Districts of Bucharest: where to stay

Bucharest is a European city without crowds of tourists, where it is easy to feel its special atmosphere. Here you will find a lot for connoisseurs of coffee and architecture: modern coffee shops of the third wave and architectural gems hidden among chaotic buildings.

The old town impresses with its architecture of various styles, although if you take one step from the central street, you will find yourself in shabby courtyards.

In order to truly experience Bucharest, you should take a leisurely walk through its streets, and what to see, where to eat and which museums are worth paying attention to, we described in our post ♥Bucharest in 1-3 days, what to see.

And in this post, we will help you find your way in choosing an area to live in Bucharest, which can be difficult, because each of them has its own characteristics and atmosphere. This guide will help you find the perfect place to suit your preferences and make the most of your stay in the city.

Old town (Centrul Vechi)

An ideal place to get to know Bucharest for the first time.

The Old Town is the heart of Bucharest, a popular tourist area with beautiful pre-war architecture, traditional restaurants, souvenir shops and lively night clubs. Everything is nearby, which allows you to explore most of the area on foot, immediately feel the atmosphere of the city and see the main sights.

Main attractions

• Strada Franceză is the oldest street in Bucharest.
• Stavropoleos Church is an architectural masterpiece with a quiet inner courtyard and masterful decoration.
• CEC Bank Palace is the impressive building of the Romanian Savings Bank on Calea Victoriei, a must-see.

Other points of interest

• Hanu’ lui Manuc – $$ the oldest tavern in Bucharest, popular among tourists.Restaurant of Romanian cuisine.
• Macca-Vilacrosse Passage is a magnificent covered passage with a glass roof, reminiscent of the architecture of Milan’s arcades.
• Shutsu Palace is a historical building with interiors in the style of “The Great Gatsby”, a museum in Bucharest.

Movement

The old town is compact and best suited for walking. The streets are paved, so comfortable shoes will be appropriate. Most of the main sights can be visited on foot.

Food and nightlife

• Caru’ cu Bere is a famous restaurant of Romanian cuisine with an exquisite interior. Here you can taste traditional dishes in the atmosphere of old Bucharest.
• Grand Café Van Gogh is a cozy place for coffee with a view of the central streets.
• Lipscani is a former shopping street with numerous bars, wine bars and cafes where you can enjoy the evening atmosphere of the Old Town.

Cultural heritage

The Old Town is the center of Romanian history and culture. Narrow streets with stone bridges lead to ancient monasteries, former residences of princes and architectural monuments. It is also home to the National Museum of Romanian History and the vintage museum “Little Paris” (Muzeul Micul Paris), which will help you better understand the history of Bucharest.

Where to stay in Bucharest Old Town

Luxury hotels

• Grand Hotel Continental – five-star hotel with elegant rooms and excellent service, located in the center.
• Concorde Old Bucharest Hotel – stylish hotel among historic buildings overlooking the city, close to cafes and restaurants.

Middle class

• Color Apartments Old Town Center – cozy apartments in the very center of the Old Town with a wonderful view.
• Europa Royale Bucharest – a comfortable hotel with spacious rooms and a pleasant atmosphere, located close to the main attractions.

We stayed in a hotel Hotel Liad City Center located right in this part of the city, it gives guests convenient access to the many attractions and amenities that this charming region has to offer. You can read our review of this hotel in the post ♥“Bucharest. Overview of the hotel in the city center“

Budget options

• Bucharest Apartment Old Town – budget hostel with a terrace with a beautiful view of the Old Town.
• BEST Location Old Town  – with a cozy atmosphere, ideal for young travelers.

Uniria square (Piata Unirii)

An excursion into the communist past of Romania.

Piata Unirii, or Unirii Square, is one of the largest and liveliest areas of Bucharest, revealing the face of the city during the socialist period. It is located at the junction of several main streets and is a convenient transport hub. This place will be of interest to those who want to learn more about the architecture and heritage of the communist era in Romania.

Main attractions

• Palace of Parliament is the second largest administrative building in the world, built during the reign of Nicolae Ceaușescu. Its huge halls and endless corridors impress not only with their scale, but also with their architectural style.
• The Central Fountain on Piata Unirii is a luxurious composition of fountains in the center of the square, which is illuminated at night, creating a spectacular show of water and light.

Other points of interest

• Unirii Boulevard is the main boulevard that leads from Piata Unirii to the Parliament Palace, flanked by high-rise buildings from the communist era.
• The National Library of Romania is an architectural symbol with postmodern elements, located near the square.
• Parking at Piata Unirii is a convenient place for cars, which is located right next to the main attractions.

Movement

Piata Unirii is the transport center of Bucharest, where the main bus and tram routes pass. It is also home to the main metro station, which allows easy access to other areas of the city. The square is suitable for walking along the historical buildings, which will allow you to feel the scale of the architecture of that time.

Food and nightlife

• Hanul lui Manuc is a historic restaurant located near the square where you can taste traditional Romanian dishes.
• Simbio is a modern cafe with authentic cuisine and a cozy atmosphere.
• Fabrica de Bere Bună is a popular pub with Romanian beers, with an active nightlife in the evenings.

Cultural heritage

The Piata Unirii district provides an opportunity to delve into Romania’s communist heritage. The large-scale buildings erected on the orders of Ceausescu reflect the desire for an imperial style. The Palace of Parliament is the greatest symbol of this period and testifies to the excessive architectural luxury of that era. Also, exhibitions and events introducing the cultural past of the country are often held here.

Where to stay on Piata Unirii

Luxury hotels

• Hotel Union Plaza – a luxurious hotel with panoramic views of the city, including the Palace Парламенту.
• JW Marriott Bucharest Grand Hotel – a five-star hotel near the Palace of Parliament, with luxurious rooms and a spa complex.

Middle class

• Europa Royale Bucharest – a comfortable hotel located in an ancient building near Piata Unirii, with classic rooms and a pleasant interior.
• Hotel CH Bucharest – a modern hotel with spacious rooms, located a short walk from Piata Unirii.

Budget options

• City Hotel Bucharest – an affordable hotel with convenient amenities and a convenient location for those who want to visit the main attractions.
• First Hostel Bucharest – A cozy and affordable hostel with a kitchen and a lounge area, close to the main attractions.

Romanian market (Piata Romana)

It is an ideal place for gourmets.

Located in the heart of Bucharest, the Piata Romana area is an ideal place for foodies, where you can find many restaurants, cafes and markets with local delicacies. It is an area with a refined atmosphere, where modern tastes and traditional Romanian cuisine are combined.

Main attractions

• Piatsa Romană Square is the central square of the district, where several historical buildings and famous cafes are located.
• Romanian Athenaeum is a famous concert hall with unique architecture, where you can attend concerts and cultural events.

Other points of interest

• Cantacuzino Palace is a museum dedicated to George Enescu, one of the greatest Romanian composers.
• Central University Market is a small market with local products, an ideal place to taste fresh fruits, cheeses and bread.

Movement

The Piata Romana area is well connected by the transport system, with metro, bus and tram stops, making it easy to get to any part of Bucharest. Walking through the streets of the district also gives you the opportunity to enjoy the atmosphere. You can easily reach Piata Romana on foot from the Old Town district.

Food and nightlife

• The Artist is a well-known haute cuisine restaurant that serves dishes with a creative presentation.
• La Mama is a popular restaurant with traditional Romanian cuisine.
• Simbio is a modern cafe with original dishes and a cozy atmosphere, an ideal place for breakfasts and brunches.
• Shift Pub is a stylish pub with a large terrace and an interesting cocktail list.

Cultural heritage

Piata Romana is an area that combines modernity with Bucharest’s cultural heritage. Sophisticated restaurants and modern art spaces coexist with historic buildings, which creates a unique atmosphere.

 

Where to stay in Piata Romana

Luxury hotels

• Hotel Lido by Phoenicia – a stylish five-star hotel with historic interiors and refined rooms.
• Sheraton Bucharest Hotel – a hotel with a great location, a swimming pool and luxurious living conditions.

Middle class

• Mercure Bucharest City Center – a comfortable hotel with stylish rooms and convenient access to the main sites.
• Hotel Berthelot – cozy and affordable hotel near Piața Romană, with good service and delicious breakfasts.

Budget options

• Nishani 5 Stars Boutique –an affordable boutique hotel with modern amenities, offering stylish rooms at a budget price.
• CityScape Bucharest – budget option with spacious rooms, friendly staff and easy access to the metro. Located next to Roman Square, it is ideal for tourists looking for comfort at a reasonable price.

Dorobantsi (Dorobanti)

The epicenter of style and fashion in Bucharest.

Dorobanti is a stylish and prestigious area of ​​Bucharest, where fashionable boutiques, luxurious restaurants and art galleries coexist with exquisite historical villas. It is a popular destination for locals and tourists who want to experience the rhythm of modern Bucharest with a touch of glamour.

Main attractions

• Dorobanti Square is the central hub of the district with many cafes and restaurants where you can observe local life.
• Aviatorilor Boulevard is an elegant boulevard lined with trees and luxurious houses that leads to Herestreu Park, one of the most beautiful parks in Bucharest.
• Triumphal Arch is one of the most famous symbols of Bucharest. The Arc de Triomphe is not only a monument, but also an observation deck: on certain days, visitors can climb to the top and enjoy wonderful panoramas of the city. This place is ideal for walking and taking photos, especially on national holidays when parades and celebrations take place near the arch.

 

Other points of interest

• The Museum of the Romanian Peasant is a unique museum that presents exhibits of Romanian folk culture and crafts.
• Primavera Residence is the former palace of the dictator Nicolae Ceausescu, which is now open for tours and allows you to look into the history of Romanian socialism.

Movement

Dorobanti is easy to explore on foot and its proximity to major transport lines makes it accessible to any part of Bucharest. Public transport, in particular the metro and buses, connects it with other central parts of the city.

Food and nightlife

• Joseph by Joseph Hadad is a haute cuisine restaurant with exquisite dishes from a famous chef.
• Frudisiac is a trendy cafe with organic cuisine and a Scandinavian interior, ideal for breakfast.
• Gargantua KSL is a stylish restaurant with a wonderful terrace, serving signature dishes of Mediterranean and Asian cuisine.

Cultural heritage

Dorobanti combines stylish architecture with cultural depth. Elegant streets with mid-20th-century villas, as well as numerous museums and galleries, give this area a special charm.

Where to stay in Dorobanti

Luxury hotels

• Hotel Christina Plus – a hotel with stylish rooms, a spa area and a fitness room, located in a prestigious area overlooking Aviator Boulevard.
• Le Boutique – an elegant boutique hotel with beautiful rooms and a great location close to trendy cafes and shops.

Middle class

• Duke Hotel – a comfortable hotel with modern amenities and cozy rooms, close to Dorobanti Square.
• Hotel Michelangelo – a small hotel with a homely atmosphere, close to shops and cafes.

Budget options

• Monte Carlo Palace Rooms – budget hotel with basic amenities, clean rooms and affordable prices.
• Hotel Sir Colentina – a budget option with everything you need for a comfortable stay, ideal for budget travelers.

Viktoriivsky prospect (Calea Victoriei)

Bucharest’s best avenue for sightseeing.

Calea Victoriei, or Victorious Avenue, is one of the most beautiful and historic boulevards in Bucharest, home to numerous attractions, museums and historic buildings. This avenue, which stretches from University Square to Victory Square, is the hallmark of the city and a favorite place for walks among both tourists and local residents. Majestic buildings in the style of art deco and neoclassicism, stylish cafes and boutiques create a unique atmosphere.

Main attractions

• Cantacuzino Palace is a famous music museum, which houses the Museum of George Enescu, a prominent Romanian composer.
• The National History Museum of Romania is one of the main cultural institutions of the country with exhibits covering the history of Romania from ancient times to the present day.
• Church of Cretulescu is a magnificent 18th-century church with rich frescoes and architectural details.

Other points of interest

• • Palace of the National Army is a monumental building with a huge terrace, which is used for official events.

• CEC Palace is a unique building decorated with a dome made of glass and steel, which is a real decoration of the avenue.

 

Movement

Calea Victoriei is easy to explore on foot, as most attractions are within walking distance. Bus and tram routes also run along the avenue, which facilitates access to other districts.

Food and nightlife

• Casa Capsa is a classic restaurant offering traditional Romanian dishes in an elegant interior.
• French Revolution is a popular place with the best eclairs in town.
• Linea – Closer to the Moon is a stylish rooftop bar with panoramic views of the city, ideal for evening relaxation.

Cultural heritage

Victoriivskyi Avenue is the heart of Bucharest’s history, where architectural gems tell about the glorious times of the city. It is easy to feel the spirit of past eras here, because every building, from luxurious palaces to exquisite mansions, preserves centuries-old cultural heritage.

Where to stay on Calea Victoriei

Luxury hotels

• Grand Hotel Continental – a luxury hotel in a classic style with elegant rooms and excellent service, located in the heart of the historic district.
• The Marmorosch Bucharest, Autograph Collection – a luxurious boutique hotel in a restored historical building with a unique interior.

Middle class

• Capitol Hotel – comfortable hotel with classic rooms and location in the heart of the city.
• Hotel Central by Zeus International – a stylish mid-range hotel with comfortable rooms and easy access to major attractions.

Budget options

• Old Town Boutique Hotel – a comfortable and affordable hotel a few steps from Calea Victoriei.
• Tania-Frankfurt Hotel – budget hotel in the center, offering everything you need for a pleasant stay at an affordable price.

Otopeni (Otopeni)

Best place to stay near Bucharest airport.

Otopeni is a town located just a few kilometers from the international airport named after Henry Koyanda in Bucharest. It is a convenient location for those looking for comfortable accommodation near the airport, whether for a short stay before departure or after arrival. Otopeni offers a variety of accommodation options to suit the needs of tourists and business travellers.

Main attractions

Although Otopeni is considered a sleepy area, there are also several interesting places here:

• St. Nicholas Church is a small but charming church with beautiful interior decoration.
• Todiresht Park is an ideal place for outdoor walks and relaxation.

Movement

Otopeni has good transport connections to Bucharest, making it a convenient place for temporary accommodation. You can easily reach the airport by taxi or bus. Transfers from many hotels are also provided.

Food and nightlife

Although Otopeni has a limited choice of establishments, there are several cafes and restaurants where you can enjoy Romanian cuisine and international dishes. Some popular options:

• Restaurant La Cocos is a cozy place with delicious Romanian cuisine.
• Pizza Hut is a familiar chain of pizzerias for those who want fast food.

 

Where to stay in Otopeni

Luxury hotels

• Ramada Plaza Bucharest Convention Center – an elegant hotel with all modern amenities, a restaurant and a spa.
• Hotel Aviator Boutique – the stylish hotel, which combines elegant design with comfort, offers a free shuttle to the airport.

Middle class

• Hotel Otopeni – a comfortable hotel with simple but cozy rooms and the possibility of ordering a transfer to the airport.
• Vienna House Easy by Wyndham Airport Bucharest – a modern hotel located just a few minutes’ drive from the international airport. The hotel offers comfortable rooms with modern amenities, free Wi-Fi and an airport shuttle.

We can recommend the hotel where we stayed Bucharest Airport Accommodation – it is a hotel that is widely known for its comfort and hospitality. Conveniently located near the airport, you can find more details in our post ♥“Bucharest. Overview of Bucharest Airport Hotel”

Budget options

• Hotel Charter Otopeni – a three-star hotel that offers free airport transfers, free Wi-Fi and comfortable rooms. Guest reviews indicate cleanliness and friendly staff.
• Hotel Otopeni – the hotel also offers a free airport shuttle and free Wi-Fi access. It is located 1 km from the airport and has good reviews for comfort and service.
• Ibis Styles Bucharest Airport – another three-star option offering comfortable conditions and proximity to the airport. There is a restaurant, free parking and good Wi-Fi.

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