Herastrau / Primăverii

Bucharest's upscale area with Herastrau Park, diplomatic residences, and expensive restaurants. Very safe but pricey and disconnected from local culture. Works if safety and comfort matter more than authenticity.

Diplomats, politicians, and wealthy Romanians live in the villas along tree-lined streets here. Herastrau Park takes up much of the area with jogging paths, a lake, and outdoor cafes busy from morning to late evening. During the day you'll see people exercising, families walking around, professionals getting coffee. At night couples and groups fill the restaurants by the park - Biutiful By The Lake, Hard Rock Cafe, that kind of place. The crowd is upscale and international with lots of expats. English is common since the diplomatic community lives here. Eating alone at the upscale restaurants and park cafes is totally normal - you'll see people working or reading while they eat. Security is tight - this is one of the safest parts of Bucharest where you can walk at night without much concern. The trade-off is high prices and a feel that's removed from actual Romanian culture. If safety matters most to you and you don't mind the cost, it works.