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

The Palace of the Parliament in Bucharest, Romania, under a dramatic sky with sunbeams shining through the clouds, highlighting the grandeur of this massive, imposing government building

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!

Quick Picks for Your Stay

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

luxury hotel
The luxurious interior of a hotel lobby with a high glass ceiling, ornate marble columns, plush blue sofas, and a sophisticated ambiance
mid-range hotel
The exterior of a classic hotel building at twilight, its façade illuminated, showcasing a blend of historic architecture with modern additions at the upper levels
budget hotel
A hotel bedroom with a large bed with white bedding and red accents, wooden headboard and floor, ambient lighting

REMBRANDT HOTEL

Affordable accommodation in the center


Watch my video, it will give you a visual explanation of all the areas:

YouTube video player

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

A colorful map highlighting the best areas to stay in Bucharest, with numbered locations and labels for easy navigation
  1. OLD TOWN: for first-timers
  2. PIATA UNIRII: for nightlife
  3. PIATA ROMANA: for foodies
  4. FLOREASCA + DOROBANTI: for trendsetters
  5. COTROCENI: for budget travelers
  6. PIATA VICTORIEI: for sightseeing

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

1 Old Town Bucharest 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!

Luxury hotel
A collage of three hotel photos to stay in Bucharest: a luxurious bedroom with a blue headboard and elegant artwork, an exterior view of a grand historic building with ornate architectural details, and a serene hotel indoor pool under a starry ceiling.

Enjoy your stay in Bucharest in this modern hotel that has spacious rooms and an on-site restaurant. I’m sure this place will become your favorite hotel as it boasts different spa facilities, so you can relax after a day of sightseeing in the hot tub or by the swimming pool!

Other accommodation options in the Old Town

MID-RANGE
A modern hotel room with a comfortable king-sized bed, clean lines, soft lighting, and a cozy seating area

Situated in the heart of the Old Town, this hotel has stunning decor, a fitness center, and a restaurant

BUDGET
A reading nook with two classic leather armchairs, a vintage lamp, and framed artwork on the wall

Charming 3* boutique hotel with an individual design inside and out, plus great customer service

Airbnb
A spacious living room with ornate ceiling details, a decorative fireplace, elegant furnishings, and a classical European charm

An apartment done in timeless elegant Romanian style that you will want to take tons of pictures in!


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

A large, ornate fountain located in a busy city roundabout, featuring multiple jets of water creating a spectacular display against a backdrop of commercial buildings and clear blue skies

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!

Luxury hotel
A collage of three hotel photos to stay in Bucharest: the sleek exterior of Union Plaza Hotel, a balcony view overlooking a bustling cityscape at dusk, and a cozy, modern bedroom with blue accents.

Well known for the lovely Sky Bar on top of the building with a wonderful view over Old Town Bucharest and Unirii Square, Union Plaza Hotel is one of the finest hotels in town. The rooms are beautifully-decorated and you’ll find many facilities like an airport shuttle, parking, and a few restaurants.

Other accommodation options in Piata Unirii

MID-RANGE
A cozy attic living room with exposed wooden beams, comfortable sofas, a small dining area, and a brick accent wall

With close proximity to the attractions this gorgeous place in Bucharest City Centre is spacious and has a kitchen

BUDGET
An apartment balcony with wicker furniture overlooking a green park

An affordable apartment with a balcony where you can drink your coffee and a small kitchen

AIRBNB
A minimalist bedroom with a sleek, dark-framed bed, recessed lighting, and soft green accents

This great apartment offers a view of the fountains, a large living room area and a small balcony

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

Subscribe here to get up to 35% off your accommodation for your next trip!

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

A busy urban intersection with a vintage street clock in the foreground, surrounded by traffic and commercial buildings under a partly cloudy sky

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.

Luxury hotel
A collage of three hotel photos to stay in Bucharest: an expansive indoor pool with a glass ceiling and blue lighting, a spacious suite with chic modern furnishings and a fireplace, and a night view of a hotel’s neon-lit facade.

One of the best hotels in Bucharest and definitively the best value for money. Sheraton has a very nice swimming pool, an exceptional gym, and a spa center. It is famous for the Avalon and Benihana Japanese Steakhouse & Sushi Bar and the Centro Cakes. Definitely one of the best hotels in town!

Other accommodation options in Piata Romana

Airbnb
A hotel lobby with bright yellow seating, modern decor, and a welcoming reception area

One of the best boutique hotels that offers a complimentary breakfast and rooms with city views

mid-range
A chic urban apartment living room with a black sofa, a metal framed glass partition, exposed brick walls, and modern hanging light fixtures.

Super stylish and affordable Airbnb for up to 4 guests with a coffee machine and all the needed amenities

budget
A compact yet stylish bedroom with a blue upholstered bed, chic decor, and smart storage solutions

A cozy apartment that has 2 rooms, a kitchen, a garden view and a flat-screen Tv

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

A modern urban park with people sitting around a fountain, with a tall office building in the background.

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)!

Luxury hotel
A collage of three hotel photos to stay in Bucharest: a spacious bedroom with minimalist design and neutral tones, a stylish hotel bar with geometric wood accents, and an exterior night shot of the Courtyard by Marriott against a twilight sky.

Located in the business part of town this hotel is perfect if you are here to finish some deals. The modern design and the view from the rooms are fantastic. It is conveniently close to the public transport stations, and it is surrounded by the business center, malls, restaurants, and bars.

Other accommodations in Floreasca/Dorobanti

Airbnb
The Ibis Styles Hotel, a contemporary building with a dark facade highlighted by square windows, stands prominently at a city street corner, under a sky with soft clouds.

This hotel is equipped with many facilities, including a restaurant and a kids club

mid-range
An elegant hotel room featuring classic furniture, a comfortable bed with green and gold bedding, wooden floors, and decorative elements

I love the design of this boutique hotel that a vintage feel, a summer terrace and a bar

budget
A spacious and well-lit penthouse living room with a large, plush brown sectional sofa, purple drapes, and a balcony offering a view of the city skyline

Enjoy the best views of the city in this spacious penthouse that has a balcony

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

A serene park pathway lined with lush, vibrant rose bushes forming an arch overhead, leading through a colorful rose garden, offering a peaceful natural retreat in the Botanical Garden in Bucharest

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!

Luxury hotel
A collage of three hotel photos to stay in Bucharest: a rustic restaurant with a brick fireplace and vibrant decor, a living room area in a suite with modern furniture and art, and the classical facade of the JW Marriott Bucharest Grand Hotel.

This is one of the best family hotels in Bucharest! It offers elegance and comfort with more than 400 deluxe rooms, 6 restaurants, a shopping gallery, and a casino. Take advantage of the spa facilities and relax with a massage.

Other accommodation options in Controceni

Airbnb
A bright and airy living room with a large yellow sectional sofa, modern decor, and a sleek flat-screen TV

Set in a gorgeous historic home this studio is well-equipped and offers a patio

mid-range
The Continental Forum Hotel, a modern and sleek building with reflective glass windows, nestled in an urban setting with clear skies above

Enjoy your stay in Bucharest in this boutique hotel that has spacious rooms for families

budget
A stylish bedroom with a minimalist design, featuring a large bed with chic black and white bedding, a contemporary art piece on the wall

A colorful apartment with a lovely city view that has a lounge area with a Tv and a kitchen

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

A bustling city street scene with pedestrians walking and dining at sidewalk cafes, flanked by historic buildings under a clear blue sky

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!

Luxury hotel
A collage of three hotel photos to stay in Bucharest: a bedroom with a pastel pink wall and green headboard, a living room with chic decor and pops of orange, and a snug corner with a classic writing desk and yellow chair.

I hope you like pink because this gorgeous apartment, that’s set within walking distance of the attractions, is crazy about that color! But I’ve got to admit that the design is impeccable! Not only does this place feel super cozy but it’s also modern, stylish and has everything you need for your holiday in Bucharest!

Other accommodation options in Piata Victoriei

Mid-range
A serene and sophisticated hotel room with a comfortable bed, wooden floors, tasteful artwork, and soft lighting

Sleep like a baby in the comfy rooms of this hotel that has rooms with a city view and a flat-screen Tv

Budget
A cozy dining area in a modern apartment, with a wooden table and black chairs on a decorative rug

An affordable studio that offers a Tv, a fully-equipped kitchen and a washing machine 

Airbnb
A modern studio apartment with a compact, grey sofa, clean design lines, and subtle decorative touches

Perfect for 2 guests, this place comes with a great location, amazing city views and free parking

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
👑 Luxury price:€120
💵 Mid-range hotel:€90
🛏️ Budget:€40
📍 Best area:Old Town
🛎️ Best luxury hotel:The Marmorosch
🧳Best mid-range hotel:Hilton Garden Inn
👛 Best budget hotel:Rembrandt Hotel

BONUS 1: Best hotels near the Bucharest airport

A Lufthansa Airbus A380 aircraft coming in for a landing at Bucharest Airport, with the terminal buildings in the background and a clear blue sky above

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.

Our founder, Yulia, standing in front of a grand historical building entrance in Bucharest with ornate sculptures, a stained-glass canopy, and the writer of the article standing on the steps, emphasizing the architectural elegance.
  • 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

A bronze bust of Vlad Tepes (Vlad the Impaler) with the years 1456-1462 engraved, set against the backdrop of an old brick building, evoking a sense of history and legend

⚠️ 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?

The Marmorosch and The Union Plaza Hotel are 2 of the best luxury hotels to stay in Bucharest. Both offer great services and have amazing reviews.

Conclusion

The writer of the post standing on a street with distinctive architectural buildings in the background, capturing the essence of urban life in a historic city.

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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