Have you decided to go to Romania for the vacations? Here are the best places to stay in Bucharest!
Romania, between East and West, is often described as a Latin island in a Slavic ocean. As Romanian is a Romance language, you may find it more affordable to visit Bucharest than other Balkan cities. What’s more, accommodation in Bucharest will be cheap, as the cost of living is lower than in France, even in the capital. Bucharest is Romania’s largest city, with 1,883,425 inhabitants, and its historical and cultural heritage is, like all European capitals, infinitely rich. Bucharest exudes a singular blend of Balkan traditions and Western modernity, sprinkled with remnants of Nicolae Ceaușescu’s Communist dictatorship.
At first glance, Bucharest isn’t very aesthetic: stigmata of Soviet rule, with wide, cold arteries and gray, even drab buildings. But the city center is sometimes nicknamed the « Little Paris » because of its bustling life. Not sure where to stay? Here’s a list of areas to stay in Bucharest.
Lipscani
The old town has risen from the ashes and is an open-air museum of bygone eras. Once a craftsman’s and merchant’s district, it became a favorite haunt of the princely court. Some buildings still stand despite Soviet destruction: the Byzantine church of Stavropoleos, for example. Nicknamed the « Little Paris » because of its many pedestrian streets, old shops and bookshops, rehabilitated old buildings, trendy bars and art galleries frequented by young designers…
Once a rundown district during the Communist era, it became gentrified with the opening up to Europe and the free market. From Piaţa Unirii, in the eponymous park, continue on to Bucharest’s political and administrative center: the imposing Palace of Parliament, witness to the megalomania of the rulers (whose construction led to the destruction and expropriation of thousands of working classes, and depleted entire marble quarries). Today, it’s a great place to stay in Bucharest, especially if you’re with your family and enjoy the nightlife and art scene.
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Find an Airbnb in Lipscani
Calea Victorei
Avenue de la Victoire is a 2,700-metre long boulevard with a variety of atmospheres to the north of the city center. To the south, you’ll find chic boutiques and historic hotels, where the wealthy come to shop and live. Historic monuments can be found further north, with the Villa Monteoru, the Romanian Athenaeum, the Cantacuzino Palace, the Royal Palace and Paul Gottereau’s Central University Library. Further west, you’ll find the Cișmigiu Garden, a pleasant green setting in which to relax. If you want to enjoy Bucharest away from the hustle and bustle of the city center, this could be an ideal area to stay in Bucharest, if you like shopping or rather quiet places.
Find a hotel in Calea Victoriei
Find an Airbnb in Calea Victoriei
Şoseaua Kiseleff
This district to the north of the city center features imposing castles from the Romantic era, and spreads out around avenue Şoseaua Pavel Dimitrievici Kiseleff, which leads to rather leafy, posh areas along the shores of Lake Herastrau. You’ll feel like you’re in the countryside, literally. It’s the place to be for Romania’s golden youth, who come to chat with friends in the trendy bars and lounge clubs. Refined restaurants, tea rooms, beauty salons and quiet days by the water are all on offer if you choose this district as your accommodation in Bucharest.
Find a hotel in Şoseaua Kiseleff
Find an Airbnb in Şoseaua Kiseleff
Main photo credit: Flickr – Ștefan Jurcă
Map of hotels and accommodation – Bucharest,ro