Learn where to stay in Bucharest, the best neighborhoods and areas to avoid.
As an American living in Bucharest, I’m constantly exploring the Old Town, downtown and other desirable areas of the city.
I’ve learned which areas tourists may want to avoid, as well as the nicer areas well-positioned for a weekend (or more!) in the city.
All my recommendations below are within easy walking distance of the best restaurants, shops, museums and cultural points you may want to visit during your stay.
These hotels are in very safe neighborhoods where you should feel comfortable walking around as a tourist. I’ve included a map at the bottom so you can compare the locations.
Don’t miss the most popular and vibrant parts of the city! Continue reading down for my top recommendations.
Best Areas in Bucharest, Romania – Where to Stay
Bucharest is divided into 6 sectors. In general, I’d recommend staying in Sector 1, Sector 2 or Sector 3, as these are the safest areas and closest to most major cultural sites you’ll want to visit.
Best Overall Option in Bucharest: The Marmorosch
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Standard Weekend Rate: $175
My husband and I did a staycation at the Marmorosch and loved everything about it!
The Old Town location is perfect, the glitzy lobby and grand atrium provide a memorable welcome, and the indoor pool, steam room and sauna are the perfect way to soothe sore muscles after a long day spent sightseeing.
Stop by the Marmorosch’s basement Vault Bar for an evening nightcap amid gilded lockboxes that once stored hidden treasures and state secrets. Indulge in a martini or two before sauntering your way up to your room for a restful night’s sleep.
Your overall location and the value of a stay here is so worth it!
Second Best Overall: The Radisson Blu
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Standard Weekend Rate: $175
The Radisson Blu is where visiting dignitaries often stay while in Bucharest. It’s the perfect mix of luxury and affordability, with an amazing downtown location right on the city’s most famous avenue—Calea Victoriei.
The Radisson is well-positioned to experience not just the main tourist sites like the Romanian Athenaeum or the National Art Museum, but also a slice of local life in nearby Piața Amzei.
Walk to Velocità for gelato, MAT Restaurant for incredible tacos, Zmoke for Texas-style barbecue or Patiseria Amzei for their famous merdenele (cheese pies). This is my favorite area in Bucharest!
Best Luxury Option: Corinthia Grand Hotel
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Standard Weekend Rate: $500
Synonymous with luxury and sophistication, the impressive Corinthia Bucharest officially opened its doors in March 2025.
Located in Piaţa Drapelului across from the historical National Military Club, this new five-star accommodation features the best of everything. From their opulent eatery Boulevard 73 to their swanky Sass lounge, you may have a difficult time leaving the hotel!
If you can manage to pull yourself away from these creature comforts, the Corinthia is perfectly situated near Old Town and downtown to explore the city to your heart’s content!
At Christmas, the Corinthia goes all out with the most amazing décor in the city. I always stop by for a few photos.
Best Value: Mercure Bucharest City Center
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Standard Weekend Rate: $130
I love Mercures. Ever since I stayed at the French hotel chain in Dijon, I’ve been a fan. They’re predictable and reliable, with clean rooms, friendly service and affordable rates. When you see a Mercure—you know it’s a good area.
This particular location is a local’s dream. In addition to the perks of Piața Amzei I mentioned before, you’ve also got amazing restaurants and coffee shops nearby.
Try Ever After for a delicious brunch, Camera din Față for an afternoon pick-me-up or Primus for British classics and a pint.
I love that the Mercure Bucharest City Center is located on a quiet street, but still in the center of the action and walking distance to Old Town.
There may not be any swimming pool, but this hotel has an excellent breakfast, fully equipped gym and it’s pet-friendly to boot!
Intercontinental Athenee Palace Bucharest by IHG
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Standard Weekend Rate: $195
This stately hotel is an anchor along the main Calea Victoriei with 283 rooms. The elegant property features a heated indoor pool, whirlpool and two on-site restaurants. You’ll feel very well-taken care of at the Intercontinental!
Located just a stone’s throw from the opulent Romanian Athenaeum, the Royal Palace and Piața Revoluției, this area really offers endless things to do during your time in Bucharest.
I personally love popping into the nearby and locally loved éclair shop French Revolution for a cheeky dessert after a long day of sightseeing. Don’t miss it if you stay here!
Grand Hotel Continental
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Standard Weekend Rate: $175
The Grand Hotel Continental is in one of my favorite buildings in the entire city! This iconic hotel along Calea Victoriei offers old world elegance and an elevated experience for your time in Bucharest.
My husband loved their hydro-massage pool while I fancied the Himalayan salt sauna—both unique features that make staying here feel special.
As with the other hotels, the location is impeccable and an excellent starting point for your Romanian adventures!
Hilton Garden Inn Bucharest Old Town
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Standard Weekend Rate: $150
This four-star hotel is an excellent option for your trip! My in-laws stayed here when they visited us last month.
This property is exactly what you’d expect from Hilton—modern comforts, courteous staff, sensible luxury without being over the top.
The location is nearly identical to the (more expensive) Marmorosch I mentioned earlier, but just a two-minute walk further down the road. It’s also close to the Universitate metro station in case you’re tired of walking and keen to venture a bit further out.
Filitti Boutique Hotel
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Standard Weekend Rate: $130
I recommend the Filitti Boutique Hotel for those who may be planning some late nights out on the town.
With close proximity to lots of bars, clubs and restaurants, getting home after a few drinks will be a breeze! Filitti Boutique Hotel is on the edge of Old Town and walking distance from all the action.
Don’t miss nearby Korean barbecue restaurant Jeonjuu! This place is famously popular so make a reservation in advance for some fuel before your cheeky evening plans.
Bucharest Areas to Avoid
In general, I would recommend avoiding the southern half of Bucharest below Bulevardul Unirii, specifically the Ferentari neighborhood and areas close by in Sector 5. Romanians on Threads have compared this area to the Bronx in New York—not exactly a glowing endorsement.
While Romania in general is very safe, like all major cities, petty thefts and crimes of opportunity can still be a problem.
In addition to crime, many buildings in this area are older and therefore not constructed to modern earthquake-resistant building codes. In the unlikely event of another earthquake, you’ll be safest staying in a newly renovated or newly constructed hotel like the ones listed above.
Where is the Best Place to Stay in Bucharest
This map shows all the above locations in relation to one another. As you can see, they're mostly concentrated near the city center to give you easy access to the best of Bucharest.
I’ve walked by these hotels countless times since we relocated here, and they’re all in safe areas where tourists can feel comfortable.
Drum bun or safe travels! Let me know in the comments if I can help answer any questions.
Save and bookmark this page to remember the best areas for your trip to Bucharest!
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