What is the best area to stay in in Bucharest?

Bucharest is the largest city and capital of Romania. It’s known for its liveliness, vibrant nightlife and culture, and it can be a great place to visit! But before you go, you need to decide where to stay. So what is the best area to stay in Bucharest?

Located in Southern Romania, Bucharest is practically divided into six sectors, each with its own unique characteristics and attractions. Here’s an introduction to each sector and the best area to stay in within it.

Sector 1 – Lipscani

Sector 1 is where to go for nightlife and dining. Considered by many to be the capital’s tourist center, some of the most popular bars, clubs, and restaurants of Bucharest can be found here. Lipscani is the main street located in the old town and offers a unique shopping experience with lots of vintage stores and antiques. During the day, you can visit lots of cafes and picturesque stores, while at night, you just need to head out to Lipscani and you’ll be able to find lots of nightlife options. If you’re looking to stay here, I recommend The Old Town Hostel – a hostel located right near Lipscani.

Sector 2 – Cartierul Francez

Sector 2 is where to explore historic monuments and touristic attractions. Here you can visit some of Bucharest’s most iconic sites like the National Museum of Art of Romania, the National Museum of History of Romania, or the Stavropoleos Church. You’ll also find some stunning parks such as Cismigiu and Carol parks. Picking a hotel near the University Square is what many tourists usually go for as this area offers lots of options for easy access to attractions and also many bars and restaurants at night.

Sector 3 – Herastrau Park

Herastrau Park is the most upscale area in Bucharest. It’s located in the northern part of the city and provides an oasis away from all the busyness that you can find in other areas of Bucharest. Herastrau Park is full of restaurants and bars overlooking the shoreline as well as picnic spots and open-air cafes. Staying near Herastrau Park is a great option if you want to be in a calm but still centrally located area in Bucharest. For that, I would highly recommend the Divan Hotel.

Sector 4 – Centru Vechi

Sector 4 – is where you can find the old city center which is full of markets, shops, and cafes. You should definitely go for a stroll here and see all the historic buildings that remind of Bucharest’s old city charm as well as enjoy a delicious meal or a coffee at one of the numerous cafes near Piata Unirii Square or Piata Romana Square. There are lots of accommodation options like hostels or even Airbnb options close by; staying here will give you quick access to all the attractions of Bucharest including nightlife spots and restaurants.

Sector 5 – Dorobanti

Dorabanti covers the northern area of Sector 5 and is a popular destination among many both locals and tourists alike. Reasonable accommodation options can be found here as well as many restaurants, cafes, and pubs. This is also a great shopping area with one of the most famous malls in Romania – Plaza Romania Mall – located nearby as well as designer boutiques on Primavarii Street.

Sector 6 – Rahova/Drumul Taberei

Sector 6 is one of the biggest areas in Bucharest. One of its main attractions is Cartojan Park which is where all locals go for picnics, concerts, and events during summertime. There are also many malls such as Militari Shopping Center or Afi Palace Cotroceni Mall where you can do lots of shopping. Last but not least, there are also plenty of pubs, clubs, and restaurants where you can have some fun with friends or spend some quality time with your family. Most accommodation options here are Airbnb apartments as there aren’t many hotels in this area, however reasonable prices can be found some hotels such as JW Marriott Bucharest Grand Hotel.

So in conclusion, deciding where to stay in Bucharest depends on your own interests. If you want to be in more of a touristy area, then Sector 1 or 4 would be your best bet; if you’re looking for more upscale options then Sector 2 or 5 would be a much better choice; if you rather want to explore Bucharest’s nightlife then Sector 3 or 6 could be ideal for you; lastly, Sector 6 might also be perfect if you want to do some shopping! To make sure you know exactly what area best suits your needs, I recommend reading more about each sector on Romania Experience.