Centrul Vechi Bucharest – guide to nightlife in Bucharest

The old part of Bucharest, known as Centrul Vechi, is the place where you can feel the true heart of Romania’s capital. Cobbled streets, elegant buildings, lively cafes and loud music from restaurants create the unique atmosphere of this neighborhood. If you are planning to visit Bucharest, you can’t miss this place. Here is a complete guide to the historic center: from attractions, restaurants and clubs, to practical advice for drivers and travelers from the airport.

What can you do in the old part of Bucharest?

Old Center it is the ideal place for both history lovers and those who simply want to feel the pulse of the city. Here you can:

• Stroll through the narrow streets: paved alleys with pastel-colored houses and neoclassical facades delight at any time of the day.
• Enter Stavropoleos Church, one of Bucharest’s most beautiful monuments, with richly decorated frescoes and carved wood.
• Worth visiting is Locanda Manuc, an ancient 18th century commercial inn, now a restaurant with traditional atmosphere and cuisine.
• Sit in one of hundreds of cafes – the perfect place for a break with an aromatic coffee or local wine.
• Shop in boutiques and vintage shops: the streets hide many small galleries and concept stores.

What are the most popular bars and restaurants in the historic centre?

The Historic Center is a true paradise for gourmets! Here are some places worth visiting:

• Caru’ cu Bere – the most famous restaurant in Bucharest, in a beautiful neo-Gothic building. It serves classic Romanian dishes and locally brewed beer.
• Lacrimi e Sfinți – elegant place with modern interpretations of traditional dishes.
• Nomad Skybar – on the roof with a fantastic view of the city and great cocktails.
• Energy Club & Bar – popular with locals, great for a night out.

Is the Old Town of Bucharest safe at night?

Yes, the Historic Center is generally safe, especially in the main areas, which vibrate until late at night. The streets are well lit, full of tourists and locals. As everywhere, however, it is worth maintaining common sense: avoid empty side alleys and watch out for pickpockets in busy areas.

The history and architecture of the historic center: take a step back in time!

A walk Old Center it’s like traveling through time: with every step you can move to another era. This part of Bucharest has been developing since the 15th century, when it was a bustling commercial center at the crossroads of east and west.
Right here, in the heart of the city, the first commercial inns (Inns) arose, including the famous Manuc Inn, which has retained its historic character to this day. Churches and residences of boyar families arose next to it, forming a special cultural landscape, combining Ottoman, Byzantine and Western European elements.

The architecture of the Historic Center is a true mosaic of styles: from medieval walls and narrow alleys, to nineteenth-century neoclassical facades and elegant buildings inspired by Paris. It’s not for nothing that Bucharest was once nicknamed «Little Paris»: walking along Lipscani Street you can easily notice the similarities with French avenues and Art Nouveau buildings.

Despite the destruction caused by wars and the communist period, the Historic Center has survived unscathed by the chaotic concepts of reconstruction and demolition (Bucharest Systematization Plan), and in recent years it is experiencing a true renaissance. Restored buildings, evocative courtyards and new artistic spaces have brought it back to life, while retaining its ancient and slightly nostalgic charm.

The most popular clubs in Bucharest

Most of the best clubs and bars are located right in the old town, around Lipscani, Smârdan and Gabroveni streets. Here are some places worth visiting:

Nomad Skybar – one of the trendiest places in Bucharest. Elegant rooftop bar with panoramic views of the historic center, great music and creative cocktails. Ideal for the start of the evening.

Control club – the mecca for alternative music fans. Live concerts, DJs from all over Europe and a relaxed atmosphere attract young people and tourists.

Fratelli Lounge&Club – Elegant and modern club for those who love dancing and the spotlight. Known for energetic parties and select company.

Club expired – emblematic place with an industrial feel. If you’re looking for an authentic, slightly underground atmosphere, it’s the perfect choice.

Energy – elegant gastropub in the restored building of an old printing house. Great music, good food and great drinks – the perfect combination.

Recommended itinerary for visiting the Historic Center

It’s best to start exploring the Old City with a leisurely stroll – it’s a small neighborhood, so you’ll see most of the main attractions in one day. All you need is a pair of comfortable shoes and a little curiosity to discover the history, culture and daily rhythm of Bucharest.

Piata Unirii – the beginning of the adventure

Excellent starting point. From here it’s just a few steps into the heart of the Old Town. From the square you can also see the monumental Palace of Parliament, one of the symbols of Bucharest.

Stavropoleos Church

Walking along Stavropoleos Street you reach one of the most beautiful monuments of the city: the 18th century Stavropoleos Church. Stop for a moment in its intimate courtyard to feel the tranquility amidst the urban bustle.

Manuc’s inn

A little further away, Manuc’s Inn awaits you, an old trading inn with wooden balconies, which transports you directly to the times of old Bucharest. Today a restaurant and a hotel operate here, so you can also come for lunch or dessert.

Lipscani Street and the building of the National Bank of Romania

The main street of the historic center, full of shops, galleries and restaurants. Along the way you pass the imposing building of the National Bank of Romania, which impresses with its neoclassical architecture and its sober and majestic facade.

Macca-Vilacrosse passage

The next point is one of the most photogenic places in Bucharest – the Macca-Vilacrosse covered passage, with a glass roof in golden shades. There are many chic cafes and hookah bars here – a great place to take a break.

Church of Sant’Antonio (Corte Vecchia)

At the end of the route, the Church of St. Anthony awaits you, the oldest church in Bucharest, located near the ruins of the ancient palace of voivode Vlad Țepeș, the legendary Dracula. The ideal place to end the walk in the name of history and legend.

The entire route takes about 3-4 hours of leisurely walking, but if you stop for a coffee, a photo and something to eat, you can easily spend the whole day here.

What is the fastest way to reach the Historic Center from the airport?

The most comfortable and fastest way to reach the historic center is rent a car. It not only allows you to quickly reach the heart of Bucharest, but also gives you complete freedom of movement in the city and easy planning of trips further afield, for example to Sinaia Castle or Bran.

Where is the best place to park?

If you have rented a car in Bucharest and want to be sure of finding parking without problems, we recommend you go to one of the underground car parks in the Old Town area, for example:

• University parking – underground parking in Piazza Università. This location allows you to park practically right in the territory of the Historic Center of Bucharest
• Inter parking – underground parking on the opposite side of the University Square, in Boulevard Nicolae Bălcescu 4. To reach the Historic Center it takes only 5 minutes on foot
• Intercontinental underground parking – underground parking right next to the impressive Grand Hotel Bucharest (formerly Intercontinental Hotel) at Bulevardul Nicolae Bălcescu 11. From there in about 8 minutes on foot you can reach the Old Town
• Union parking lot – Ion Brătianu Boulevard 1, multi-storey car park right next to Unirii Square, from where you can start visiting the Historic Center by following the route described in this guide

However, if you only want to park your car in Bucharest for a short time, near a certain restaurant or bar, you can try to find a spot on one of the side streets and pay the parking fee via the municipal system. Please note, however, that you cannot drive through all the streets of the historic center due to traffic restrictions. Bucharest is also known for its congested streets in the center, so parking in open spaces can be problematic.

Looking for other attractions? Read our article – What to visit in Bucharest? AND The Palace of Parliament in Bucharest!

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