Where to Stay in Bucharest → Local Guide to 6 Top Areas

Planning a fun holiday to Romania’s capital?

Well, I am Romanian and I have lived in Bucharest for many years now and have countless tips that will make your trip unforgettable! I am very happy to hear you are interested in visiting my motherland and I am excited to virtually show you around and explain all about the areas in the city!

Firstly I can vouch that the Old Town is the best area where to stay in Bucharest! It’s filled with iconic tourist attractions and cool hotels. 

Still, Bucharest is pretty big and has other neighborhoods that are just as fun! Below I included 6 in total that are super convenient for tourists and explain the vibe of each of them. On top of that I also manually compared all accommodation options out there and hand-picked the ones with the best reviews (this includes all price ranges – not only luxury but also budget and mid-range). 

This way you will be able to easily book your ideal place in just a couple of clicks!

Note: Bucharest is actually becoming a hot spot for tourists, especially in the summer so I recommend booking your hotel in advance!

If you are in a hurry

Need to book your hotels ASAP? Then check out this short list with the top places, all set in central Bucharest:

Here is a map of all the areas of Bucharest that I will be discussing to help you visualize their locations.

1. Old Town (incl. Lipscani) – best area for first timers

Welcome to the Old Town! A favorite area for most tourists where you can find gorgeous pre-war architecture, traditional restaurants, souvenir shops and countless clubs.

One of best things about the historic centre is that you can explore most of it on foot and get a first look at the local attractions like the 19th century Macca-Vilacrosse Passage (map), the countless churches (Stavropoleos Monastery is a must-see) and University’s Square (Piața Universității).

There are many more and I think 2 of my favorite places here are the National Museum of Romanian History which has the country’s national treasury (great spot for anyone who loves really-old jewels) and also Cărturești Carusel (map), a fun book store where you can take some fab pics! Pro tip about Carturesti bookstore by the way, if you go all the way up, there is also a pretty big cafe that can serve as a nice co-working for a day. 

But you’ve probably heard that Bucharest is a great place to party! And that’s true, we do have so many clubs and pubs where you can socialize in this area like Nomad Skybar and also Control Club which is nearby. 

NOTE: While the Old Town is great for sightseeing and for its lively nightlife, if you are traveling as a family or just looking for a quiet place, do not book a stay directly in the main streets of the Old Town (the cobblestone ones) – it might be a bit too loud at night. Don’t worry, in this case, I got you covered, just scroll a bit down!

Other accommodation options in the Old Town

P.S. I saw that some blog posts mention Lipscani as a separate neighborhood and I am pretty confused why, to be honest since Lipscani is a street in the Old Town. So, if you see it being mentioned separately, don’t get confused – it is the same thing. 🙂 

Things to do in the Old Town:

• Visit the National Museum of Romanian History
• Take cool pictures in the Macca-Vilacrosse Passage
• Check out the statue of Vlad Tepes at Curtea Veche Palace
• Go on a pub crawl in the Old Town
• Explore Piata Universitatii (University Square) 
• Admire the architecture of the Stavropoleos Monastery
• Have a traditional Romanian dinner at Caru’ cu Bere in the Old Town

2. Piata Unirii – best place in Bucharest for nightlife

This is the golden area for all tourists! From here you can get pretty much anywhere in town, from the Unirii Metro Station that has connections to most neighborhoods in town. 

Located less than a mile (1 km) south of the Old Town, Piata Unirii (or Unirii Square) is a gem for all history lovers! 

Here you learn all about the communist period (admire the communist architecture) and Ceausescu’s era (the country’s former president) and of course visit the Palace of Parliament (an important tourist attraction) which is one of the best things to do in Bucharest!

But that’s not the only perk that you’ll get by staying here! Piata Unirii has lots of pubs set right on the banks of Dambovita River where you can start your late-night adventures! Jo Lounge is a great one and it even has river views!

You will never get bored in Piata Unirii! On every corner, you can find something new and exciting! Plus there’s a wide range of luxury and cheap accommodations here.

However the area can get super busy at times, especially after the sun goes down but also during rush hours, so if you’re not a fan of crowds I’d pick something else!

The Bucharest fountains are the biggest attraction here, and I highly recommend coming here when it’s dark outside to watch the coolest show!

Other accommodation options in Piata Unirii

Things to do in Piata Unirii

• Watch the stunning Bucharest Fountains at night (around 8 to 10 pm depending on the season)
• Grab a drink and enjoy the river views at The Dock
• Head for a stroll in Unirii Park
• Visit the Antim Monastery
• Admire the architecture of the Court of Appeal building
• Get drunk on cocktails at Jo Lounge
• Explore Piata Constitutiei and go on a tour of the Palace of Parliament

3. Piata Romana – where to stay in Bucharest for foodies

Piata Romana is located 1 mile (2 km) north of the Old Town, and it’s the place where the most frequented and most important boulevards of the city meet (Bulevardul Magheru, Lascar Cartagiu and Dacia), so it is one of the busiest parts of Bucharest. 

But fear not, there are countless streets that you can explore in this area and escape the crowds! And most of them are packed with some of the best restaurants in Bucharest!

That’s right, Piata Romana is perfect for foodies, and some of my favorite dining spots are set here! Arome House is great for veggie dishes and Caju by Joseph Hadad is the ultimate destination for a delicious dinner!

Although the Old Town has many more old buildings, you’ll find a fair share of architectural jewels in this area as well! 

After brunching at Arome, I just love taking a walk on these streets and getting lost exploring them!

From Piata Romana you can easily get to Calea Victoriei and also Cismigiu Park (my favorite green space in town) which is absolutely beautiful!

The most bizarre metro station in Bucharest, Romania is also located here (called the same). In the original plans for the Bucharest underground system, this station was not planned, so after the huge demand, it was later added. The project resulted in an asymmetrical metro station with very narrow platforms and small corridors separated by thick walls.

Other accommodation options in Piata Romana

Things to do in Piata Romana

• Spend a fun day at The Void Escape Room Bucuresti
• Go on a food tour during your holiday in Bucharest
• Check out the The Astronomical Observatory Admiral Vasile Urseanu
• Explore the area and admire the stunning architecture
• Visit the George Severeanu Museum in Piata Romana
• Have a delicious dinner at Caju followed by desserts at Mara Mura

4. Floreasca & Dorobanti – trendiest area in Bucharest

I united Floreasca and Dorobanti in one as they are super close to each other and it is basically the same thing. This neighborhood is located 3 miles (4 km) north of the Old Town and it is definitively the greenest spot of the city!

In the past, it has been known as the posh residential area and it still is to this day! Actually the whole Northern part of Bucharest (including Primaverii and Aviatorilor) is pretty fancy!

Here you’ll find the best fine dining restaurants in the city, the most exclusive clubs, pubs located near the coast of lake Floreasca and the business district.

It is a bit far from the city center – 10 mins by car and around 30 mins by public transportation. But don’t worry, Ubers are super cheap in Romania! It will cost you around 20 RON (US$4.5) to travel from the city center to Floreasca by Uber.

But to be honest, once you explore this area you’ll never want to leave! You’ll immediately fall in love with King Michael Park (map) and its Japanese Garden (which you must see if you’re coming in April-May when it’s in full bloom) or the famous streets, named after capitals like Paris, Washington and Prague!

Head there on a Saturday or Sunday afternoon, and you’ll enjoy a tranquil neighborhood walk (I love doing that)!P.S. If you’re looking for a fancy place to eat in the area I highly recommend Kaiamo (map)!

Other accommodations in Floreasca/Dorobanti

Things to do in Floreasca/Dorobanti

• Visit the “Dimitrie Gusti” National Village Museum
• Catch a sunset near the lake in Herastrau Park
• Grab brunch at Frudisiac
• Snap a picture of the Ark of Triumph
• Learn new things during a guided tour of the Ceausescu House
• Have a fancy dinner at Yoshi or Grano
• Explore the beautiful streets in the area and admire the architecture

5. Cotroceni – where to stay in Bucharest for families

To see Cotroceni is to love Cotroceni! This quiet residential area is so charming and absolutely packed with old buildings covered in neverending greenery!

While here you’ll feel as if time stood still! The neighborhood is super chill, that’s why I recommend it to families or people who’d prefer a more tranquil atmosphere!

Cotroceni is set 2 miles (3 km) west of the Old Town, and you can easily get there by public transport (from Eroilor metro station) or by Uber. 

I would take some time to explore its intricate streets and admire the gorgeous architecture which is very unique to the area! I love doing that, especially during a quiet Sunday morning. 

Then you can also visit some of the attractions here! Cotroceni National Museum, the president’s residence is the most important one but I’d also head over to the Botanical Gardens.

During the mid-spring period, while all the trees are blooming, Cotroceni becomes one of the most beautiful places in town, making it a perfect spot for afternoon walks with your family and a great place to mingle with the locals. Try to learn some useful Romanian phrases to get the conversation started!

Other accommodation options in Controceni

Things to do in Cotroceni

• Explore the neighborhood and admire the beautiful old houses
• Head to Infinity Teahouse for a cozy afternoon
• Go for a stroll in Opera Park
• Take the kids to the Museum of Senses Bucharest
• Admire the Bucharest National Opera
• Check out the Botanical Garden in Bucharest
• Go on a guided tour of the Presidential Palace (Cotroceni Palace)

6. Piata Victoriei – best place in Bucharest for sightseeing

No trip to Bucharest is ever complete without spending some time in Piata Victoriei!

Home to iconic tourist attractions like the National Museum of Natural History, Kiseleff Park and of course Calea Victoriei!

This avenue is super popular and pretty long, starting from the city centre and going all the way to Piata Victoriei! It’s also filled with stores, restaurants, ice cream shops and bars, basically you can find anything you want here! 

Make sure you stop by the pastry shop French Revolution while here, where you can eat the most delicious eclairs in town! 

Piata Victoriei is the perfect place for sightseeing! From here you can reach museums, parks, cafes and other parts of the city by metro! Piata Victoriei station has lots of connections!

It can get pretty at times but my tip (as a local who tries to avoid the crowds always) is to explore the area during the weekend but early in the morning! So grab your coffee around 9, or 10 if that’s too early (Ototo is a great spot) and then start your adventures!

Other accommodation options in Piata Victoriei

Things to do in Piata Victoriei

• Grab a coffee at Ototo
• Go on a stroll on Calea Victoriei
• Visit the National Museum of Natural History
• Eat something sweet at French Revolution

BONUS 1: Best hotels near the Bucharest airport

Maybe some of you will prefer to find some hotels near the airport in Bucharest, in case you’re not staying for too long, or if you’re here on business, or on your way to another city but you’ve decided to make a quick stop in Romania’s capital.

But finding the best hotels or cheap accommodations near the airport can be tricky, especially if you don’t know much about the town. That’s why I decided to add some of the best ones in this Bucharest neighborhood guide

So let’s see which ones you’ll like!

• RIN Airport Hotel ($$$) – Relax after your long flight in this modern hotel that offers modern rooms and a complimentary continental breakfast. The Henri Coanda International Airport is located only a 5 minute drive away from the accommodation. 
• Hilton Garden Inn Bucharest Airport ($$) – Set right near the airport, this accommodation offers modern rooms, a delicious breakfast and a fitness center. 
• Confort Inn ($) – Here’s an affordable place that’s only a 10 min drive away from the airport and has family rooms with air-conditioning and a flat-screen Tv.

BONUS 2: Best hotels in Bucharest for backpackers

Let’s face it, budget hotels and hostels always save us when we’re dying to visit a new place that’s a bit too expensive. I can’t count the times that my trip was saved by the fact that I found some cool budget hostels.

If that’s also the case for you and you want to stay in the cheapest hotels in Bucharest, Romania then stick around and scroll down to discover a list of the top budget hotels and hostels in town.

• T5 Social – With a vibrant atmosphere and tons of events to keep their guests entertained when you’re not out exploring the town this hostel is for sure a keeper! The accommodation has a large outdoor area and a garden. It’s also one of the best family hostels in the city as they have activities like movie nights and painting workshops.
• Popcorn – This is the closest hostel to the main train station in Romania, Gara de Nord (265 m), so if you have an early train to catch or are just passing by for a short visit, Popcorn is the perfect hostel for you!
• Domum Universitatea Dalles – Here’s another great affordable hotel near University Square that offers comfy rooms with a kitchenette and a balcony.

FAQs about where to stay in Bucharest

⚠️ Is it safe to walk around Bucharest at night?

Yes, it’s safe to walk around Bucharest at night but I would make sure to avoid any secluded area.

💯 What is the best sector in Bucharest?

Sector 1 and Sector 2 have the best areas and attractions for tourists, but I would also make sure to explore the other ones like 3 and 4.

🚶Is Bucharest a walkable city?

Yes, Bucharest is a walkable city, and when you’re in the central area you can reach pretty much all the big attractions.

🤔 Which are the best luxury hotels in Bucharest?

Conclusion

I bet everyone’s ready to take this town by storm after reading this post on where to stay in Bucharest, that place I’ve been calling home for a few years now!

I made sure to add the most incredible areas, hotels and some of my favorite attractions and cafes that I frequently go to, in this Bucharest neighborhood guide!

One thing that I recommend is booking your hotels in Bucharest in advance. Lately I see more and more tourists around (especially during summertime). So book early and you’ll surely score the best deals!

If you’re still not sure which hotel to pick, check out my 2 favorite places, both set in downtown Bucharest:

• The Marmorosch – one of the best hotels in Bucharest that has a gorgeous design and which offers spa services
• Hilton Garden Inn – super central hotel that offers modern rooms with large windows and a restaurant 

Enjoy your adventures in Bucharest! And don’t forget that you can always drop me a comment below if you have more questions about my current home town!

Happy exploring, 

Victoria

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