I did struggle to like Bucharest as well (the town I'm originally from in Scotland had a similar problem with stray dogs!) hence being so keen to catch the train into Transylvania. Thankfully, CFR have a number of new trains, so it has been improving. Working there, too, I had the benefit of locals' advice.

WizzAir, although never the most pleasant experience, do have a number of interesting routes to CEE (including to Ukraine, which is one I'd like to try...)