Old Town
Neighborhoods • Points of Interest & Landmarks • Historic Walking Areas
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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
See what travelers are saying
  • hirtopanu
    London, United Kingdom11 contributions
    St Dumitru church and street and the Comedy Theatre
    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.
    Visited March 2020
    Written March 7, 2020
  • dragonflyazul
    Eatontown, New Jersey102 contributions
    Beautiful Buildings.
    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.
    Visited December 2019
    Written January 11, 2020
  • Tom M.
    Orange County, California163 contributions
    Love the Old Town
    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.
    Visited March 2020
    Traveled solo
    Written March 20, 2020
  • agalro
    Bucharest, Romania26 contributions
    discover the real city
    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.
    Visited January 2020
    Written January 13, 2020
  • zuv
    Bucharest, Romania27,042 contributions
    Clubbing center
    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...
    Visited June 2021
    Written August 15, 2021
  • KGB777
    Singapore, Singapore41,727 contributions
    The pretty old town of Bucharest
    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.
    Visited November 2019
    Written February 16, 2020
  • Craig M
    High Wycombe, United Kingdom62 contributions
    Long weekend
    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.
    Visited February 2020
    Traveled with friends
    Written February 10, 2020
  • lottie119
    London, United Kingdom22 contributions
    Divert off the main streets
    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!
    Visited September 2020
    Written September 13, 2020
  • Steph
    Toronto, Canada80 contributions
    Beautiful, old area- must see!
    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!
    Visited August 2021
    Written December 5, 2021
  • jotoursdahl
    11 contributions
    It is a interesting place
    There is a lot of restaurants with all the best food from Romanian traditional food and also a more modern kitchen. It is is lot of nice buildings in the Old Town and in Bucharesti you have to visit the "Big House! in centrum of the Town. There is many museums - the Presidents home. Bucharesti have very good Opera. You have to see the Village musuem, - a very nice place ti spend a day.
    Visited October 2019
    Written April 24, 2020
These reviews are the subjective opinion of Tripadvisor members and not of TripAdvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Detailed Reviews: Reviews order informed by descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as cleanliness, atmosphere, general tips and location information.
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4.0
4,102 reviews
Excellent
1,809
Very good
1,463
Average
637
Poor
146
Terrible
47

agalro
Bucharest, Romania26 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 January 13, 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, Romania27,042 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 August 15, 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, Singapore41,727 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 February 17, 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, UK62 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 February 10, 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
Sep 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!
Written September 13, 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, Canada80 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 December 5, 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.

jotoursdahl
11 contributions
Oct 2019
There is a lot of restaurants with all the best food from Romanian traditional food and also a more modern kitchen.
It is is lot of nice buildings in the Old Town and in Bucharesti you have to visit the "Big House! in centrum of the Town. There is many museums - the Presidents home.
Bucharesti have very good Opera. You have to see the Village musuem, - a very nice place ti spend a day.
Written April 24, 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.

Wolf
Bucharest, Romania138 contributions
Oct 2020
Bucharest old town is a magic place. Full of positive energies. Each time I go there it seems I'm recharging my batteries. A lot of nice restaurants and pubs, a lot of building just restored and old ones to be seen and visited. You can find also new stores, libraries and a lot of things to see. Everything in a little number of square kilometers.
Written November 14, 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.

R Giansanti
Staffordshire, UK26,067 contributions
Dec 2019
If you are visiting Bucharest, you have to check out Old Town. It has something for everyone, loads of clubs, pubs, cafés, and resturaunts. It is packed with fantastic architecture, walking tours, gift and souviner shops, book stores, and museums. It's a fun place to walk around, take in the sights and interact with many people.
Written February 11, 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.

vandams@thetraveller
London, UK118 contributions
Aug 2020 • Couples
Visited Bucharest for three days in August 2020 and highly recommend the old town as a busy, vibrant and great place to hang out. Underestimated how nice it would be. Also very close to the piata urinii fountains
Written August 29, 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.

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Old Town (Bucharest) - All You Need to Know BEFORE You Go

Old Town Information

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