Where to Stay in Bucharest: Best Areas & Hotels

Nicknamed the “Paris of the East,” Bucharest is Romania’s capital and largest city. Considered a bustling metropolis, the Romanian capital has evolved into Southeastern Europe’s cultural, industrial, and financial hub. Although many of its grand 19th-century buildings were destroyed by war, earthquakes, and communist-era urban systematization plans, many have been renovated or rebuilt, especially in its historic city center. If you are looking for the best areas to stay in Bucharest, you have come to the right place.

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Accommodation Options in Bucharest

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Located in the center of the Romanian Plain, 73 kilometers north of the Danube, the city is built upon seven hills. When it comes to tourist attractions, Bucharest is known for its massive Parliament Building, the largest administrative building in the world, the Romanian Athenaeum, the Romanian National Museum of Art, and Cismigiu Park. In recent years, the city has become one of the fastest-growing tourist destinations in Europe, and many new upscale hotels, as well as many backpacker options, have opened everywhere in the city.

Whether you’re traveling to Bucharest for a European weekend getaway or as the starting point of a route around Romania, keep reading this article to learn more about the best areas to stay in Bucharest, Romania.

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What’s the Best Area to Stay in Bucharest, Romania?

The best area to stay in Bucharest, especially if you’re a first-time visitor, is the City Centre. Spanning across the city’s central sectors, including areas such as the Old Town, University Square, Unirii, Piata Romana, and the Jewish Quarter, Central Bucharest is the place to go to enjoy the city’s main attractions, museums, parks, and shopping areas.

Find Available Accommodation in Bucharest City Centre.

Best Hotels in Central Bucharest

• Best five-star hotel: Epoque Hotel – Relais & Chateaux
• Best four-star hotel: La Boheme
• Best three-star hotel: Matisse Bucharest Old Town
• Best budget hotel: Lagom Hotel
• Best B&B/guest house: Old Centrum Bucharest
• Best hostel: Mil Pasos Hostel
• Best tourist apartments: Emil Balaban Luxury Apart-Hotel

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Where to Stay in Bucharest for Sightseeing

As mentioned above, Bucharest Centrum District is the best location for tourists in the Romanian capital. That said, the city is divided into many different numbered sectoare. All of these sectors converge in the city center, and each has a distinct flavors and attractions. These are some of the most exciting areas:

• Occupying the centremost areas of sectors 1, 2, 3, 4, and 5, Bucharest City Centre is the place to stay to enjoy everything the Romanian capital offers. Some great properties here include the aforementioned Athina Suites Hotel and Hotel Cismigiu.
• Compact and pedestrian-friendly, the Old Town is a charming area home to several boutique properties like the Europa Royale Bucharest and Matisse Bucharest Old Town.
• Spanning from the city center all the way to the airport in the North, Sector I is home to several attractions like Cismigiu Park, the Athenaeum, Herastrau Park, and Arcul de Triumf. This area is also where the vast majority of accommodations in Bucharest are located. Some of our favorite properties here include the Epoque Hotel and Christina Hotel.
• Occupying the east and southeast sides of the city, Sector 3 is home to the Old Town, a good portion of Unirii Boulevard, the Jewish Quarter, and Bucharest Mall. Some of the best hotels in this district include the Union Plaza Hotel and the Mercure Bucharest Unirii.
• The Parliament Building, arguably the top tourist attraction in Bucharest, is located in Sector 5. Our favorite hotels here include the JW Marriott Bucharest Grand Hotel and Continental Forum Bucuresti Palatul Parlamentului.

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The Best Areas for Tourists in Bucharest: District by District

As we mentioned above, Bucharest is a huge metropolis, and its city center covers a good chunk of five larger sectors. For clarity’s sake, this list of the best districts for tourists in Bucharest will include a few small neighborhoods —such as the Old Town— the wider center, and a few of the larger numbered districts.

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1. Old Town: Most Romantic Location in Bucharest

Thanks to a perfect combination of nightlife, attractions and boutique hotels, the Old Town is the best area to stay in Bucharest, especially if it’s your first time in the city.

Why is this the best area to stay in Bucharest, Romania:
• Heart of the city
• Historic buildings and churches
• Best area for nightlife
• Pedestrianized streets
• Boutique hotels
• Well-connected by metro & bus
• Lots of attractions

Sandwiched between Unirii and University Square in Sector 3’s westernmost section, the Historical City Centre or Old Town is Bucharest’s most charming and compact district.

With a history spanning since the late Middle Ages, the area is centered around the ruins of the old Princely Court built by Vlad III the Impaler. Its main street, Lipscani, was, up until the early 19th century, the most important commercial center in the city and Wallachia.

Today, the Old Town is known for its wealth of renovated Baroque, Neoclassical, and Haussmann-inspired buildings, which gave the city its nickname “Paris of the East” back in the 19th century, its cobbled streets, many cafés and restaurants, and as one of the favorite areas to take a stroll for both locals and tourists.

Some of the main tourist attractions in Bucharest Old Town include Stavropoleos Monastery, Saint George’s Square, St. Nicholas Church, the National Museum of Romanian History and the National Bank of Romania Museum.

Thanks to its privileged location, Bucharest’s Old Town is also very well-connected via public transport with other areas. Metro stations Universitate (M2) and Unirii (M1, M2, M3) are both within walking distance from many city center attractions, including the Jewish Quarter, the Parliament Building, Cismigiu Park, and the Cultural District in Victoriei.

In addition to its charm, attractions, and transportation options, Bucharest Old Town is also the best area to stay in the city, thanks to its wealth of accommodations. This historic quarter is home to some of the best-rated boutique hotels and luxury properties in the Romanian capital.

Best Hotels in Bucharest Old Town

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2. Bucharest City Centre: Best Location for Sightseeing

Although it is not an official district, Bucharest City Centre is home to most of the city’s attractions, as well as the best hotels in the Romanian capital.

Why is this the best area to stay in Bucharest, Romania:
• Heart of the city
• Historic buildings
• Great nightlife & food
• Large boulevards
• Best hotels in Bucharest
• Best-connected area by metro & bus
• Shopping centres
• Home to most attractions

With Unirii Square at its heart and covering the most central portions of Sectors 1, 2, 3, 4, and 5, the City Centre is the best area to stay in Bucharest for sightseeing.

As is to be expected, Bucharest City Centre includes the aforementioned Old Town, with its centuries-old churches and Parisian-style buildings, as well as many other interesting areas for tourists like the Parliament Building and Unirii Boulevard, Piata Romana, the old Jewish Quarter, Cismigiu Park and the cultural district around Calea Victoriei.

Most metro lines in the city cross Central Bucharest, and many converge at Piata Unirii and Gara de Nord, Bucharest’s main railway hub borders the area to the northwest. This means moving around the city and beyond is pretty easy.

Furthermore, Bucharest’s City Centre is also where the best hotels in the city are located. Here, you can find all kinds of accommodations, from inexpensive guest houses to upscale luxury hotels.

Best Hotels in Bucharest City Centre

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3. Sector 1: Best Location for Culture in Bucharest

With dozens of attractions including the Romanian National Museum of Art, the Romanian Athenaeum and Grigore Antipa National Museum of Natural History, Sector 1 is one of the most important cultural districts in Europe.

Why is this the best area to stay in Bucharest, Romania:
• Cultural District
• Beautiful parks
• Great hotels
• Romanian National Museum of Art
• Bucharest Arc de Triomph
• Very well-connected
• Great upscale hotels
• Romexpo convention centre

Sector 1 is one of the six districts that make up central Bucharest. It occupies the northwestern portion of the city center and extends all the way north to Baneasa Airport, the city’s secondary airport. It is home to some of the most exclusive areas, as well as the principal cultural corridors in the Romanian capital.

Its centremost section is bound by Regina Elisabeta and Nicolae Balcescu boulevards and includes some of Bucharest’s most beloved attractions, such as Cismigiu Park, University Square, and the Cultural District. Spanning along Calea Victoriei, this district is home to some of the country’s most prestigious museums and cultural institutions, including the Romanian National Museum of Art, the Romanian Athenaeum, the Museum of Art Collections, the National Museum of Romanian Literature, Grigore Antipa National Museum of Natural History, the National Geology Museum and The National Museum of the Romanian Peasant.

A few blocks east lies Piata Romana, a major road intersection at the center of one of Bucharest’s most up-and-coming gastronomic and nightlife areas.

Also in Sector 1 is Gara de Nord, the city’s main railway terminal. From this major intermodal hub, you can reach practically every city in Romania and many international destinations in neighboring countries.

Further north, Sector 1 is home to some of the most exclusive residential areas in Bucharest, including Aviatorilor, Dorobanti, and Primăverii, which hosts the lavish former residence of Romanian president Nicolae Ceausescu.

Herastrau Park, one of Bucharest’s most beautiful green spaces, offers cafes, restaurants & gardens around a large lake. Its southwestern entrance is right in front of the city’s famed Arcul de Triumf, a 26-metre granite arch built in memory of WWI troops, complete with a panoramic terrace.

Sector 1 is crossed north to south by metro line M2 and east to west by M1. Both lines converge at Piata Victoriei. Several tram lines also crisscross the wide boulevards, offering transportation to many of the district’s neighborhoods.

Best Hotels in Sector 1

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4. Sector 3: Historical City Centre, Jewish Quarter, Malls & Parks

Home to the Old Town, the Old Jewish Quarter & Bucharest Mall, Sector 3 is one of Bucharest’s most interesting districts.

Why is this the best area to stay in Bucharest, Romania:
• Bucharest Old Town
• Old Jewish Quarter
• Boutique hotels
• Bucuresti Mall Vitan
• Nightlife & food
• Well-connected by metro

Sector 3 is an administrative unit located southeast of the city. It stretches from the University Square area to the eastern edge of Bucharest, and it’s the city’s most populous and third-largest division.

It is considered one of the most important sectors of Bucharest, as it includes the Old Town, Kilometre Zero, and many other significant landmarks.

This vibrant area includes the neighborhoods of Civic Center, Lipscani, Titan, Unirii, and Vitan, among others.

As mentioned above, the Historic City Centre is home to many tourist attractions, including Curtea Veche Palace, Stavropoleos Church, Manuc’s Inn, and the Russian Church.

Not far, the Jewish neighborhood, which spreads east from Unirii Square, offers a sneak peek into the city’s once vibrant Jewish community, its legacy, and culture. During Ceausescu’s regime in the ’80s, most of the Jewish Quarter was destroyed, but some landmarks, including the Great Polish Synagogue and Holy Union Temple, are still standing.

A few kilometers southeast of here, Bucharest Mall was the first modern shopping center in the city; it is home to dozens of international retailers and a food court.

The eastern part of Sector 3 is marked by its Communist-era architecture and massive parks, including Romulus Park and the lovely Titan Park.

When it comes to transportation, the central part of the district offers metro connections at Unirii (M1, M2, M3). Metro line M1 also reaches the eastern section of the sector. Additionally, several tram lines run along the area’s main streets and boulevards.

Best Hotels in Sector 3

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5. Sector 5: Best Location for Views of the Parliament Building

Home to the massive Parliament Building, Sector 5 is a residential and administrative district and one of the best areas for tourists in Bucharest.

Why is this the best area to stay in Bucharest, Romania:
• Parliament Building
• National Museum of Contemporary Art
• Great luxury & business hotels
• National Opera
• Very well-connected

Sector 5 is located in the southwestern part of Bucharest, between sectors 4 and 6. In the city center, Sector 5 also shares common borders with Sectors 1 and 3.

This mainly residential and administrative area is particularly famous for hosting the Parliament House, a massive palace built in the 1980s in a Socialist Realist style. With a footprint measuring 270 by 240 meters and a height of 84 meters, the structure is considered the third-largest administrative building for civil use by area in the world, the most expensive administrative building in the world, and the heaviest building in the world. As it couldn’t be otherwise, it is also one of the most visited tourist attractions in Bucharest. While 70% of the building is currently not being used, the palace is open to tourists and offers tours in several languages.

Other than hosting the Parliament of Romania, one of the palace’s wings has been repurposed to host the National Museum of Contemporary Art. Also known by the acronym MNAC, it displays temporary exhibitions focusing mainly on painting, sculpture, photography, and video art.

Other attractions in Sector 5 include the Bucharest National Opera, Gheorghe Tattarescu Museum, Izvor Park, Antim Monastery, and Filaret bus station.

The northern part of the district is served by metro lines M1 and M3, while several tram lines run along Strada Progresului.

Best Hotels in Sector 5

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6. Sector 2: Quiet & Charming Location in Bucharest

Located east of Piata Romana, Sector 2 is home to shady squares and boulevards filled with character.

Why is this the best area to stay in Bucharest:
• Quiet area
• Lots of restaurants
• Old city charm
• Dacia Boulevard
• Arena Nationala
• Mega Mall shopping centre

Sector 2 is located east of Sector 1. While it is not the most famous district in central Bucharest, it is certainly one of the best areas for tourists in the city, especially around Dacia Boulevard.

The shady avenues and stately houses largely untouched by Ceceascu’s standardization plans in the 80s make Sector 2 one of the most charming areas in Bucharest. Many of these old mansions house restaurants and boutique accommodations.

Further east, Mega Mall is a large and modern shopping complex packed with local and international fashion retailers and well-known luxury brands. Not far away, the National Arena is a state-of-the-art sports and concert venue that has hosted the likes of Metallica and Ed Sheeran.

Sector 2 is mainly connected to other areas via tram and bus services.

Best Hotels in Sector 2

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Where to Look for Accommodation in Bucharest: Useful Info

Bucharest Hotels are quite cheap compared to most capitals in Western Europe. A night in a budget hotel can be as cheap as 20 or 30 euros, and even superior options are sometimes really affordable, many around the 50 euro bracket.

In general, locally owned properties and small Romanian chains are cheaper than international brands; a Hilton hotel will probably cost as much in Bucharest as it does elsewhere.

In the last few years, there has been a sharp increase in the number of backpacker options around town. These cheap hostels and B&Bs are generally of very good quality and tend to have extremely low prices too.

When it comes to overall quality, Bucharest hotels are very much hit-or-miss. While some budget options (particularly the newer ones) tend to have an excellent price/quality ratio, other hotels can be very old-fashioned and low-value. The best idea here is to have a close look at the pictures and comments from other guests before committing to a booking.

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