Things To Do
in Chitila
Chitila is a small town in Ilfov County just northwest of Bucharest, offering a quiet rural counterpoint to the capital’s bustle. It blends agricultural landscapes with modest residential areas and convenient rail and road links to the city. The town serves as a practical base for exploring northern Bucharest metropolitan outskirts and the surrounding Ilfov countryside.
Visitors can enjoy local markets, traditional Romanian eateries, and easy access to Bucharest’s cultural sights.
Day Trips
Spend a day exploring around
Start your day with a visit to the local Orthodox church, admiring its stunning architecture and serene environment. Enjoy a leisurely breakfast at a nearby café, where you can try traditional Romanian pastries. Afterward, take a stroll through the charming streets, soaking in the small-town vibe and interacting with friendly locals.
Head to a local market to experience the vibrant culture and sample fresh produce, homemade cheeses, and artisanal goods. You can also visit a small museum that showcases Chitila's history, providing insight into the region's past. Enjoy lunch at a local eatery, trying dishes like mămăligă or sarmale.
As the sun sets, find a cozy spot in a park to unwind and reflect on your day. Dine at a family-run restaurant that offers authentic Romanian cuisine, where you can savor hearty meals. End your evening with a leisurely walk through the illuminated streets, taking in the peaceful ambiance of Chitila at night.
Catch an early train to Bucharest, enjoying the picturesque countryside along the way. Begin your exploration in the historic center, wandering through cobbled streets and visiting landmarks such as the Romanian Athenaeum. Stop for brunch at a café and sip on some strong Romanian coffee.
Visit the Palace of the Parliament, one of the largest administrative buildings in the world, and take a guided tour to learn about its history and architecture. Explore the vibrant neighborhoods of Lipscani and Cotroceni, filled with shops, galleries, and quaint cafes. Grab lunch at a bistro, relishing the city's dynamic culinary scene.
Experience Bucharest's nightlife by heading to a trendy bar or club, where you can enjoy live music and mingle with locals. Alternatively, visit a cozy wine cellar to taste some of Romania's finest wines. Conclude the day with a peaceful night train back to Chitila, reflecting on the vibrant atmosphere of the capital.
Prices
| Item | Price |
|---|---|
| 🍔Meal at inexpensive restaurant | $8-12 |
| 🥗Lunch for 2 in a mid-range restaurant | $25-40 |
| 🏨One night in a mid-range hotel | $60-120 |
| ☕Coffee | $2-4 |
| 🚌Monthly public transport pass | $15-25 |
Strengths and Weaknesses
- Close proximity to Bucharest with easy access to the capital's attractions
- Quieter, less crowded than central Bucharest
- Affordable lodging and dining options
- Good base for exploring Ilfov countryside
- Limited nightlife and major sights within town limits
- Public transport outside Bucharest center can be less frequent
- Seasonal traffic around peak hours
- "Bună ziua" - Hello/Good day
- "Mulțumesc" - Thank you
- "Vă rog" - Please
- "Cât costă?" - How much does it cost?
- "Unde este toaleta?" - Where is the bathroom?
- "Vorbiți engleză?" - Do you speak English?
- "Nu înțeleg" - I don’t understand
- "Mă poate ajuta cineva?" - Can someone help me?
Places to Visit in Chitila
Visit one of these nice places.
A lively hub with traditional storefronts, weekly markets, and local color ideal for street photography.
Colorful domes and architectural details provide opportunities for detail shots and portraits.
Open fields and distant treelines offer wide-angle landscape scenes with golden-hour light.
Industrial-rail junctions and lines juxtapose modernity with rural life for dynamic compositions.
Food in Chitila
Chitila Famous Food
Signature dishes, delicacies and famous food
Grilled rolls of seasoned minced meat, typically served with bread, mustard, and pickles.
Must-Try!
Cabbage leaves stuffed with seasoned meat and rice, slow-cooked to melding flavors.
Tangy tripe soup enriched with sour cream and vinegar, a Romanian classic.
Polenta served with brânză (cheese) and smântână (sour cream); simple, satisfying comfort food.
Food Markets
Explore local food markets
Weekly market with fresh produce, dairy, bread, and local snacks; great for tasting everyday Romanian fare.
Casual stalls offering grilled corn, mici, pastries, and quick bites typical of Romanian street fare.
Weather
How to Behave
Tips on cultural norms and respectful behavior
Use 'Bună ziua' (Good day) or 'Bună dimineața/ seara' depending on time; address people with proper courtesy, especially elders.
Polite conversation is valued; avoid loud, disruptive behavior in public spaces; show appreciation for hosts.
Keep hands visible, wait for everyone to be served, and try local specialties with curiosity and appreciation.
Safety
Tipping in Chitila
Ensure a smooth experience
Tipping of 5-10% in restaurants if service is good; rounding up at casual eateries is common.
Cash and cards are widely accepted; contactless payments are common; ATMs are widely available in town and nearby Bucharest.
Best Time to Visit
And what to expect in different seasons...
Mild days with blossoms; bring a light jacket and an early-start mindset for pleasant walks.
Warm to hot days; stay hydrated, use sunscreen, and plan outdoor activities for early morning or late afternoon.
Cooler temperatures with colorful foliage; ideal for scenic drives and forest walks.
Cold with potential snowfall; layer up, wear sturdy shoes, and expect shorter daylight hours.
Chitila at Night
Hiking in Chitila
Immerse in an unforgettable hike.
Forest areas with easy-to-moderate trails near Bucharest’s northern outskirts.
Forest and lake area with woodland trails suitable for day hikes.
East of Bucharest; tranquil forest trails and lakes offering longer walks and photography opportunities.
Airports
How to reach Chitila by plane.
Bucharest’s main international gateway near Otopeni; about 25-35 km from Chitila; good rail and road connections.
Smaller airport near Băneasa; closer to Chitila and primarily serves domestic and limited international flights.
Walkability
Demographics
Explore demographics in this area.
Many local families and commuters reside in Chitila and nearby towns.
People traveling to Bucharest for work or education, leveraging rail and road links.
A mix of longtime locals and newcomers attracted by proximity to the capital.
Popular Sports
Explore popular sports in region.
The region’s most popular sport with local clubs and casual play.
Common in parks and clubs; suitable for a range of skill levels.
Flat to gently rolling routes around Chitila and the Ilfov outskirts are ideal for cyclists.
Traffic
Accomodations
Find the best place to stay when visiting Chitila.
Dietary Restrictions
Tips for restricted diets.
Many spots offer vegetarian options such as mamăligă with cheese, bean dishes, seasonal salads, and vegetable stews. When dining out, ask for vegetables, beans, or cheese-based plates, and consider sharing portions to avoid waste.