Bucharest, Romania
The historic center and nightlife hub with cobblestone streets and bars everywhere. Lively and fun but crowded, touristy, expensive, and pickpockets work the area. Good for nightlife and sightseeing, not for quiet stays.
Old Town has cobblestone streets lined with 19th-century buildings full of bars, restaurants, and cafes. During the day you'll see tourists checking out museums and photographing buildings. At night it turns into the main nightlife area, staying busy until 2am or later on weekends. The crowd is young - university students, backpackers, groups going out. You'll hear both Romanian and English since expats, tourists, and locals all come here. Sitting alone at the outdoor terraces during the day is normal - plenty of people read or work on laptops there. The energy is good but it's touristy, meaning higher prices and weekend crowds. Pickpockets work the area. Streets stay lit and busy late, which helps with safety, but keep your valuables secure and skip the quiet side streets if you're alone at night.
Daytime Safety
GoodNight Walking Safety
GoodHarassment Risk
ModeratePublic Transport Safety
GoodPickpocketing Risk
HighScam Risk
ModeratePolice Visibility
GoodEmergency Services
ExcellentEvening Venues
ExcellentSolo Dining
ExcellentDrug Activity
ModerateHomelessness Visibility
ModerateGetting By in English
Excellent"Felt safe with crowds around even late at night"
"Very touristy but fun atmosphere for going out"
"Watch your belongings - had someone try to pickpocket me on a crowded street"
"Lots of English speakers so easy to navigate"
"Prices are higher than other neighborhoods but convenient location"
Areas with comparable safety profiles for solo female travelers
Student and young professional area with local atmosphere and decent nightlife. Less touristy and cheaper than Old Town, safe to walk with active streets, lots of cafes where eating alone is normal. Good if you want local energy without tourist crowds.
Bucharest's main street with Belle Époque buildings, upscale shopping, museums, and good restaurants. Safe to walk, English-friendly, splits the difference between tourist and local. Pricier than residential areas but less so than Old Town.
Modern business district with upscale food, malls, and international companies. Safe with lots of English, but expensive and no historic character. For business travelers or people who prioritize modern amenities and safety over local atmosphere.
Help other women stay safe in Old Town (Lipscani)
Neighborhood conditions can change. Check recent news, ask locals or your accommodation about current safety, especially for nighttime plans.