Bucharest Old Town, Historic center in Bucharest, Romania

Bucharest Old Town covers about 0.50 km² at the western edge of Sector 3, bounded by Regina Elisabeta, Carol I, Hristo Botev, Corneliu Coposu, Splaiul Independenței and Calea Victoriei. Ion C. Brătianu Boulevard runs north to south through it, splitting the area into two roughly equal halves. Within its perimeter lie 48 streets, including Lipscani, Șelari, Covaci, Doamnei, Stavropoleos, Franceză and Șepcari, plus three entrances, three passages and five squares.

This district emerged in the 15th century as a merchant and craftsman hub around the Princely Court, which served as the residence of Wallachian rulers for 400 years. Its early role as an economic and political center shaped the area's development.

The name Lipscani comes from Leipzig, the fair town from which merchants brought goods to this street. The quarter also holds the Stavropoleos and Sfântul Anton churches and the Manuc Inn, and the official kilometre zero of Romania stands in Piața Bisericii Sfântul Gheorghe-Nou.

Access to the Old Town is easiest through metro stations at Piata Unirii or Universitate, with numerous cafes, restaurants, and shops open throughout the day. Walking through the narrow streets is the best way to explore, and there are many spots to stop and rest.

Beneath the streets lies a network of vaulted cellars and caves from former inns, running about 3.30 meters (11 feet) below the current street level. This underground world is a hidden part of the area's history, revealing how commerce once operated here.