

One day in Bucharest or Seattle?

In Bucharest, you'll find nightlife and food. This city offers something for everyone. This would be the perfect place to spend one day, as it has just the right amount of activities.

People visit Seattle because there is so much to do. Hiking can easily take up a good amount of your time here, too. 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 Seattle?

In Bucharest, you'll find food and shopping. The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel. A weekend here is typical. A weekend is a great amount of time to relax and see the many things that Bucharest has to offer.

People visit Seattle because there is so much to do. Hikers are also drawn to this area. 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 Seattle?

Bucharest is a great place to explore. Five days is more than enough time to enjoy everything. Take some day trips to nearby places to fill the extra days. Anyone can find something fun to do here.

Travelers enjoy the nightlife and live music when visiting the outdoorsy city of Seattle. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision. Many visitors also spend a good bit of time hiking. Five days is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare.

A week in Bucharest or Seattle?

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Bucharest. Many people enjoy the museums and nightlife when visiting Bucharest. One week may feel like too much time unless you plan to do a lot of relaxing.

Seattle is a popular choice for travelers. Make sure you spend some time hiking while you're in the area. 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 One-Week (7-Day) Tours from Las Vegas, and The Best One-Week (7-Day) Tours from Anchorage.

When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Bucharest and Seattle, we can see that Seattle is more expensive. And not only is Bucharest much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. Since Bucharest is in Europe and Seattle is in North America, this is one of the main reasons why the costs are so different, as different regions of the world tend to have overall different travel costs. So, traveling to Bucharest would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Bucharest and be able to afford a more luxurious travel style by staying in nicer hotels, eating at more expensive restaurants, taking tours, and experiencing more activities. The same level of travel in Seattle would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Seattle than you might in Bucharest.

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

Which is Bigger, Bucharest or Seattle?

Bucharest has a larger population, and is about 3 times larger than the population of Seattle. When comparing the sizes of Bucharest and Seattle, 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 Seattle?

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 Seattle in the Summer?

The summer attracts plenty of travelers to both Bucharest and Seattle. Many visitors come to Bucharest in the summer for the city activities and the family-friendly experiences. Also, most visitors come to Seattle for the beaches, the hiking, the city activities, the music scene, and the family-friendly experiences during these months.

In the summer, Bucharest is a little warmer than Seattle. Typically, the summer temperatures in Bucharest in July average around 23°C (73°F), and Seattle averages at about 67°F (19°C).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Seattle this time of the year. In Bucharest, it's very sunny this time of the year. Bucharest usually receives less sunshine than Seattle during summer. Bucharest gets 289 hours of sunny skies, while Seattle receives 313 hours of full sun in the summer.

In July, Bucharest usually receives more rain than Seattle. Bucharest gets 64 mm (2.5 in) of rain, while Seattle receives 0.9 inches (22 mm) of rain each month for the summer.

Should I visit Bucharest or Seattle in the Autumn?

The autumn brings many poeple to Bucharest as well as Seattle. 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 Seattle because of the hiking trails, the city's sights and attractions, the shopping scene, the music scene, and the natural beauty of the area.

In October, Bucharest is generally around the same temperature as Seattle. Daily temperatures in Bucharest average around 13°C (55°F), and Seattle fluctuates around 54°F (12°C).

In the autumn, Bucharest often gets more sunshine than Seattle. Bucharest gets 177 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Seattle receives 143 hours of full sun.

Bucharest usually gets less rain in October than Seattle. Bucharest gets 32 mm (1.3 in) of rain, while Seattle receives 3.3 inches (83 mm) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Bucharest or Seattle in the Winter?

Both Seattle and Bucharest are popular destinations to visit in the winter with plenty of activities. The winter months attract visitors to Bucharest because of the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine. Also, the museums, the shopping scene, the theater shows, and the cuisine are the main draw to Seattle this time of year.

The weather in Bucharest can be very cold. Bucharest is much colder than Seattle in the winter. The daily temperature in Bucharest averages around -1°C (29°F) in January, and Seattle fluctuates around 42°F (5°C).

Bucharest usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Seattle during winter. Bucharest gets 71 hours of sunny skies, while Seattle receives 67 hours of full sun in the winter.

It rains a lot this time of the year in Seattle. In January, Bucharest usually receives less rain than Seattle. Bucharest gets 40 mm (1.6 in) of rain, while Seattle receives 5.4 inches (136 mm) of rain each month for the winter.

Should I visit Bucharest or Seattle in the Spring?

Both Seattle and Bucharest during the spring are popular places to visit. The activities around the city are the main draw to Bucharest this time of year. Furthermore, many travelers come to Seattle for the beaches, the activities around the city, and the natural beauty.

In the spring, Bucharest is a little warmer than Seattle. Typically, the spring temperatures in Bucharest in April average around 12°C (54°F), and Seattle averages at about 51°F (11°C).

In Seattle, it's very sunny this time of the year. In the spring, Bucharest often gets less sunshine than Seattle. Bucharest gets 185 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Seattle receives 212 hours of full sun.

Bucharest usually gets less rain in April than Seattle. Bucharest gets 46 mm (1.8 in) of rain, while Seattle receives 2.5 inches (64 mm) of rain this time of the year.

Typical Weather for Seattle and Bucharest