If you want to explore Bucharest on a budget, I have a treat for you: I updated my article with the most affordable, yet high quality apartments you can rent short term and enjoy a perfect stay here.
A little while ago, I shared with you a list of the best hotels in Mamaia, but the truth is that your visit to Romania might not always take you to the seaside. Instead, you might find yourself in the huge, crowded, and surprisingly energetic Bucharest, Romania’s capital city.
Plus, the local hospitality scene has exploded and short-term apartment rentals can sometimes be more affordable or at least better value than traditional hotels. It really depends on your approach to travel and how much DIY can be considered acceptable.
If you prefer the coziness of a home, you’re at the right place – today’s updated recommendations are not just affordable, but also high quality and close to the city center, where all the main attractions are (including the Old Town area).
But you’re here to see the properties I want to recommend, so let’s jump right in!
1. Apartament Central – Unirii – Timpuri Noi
Most affordable pick on the list.
This is arguably the most affordable reliable option you can find right now that doesn’t sacrifice quality. It is located in the Timpuri Noi / Unirii area.
Why here? Timpuri Noi has transformed from a quiet district into a cool, youthful hub with modern office buildings and nice coffee spots, all while being a very short distance from the Old Town.
It feels like a real home. It features a balcony (great for that morning coffee), air conditioning (essential for Bucharest summers), and a fully equipped kitchen.
You are close to Carol Park (one of the most beautiful parks in the city) and just a quick Uber or Metro ride to the party streets of the Old City.
Check prices and availability here
2. Athes Central Apartment (Editor’s Choice)
Rooftop views and pure convenience.
If I had to pick just one favorite from this list, this would be it. This place sits right in the city center, making it incredibly easy to walk to the University Square or the Old Town.
The highlight is by far the terrace. There is nothing quite like having a drink on a terrace with your own bits of nature after a long day of walking.
It comes with all the essentials: fast Wi-Fi, air conditioning, and a modern feel. It’s also offering an amazing bonus: being quiet despite its central location, which is a rare gem in a noisy city like Bucharest.
Check prices and availability here
3. Cozy Studio Victoriei Square
This apartment is located near Calea Victoriei (Victory Avenue), which is my personal favorite street in Bucharest. If you stay here, you are trading the crowded, loud Old City vibe for something a bit more upscale and historic – still with plenty to do and see.
Now, the place itself puts you within walking distance from the Romanian Athenaeum, the Art Collections Museum, and some of the best high-end pastry shops in the city.
The space is a stylish studio that fits the neighborhood perfectly. If you want to feel a bit more sophisticated during your stay, this is the spot.
Check prices and availability here
4. Veronica Micle
Located on Strada Veronica Micle, this is a fantastic strategic position. It is situated very close to the Gara de Nord (the main train station) and the Victoriei business hub.
It’s a solid, modern residential option. It puts you near the Antipa Museum and Kiseleff Park, which is great for a relaxing stroll away from the concrete jungle.
Check prices and availability here
5. Central University Studio
If you really prefer the Airbnb interface, this studio is probably the best choice right now. It is right near University Square. You are effectively at “Kilometer Zero” of Bucharest.
This is for the traveler who wants to step out the door and immediately be in the middle of the buzz. You are steps away from the Old Town nightlife, the Metro, and the National Theatre. In other words – perfect!
Check prices and availability here
If you are looking for even more options and especially traditional hotels in various areas, I recommend checking out my recommendations from some previous articles:
Why I Switched from Airbnb to Booking.com
As you can see in my recommendations above, almost all the listings I share come from the Booking.com platform – it’s very popular here in Romania, and for all the right reasons.
I personally found myself using Booking.com almost exclusively since 2020 simply because what I used and recommended before – AirBnb – seems to be less affordable now.
And with Booking also offering home stays, apartments and individually-hosted places, you should definitely consider them too. Plus, you have these potential Pros:
- Better Pricing: I often find the exact same apartments on Booking for a lower total price because the “cleaning fees” and “service fees” tend to be more transparent or lower.
- Genius Discounts: If you travel often, you can get discounts (starting at 10%), which add up. Plus, Booking sometimes gives you incentives, like free travel credits, which always helps.
That said, I have included one Airbnb option above for die-hard fans of the platform, and you should always double check just to be sure that you are getting the best price, no matter what platform you book from.
A warning before you book
Before you book, I want you to be aware of something. I strongly recommend NOT to book an apartment that lets you cancel your stay up to the day of your arrival, even though that seems like the best deal possible.
I personally had a bad experience with this and promised never to choose such an apartment – no matter if we’re talking about Bucharest, any city in Romania, or anywhere in the world.
Here’s what happened to me: I had booked such a place and the owner called me just a few hours before my check in (I was actually in the train, on my way there).
He told me something of an unexpected problem (the electricity not working), but he assured me that he had a cheaper apartment available in a nearby location. He said he would send photos, I should cancel my original booking and pay cash for the new place.
Of course, I did not do that – nor should you, as there are way too many red flags. While the main reason here was probably dodging some taxes, I seemed way too shady. I reported the person in question and safely booked another apartment on the platform (although I had to pay more).
Lesson learned.
Final thoughts
So… these are my updated picks for this year. There are a ton more options out there, but these five give you a great mix of budget, location, and comfort.
I would suggest, if you don’t go with any of my recommendations, to check out the reviews of the place and make sure that you are in a good area (and also keep in mind my important tip above).
Basically, as long as you are near a Metro station, it’s all good – you can get to the city center or other major locations quickly, easily, and on a very low budget. Prepare in advance by learning everything about Bucharest’s public transport system here.
For other cities, check out my previous articles sharing the best short stay options in Cluj Napoca, or the best hotels in Timisoara.
I am a journalist and local expert who has been documenting life in Romania since 2013. Based in Constanta (after living in Bucharest and Drobeta Turnu Severin), I provide up-to-date, on-the-ground advice for expats and travelers. My articles are based on real life experiences and plenty of research – from paying Romanian bills to exploring the wild “Rawmania” countryside.
Wow! A lot of these look really cool. I would never have pictured it, and the prices are reasonable. I did see once on Househunters International, a couple that did the balcony kitchen thing. I didn’t realize it was that common. Good choices 🙂
Yes, it is pretty common. I personally don’t like it, because you don’t have enough space for a full kitchen, but when the space is small, you have to compromise a little.
Oh, and I absolutely love House Hunters International – however, it’s impossible for me to watch it online in Romania as it’s locked to the US and we only have one TV station that airs the same two (old) seasons over and over again.
Wow, C – some absolutely gorgeous places here, and pretty inexpensive too! I love seeing all of the different decors at each place. Thanks for sharing. 🙂
Unfortunately, not all the places here look as nice as those recommended in this article, but these are indeed good!