Where to stay in Bucharest: best areas and neighborhoods

Bucharest is divided into 6 different sectors, in Romanian "Sectoarele Bucurestiului", which are further divided into smaller districts. The districts most interesting from a tourist perspective are District 1 (here you will find the neighborhoods of Universitate, Piata Romana, the long avenue Calea Victoriei, Herăstrău Park, and the airport area), District 3 (this is where the historic center, or the Lipscani neighborhood, is located), District 4 (home to Piata Unirii with the famous Casa Poporului, or the Palace of the Parliament), and District 6 (where the residential neighborhood of Cotroceni is located).

Here is everything you need to know about where to stay in Bucharest.

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In a hurry? Here's our recommended accommodation

Useful tips: the best neighborhoods to stay

Not recommended areas: the more peripheral neighborhoods, still infamous and not very safe. Among these, especially Ferentari, also known as the Bronx of Bucharest, followed by the neighborhoods of Obor, Rahova, and Pantelimon, where episodes of petty crime often occur.

Bucharest is an affordable city, you can indeed find accommodation of any type at affordable prices in most neighborhoods!

The most convenient and recommended neighborhood is definitely Lispcani, the historic center, rich in attractions and well connected to the entire city! Here you will find everything from luxury hotels to hostels!

If you are traveling with family, we recommend the historic center, or some quieter neighborhoods, such as the luxurious Piata Romana, the residential Cotroceni, the northern areas around Herăstrău Park, and finally, the northern stretch of Calea Victorieri avenue and the square of the same name.

Finally, Bucharest is also known for its lively nightlife! So if you are young and looking for fun, the best neighborhoods for you are always the historic center Lipscani and Piata Unirii, but especially the lively Universitate neighborhood, which also stands out for its even lower-than-average prices.

Best accommodation: we have selected the best hotels, B&B, and hostels in Bucharest. Check out our recommendations and make your reservation on Booking

Lipscani, best for first-timers

• Pros: full of historic charm and incredible nightlife.
• Cons: It's very crowded, noisy, and can be quite touristy.
• Main attractions: The Stavropoleos Monastery, the Palace of the Parliament
• Average prices: From €85,00 per night - compare the best accommodation on booking

Recommended accommodation

The historic center is definitely the best neighborhood to stay in Bucharest, especially if it is your first time visiting the capital. Here you will find numerous attractions, such as the famous Stravopoleos Monastery, and you will be close to all the others! Moreover, you will have all services at your fingertips!

It is a neighborhood suitable for everyone, both young people and families with children. In this case, it is better to focus the search towards the riverbank, a quieter area compared to the north of the neighborhood, which borders the Universitate neighborhood, where nightlife is concentrated. Also, by booking in advance, you can find great deals here too! As already mentioned, Bucharest is very affordable, and you will have no problems if you are traveling on a budget.

Average prices in the neighbourhood start from about €85,00 - compare the best accommodation on booking

Piata Unirii, to stay on a budget

• Pros: A major transport hub, making it easy to get anywhere in the city
• Cons: Can feel a bit chaotic and is not the most beautiful part of the city
• Main attractions: The Unirii Square Fountains, the Unirii Shopping Center
• Average prices: From €50,00 per night - compare the best accommodation on booking

Recommended accommodation

South of Lipscani, crossing the Dâmbovița river, you arrive at the wonderful Piata Unirii, one of the most beautiful squares in the city! Here you will be in one of the most famous neighborhoods in Bucharest, especially for the presence of the immense Palatul Parlamentului, or the Palace of Parliament, one of the largest buildings in the world!

This neighborhood is ideal especially for young people and those who want to save even more! Here you will be a stone's throw from the historic center, and life mainly revolves around Piata Unirii and along Bulevardul Unirii, an avenue full of pubs, accommodation, shops, and restaurants! Here you will also find many apartments, ideal for those who want a bit of independence without following hotel schedules.

Finally, Piata Unirii station is one of the main transport hubs, allowing you to move easily around the city and is also well connected to the airport!

Average prices in the neighbourhood start from about €50,00 - compare the best accommodation on booking

Piata Romana, best for families

• Pros: A central area with a more local feel than the Old Town
• Cons: It's a busy commercial hub, so traffic and noise can be an issue
• Main attractions: The Romanian Athenaeum, the Museum of Art Collections
• Average prices: From €60,00 per night - compare the best accommodation on booking

Recommended accommodation
 

The Calea Victoriei avenue also crosses part of the Piata Romana neighborhood, one of the most elegant and exclusive neighborhoods in Bucharest! Here you will find wonderful 19th-century villas, as well as attractions such as the Romanian Athenaeum, the famous neoclassical concert hall inaugurated in 1888. Just a few steps away you will also find the National Museum of Romanian Art.

It is an ideal neighborhood for families and those who want to enjoy all the beauty of Bucharest. Here you will find wonderful green areas, exclusive hotels, elegant cafes, and luxury restaurants! Consequently, prices will be slightly higher than the city average, but still very affordable!

Regarding transport, the main stop is Piața Romană, where the M2 metro line passes, which will take you directly to Piata Unirii in just 15 minutes.

Average prices in the neighbourhood start from about €60,00 - compare the best accommodation on booking

Universitate, best for young and nightlife

• Pros: A youthful and energetic area, home to many universities.
• Cons: very loud at night. As a busy transport hub.
• Main attractions: The University of Bucharest, the National Theatre, and the lively student scene.
• Average prices: From €35,00 per night - compare the best accommodation on booking

Recommended accommodation

Between the historic center Lipscani and the exclusive Piata Romana neighborhood lies the Universitate neighborhood, one of the most lively, youthful, and characteristic areas of the city! Here is the headquarters of the University of Bucharest, and consequently, it is mainly frequented by university students and young people. But, at the same time, here you will find numerous significant buildings, such as the National Theater of Bucharest.

It is an ideal neighborhood for young people and those who want to save money! In fact, being mainly inhabited by university students, accommodation costs are even lower than average, you will find numerous apartments, guesthouses, and hostels, but there are also quality hotels. The area is instead not recommended for families, as at night it becomes one of the hubs of nightlife, which goes on all night!

Finally, it is still a very central area: from Piata Universitate, the main square of the neighborhood, in just 5 minutes on foot you will be at the National Museum of Romanian History in the historic center, and in 15 minutes at Piata Unirii. The area is also served by the Universitate metro stop, M2 line.

Average prices in the neighbourhood start from about €35,00 - compare the best accommodation on booking

Piata Victoriei and Calea Victoriei, elegant and classy

• Pros: beautiful architecture, luxury shops, and fine dining.
• Cons: Accommodation and food can be expensive. It's a key business district
• Main attractions: The National Museum of Art of Romania, the Victoria Palace, and the elegant shops and cafés along Calea Victoriei.
• Average prices: From €60,00 per night - compare the best accommodation on booking

Recommended accommodation

From the Lipscani district, the historic center, starts Calea Victoriei, the oldest paved road in the city. This elegant avenue crosses Lipscani, the university district, and Piata Romana, and ends in Piata Victoriei.

Once home to the wealthiest families in Bucharest, today the northern section and the square of the same name represent an ideal area for families and those seeking elegance and comfort! Along the avenue, you will find numerous shops, including international ones, many restaurants, and numerous clubs, with every service at hand! Moreover, thanks to the elegant buildings facing it, it is a very classy area!

As mentioned, the avenue runs through the city from south to north, for a total length of about 2 km. Along the entire street, there are numerous bus, tram, and metro stops, and Piata Victoriei station is one of the main transport hubs!

Average prices in the neighbourhood start from about €60,00 - compare the best accommodation on booking

Cotroceni, green and quiet

• Pros: A peaceful and green residential area, beautiful villas and quiet streets
• Cons: It's further from the city center.
• Main attractions: The Cotroceni Palace, the National Opera
• Average prices: From €65,00 per night - compare the best accommodation on booking

Recommended accommodation

West of the historic center and the Palace of the Parliament is the Cotroceni neighborhood, considered one of the coolest neighborhoods in Europe! Among green areas and nature, you will also find numerous museums here, such as the Cotroceni National Museum and the Cotroceni Palace, the official residence of the President. But that's not all, here you can visit the capital's wonderful botanical gardens, the Dimitrie Brândză Botanical Garden.

Given its characteristics, it is an ideal neighborhood for families and those seeking tranquility, away from city traffic and completely immersed in greenery. Among the accommodation here, you will mainly find hotels equipped with all services, and along Bulevardul Eroii Sanitari, there are shops, clubs, and restaurants.

Finally, staying here, you will necessarily have to use public transport, but the area is excellently connected to the center: the main metro stop is Eroilor, where the M1 and M3 lines pass, which take just 5 minutes to reach Piata Unirii.

Average prices in the neighbourhood start from about €65,00 - compare the best accommodation on booking

Herastrau, for local vibes

• Pros: lovely green area
• Cons: It's quite a distance from the historic center
• Main attractions: King Michael I Park (Herastrau Park), the Village Museum, and the many lakeside restaurants.
• Average prices: From €65,00 per night - compare the best accommodation on booking

Recommended accommodation

This area develops around the wonderful Herăstrău Park, where attractions such as the Arch of Triumph and the famous "Dimitrie Gusti" National Village Museum are located.

These are ideal neighborhoods for those who want to avoid more touristy areas and experience a more relaxed and green environment, perfect for families.

One of the drawbacks is definitely the distance from the center, you will necessarily have to use public transport from here. Taking the Aviatorilor stop as a reference point (at the entrance to the park and not far from the Arch of Triumph), you can reach Piata Unirii with the M1 metro in about 20 minutes.

Average prices in the neighbourhood start from about €65,00 - compare the best accommodation on booking

Places to stay near Bucharest

During a trip to Bucharest, the best solution is always to stay in the city. In the historic center and the neighborhoods in the immediate vicinity, as we have already seen, you can find numerous accommodations, of different types and suitable for all budgets.

Therefore, staying in the surroundings is not recommended, especially for convenience and simplicity. Staying in the city will allow you to easily use public transport and move around on foot, while staying outside you will necessarily have to use the train to reach the city center, when available, with the obstacles of language and timing.

Travel Tips for Bucharest

Public Transport: Bucharest has an extensive public transport network including a metro, trams, buses, and trolleybuses. The metro is the fastest way to get around, especially for longer distances. You'll need a "card" for tickets, which can be loaded with single journeys or daily/weekly passes. For a scenic route, take a tram.

Best Time to Visit: The best times to visit are spring (April to June) and autumn (September to October). The weather is pleasant, and the parks and gardens are beautiful. Summers (July-August) can be very hot, while winters are cold with snow, but the city looks magical during the holidays.

Local Currency: The official currency is the Romanian Leu (RON). While many places accept cards, it's wise to carry cash, especially for small purchases from street vendors or small shops. You can find ATMs and currency exchange offices easily.

Local Vibe & Culture: Bucharest is a dynamic city with a mix of communist-era and Belle Époque architecture. Romanians are generally friendly and helpful. Tipping is customary in restaurants and for taxi drivers, usually around 10%. Be aware of your surroundings, especially in crowded areas.

Bucharest accommodation price map

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