Old Town
4
NeighbourhoodsPoints of Interest & LandmarksHistoric Walking Areas
Tours & experiences
Explore different ways to experience this place.
Full view
What is Travellers’ Choice?
Tripadvisor gives a Travellers’ Choice award to accommodations, attractions and restaurants that consistently earn great reviews from travellers and are ranked within the top 10% of properties on Tripadvisor.
Top ways to experience Old Town
The area
How to get there
- Universitate (University) • 6 min walk
- Piaţa Unirii 1 / Piaţa Unirii 2 (Union Square) • 7 min walk
Reach out directly
Best nearby
Restaurants
2,018 within 5 kms
Attractions
413 within 10 kms
See what travellers are saying
- J LLisbon, Portugal18 contributionsThe in placeLots of restaurants and bars. Animation discos Seems to be open till 5AM Crowded and noisy. Many clean reasonable price hotels. Walking area only so be prepared to carry your baggageVisited August 2023Travelled as a coupleWritten 18 November 2023
- Jason SMelbourne, Australia2,185 contributionsGreat place to explore and enjoyVery Nice Old Town to explore and enjoy, like many cities in Europe these old towns are a must see as history surrounds all buildings and lane ways. Doesn't flow as good as other old town's, but you get amazing contrast between buildings , streets and squares. I would recommend visiting both day and night as both have different feel/vibes to it, some really nice restaurants to eat out in the Old Town area.Visited March 2023Travelled soloWritten 1 December 2023
- KiwiKerry53Wellington, New Zealand5,017 contributionsNice vibeFirst impressions were of a city/country that was quite poor, dilapidated buildings, covered in graffiti - it reminded me of my first time in Athens. There was a real mix, there were beautiful buildings and modern restaurants and cafes interspersed with the sad tumble down buildings. The Old Town isn't big, so it is easy to find your way around. We were based in and around the old for 4 days, so did a couple of full day trips, coming back to the Old Town and it's cruisy vibe each eveningVisited September 2023Travelled as a coupleWritten 22 January 2024
- TravelFun77Munich, Germany18 contributionsUnique in EuropeBack again after some years we consider that remains a very nice area with a lot of places for drink an food and many tourist traps. The places wit a hostess in front are, for sure, tourist traps. Good places don't need this kind of customer approach. So, if you want a good place to eat avoid the places that hav a hostess in front. Also take care with the clubs, they steals your money on the payment note and objects on your table and from your clothes. You will find good places for coffee, croissants, lunch and dinner. Also a vibrant nightlife with contrasts.Visited February 2024Travelled with familyWritten 19 February 2024
- Nick L20 contributionsBucharest Old TownFull of bars, restaurants and plenty of good places to eat and drink. Quite a condensed area, so you don't have to walk too far before you find somewhere to stop by. Really good prices on food and drinks tooVisited March 2024Travelled as a coupleWritten 15 March 2024
- John A CarterLower Sackville, Canada5,629 contributionsA mixture of the old and newWhat interesting place. You have a mixture of old buildings, new buildings and lots Shops restaurants. In 1977 there was an earthquake that destroyed large portions of the city, not all the old buildings, but it’s a very beautiful part of the city.Visited March 2024Travelled soloWritten 25 March 2024
- Fernando Javier PratoMalaga, Spain38 contributionsBeautiful old town with a mixture of culturesOld town in Bucharest is beautiful and rich in history and architecture. History goes centuries back and you can see different eras in their architecture, from bizantine churches, to French-like buildings, Ottoman influence and more recent Soviet influence. It’s easy to walk around the city, but there are also bike tours. Recommended.Visited April 2024Travelled soloWritten 14 April 2024
- Tom JLondon, United Kingdom1,780 contributionsGreat for a walk around with different restaurants and architectureWe visited Bucharest in early April during the Easter holiday for a short break of 3 days. The old town area isn’t very big but has lots to offer. There’s plenty of architectural buildings also the street with the umbrellas above. There are plenty of places to stop and have food and drinks. We spent about a day walking around the old town and other near by areas of Bucharest it’s small so easily doable if you’re only here on a short trip.Visited April 2024Travelled as a coupleWritten 26 April 2024
- Steve_Grant1Oldham, United Kingdom1,772 contributionsA pleasant walk aroundSpent an afternoon walking around the area. Some ver6 pleasant buildings and churches. Make sure to go inside the churches and the roofed arcade. Also, stop off somewhere for a drink or lunch.Visited April 2024Travelled as a coupleWritten 6 May 2024
- Akkers1London, United Kingdom1,074 contributionsDisappointing and did not really feel that safe in placesI had looked forward to going to the main square in the old town on our visit to Bucharest, but this is one of the only old town areas that I have been disappointed in. Yes, we enjoyed our walk to go there and it had some old historical buildings for example the Kretzulescu Church and I really liked the sculpture Omul Timpul Spatiul, but this particular part of the city felt a bit dingy, was a tourist trap and to be honest it did not really feel that safe in places. It had bars and restaurants in the main square area and yes, we did have a nice meal in one of the restaurants called Les Bourgeois Bistro at Strada Smardan, but some of the barkers who stand outside some of the restaurants trying to get you to go in them for a meal were just too aggressive. The old town square at Brascov a city in Transylvania Romania beat this area hands down and I would much rather visit there again than here.Visited May 2024Travelled as a coupleWritten 31 May 2024
These reviews are the subjective opinion of Tripadvisor members and not of TripAdvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Contribute
Most Recent: Reviews ordered by most recent publish date in descending order.
Detailed Reviews: Reviews ordered by recency and descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as waiting time, length of visit, general tips, and location information.
Popular mentions
4.0
4,160 reviews
Excellent
1,831
Very good
1,488
Average
645
Poor
148
Terrible
48
hirtopanu
London, UK10 contributions
Mar 2020
This is a fragment of Bucharest that seems to be packed with old and new.
Having survived the butchery of communist town planning, its a wedge just outside the bank of Dambovița River that is both Urban and oh, so Fin de Siecle.
It is amazing how very different features co exist cheek by jowl. !9th century buildings, some of them high, solid and striking, surround the old church of St Dumitru, where they still carry out the old tradition of ,,toacă,, - the sound of two pieces of wood ,, clapping,, to call the faithful to the sermon. The sound is pleasant and woody, the summoning is subdued, floating pleasantly above the cocktail bars and trattorias, just a few steps away.
Lots of stray cats surround the church, they look a little fearful, like stray cats do, but the proximity of the church gives them a parochial self assuredness.
The Comedy Theatre has many enchanting features: a flock of attendants that are not ,,old style,, (i.e. aloof and harsh), but mature and.. maternal, deco heavy doors and handles, a well proportioned auditorium, intimate but generous, where the public can enjoy themselves and stay comfortable for a couple of hours. Its what a theatre should be, big mirrors welcome you on the way to the auditorium, theatre is not for everyone, but for the extroverts who like a bit of preening, or at least understand its alchemy, and are ready to applaud.
Having survived the butchery of communist town planning, its a wedge just outside the bank of Dambovița River that is both Urban and oh, so Fin de Siecle.
It is amazing how very different features co exist cheek by jowl. !9th century buildings, some of them high, solid and striking, surround the old church of St Dumitru, where they still carry out the old tradition of ,,toacă,, - the sound of two pieces of wood ,, clapping,, to call the faithful to the sermon. The sound is pleasant and woody, the summoning is subdued, floating pleasantly above the cocktail bars and trattorias, just a few steps away.
Lots of stray cats surround the church, they look a little fearful, like stray cats do, but the proximity of the church gives them a parochial self assuredness.
The Comedy Theatre has many enchanting features: a flock of attendants that are not ,,old style,, (i.e. aloof and harsh), but mature and.. maternal, deco heavy doors and handles, a well proportioned auditorium, intimate but generous, where the public can enjoy themselves and stay comfortable for a couple of hours. Its what a theatre should be, big mirrors welcome you on the way to the auditorium, theatre is not for everyone, but for the extroverts who like a bit of preening, or at least understand its alchemy, and are ready to applaud.
Written 8 March 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
dragonflyazul
Eatontown, NJ123 contributions
Dec 2019
Packed with a variety of bars and restaurants, the narrow streets from Old Town Bucharest were once the main commercial streets of the city. Their name is, in fact, the legacy of the past days when merchants brought goods from all the corners of the world and sold their products to the elites of the capital.
The houses’ particular architecture is also a sign of this key activity. They were aligned directly on the street and had a narrow façade in order to save space while the traditional houses of Bucharest had a garden close to the street and the Bucharest has a vibrant and crowded old town with plenty of historical attractions, restaurants, small shops and bars. Three of the most beautiful churches from the capital are located here Stavropoleos, Zlatari and Selari are exquisite religious monuments.
The houses’ particular architecture is also a sign of this key activity. They were aligned directly on the street and had a narrow façade in order to save space while the traditional houses of Bucharest had a garden close to the street and the Bucharest has a vibrant and crowded old town with plenty of historical attractions, restaurants, small shops and bars. Three of the most beautiful churches from the capital are located here Stavropoleos, Zlatari and Selari are exquisite religious monuments.
Written 11 January 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Tom M.
Orange County, CA206 contributions
Mar 2020 • Solo
Bucharest's Old Town has a lot to offer. You can find souvenir shops, restaurants, pubs, fast food, snack shops, currency exchange, a casino, the most beautiful bookstore, various shops, churches and a whole lot more. During the day you may be privileged to listen to various street performers playing the violin, accordian or other musical instrument. At night there are sometimes talented singers performing. The weekend nightlife is the happening place to be. Pubs and restaurants are full with people having a good time as well as the people out walking around. You can take a free walking tour during the day that meets at the park across the street from the Old Town provided by Bucharest Walkabout free tours that will give you some history and information about the Old Town. When I visit Bucharest I rent an apartment near the Old Town because it has everything to offer. 3 of my favorite restaurants are located in the Old Town (Vibes19, The Red Angus and the City Grill). If you're ever in Bucharest check out the Old Town.
Written 20 March 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Vixyc88
Sunderland, UK1,247 contributions
Jul 2023
I have visited Bucharest twice for 2 weeks over 2 months this year thanks to a work trip. It was never somewhere I new a lot about prior to these trips but I would say it is certainly under rated. It has a fantastic night life with all different bars, restaurants, an array of cuisines, roof top views, ice cream and dessert stands, street music and best of all caters to all budgets. I could wander round all day looking at the little streets, scattered shops, stunning churches (must see is the russian church a short walk from the main centre). I covered a lot of the town in one day, you can go in a lot of the churches for free, there is a football museum for those who like sport, would recommend that and a reasonable price too. There is a canal area, shopping mall. There is a fountain show on certain times of the year I believe until around September, 9pm on an evening for 45 minutes it is free and up there with some of the best fountain shows I have seen - fantastic, it gets packed and the atmosphere is great. Give luca a go for lovely cheap pastries etc you will see them as you walk around. It is easy to get around and I always spot something new. I love the vibrancy of old town!
Written 22 August 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
agalro
Bucharest, Romania32 contributions
Jan 2020
Take a stroll in the old city of Bucharest (Victoriei avenue, Dacia bulevard) and discover the old French style architecture of Bucharest (called between the 2 WW the "little Paris"). Enjoy a coffee in a nice place (e.g. Capsa restaurant and coffee shop or at Victoriei galleries) and then have a traditional lunch and a home-made beer at Caru cu Bere. Enjoy the evening (or the whole night....) into one of the numerous pubs and clubs in the old historical centre, a pedestrian area where you can find lots of options.
Written 13 January 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
zuv
Bucharest, Romania37,327 contributions
Jun 2021
Most of the tourists come to the old town for the dozens of clubs, bars and restaurants. But there are also a number of old buildings, with beautiful architecture. Unfortunately, most of the buildings, including many of the above-mentioned clubs, are not well maintained at all of them present a high seismic risk. But who gives a f...penny, let's have some fun...
Written 15 August 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
KGB777
Singapore, Singapore41,317 contributions
Nov 2019
The old town of Bucharest is easily explored on foot, covering a relatively small area. Seems to be dominated now by a lot of small pubs, cafes, restaurants and bars. But also in the area are a number of quite attractive buildings which have been carefully restored to their historical appearance. Worth the effort of visiting when you're in Bucharest.
Written 17 February 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Craig M
High Wycombe, UK67 contributions
Feb 2020 • Friends
Some amazing and impressive architecture. It is a hallmark of the show of strength and power expected from communist countries. The old town however has buildings that show real influence from the former French occupation.
Written 10 February 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
lottie119
London, UK22 contributions
Sept 2020
Visited in September 2020, wonderful to walk around, look at the architecture & soak up the atmosphere.
We were required to wear face masks on the Friday evening around town, but not mandatory at other times. Victoria Pasajul is a little gem. In the evening lots of restaurants hawking for business but all pretty friendly if not interested. Would recommend!
We were required to wear face masks on the Friday evening around town, but not mandatory at other times. Victoria Pasajul is a little gem. In the evening lots of restaurants hawking for business but all pretty friendly if not interested. Would recommend!
Written 13 September 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Steph
Toronto, Canada234 contributions
Aug 2021
Was here for a documentary shoot and then we got dinner after and did some shopping. It's a beautiful, old area with many restaurants and shops, plus a couple of old churches. The architecture is beautiful. I forget the name of the restaurant we went to, but it was great- food was delicious and there was live dancing and music! The Cărturești Carusel bookshop was gorgeous! Definitely go see!
Written 5 December 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
_Alexandr912
Athens, Greece
Για το πήγαινε έλα στο κάστρο του Δράκουλα μεταφορικά και είσοδος είναι πολλά χρήματα ?
Written 15 January 2018
Εμείς νοικιάσαμε αυτοκίνητο για να πάμε στο Bran. Νομίζω ότι μπορείς να πας με το τρένο στο Brasov και από κει με λεωφορείο στο Bran. Όσο για την είσοδο, είναι περίπου 8€ για κάθε ενήλικα.
Written 16 January 2018
_Alexandr912
Athens, Greece
Θα ήθελα να ρωτήσω εάν 4 μέρες είναι αρκετές για να γυρίσεις το Βουκουρέστι
Written 15 January 2018
θεωρώ ότι οι 4 μέρες είναι αρκετές.. άνετα προλαβαίνεις να γυρίσεις το Βουκουρέστι και μάλιστα τη μια μέρα κανονισε να πας και εκδρομή στην Τρανσυλβανία!
Written 16 January 2018
Je voyage a bucarest en juillet je reserve mon hotel au city center ou en old tawn . Merci
Written 26 April 2017
Bonjour,
perso j'ai réservé au Capitol Hotel qui se trouve en plein centre ville à deux minutes à pieds de la "old town" et surtout du métro.
Hôtel très central, pas cher et très confortable.
Bonne visite and enjoy....
amicalement gérôme
Written 3 May 2017
So is the Old Town Lipscsni & vice versa?
Written 3 November 2015
As Dumitru C stated Lipscani is only one street in the Old Town area. I hope you enjoy your time in Romania.
Written 3 November 2015
I am going to Bucharest, please recommend how I can see Dracula's castle?
Written 15 September 2015
Hi, I was in Romania a month ago and traveled extensively. Contrary to what has been posted here, you can do Bus trips from Bucharest to Bran. Most tours will take you to both Peles and Bran Castle. You should be able to book a tour from your hotel or, hostel or, other accommodation. I however, decided to travel to Brasov by train and, then took a bus onto Bran. Brasov is well worth visit with plenty to see. Bran offers a lot more than just the castle, as well, especially if you want to hike. Between Brasov and Bran is Rasnov, a fortress town that is worth the visit....again, with plenty of good mountain walking. These are beautiful areas of the country and interesting historically.
Written 17 September 2015
I'D like to know about safety and the stray dogs in the city.
Written 18 April 2015
Eu também ia com receio de ir a Bucareste. Além de ir sozinha, umas horas antes de ir também vi na internet falar dos carteiristas e os cães vadios nos parques. Posso dizer que estive lá dois dias sozinha, andei sempre a pé e não fui assaltada nem vi nenhum cão vadio. Falei com um casal a quem perguntei informações logo que cheguei que me disseram que as coisas lá estão muito diferentes de à uns anos e apesar de ter sido a minha primeira vez na cidade e no país, não me posso queixar. As pessoas a quem ia pedindo informações foram todas super simpáticas. Estive num grande jardim, que tinha segurança, o que dá segurança a quem o vai ver. Cheguei a passar por lugares pouco convidativos, porque não conhecia e queria ir aos lugares mais importantes da cidade que tinha no mapa e nessas ruas agia naturalmente.
Written 21 April 2015
Showing results 1-10 of 11
Is this your Tripadvisor listing?
Own or manage this property? Claim your listing for free to respond to reviews, update your profile and much more.
Claim your listing