Bucharest

Travel Guide

Palace of the Parliament featuring a fountain, street scenes and heritage architecture
Carol Park showing a sunset and a monument as well as a small group of people
Palace of the Parliament featuring a sunset, a fountain and heritage architecture
Romanian Athenaeum featuring a statue or sculpture, heritage architecture and theater scenes
National Military Museum which includes interior views
Explore Romania’s capital, a charming city with palaces, gardens, historic buildings, leafy squares and exciting nightlife.

With wide French-style boulevards, neoclassical palaces and large parks, Bucharest was known as the “Paris of the East” before the Communist era. Since the overthrow of Communism, it has been reclaiming its former glory. Today, visit this modern city with restored palaces, fresco-filled churches, open-air cafés, a thriving nightlife and rich cultural experiences.

Start with a tour of Bucharest’s architectural landmarks. Admire the sculptures and bas-reliefs of the Arch of Triumph. The large granite monument commemorates Romanian soldiers who fought in World War I. Explore the Palace of Parliament, one of the world’s largest parliament buildings.

The dictator Nicolae Ceaușescu and his wife fled from Revolution Square in 1989. Here see the former royal palace, now the National Museum of Art, and Kretzulescu Church. This 18th-century place of worship is an example of Brâncovenesc architecture, a mixture of Renaissance, Baroque, Byzantine and Ottoman styles.

Bucharest offers many green spaces for relaxation. Wander through the 43 acres (17.5 hectares) of the Bucharest Botanical Gardens. Row a boat across the lake at Cișmigiu Park. During winter, skate on its ice rink. Glimpse part of Romania’s past at the Village Museum inside Herăstrău Park. The open-air center features traditional homes from all regions of the country. The oldest dates back to the 17th century.

For eating, drinking, dancing and socializing, head for the old town. Find restaurants serving Romanian dishes of sausages and cabbage. Some clubs and cafés stay open until sunrise. For classical music performances, go to the Romanian Athenaeum, the city’s domed circular concert hall.

International flights land at Henri Coanda International Airport, about 10 miles (16 kilometers) north of the city. You can also arrive by train from several European countries. Experience Bucharest’s art, history, culture and cafés by using the extensive public transportation network. Rental cars are available and taxis are relatively cheap.

Bucharest is about 140 miles (225 kilometers) from the archeological sites at Constanta and 105 miles (170 kilometers) from the mountains, medieval towns and castles of Transylvania.

Where to stay in Bucharest

Carol Park which includes a monument

Bucharest City-Centre

4.5/5(494 area reviews)

Museums, historic sites, and art galleries are just a few things travelers like about Bucharest City-Centre. Sights like Central University Library and Revolution Square are spots to explore, and you can get around the greater Bucharest area at University Station.

Bucharest City-Centre
Lipscani showing a statue or sculpture

Bucharest Old Town

Centered in Bucharest, the Old Town boasts vibrant nightlife and is divided by Ion C. Brătianu Boulevard. Explore its historic squares, passages, and the beginning of Calea Moșilor for a lively experience.

Bucharest Old Town
Museum of the Romanian Peasant showing interior views

Sector 1

If you're spending time in Sector 1, you might enjoy attractions like RomExpo and House of the Free Press. You might also enjoy the neighborhood's ample dining options before hopping on the metro at Străulești Station to see more of the city.

Sector 1
Lipscani which includes street scenes, cafe lifestyle and a city

Lipscani

Travelers come to Lipscani for its abundant dining options, and you can see top attractions like Curtea Veche and Stavropoleos Church while you're in town.

Lipscani
Bucharest featuring a park, heritage architecture and a square or plaza

Sector 3

Historic sites and restaurants are highlights of Sector 3. Make a stop by Bucharest Mall or Piata Unirii while you're visiting, and jump aboard the metro at University Station to get around town.

Sector 3
Sunset on the Tei Lake, Bucharest

Sector 2

Get to know Sector 2 and its many features like its parks and spas. You might want to explore sights like National Arena and University Square, and you can jump on the metro at Obor or Piata Iancului to get around the city.

Sector 2
Novotel Bucharest City Centre
Novotel Bucharest City Centre
4 out of 5
37B Calea Victoriei, Sector 1, Bucharest
$108 nightly
The price is $118 total per night from Aug 3 to Aug 4
$118 total
Aug 3 - Aug 4
Total includes taxes and fees
Stay at this 4-star business-friendly hotel in Bucharest. Enjoy free WiFi, breakfast (surcharge), and a fitness center. Our guests praise the helpful staff in ...
8.8/10 Excellent! (999 reviews)
"El hotel muy bueno, el trato del personal hacia el huesped un poco hostil."

Reviewed on Jul 9, 2025

Novotel Bucharest City Centre
Grand Hotel Bucharest
Grand Hotel Bucharest
5 out of 5
Bulevardul Nicolae Balcescu, Bucharest, Bucharest
$99 nightly
The price is $109 total per night from Aug 4 to Aug 5
$109 total
Aug 4 - Aug 5
Total includes taxes and fees
Stay at this 5-star luxury hotel in Bucharest. Enjoy free WiFi, breakfast (surcharge), and valet parking (surcharge). Our guests praise the helpful staff in ...
8.6/10 Excellent! (295 reviews)
"Very nice hotel, great location next to Old Town, reasonably priced, good breakfast buffet, very comfortable king size bed, next to subway station though walkable to many attractions."

Reviewed on Jun 13, 2025

Grand Hotel Bucharest
The Marmorosch Bucharest, Autograph Collection
The Marmorosch Bucharest, Autograph Collection
5 out of 5
2-6 Doamnei Street, Bucharest
$162 nightly
The price is $178 total per night from Jul 20 to Jul 21
$178 total
Jul 20 - Jul 21
Total includes taxes and fees
Stay at this 5-star luxury hotel in Bucharest. Enjoy free WiFi, breakfast (surcharge), and a fitness center. Our guests praise the helpful staff and the property ...
9.4/10 Exceptional! (440 reviews)
Fantastic stay in a historic place
"The hotel is located in the historic old city near the National Bank. The area is safe and clean. It is convenient for doing anything in the city, tourism or business. The breakfast was most impressive. Great service and plentiful choice of food, everything was amazing. Good old tradition of high ..."

Reviewed on Jul 6, 2025

The Marmorosch Bucharest, Autograph Collection
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.
VISIONAPARTMENTS Bucharest Calea Victoriei
VISIONAPARTMENTS Bucharest Calea Victoriei
4 out of 5
38-40 Calea Victoriei, Bucharest
Stay at this 4-star aparthotel in Bucharest. Enjoy free WiFi, breakfast (surcharge), and a fitness center. Popular attractions Palace of the Parliament and Odeon ...
8.6/10 Excellent! (165 reviews)
"The check in and Check out were really simple. The room was comfortable."

Reviewed on Jul 10, 2025

VISIONAPARTMENTS Bucharest Calea Victoriei
Mosilor Residence Apartments
Mosilor Residence Apartments
3 out of 5
Mihai Eminescu no. 181, Sector 2, Bucharest
Stay at this 3-star aparthotel in Bucharest. Enjoy free WiFi, a 24-hour front desk, and an airport shuttle (surcharge). Popular attractions Palace of the Parliament ...
8.2/10 Very Good! (79 reviews)
"Nice place, close to shops, bus stations and old town"

Reviewed on Jun 8, 2025

Mosilor Residence Apartments
Studio Militari Residence M2
Studio Militari Residence M2
3.5 out of 5
Strada Tineretului 85, Bl 3, et. 6, ap. 621, Chiajna, Ilfov
Stay at this 3.5-star spa apartment in Chiajna. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and a full-service spa. Popular attractions Palace of the Parliament and Terra ...
8.6/10 Excellent! (12 reviews)
"Good not like on the pictures but ok, very hard with the parking….far from downtown in the morning 1 hr traffic But overall is fine"

Reviewed on Dec 4, 2023

Studio Militari Residence M2
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.

Popular places to visit

Things to do

Reviews of Bucharest

4.2
Top Destination
5 - Excellent
161
5 - Excellent 40%
4 - Good
176
4 - Good 43%
3 - Okay
60
3 - Okay 15%
2 - Disappointing
8
2 - Disappointing 2%
1 - Terrible
1
1 - Terrible 0%

5/5 - Excellent

Ahmednuur

Good Town unfortunately i come in the middle of the Coronvirus crisis and didn't explore anything but overall i think is good town and rich for the tourism hubs such museums and historic sites including the Cotreceni , the Parliament Building and NT

5/5 - Excellent

Verified traveler

Great city with everithing in it !!

3/5 - Okay

Verified traveler

Nice city

4/5 - Good

Verified traveler

Great architecture and inexpensive

4/5 - Good

James

I love the city and the people. All very friendly.

3/5 - Okay

Verified traveler

It was okay.

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