Photo of Bucharest

About Bucharest

One of the largest cities in Southeast Europe, Bucharest became capital in1862 and subsequently the centre of Romanian media, culture and art. As a result, there is a rich architectural mix and the city has been referred to as ‘little Paris’ due to the elegant buildings and the sophistication of its former elite. The best places to stay in Bucharest tend to be those closest to the centre.

Unfortunately quite a bit of Bucharest was destroyed under communism, but the Old Town, around Unirii Square, survived and it’s beautiful. It also has some of the best restaurants, pubs, shopping, and some of the best places to stay in Bucharest. Primaverii is another beautiful and atmospheric part of town, but more leafy and residential, in fact expensive residential. If you’re looking for good value consider the Tineretului district, which is close to Tineretului Park - which is huge - and has good transport links.

What Not To Miss

  • Why not start at the iconic Palace of the Parliament, which was constructed during the 1980’s when Nicolae Ceausescu held sway. This massive edifice boasts 1,100 rooms and is the largest parliament building in the world.
  • There are museums galore; the Taranului (peasant customs and crafts), the Satului (village of preserved farmsteads etc.), Istorie (of history going back to the pre-historic) to name but a few.
  • Don't forget the neoclassical Romanian Athenaeum which is the centre for performing arts, or the 15th century Curtea Veche Palace, once home to Prince ’Vlad the Impaler’.
  • Plus there are lovely orthodox churches, most notably the Stavropoleos with its decorative sculptures and amazing frescoes.

The city is now enjoying an economic and cultural renaissance. And for this reason, it's a busy destination year-round. If you want to guarantee a room in one of the best places to stay in Bucharest, get organised and book well ahead.

The Best Places to Stay in Bucharest

In the Old Town

  • The Grand Hotel Continental is a five star hotel situated in the historic centre of Bucharest. Its rooms and suites are presented in traditionally elegant style with renaissance furnishings. There is a first class restaurant, function rooms etc. and, as you'd expect for a luxury establishment, there are very high service standards.
  • The Hotel Christina is a sleek, contemporary hotel with colour themed rooms, located close to the centre right by the National Museum of Art.
  • In total contrast, Hotel Scala boasts beautiful classic rooms with parquet flooring and sumptuous fabrics. It's a historic building right in the centre of the city with doubles starting from €75 per night B&B.

For great value

  • Hotel Christina is a sleek, contemporary hotel with colour themed rooms, located close to the centre right by the National Museum of Art. It has all the mod cons, including a cafe and a restaurant, plus doubles start from just €69 including breakfast.
  • In total contrast, Hotel Scala boasts beautiful classic rooms with parquet flooring and sumptuous fabrics. It's a historic building right in the centre of the city with doubles starting from €75 per night B&B.

For city centre luxury

  • Grand Hotel Continental is a five star hotel situated in the historic centre of Bucharest. Its rooms and suites are presented in traditionally elegant style with renaissance furnishings. There is a first class restaurant, function rooms etc. and, as you'd expect for a luxury establishment, there's a very high level of service.

For An Apartment Or Villa

If you think you'd prefer the privacy of a self-catering option then browse through the wide variety available online with our partner Booking.com.

Travel Information

  • If you want to spend your days sightseeing then it's definitely best to visit in the summer months, with the average daily temperature reaching 22°C in July.
  • However, this is peak tourist season so if you fancy visiting at a quieter and cheaper time then consider coming in May or September.
  • International visitors can fly into Bucharest Henri Coandå International Airport, located about 18km north of downtown Bucharest. From the airport, either take the bus or the train to the city centre.
  • Blue Air and Wizz Air fly from Luton to Bucharest, whilst Ryanair go from Stansted.
  • For car hire prices, we recommend you visit our online partner Rentalcars.

Still not sure?

Weather

Monthly Weather in Bucharest

Best Hotels in Bucharest

  • Hotel Christina Bucharest 24 rooms from $82

    Value chic
    Sights nearby  -  Cismigiu Garden, National Museum of Art of Romania.
    Restaurant  -  A good little lunch cafe.
    Local markets  -  Good for local colour.
    Air conditioningRestaurant

    A contemporary Four Star hotel with simple rooms. Colour themed rooms have all the mod cons. Lunch cafe and restaurant, concierge, and massage service. A good value option for a stop off in Bucharest. See More

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  • Hotel Scala Bucharest 11 rooms from $99

    Local exploring  -  A stylish hotel in the heart of the city, next door to Magheru Boulevard and the Royal Palace.
    Local markets  -  The markets in the old part of town cannot be missed, head out on foot and bargain hunt.
    Sights nearby  -  The Romanian Atheneum and the National Theatre are both moments away.
    Full of character
    Air conditioningRestaurantParkingNo pets

    Traditional architecture, period furniture and antiques in every corner blend well with modern day comfort. It also hosts exhibitions, live music concerts and formal dinners. The Repertorium offers gourmet cuisine. Rustic-charm, great location and a lively atmosphere. See More

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  • Grand Hotel Continental, Bucharest Bucharest 53 rooms from $109

    City Style
    5* Luxury  -  Very high service standards.
    Sights nearby  -  Cretulescu Church, Romanian Athenaeum and Cismigiu Garden.
    Local markets  -  Good for local colour.
    Air conditioningRestaurantParking

    A grand Five Star hotel in Bucharest's historic centre. Traditional elegant rooms and suites have all the mod cons and Renaissance furnishings. Excellent restaurant, meeting facilities, and close to all the local attractions. See More

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  • Rosetti Hotel Bucharest (Romania) 24 rooms from $109

    Walking distance restaurants  -  Enjoy sarmale cu mamaliga (pickld cabbage stuffed with mince & polenta)ciorba de burta (tripe soup)& other specialities at Hamu
    Local markets  -  Buy books at 19th century bookshop Carturesti Carusel and seek antiques and tat in the Sunday flea market in Parcul Carol
    Families  -  These self-catering hideaways within easy reach of the city’s main sights, are ideal for those travelling with kids
    Sights nearby  -  Spend a day admiring the glorious architecture along Victoria Boulevard, and visiting the famous Parliament building
    Disabled accessViewsParking

    A cluster of stylish modern self catering apartments gazing out over a peaceful side street in Bucharest’s picturesque old town. With contemporary furnishings, private balconies and coffee machines they are the perfect base for exploring the Romanian city dubbed Paris of the East See More

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  • Suter Palace Bucharest (Sector 4) 17 rooms from $163

    Local exploring  -  Set close to museums and local monuments, book this hotel as a convenient base for local exploring
    City Style  -  Set in a luxurious heritage palace in central Bucharest, this hotel has lots of local city charm
    Romantic Break  -  With well-appointed suites and a gourmet restaurant, book this hotel for a romantic city break
    Great walks  -  Explore the picturesque Carol Park which neighbours the hotel on a long walk; stop at the historic Vila Bosianu on the way
    Air conditioningRestaurantParkingNo pets

    This five-star boutique hotel is located in a former palace in Bucharest, Romania. Opulent, wood-panelled guestrooms are dressed in luxurious linens in a regal palette, in keeping with the property's heritage. Sample local delicacies at the hotel's à la carte restaurant, Gramont. See More

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