Lipscani Travel Guide

Tourist Guide

Lipscani which includes café lifestyle, street scenes and a city
Lipscani featuring street scenes, signage and a city
Lipscani which includes signage and a bar
Lipscani showing café scenes
Lipscani showing a statue or sculpture

Wander the distinctive streets of Bucharest’s Old Town to discover historic landmarks. Relax at cosy cafés and party for hours at lively nightclubs.

Few places in Bucharest are as filled with historical importance and entertainment as Lipscani (Old Town). Art nouveau, Baroque and neoclassical buildings create a wonderful architectural landscape. See galleries near centuries-old monuments and street performers amusing passersby. Cafés spill out onto the pavement while pubs and nightclubs stay open until early morning.

Lipscani’s history dates back to the 1400s, when it was an important commercial and political centre of Wallachia (later Romania). During the 17th century it blossomed into a district of blacksmiths, cobblers, jewelers and tanners, among other craftsmen. The area survived Ceaușescu’s socialist redevelopment but lay in tatters until after the 1989 Romanian Revolution. Today, see the cobblestone streets presenting a fine example of history and modernity, where opulence blends with fading grandeur.

Get an understanding of Lipscani’s history at the ruined Curtea Veche, the Old Princely Court at the district’s southern edge. This 15th-century royal court once served as the residence of Wallachian rulers including Vlad the Impaler. Nearby is the Church of St. Anthony, one of Bucharest’s oldest churches. Step inside to admire 16th-century frescoes.

Stroll along the labyrinthine streets spreading north from the Curtea Veche. Gaze up at striking 19th-century palaces, many with signs explaining their history. One example is the Savings Bank Palace on Calea Victoriei. Peek inside the serene Stavropoleos Church and spot Bronze Age statues and Romanian treasures at the National Museum of Romanian History.

Relax at one of the numerous cafés, especially in Strada Lipscani, where outdoor seating areas create a Parisian atmosphere. Sip coffee and watch the street performers. Alternatively, browse art galleries, antique stores and quirky boutiques.

After dark, nightlife options will keep you busy until sunrise. Choose between beerhouses, cabaret bars, chic lounges and raucous clubs.

Reach Lipscani easily by bus, tram or metro from most parts of Bucharest. Piața Unirii 2 and Universitate are the most convenient metro stations.


Popular places to visit

Activities


Our pick of the best Lipscani Hotel Deals

The Marmorosch Bucharest, Autograph Collection

The Marmorosch Bucharest, Autograph Collection

5 out of 5
2-6 Doamnei Street, Bucharest
The price is AU$290 per night from 1 Nov to 2 Nov
AU$290
1 Nov - 2 Nov
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 5-star luxury hotel in Bucharest. Enjoy free WiFi, breakfast (surcharge), and a fitness center. Our guests praise the helpful staff and the property ...
9.4/10 Exceptional! (508 reviews)
"The Hotel is amazing, the staff are brilliant and attentive to all needs from opening doors from Taxi’s to carrying luggage and shopping to taking bespoke arrangements for my wifes 40th bday, highly recommend the hotel for all types of stay, will definitely re visit very soon"

Reviewed on 6 Oct 2025

The Marmorosch Bucharest, Autograph Collection
Europa Royale Bucharest

Europa Royale Bucharest

4 out of 5
Franceza St. 60, Bucharest
The price is AU$143 per night from 19 Oct to 20 Oct
AU$143
19 Oct - 20 Oct
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 4-star business-friendly hotel in Bucharest. Enjoy free WiFi, 2 bars/lounges, and 2 coffee shops/cafes. Our guests praise the helpful staff in our ...
8.6/10 Excellent! (992 reviews)
"Excellent staff . Great location. Very nice room. The only negative is the bar music from across the street. The music was excessive, and lasted until 3:00 am. The Hotel gave us a late checkout of 2:00 instead of 12:00 which was appreciated."

Reviewed on 5 Oct 2025

Europa Royale Bucharest
Concorde Old Bucharest Hotel

Concorde Old Bucharest Hotel

4 out of 5
Splaiul Independentei 2D, District 3, Bucharest
Stay at this 4-star business-friendly hotel in Bucharest. Enjoy free WiFi, breakfast (surcharge), and a 24-hour fitness center. Our guests praise the helpful ...
9/10 Wonderful! (756 reviews)
"Muy cómodo, perfectamente ubicado, en la entrada al barrio antiguo, con acceso a unos cuantos pasos de zonas de restaurantes y bares, pero conservando la tranquilidad y la discreción. Servicio muy bueno, desayuno bien y el servicio muy atento y servicial"

Reviewed on 6 Oct 2025

Concorde Old Bucharest Hotel
The Mansion Boutique Hotel

The Mansion Boutique Hotel

4 out of 5
Franceza Street 11, Bucharest
Stay at this 4-star boutique hotel in Bucharest. Enjoy free WiFi, breakfast (surcharge), and room service. Our guests praise the breakfast and the helpful staff ...
9.2/10 Wonderful! (423 reviews)
"The rooms was beautiful and very clean. Bed linen was lovely and the bed comfortable. Also the bathroom was very clean and the shower worked well. Staff were very welcoming, helpful and friendly"

Reviewed on 6 Oct 2025

The Mansion Boutique Hotel
Old Town Boutique Hotel

Old Town Boutique Hotel

3.5 out of 5
Strada Sepcari 12-14, Bucharest
The price is AU$182 per night from 14 Oct to 15 Oct
AU$182
14 Oct - 15 Oct
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 3.5-star hotel in Bucharest. Enjoy free WiFi, breakfast (surcharge), and room service. Our guests praise the helpful staff in our reviews. Popular ...
8.2/10 Very Good! (374 reviews)
"The hotel was in a central location in the Old Town, although well connected to public transport. The rooms, although small were well appointed, comfortable and clean. Breakfast was good in the restaurant below the hotel."

Reviewed on 6 Oct 2025

Old Town Boutique Hotel
OLD TOWN SNAIL Design Apartments

OLD TOWN SNAIL Design Apartments

3 out of 5
Strada Gabroveni, 35-37, Bucharest, Bucuresti
The price is AU$171 per night from 16 Oct to 17 Oct
AU$171
16 Oct - 17 Oct
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 3-star hotel in Bucharest. Enjoy free WiFi, daily housekeeping, and cable TV channels. Popular attractions Palace of the Parliament and Curtea Veche ...
10/10 Exceptional! (32 reviews)
Fantastic comfortable stay.
"The Snail is a unique place to stay, very modern, clean with well appointed rooms and a short walk to the main bar and restaurant areas, but far enough away so you’re not too close to the busy streets!"

Reviewed on 7 Oct 2025

OLD TOWN SNAIL Design Apartments
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.

Other neighbourhoods around Lipscani

Lipscani showing a statue or sculpture

Bucharest Old Town

Unique features of Bucharest Old Town include the historical sites and cafes. Make a stop by Bucharest Museum or Curtea Veche while you're exploring the area.

Bucharest Old Town
Carol Park featuring a monument

Bucharest City-Centre

4.5/5(32 area reviews)

Museums, historical sites and art galleries are just a few things travellers like about Bucharest City-Centre. Sights like Central University Library and Revolution Square are spots to explore, and you can get around the greater Bucharest area at University Station.

Bucharest City-Centre
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Cotroceni

Cotroceni is noteworthy for its historical sites, and you can make a stop at top attractions like Bucharest Botanical Garden and Cotroceni Palace.

Cotroceni
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Gara de Nord

While Gara de Nord may not have many sights to explore, venturing just a little farther will lead you to top things to see and do like Victoria Square and Museum of the Romanian Peasant.

Gara de Nord
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Dorobanți

While Dorobanți may not have many sights to explore, venturing just a little farther will lead you to top things to see and do like Museum of the Romanian Peasant and Victoria Square.

Dorobanți
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Vitan

While visiting Vitan, you might make a stop by sights like Bucharest Mall and Dâmboviţa.

Vitan


Lipscani Travel Guide

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