Six districts of Bucharest where it is best for tourists to stay

Bucharest is one of the cities in Europe that has not yet experienced overtourism, which lovers of good coffee and architecture still do not know about. If the first – third-wave coffee is available almost everywhere in super-modern coffee shops, then the second one needs to be sought out, because at first glance this city is a bit shocking, especially if you see it only from a car or have only visited the train station.

Bucharest is very diverse and very eclectic – there is an incredible number of exquisite villas standing next to unfinished or simply abandoned high-rise buildings. There are incredibly beautiful parks and very beautiful churches and monasteries. There is an Old Town with a rich architectural component and mixed with different styles. And at the same time with chaotic parking of cars on the sidewalks.

Bucharest may not appeal to you at first glance. But, give it a chance – plan a trip for 2-3 days, preferably in autumn or spring, when the trees are blooming or turning yellow.

I’m telling you where it’s best to stay in Bucharest during your trip and what to see in these areas.

1. Old Town – for a first visit to Bucharest

Bucharest’s Old Town is a favorite area for most tourists, where you can find beautiful architecture, traditional restaurants, souvenir shops, and nightclubs. It’s very convenient that while in the Old Town, you can explore most of it on foot and get a first-hand look at the local landmarks.

What to see in the Old Center of Bucharest:

Start at the Old Princely Court on Strada Franceză (the oldest street in the city). It dates back to the 15th century and was once home to Vlad Tepes, the ruler of Wallachia who inspired Bram Stoker’s novel Dracula.
Directly opposite is Hanu’ lui Manuc, the oldest tavern in Bucharest.
Wander the cobblestone streets until you reach the Stavropoleos Church, the city’s most picturesque church with an elegant, quiet courtyard.
At the end of the street, which opens onto Calea Victoriei, stands the grand CEC Bank Palace (Romanian Savings Bank), which is worth a visit.
Order a cap of coffee at Grand Café Van Gogh, then be sure to check out the small vintage museum, Muzeul Micul Paris.
Visit the Suţu Palace to see its Great Gatsby-style interior and the art of Romanian painters and the temporary exhibitions that are often held there.
Walk to the 19th-century Macca-Vilacrosse Passage and admire its glass roof – by the way, it is no less beautiful here than in Milan in the Passage Vittorio Emanuele.
Take a look at University Square (Piața Universității), and then go to the National Museum of Romanian History, where the country’s national treasury is kept.
Lipscani, once a popular shopping street, has dozens of bustling bars and atmospheric cafes, but also a host of new, chic wine bars. Don’t miss the most popular one, Cărturești Carusel, a beautiful bookstore where you can take great photos. Plus, if you go upstairs, there’s also a pretty large cafe.
Have a traditional Romanian dinner at Caru’cu Bere in the Old Town. The interior is incredibly beautiful. But it may not be available – it’s better to book a table in advance.

Tip: The Old Town is quite noisy at night. If you come to Bucharest with your family, it is better to stay a little away from it. Parties, cobblestones – all this will not let you sleep peacefully.

Hotels in Bucharest Old Town:

Color Apartments Old town Center≫ – Great location in the heart of Bucharest’s Old Town, very welcoming staff who are quick to respond to requests and resolve issues. The view from the apartment is amazing and the decoration of the apartment is also nice and elegant.
Lazy’s Haven – Apt near Coltea Hospital Old Town≫ – very nice new apartments in the Old Town, but not in the middle of restaurants and nightclubs and pubs. Nice view from the windows of Ion C. Brătianu Boulevard and the old building of Colțea Clinical Hospital.
Concorde Old Bucharest Hotel≫ – This stylish boutique hotel is located in the old part of the city, where there are many ancient buildings. There are many cozy cafes and restaurants for every taste around.

2. Piata Unirii – a trip into Romania’s communist past

This is a very interesting part of the city for those who have seen a photo of the Romanian Parliament at least once. I once saw it like this and honestly could not imagine how huge it is in reality. Regardless of your architectural tastes – this monstrous building must be seen with your own eyes.

Located less than 1 km south of the Old Town, Piata Unirii is a really interesting place for all history lovers. Here you will see vivid examples of communist architecture from the Ceausescu era (the country’s former president). And, of course, visit the Palace of the Parliament – an important tourist attraction of the city.

In addition, Piata Unirii has many pubs located right on the banks of the Dambovita River – a good option to spend a Saturday evening here. In addition, there is a wide selection of luxury and cheap accommodation. In addition, from here you can get to almost anywhere in the city, from the Unirii metro station, which has connections to most areas of the city.

The Bucharest Fountains and the bright light show on the water are the most prominent attraction of this area of Bucharest. Be sure to plan an evening walk near the fountains.

Things to do near Piata Unirii

Watch the light show at the fountains of Bucharest at night (from approximately 8pm to 10pm, depending on the season).
Take a walk in Unirii Park.
Visit the Antim Monastery.
Admire the architecture of the Court of Appeal building.
Take a tour of the Palace of Parliament – you have to go to the museum for this Museum of the Palace of the Parliament.

Hotels near Unirii Square:

Cozy Apartament in Center of Bucharest≫ – Beautiful apartment with a great location – literally 2 minutes from the metro. The bus from the airport drops you off right under the apartment on Unirii Square. The old town is 2 minutes away.
Panorama the Parliament Palace≫ – Apartment with panoramic views of the Romanian Parliament. Many restaurants and bars within walking distance.

3. Piata Romana – Bucharest for foodies

Piata Romana is located 2 km north of the Old Town. It is one of the liveliest parts of Bucharest, where the most important boulevards of the city meet – Bulevardul Magheru and Lascar Cartagiu and Dacia. Most of the streets in this area are filled with some of the best restaurants in Bucharest.

Therefore, Piata Romana is ideal for foodies. I suggest having a coffee at French Revolution Ateneul Român with incredibly delicious eclairs. And having lunch at Cookie Beacon Brunch – perfect brunches for vegetarians and connoisseurs of traditional cuisine.

But don’t worry, if you venture a little further away from these streets, you can explore the area without the crowds. While the Old Town has many more old buildings, you’ll also find your fair share of architectural gems. The streets of this area are home to some beautiful Art Nouveau villas. Plan a stroll through the streets after a delicious lunch and get lost exploring them.

Things to do in Piata Romana:

Go on a gastronomic tour during your Bucharest vacation.
Visit the Admiral Vasile Urseanu Astronomical Observatory.
Stroll through the stunningly beautiful Cismigiu Park – easily accessible from Calea Victoriei.
Explore the area and admire the stunning architecture of the area.

Hotels near Piata Romana:

Romana Residence≫ – the apartments have a great location, comfortable beds, large bathroom, free water and coffee provided. The apartment has a self check-in so it doesn’t matter if you arrive very late.
Hotel Michelangelo≫ – hotel in a beautiful building in a great location with a small bar and a cozy courtyard to relax in. Quiet but located a few steps to get to the main streets, it is great value for money.
Residence Villa Barrio≫ – Atmospheric old house, interesting design. Comfortable bed. Quite close to the city center and its main attractions.

4. Dorobanti – the most fashionable district of Bucharest

Known as a chic and slightly pretentious neighborhood in Northern Bucharest, Dorobanti has become a go-to place for foodies in recent years. Located 4km north of the Old Town, this area is definitely the greenest part of Bucharest.

Here you will find the city’s best fine dining restaurants and pubs, located along the shores of Lake Floreasca and within the business district.

Keep in mind that this area is a 30-minute public transport ride or a 10-minute Uber ride from the city center. An Uber ride from the city center to Floreasca will cost you around $5.

Things to do in the Dorobantsi area:

Head to Puțul lui Zamfir Street to try everything from home-style Japanese cuisine, gourmet Italian dishes, Thai cuisine, and premium wine.
Besides food, The National Museum of Maps and Old Books – housed in a 1920s Venetian-style villa, provides a stunning insight into Romanian history and much more.
Take a photo of the Arc de Triomphe.
Learn something new during a tour of the Ceausescu House.
Take a stroll through King Michael Park and its Japanese Garden, best visited in April and May when it is in full bloom. Or explore the famous streets named after capitals like Paris, Washington, and Prague.

Hotels in Dorobanti

Nicole’s Apartment≫ -Modernly decorated apartment in an area with lots of greenery, with cafes and restaurants nearby.
DAVID’S RENTAL ROOMs≫ – super modern apartment with minimalist and very stylish design. The location is also great, several restaurants and shops nearby. Everything you need is 1-2 km from the apartment.

5.Calea Victoriei – the best place in Bucharest for sightseeing

Calea Victoriei is the oldest street in Bucharest, lined with buildings that symbolize the Belle Époque, which earned the city the nickname “Little Paris” a century ago. Within a radius of 1 km, you will pass the former Royal Palace – now home to the National Museum of Art.

This avenue is very popular and quite long. Starting from the city center, it stretches to Piata Victoriei. There are also many shops, restaurants and bars here.

Don’t miss the sights of Revolution Square, which commemorates the painful fall of communism in 1989. The Romanian Athenaeum, located nearby, is a perfect place to visit, as it is home to the George Enescu Philharmonic Orchestra. This historic building represents the heart of Romanian culture. It can be visited on its own or with tickets to a concert at the Philharmonic.

What to see near Calea Victoriei:

Take a walk along Calea Victoriei.
Visit the National Museum of Natural History.
Be sure to visit the French Revolution patisserie, where you can grab a coffee and eat the most delicious eclairs in town.
Stop by Artmark – an art store and auction house that you can visit completely free of charge.
There is another passage on Calea Victoriei – Pasajul Victoria, which is famous for its bright umbrellas – don’t miss it!
For a taste of contemporary art and smart Romanian design, head to the Galateca art gallery and Neo Galateca store, located on the first floor of the Central University Library Karol I.
End your tour at the Zăganu Bistro to sample Romanian craft beer from Fabrica de Bere Bună.

Hotels in Calea Victoriei area:

Atrium Hotel Ateneu City Center≫ – The hotel is located in a central area, but in a quiet place. On weekends, the nearby boulevard is closed to traffic, and it is a great place to walk around with lots of people and cafes.
Moise House – Kosher Aparthotel≫ – Great location, close to the main train station and the city center – just a few minutes walk. The room has a kitchen and bathroom. Comfortable large bed, working air conditioning, quiet.

6.Otopeni – where is the best place to stay near Bucharest Airport

If your flight from Bucharest airport is early in the morning, it makes sense to stay near the airport. There are also many nice, inexpensive apartments within a 10-minute walk of the airport terminal.

If you have extra time, you can visit the Bucharest Thermal Baths, which are a 10-minute taxi ride from Otopeni Airport. And they are worth it – I did, staying overnight near the airport and spending half a day in the thermal baths before flying to Italy in 2023.

Hotels near Bucharest Airport:

Airplane Residence 1≫ – nice apartment 10 minutes walk from the airport Arrivals Area, convenient check-in – the code to enter the building and the code locker is sent in the notification. Very clean, new furniture, kitchen – everything to relax and drink coffee in the morning before the plane.
Hotel Casa Romaneasca≫ – Inexpensive hotel 10 minutes walk from the airport (Sweat Zone), clean rooms, good location, 24-hour check-in.
Tranzzit Airport Apartment II≫ – Inexpensive, clean apartments 15 minutes walk from the airport, check-in by code is available 24 hours a day, payment is made through the Booking system.

Useful articles and links:

Travel Medical Insurance – online on the EKTA
Booking of hotels and apartments – Booking.com
Car Rental – Affordable options are always available on the aggregator DiscoverCars

Six districts of Bucharest where it is best for tourists to stay

1. Old Town – for a first visit to Bucharest