About Bucharest

Bucharest, Romania’s lively capital, walks that fine line between old-world elegance and post-Communist grit. Locals call it “Little Paris,” though the comparison makes Bucharesters smirk, they know the city’s charm lies in its mix of contradictions: French-style boulevards lined with chipped facades, 19th-century mansions rubbing shoulders with brutalist blocks, and coffee bars buzzing under ornate balconies. For travelers chasing both affordability and authenticity, Bucharest delivers with a mix of cheap hotels in Bucharest, elegant luxury hotels in Bucharest, and comfortable hotel apartments in Bucharest that feel like home but cost far less than in Western Europe.

The city feels alive in the evenings with a blend of live violin from Lipscani, espresso steam near Calea Victoriei, and the faint scent of baked pretzels from street vendors. Every season adds a new flavor: spring means green parks and lilac trees, while winter turns the Old Town into a snow globe dotted with warm taverns. Whether it’s for art, nightlife, or just the sweet chaos of an Eastern European capital, you’ll find plenty of hotels in Bucharest to make your stay comfortable, stylish, or just plain easy on the wallet.

And yes, bookings through akbartravels.com make comparing Bucharest hotel prices simpler than scrolling endlessly, they curate both the best hotels in Bucharest and those hidden two-star gems near metro lines that you’d otherwise miss.

Bucharest airport Address

Henri Coandă International Airport (OTP)
Location: Calea Bucureștilor 224E, Otopeni 075150, Romania
Contact: +40 21 204 1200
Email: contact@bucharestairports.ro
Website: www.bucharestairports.ro 

This airport sits about 18 km north of the city center, roughly a 30–40 minute taxi ride, depending on the hour. Taxi fares hover around 80–100 lei, though traffic can double that time during rush hours. For travelers looking for hotels in Bucharest near airport, small business stays like Angelo by Vienna House or RIN Airport Hotel offer convenience and quiet. Early flights? These are worth it.

The Best Time to Visit Bucharest

Spring (April–June) and autumn (September–October) are the golden months. Streets are lively but not suffocating, and you can snag cheap hotels in Bucharest before prices spike. July and August get humid, that sticky kind of heat where even the locals escape to the Carpathians. Winter, though cold, feels surprisingly romantic; Old Town glows under Christmas lights, and hotel rates drop by 20–30%.

You can discover the best of Romania with Bucharest tour packages from Akbar Travels, perfectly curated for every kind of traveler.

Tip: Book via akbartravels.com at least 45 days ahead; Bucharest hotels release early bird discounts that vanish fast once 80% occupancy hits.

How to reach Bucharest

By air:

Most international travelers land at Henri Coandă International Airport. From there, take the 783 express bus (6 lei) into the city or prebook a cab using the airport’s touch-screen system to avoid scams.

By rail:

Bucharest’s Gara de Nord connects major European cities like Budapest, Vienna, Sofia; and domestic routes to Brasov and Constanța. Staying at hotels in Bucharest near railway station makes early departures painless; Cismigiu and Basarab areas are practical for that.

By road:

Romania’s motorways are improving fast. From Brasov, it’s a scenic three-hour drive (around 180 km), while Constanța’s beach route takes about 2.5 hours. Parking can be tricky downtown, some Bucharest hotels charge about 25–35 lei per day, while budget stays often tuck guests into side streets.

Things to do in Bucharest

• Palace of the Parliament – The world’s heaviest building; it’s absurdly grand and politically loaded.
• Old Town (Lipscani) – Cobbled lanes with bars, antique shops, and architecture that tells messy stories.
• Calea Victoriei – Bucharest’s “main street” of chic cafes, boutique hotels, and 19th-century charm.
• Village Museum (Muzeul Satului) – Open-air museum of wooden houses from all over Romania.
• Herastrau Park – A massive green lung perfect for boat rides and lazy afternoons.
• Romanian Athenaeum – A neoclassical concert hall with perfect acoustics and gold-leaf interiors.
• Carturesti Carusel – Possibly Europe’s prettiest bookstore, glowing white inside a 19th-century building.
• Revolution Square – The heart of 1989’s revolution, now calm but still electric with memory.
• Therme București – One of Europe’s largest thermal spas, with palm trees and saunas that smell faintly of eucalyptus.
• Arcul de Triumf – Bucharest’s mini Parisian arch, best seen at sunset.

Shopping in Bucharest

Bucharest loves its malls and vintage corners equally.

• AFI Cotroceni
• Băneasa Shopping City
• ParkLake Mall
• Unirea Shopping Center
• Mega Mall
• Promenada Mall
• Victoria Passage (local boutiques)
• Cocor Store
• Concept 101
• Carturesti Verona (for artsy finds)
• Pe Lipscani (vintage leather & antiques)
• Obor Market (for chaos, cheese, and charm)
• The Romanian Design Store
• Molecule F Concept Store
• Artfool Gallery

Famous Restaurants in Bucharest

• Caru’ cu Bere – Legendary beer hall with Gothic arches.
• Hanu’ lui Manuc – A courtyard restaurant serving sarmale since the 1800s.
• The Artist – Modern Romanian tasting menus.
• Zexe Zahana – Old recipes reborn beautifully.
• Lacrimi și Sfinți – Name means “Tears and Saints,” food is divine.
• Shift – Urban bistro with greenery.
• Energiea – Industrial-chic pub with live music.
• Simbio – Brunch under a glass roof.
• Mahala – Creative local dishes in a bohemian setup.
• Kane World Food Studio – Trendy fusion spot.
• NOR Sky Casual Restaurant – 36th floor view, near the clouds.
• Stadio – Good burgers, better atmosphere.
• Osho – Steakhouse perfection.
• Noa Restoclub – Late-night feasts.
• Grand Café Van Gogh – Coffee that smells like heaven.

Popular Hotels in Bucharest

• JW Marriott Bucharest Grand Hotel
• Radisson Blu Hotel Bucharest
• Hilton Garden Inn Old Town
• InterContinental Athénée Palace
• Grand Hotel Continental
• Moxy Bucharest Old Town
• Europa Royale Bucharest
• Hotel Cismigiu
• ibis Styles Bucharest City Center
• Hotel Capitol
• K+K Hotel Elisabeta
• Pullman Bucharest World Trade Center
• Novotel Bucharest City Centre
• Epoque Hotel – Relais & Châteaux
• Orhideea Residence & Spa (great hotel apartments in Bucharest)

Each of these hotels in Bucharest stands out for something different from JW Marriott’s marble lobby to the playful chaos of Moxy. And yes, several can be compared easily on akbartravels.com to check the latest Bucharest hotel prize differences before booking.

Popular Resorts in Bucharest

While the city itself is more urban than beachy, the outskirts hide calm getaways:

• Therme București Wellness Resort
• Snagov Club (lakefront luxury)
• Stejarii Country Club
• Club Snagov
• Phoenicia Spa & Wellness
• Domeniul Stirbey
• Mogosoaia Palace Guesthouse
• La Conac by Hanul Drumețului
• Floreasca Lake Club
• Casa Comana Nature Resort
• Villa Snagov
• Vila 23 Snagov
• The Mansion Boutique
• La Maison Belle
• Hotel Mirage Snagov

Where to Stay in Bucharest

If charm matters, Old Town and Calea Victoriei are the best places to stay in Bucharest, it is full of boutique hotels, nightlife, and easy metro access. Business travelers often prefer the Aviatorilor or Victoriei Square areas for peace and short commutes. North Bucharest, near Herastrau Park, suits those who want luxury and greenery combined.

Quick rule: south is cheaper, north is quieter, center is livelier.

And if you’re short on time, the hotels in Bucharest near airport are practical, akbartravels.com often lists short-stay deals for flyers.

Places to Stay in Bucharest near Popular Attractions

• Near Old Town – Europa Royale, Hilton Garden Inn, Moxy Bucharest
• Near Palace of Parliament – JW Marriott, Parliament Hotel
• Near Cismigiu Park – Epoque Hotel, Hotel Cismigiu
• Near University Square – InterContinental Athénée Palace
• Near Gara de Nord – ibis Gara de Nord, Hello Hotel
• Near Therme – Rin Airport Hotel
• Near Herastrau Park – Pullman World Trade Center, Ramada Plaza

Each offers its own micro-world: for instance, around Cismigiu, you’ll smell chestnut trees and hear accordion music drifting from the park in spring evenings.

Budget Hotels in Bucharest

Budget travelers don’t need to compromise. Cheap hotels in Bucharest like Trianon Hotel, Hotel Duke, or Ibis Styles Old Town give you clean rooms and Wi-Fi under 250 lei per night. Some even serve hearty breakfasts with local jam and thick bread that crunches like toast from childhood memories.

A few cheap hotels in Bucharest around Gara de Nord include Hello Hotel and Sir Orhideea, both reliable for short stays. For longer trips, hotel apartments in Bucharest like Orhideea Residence & Spa or Vila Paris offer kitchenette setups and laundry access. These aren’t flashy, but the freedom they offer is gold.

Bucharest Hotels by Star Rating

• 5 Star Hotels in Bucharest – JW Marriott, Radisson Blu, InterContinental, Grand Hotel Continental.
• 4 Star Hotels – Epoque Hotel, Capitol Hotel, K+K Elisabeta, Europa Royale.
• 3 Star Hotels – Hotel Duke, Cismigiu, Ibis Styles, Venezia Hotel.
• 2 Star Hotel Bucharest – Sir Orhideea, Hello Hotel, City Hotel Bucharest.

Each range brings its rhythm; five-star means plush bedding and rooftop bars; two-star often means great location and thin walls but unbeatable value.

Best Hotels in Bucharest based on Location

• Central: Grand Hotel Continental (historic beauty)
• Near Airport: RIN Airport Hotel, Angelo by Vienna House
• Near Train Station: Hello Hotel, ibis Gara de Nord
• Near Parks: Epoque Hotel (Cismigiu), Pullman Bucharest (Herastrau)
• For Nightlife: Moxy Old Town, Hilton Garden Inn
• For Shopping: Radisson Blu (steps from Calea Victoriei)

Family-Friendly Hotels in Bucharest

Families thrive in space. Epoque Hotel offers large suites and a warm indoor pool. Novotel Bucharest City Centre has a kids’ play corner. Orhideea Residence & Spa feels like home with kitchens, balconies, and space for scattered toys.

For those flying in and out, hotels in Bucharest near airport like RIN Airport Hotel are practical and surprisingly family-friendly, with shuttle services that actually run on time (rare in Eastern Europe, to be honest).

Bucharest Hotels Tariff

The Bucharest hotel prize range swings widely:

• Luxury hotels in Bucharest – from €150 to €300 per night.
• Mid-range Bucharest hotels – €60–€100.
• Cheap hotels in Bucharest – under €50.
• Cheapest hotel in Bucharest – starts around €30, if you don’t mind compact rooms.

Holiday periods (December markets, May weekends) drive prices up by 40–50%. 

Pro tip: rates drop mid-week, especially Tuesday nights, when business traffic dips. For clarity, akbartravels.com lets you check Bucharest hotel price comparison live, saving time and mild frustration.

Bucharest Travel Tips

1. Book your Bucharest flights early: Bucharest flight tickets can vary a lot in price. To grab the best deals, it’s smart to book cheap flights to Bucharest well in advance, especially during summer or holiday seasons.
2. Use public transport like a local: The city’s metro, trams, and buses are affordable and efficient. Get a travel card instead of single tickets, it’ll save you money and time.
3. Carry some cash: While cards are widely accepted, smaller cafés, local markets, or taxis often prefer cash (Romanian leu). ATMs are easy to find.
4. Learn a few Romanian phrases: Simple words like “Mulțumesc” (thank you) or “Bună ziua” (hello) go a long way with locals.
5. Dress for all seasons: Bucharest can be hot in summer and freezing in winter. Pack layers if you’re visiting in spring or autumn, the weather can flip fast.
6. Stay near the Old Town (Centrul Vechi): You’ll be close to the nightlife, restaurants, and landmarks. It’s walkable, vibrant, and perfect for first-timers.
7. Try local dishes: Don’t miss sarmale (stuffed cabbage rolls), mici (grilled sausages), and papanași (fried doughnuts with cream and jam). Romanian comfort food hits different.
8. Explore beyond the city center: Herăstrău Park, the Village Museum, and Cotroceni neighborhood give you a real feel for everyday Bucharest life.
9. Beware of taxi scams: Always choose official taxis or use ride apps like Bolt or Uber. Avoid unmarked cars outside bars or tourist spots.
10. Take a walking tour: Bucharest’s history is fascinating from its communist past to its Belle Époque charm. Free or guided walking tours are worth every minute.
11. Visit the Palace of the Parliament early: It’s one of the largest buildings in the world, but tours can fill up fast. Book your slot online or a day before.
12. Try local wine and craft beer: Romania has excellent vineyards and a growing craft beer scene. Ask locals for recommendations as hidden gems are everywhere.
13. Be respectful at churches: Romanian Orthodox churches are stunning but require modest clothing (shoulders and knees covered).
14. Tipping is appreciated: Around 10% in restaurants and cafés is customary. For taxis, round up the fare.
15. Take a day trip out of the city: Bran Castle (aka Dracula’s Castle), Sinaia, and Brașov are all easy day trips from Bucharest and each one feels like stepping into a fairytale.

Planning your Bucharest trip? You can easily apply for your Romania visa through Akbar Travels for a smooth and hassle-free process.