Where to stay in Bucharest? For a first trip, base yourself in the Old Town (Centrul Vechi) or around Universitate, where most sights, bars and restaurants are a short walk away. Want quieter nights? Cismigiu and Piata Romana are still central, Herastrau is best for parks, and Floreasca suits foodies.
Bucharest, Romania’s capital is fast becoming a popular destination. With an attractive party scene, interesting recent history and an easy day trip to Bran Castle, it’s no wonder this surprisingly hipster, and affordable, city is on many European bucket lists. Bucharest is actually quite big, with many of the main attractions located around the Old Town, but city parks and lesser-visited things to do are a bit further out. Let’s take a look at where to stay in Bucharest, so you can choose the best area for your type of travel. Don’t miss our popular guide on things to do in Bucharest.
The Best Hotels in Bucharest By Area
Bucharest Areas
- Best for first-timers – Old Town
- Best for atmosphere – Universitatii or Piata Romana
- Best for nature – Herastrau
- Best for partying – Old Town
- Best for a quiet, central base – Cismigiu
- Best for sightseeing and metro links – Unirii
- Best for foodies – Floreasca
→ Note: We personally use Booking.com when we plan our trips. We find it great value for money, easy to use and love that you can often cancel without charge. We also link to TripAdvisor to give our readers more choice. Still sorting the rest of your trip? Our guide on how to plan a trip comes with a free planning spreadsheet.
Bucharest Areas at a Glance
Short on time? Here’s how the seven areas below stack up, with the nearest metro stop for each.
| Area | Best for | Nearest metro | Our hotel picks |
|---|---|---|---|
| Old Town (Centrul Vechi) | Nightlife, first trips | Universitate or Piața Unirii | $ to $$ |
| Cismigiu | Quiet, central, park | Universitate or Izvor | $ to $$ |
| Herastrau | Nature, families | Aviatorilor | $ |
| Piata Romana | Cafes, Calea Victoriei | Piața Romană | $$$ |
| Universitatii | Atmosphere, landmarks | Universitate | $$$ |
| Unirii | Sightseeing, Palace of the Parliament | Piața Unirii | $$ |
| Floreasca | Upmarket dining, local feel | Ștefan cel Mare | $$ |
Bucharest’s Old Town (Sector 3)
Centru Vechi, the Old Centre, isn’t actually that old. Redeveloped in the late 2000s, the Old Town today is where you will find streets of bars, restaurants with PRs and shops. A little calmer during the day, by night this area of Bucharest is jumping.
Expect blaring music, groups of friends partying and dancing girls in windows.
Not to everyone’s taste but we stayed in the Old Town and managed to sleep peacefully.
Pretty much everything you see on Instagram is near the Old Town, Carturesti Carusel (that white library with spiral stairs), ‘Umbrella Alley’ (Pasajul Victoriei), and the sunset over those bronze roofs!
Bucharest Old Town Hotels
- Filitti Boutique Hotel $$ – a 4-star modern hotel with unique decor (very 70s chic). Italian restaurant and sky bar onsite. Guests love that breakfast is served with a city view. Check for the best prices at TripAdvisor and Booking.
- Little Bucharest $ – This is actually a boutique hostel so a great option for those wanting a budget stay in a nice setting. We stayed with Little Bucharest during our trip and loved that the private room windows open up onto what can only be described as a fairytale city! Check for the best prices at TripAdvisor and Booking.
Cismigiu (Sector 1)
Cismigiu is mainly a quiet residential area with a few exclusive boutique hotels taking up prime real estate.
The appeal? As well as being central, Cismigiu Park (or Cismigiu Gardens) is close by. This tree-lined green space is a popular city escape. You can hire pedalos or just go for a nice walk. During winter, locals ice skate on the park rink. Heading over in the colder months? Our winter travel tips will keep you toasty.
Laid out in 1847, Cismigiu is the oldest park in central Bucharest and covers about 14.6 hectares.
Cismigiu Hotels
- Hotel Cismigiu $$ – Gorgeous historic building, guests love the location as it is not quite in the Old Town but everything is walkable. Check for the best prices at TripAdvisor and Booking.
- Hotel Trianon $ – Clean rooms, friendly staff. Lots of food for breakfast. Ten minutes walk to Old Town and ten minutes walk to the Palace of the People. Check for the best prices at TripAdvisor and Booking.
» Visiting for the festive period? Check out our guide to Bucharest at Christmas
Making a festive tour of it? These are our favourite Christmas markets in Europe.
Herastrau
Herastrau is the biggest park in the city and well used by residents and tourists. The park is where you will find Dimitrie Gusti National Village Museum and the Michael Jackson tribute.
Heads up: the park was officially renamed King Michael I Park (Parcul Regele Mihai I) in 2017, so you’ll see both names on maps. It covers around 187 hectares, including the lake, and Aviatorilor metro station is right by the park.
Herastrau Hotels
- Hotel Herastrau $ – Surprisingly affordable for a park central hotel. Very large rooms and hospitable staff that go the extra mile. Guests like being surrounded by nature. Check for the best prices at TripAdvisor and Booking.
- Nordului Herastrau Luxury Apartment $ – Heated swimming pool wins the guests over, rooms are often reserved during summer so book in advance at TripAdvisor and Booking to avoid disappointment.
Piata Romana
Piata Romana is a historically important area. A short walk away, on Revolution Square (Piata Revolutiei), is where the dictator Nicolae Ceausescu did a runner via helicopter in 1989.
Today it is a hip area with lots of cafes, vintage shops and restaurants. Architecture fans will like the prestigious street, Calea Victoriei and the ornate concert hall, Athenaeum.
Piata Romana Hotels
- Athénée Palace Hilton $$$ – Grand building that doesn’t skimp on bedroom size. Guests love the outdoor seating, breakfast and location. Now trading as the InterContinental Athénée Palace Bucharest, so don’t be thrown by the new name. Check for the best prices at TripAdvisor and Booking.
- Radisson Blu $$$ – Location, location, location. Outdoor jacuzzi and swimming pool are also a hit with visitors. Check for the best prices at TripAdvisor and Booking.
Universitatii
Surrounded by statues, this is where life happens in Bucharest. In the past, this was the meeting point where a friendly student protest resulted in violence in 1990 (Golaniad).
Today, still an important location where the locals shop, dine, and go to university. Here you will also find the National Theater of Bucharest.
Universitatii Hotels
Intercontinental Hotel $$$ – 5 star, historically significant hotel in the heart of Bucharest. Guests adore the bedroom balconies with city views and club on the 21st floor. The tower left the InterContinental brand in 2022 and is now the Grand Hotel Bucharest. Check for the best prices at TripAdvisor and Booking.
Unirii
Unirii Square is the centre of Bucharest.
During the weekends in spring/summer, the Unirii Square fountains put on a show to light and music.
In 2025 the free Water Symphony shows ran on Friday, Saturday and Sunday evenings from late May until the end of September, starting between 8pm and 9.30pm depending on the month, so check the city’s listings before you go.
They really are quite special to the city after being left to decay for decades.
The Palace of the Parliament is also close by where you can take a tour of the elaborate seat of Parliament.
Booking the tour yourself? The official visitor centre asks small groups to phone at least 24 hours ahead, a standard adult ticket is 85 lei, and you must bring your actual passport or ID card (a driving licence won’t do).
Unirii Metro Station is located in this area but the Old Town is only approximately a 7-15 minute walk. The Palace of Parliament is around 15 minutes’ walk.
Unirii Hotels
- Hotel Mercure Bucharest Unirii $$ – Modern hotel with nice views of the city. Continental breakfast is available. Check for the best prices at TripAdvisor and Booking.
Floreasca
Floreasca is an upmarket area of Bucharest, home to fine dining restaurants, bars and clubs. Less frequented by tourists in comparison to the above neighbourhoods.
Floreasca Hotels
- Soffitta Boutique Hotel $$ – Fresh, clean and modern rooms. Owner is super friendly and helpful too. Close to the metro and a tramline. Check for the best prices at TripAdvisor and Booking.
Which Area Suits Your Trip?
Still torn? Here’s the cheat sheet we’d give a mate.
Getting From the Airport to Your Hotel
Most flights land at Henri Coandă International Airport (Otopeni), north of the city. You’ve got three easy ways in:
- Train: the CFR Călători airport train runs to Gara de Nord (Bucharest North) in about 20 to 25 minutes. A single costs 6.50 lei if you buy before boarding (it doubles if you pay the conductor). From Gara de Nord, hop on the metro to your area.
- Bus: the 783 express bus runs from Arrivals into the centre, ending at Piata Unirii, so it’s the handiest option if you’re staying around Unirii or the Old Town.
- Taxi or ride-hailing: order an official taxi from the touchscreens in the Arrivals hall, or use Bolt or Uber. Skip anyone who approaches you offering a ride.
Where to Stay in Bucharest FAQs
What is the best area to stay in Bucharest for first-timers?
The Old Town (Centrul Vechi) is the best area for a first visit, because Carturesti Carusel, Calea Victoriei and the Palace of the Parliament are all walkable. If you want it a bit calmer, stay around Universitate or Cismigiu, which are only a short walk away.
Is the Old Town in Bucharest too noisy to stay in?
It can be loud at night, especially at weekends, as the Old Town is Bucharest’s main nightlife area. We stayed there and slept fine, but light sleepers may prefer Cismigiu, Piata Romana or Herastrau.
Which sector is the Old Town of Bucharest in?
Bucharest’s Old Town (Centrul Vechi, also known as Lipscani) is in Sector 3, the same sector as Piata Unirii.
Where should I stay in Bucharest to be near the metro?
Unirii is the best-connected area, as Piata Unirii station is served by metro lines M1, M2 and M3. Universitate, Piata Romana and Aviatorilor (for Herastrau) are all on line M2, which runs north to south through the centre.
How do I get from Bucharest airport to the Old Town?
Take the 783 express bus to Piata Unirii, then walk 7 to 15 minutes into the Old Town. Alternatively, take the airport train to Gara de Nord (about 20 to 25 minutes) and continue by metro or taxi.
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» Read next: our Romania travel guide
