Bucharest Hotels

Bucharest

Bucharest Travel Guide

Hotels in Bucharest are waiting for you to discover the city's beauty! Find the best hotel deals.

Bucharest is the capital city and largest city of Romania, located in southern Romania on the Dâmbovița River. It has an officially estimated population of 1.76 million residents. Bucharest is the most prosperous city in Romania and the richest capital and city in the region. Bucharest is a bustling metropolis known for its wide, tree-lined boulevards, Belle Epoque buildings, and vibrant culture which attracts visitors from around the world.

Things To Know Before Going To Bucharest

  • The Palace of the Parliament is the second-largest administrative and also the heaviest building in the world.
  • Bucharest is full of hidden gems, from independent cafes and art galleries to quirky museums and vintage shops.
  • The city is a foodie paradise, with a wide range of restaurants serving everything from traditional Romanian cuisine to international fare.
  • Bucharest is a city with a rich history, dating back over 500 years. There are many historical sites to explore.
  • Bucharest is a green city with many parks and gardens. These are great places to relax, have a picnic, or go for a walk.
  • Calea Victoriei, Bucharest's oldest street, was originally paved with oak beams in 1692.
  • Mosquitoes can be a nuisance, especially near the Dâmbovița River, so bringing insect repellent is recommended.

Where Is Bucharest?

Bucharest is situated in southeastern Romania, on the banks of the Dâmbovița River, less than 60 km north of the Danube River and the Bulgarian border.

Where To Stay In Bucharest?

Here is a table of the key tourist areas in Bucharest and what they offer:

 

DistrictBest ForBest AttractionsAverage Trip Cost
Old TownHistoric sights, nightlife, diningOld Princely Court, Stavropoleos Church, Lipscani StreetModerate
Victoriei StreetSightseeing, shopping, diningPalace of the Parliament, National Museum of Art, Revolution SquareModerate to High
Herastrau ParkNature, relaxationHerastrau Park, Dimitrie Gusti National Village MuseumLow to Moderate
Lipscani DistrictHistoric architecture, nightlife, diningHanul lui Manuc, Caru' cu Bere, Stavropoleos ChurchModerate
Sector 1Museums, art galleriesGrigore Antipa Natural History Museum, Museum of the Romanian PeasantModerate
Sector 6Residential, parksCismigiu Gardens, Botanical GardenLow to Moderate

 

Best Hotels In Bucharest

Bucharest hotels offer a blend of luxury and convenience, providing exceptional services and amenities for your trip to be more comfortable. Even though luxury hotels in Bucharest may make you break the bank, they will be worth every penny thanks to their services. However, there are always mid-range and budget hotels in Bucharest to enhance your days and make your city tour seamless. Tailored for everyone, finding what kind of accommodation you want won’t be as hard as you think. Now, here are some of the best hotels in Bucharest we recommend and why:

 

HotelDistrictAffordabilityWhy to Stay There?
JW Marriott Bucharest Grand HotelVictoriei StreetLuxury

- Prestigious 5-star hotel in the heart of Bucharest

- Offers luxurious accommodations, fine dining, and excellent amenities like a spa and indoor pool

- Convenient location near major attractions like the Palace of the Parliament

Athenee Palace Hilton BucharestOld TownLuxury

- Historic 5-star hotel with elegant, traditional decor

- Excellent location in the Old Town, walking distance to top sights

- Renowned for its high-quality service and amenities

Park Inn by Radisson BucharestSector 1Mid-Range

- Modern 4-star hotel with comfortable, well-equipped rooms

- Great value for money in a central location

- Amenities include a restaurant, bar, fitness center, and indoor pool

Hotel AncorPiperaBudget

- Affordable 3-star hotel in the Pipera business district

- Simple but clean accommodations, good for business travelers or those on a tight budget

- Close to shopping malls and just 7km from the city center

Epoque Hotel - Relais & ChâteauxCismigiuLuxury

- Upscale 5-star boutique hotel in a quiet, leafy neighborhood

- Elegant, historic building with beautifully appointed rooms

- Excellent service and amenities like a spa and gourmet restaurant

Hilton Garden Inn Bucharest Old TownOld TownMid-Range

- Modern 4-star hotel in the heart of the Old Town

- Walking distance to top attractions like the National Theater

- Amenities include a fitness center, restaurant, and free WiFi

Radisson Blu Hotel BucharestVictoriei StreetLuxury

- Iconic 5-star hotel on the famous Calea Victoriei boulevard

- Luxurious accommodations and excellent facilities including multiple restaurants, a spa, and an indoor pool

- Ideal location for sightseeing and business

Hotel CismigiuCismigiuMid-Range

- 4-star hotel overlooking the beautiful Cismigiu Gardens

- Charming, historic building with modern, comfortable rooms

- Great base for exploring the city's green spaces and cultural attractions

Otopeni Airport HotelNear AirportMid-Range

- Convenient 4-star hotel just 5 minutes from Henri Coandă International Airport

- Ideal for early/late flights or transit passengers

- Offers shuttle service, restaurant, and comfortable, soundproofed rooms

 

Best Bucharest Attractions

  • Old Town (Centrul Vechi): Bucharest’s historic center with cobblestone streets, lively bars, cafes, and restaurants.
  • Palace of the Parliament: Massive communist-era building, the second largest administrative building in the world.
  • Romanian Athenaeum: stunning neoclassical concert hall and home of the George Enescuu Philharmonic.
  • Herastrau Park: large park surrounding a lake, with walking/biking paths, playgrounds, and museums.
  • National Museum of Romanian History: traces Romanian history from ancient times to the present day.
  • Arch of Triumph: The Triumphal Arch was built in 1922 to commemorate Romania’s WWI heroes.
  • Cotroceni Palace: official residence of the Romanian President, with guided tours available.
  • Grigore Antpa National Museum of Natural History: one of the largest natural history museums in Europe.

Is Bucharest Safe For Tourists?

Bucharest is generally a safe destination for tourists. However, visitors should be cautious of petty theft, especially in crowded areas like public transport, train stations, and around tourist attractions. If you travel alone is suggested to stick to well-lit, populated areas at night. Be aware of common scams like pickpocketing, overpriced taxi fares, or people offering to exchange money on the street.

Is Bucharest Expensive To Visit?

Bucharest is a budget-friendly destination compared to many European cities. For a budget-friendly traveler, a daily spending of $30-$60 per person. Those seeking a more comfortable or luxurious experience can expect to spend $60 - $120 per person per day. 

Currency Of Bucharest, Romania

The official currency in Bucharest and throughout Romania is the Romanian Leu (RON). the Lue is subdivided into 100 Bani. visitors can exchange foreign currency for Romanian Lei at banks, exchange offices, and hotels.

Language Spoken In Bucharest, Romanian

The official language of Romania is Romanian. While Romanian is dominant, Bucharest is home to several minority language communities like Hungarian, Romani, Ukrainian, and German. English is widely spoken as a second language, especially among the younger and more educated segments of the population.

How Many Days Are Enough To Visit Bucharest?

Spending 2-3 days in Bucharest is an ideal period to see the city’s top sights and a day trip to nearby attractions like Sangov Monastery or Bran Castle.

What To Do In Bucharest?

  • Explore the Palace of the Parliament
  • Wander through Bucharest’s Old Town
  • Visit the Village Museum
  • Relax in Herastrau Park
  • Discover the city's diverse architecture, from Neoclassical to Communist-era buildings.
  • See a performance at the Romanian Athenaeum
  • Go on a Communist Tour
  • Enjoy Bucherat’s nightlife 
  • Take a day  trip to Sinaia
  • Explore the Danube Delta
  • Discover hidden gems located in every corner of the city
  • Try local cuisines 

When Is The Best Time To Stay In Bucharest?

the best time to visit Bucharest depends on your preferences. If you prefer pleasant weather and fewer crowds, spring or autumn are ideal. If you're on a budget and don't mind the cold, winter is a good option. And if you want to experience Bucharest's vibrant nightlife and cultural scene, summer is the best time to go.

 

SeasonTemperature (°C/°F)ActivitiesRatesCrowd
Spring (April-May)10-20°C (50-68°F)Blooming parks, outdoor cafes, festivals like the Bucharest International Film FestivalModerate, lower than peak seasonFewer crowds than in summer
Summer (June-August)20-35°C (68-95°F)Outdoor concerts, festivals, thermal spas, boat ridesHigher for accommodation and flightsBusier with more tourists
Fall (September-November)5-20°C (41-68°F)Colorful fall foliage, classical music festivals, cozy cafesModerate, lower than summerFewer tourists than in peak season
Winter (December-March)-5 to 5°C (23-41°F)Christmas markets, indoor attractions, ice skatingLower for accommodation and flightsFewer tourists and some attractions have reduced hours

 

What To Pack For Bucharest Trip?

  • Comfortable walking shoes 
  • Lightweight, breathable clothing for summer months
  • Layers and a light jacket for spring, fall, and winter
  • Swimsuit for you who plan to visit thermal spas
  • Nicer outfit for dining out at upscale restaurants
  • Passport and travel documents
  • Travel insurance documents
  • Local currency and credit/debit cards
  • Sunscreen and sunglasses
  • Hot or umbrella for sun/rain protection
  • Water bottle
  • Lightweight backpack or purse 
  • Portable charger
  • Guidebook or map of Bucharest

Bucharest Cuisine

  • Mici (Mititei): Grilled skinless sausages, a national dish of Romania 
  • Sarmale: Minced meat wrapped in cabbage or vine leaves
  • Mămăligă: Polenta-like cornmeal porridge, often served with cheese and sour cream
  • Ciorbă: Hearty Romanian soups, such as ciorbă rădăuțeană (sour beef and vegetable soup)
  • Papanași: Fried dough pastries, sometimes filled with cheese or jam

Is Bucharest Good For Nightlife?

Bucharest’s nightlife caters to diverse tastes, from raucous Old Town bars to refined cocktail lounges and high-energy nightclubs. Here are the key details about the nightlife scene in Bucharest:

  • Vibrant nightlife in Old Town: it is the epicenter of Bucharest’s nightlife, with bars, clubs, and pubs.
  • Rooftop Bars: Bucharest has several trendy rooftop bars with city views, such as NOMAD Skybar, Linea/Closer to the Moon, and Pura Vida Sky Bar.
  • Nightclubs: Clubs like Bamboo, Loft, and Fratelli Studios attract crowds and feature high-end decor, bottle service, and popular DJs.
  • Craft Cocktail Lounges: Bucharest has a growing craft cocktail scene, with lounges like Interbelic, Botanist, and Puro offering innovative mixology.
  • Live Music: the city has a lively live music scene, with venues like Control, Expriat, and Green Hours hosting concerts and performances across genres.

Bucharest City Center