
Manuc's Inn, Bucharest (must see)
Nestled in the vibrant heart of Old Town, Manuc’s Inn (Hanul lui Manuc), built in 1806–1808 by Armenian-Turkish merchant-diplomat Emanuel Marzaian—known as Manuc Bey—stands as the city’s oldest operating hotel building. Originally conceived as a khan (inn) on the banks of the Dambovita River, it quickly grew into a major commercial and cultural hub. By the mid-19th century, the complex boasted 107 rooms, 15 wholesalers, 23 shops, two reception halls, pubs, taverns, and a charming courtyard encircled by balconied galleries.
Beyond lodging and trade, Manuc’s Inn played host to pivotal historical moments. In 1812, it was the venue for the preliminary negotiations and signing of the Treaty of Bucharest, ending the Russo‑Turkish War from 1806 to 1812. Later, in 1842, it briefly housed Bucharest's town hall, and around 1880 became the scene of the first Romanian operetta performances. Its grand ''Dacia Hall'' also rang with political debates before World War I, further cementing its role as a cultural and civic meeting place.
Though Manuc’s Inn has weathered fire, earthquakes, nationalization under communism, and numerous restorations, its original architectural essence—marked by its courtyards, wooden balconies, and elegant arches—remains wonderfully intact. Today, the Inn melds centuries-old charm with contemporary life: visitors can wander its leafy courtyard, savor traditional Romanian cuisine in its vaulted cellar restaurant, enjoy a coffee or glass of wine on a sunlit balcony, or browse artisan shops lining its street-facing side.
For tourists, a visit to Manuc’s Inn is an invitation to travel back in time—to imagine caravans resting under the courtyards, diplomats negotiating peace, and citizens gathering for culture and commerce. Located just steps from the Old Court ruins (Curtea Veche) and a stone’s throw from Union Square (Piata Unirii), it remains an essential stop on any walking tour of Lipscani’s atmospheric streets.
Beyond lodging and trade, Manuc’s Inn played host to pivotal historical moments. In 1812, it was the venue for the preliminary negotiations and signing of the Treaty of Bucharest, ending the Russo‑Turkish War from 1806 to 1812. Later, in 1842, it briefly housed Bucharest's town hall, and around 1880 became the scene of the first Romanian operetta performances. Its grand ''Dacia Hall'' also rang with political debates before World War I, further cementing its role as a cultural and civic meeting place.
Though Manuc’s Inn has weathered fire, earthquakes, nationalization under communism, and numerous restorations, its original architectural essence—marked by its courtyards, wooden balconies, and elegant arches—remains wonderfully intact. Today, the Inn melds centuries-old charm with contemporary life: visitors can wander its leafy courtyard, savor traditional Romanian cuisine in its vaulted cellar restaurant, enjoy a coffee or glass of wine on a sunlit balcony, or browse artisan shops lining its street-facing side.
For tourists, a visit to Manuc’s Inn is an invitation to travel back in time—to imagine caravans resting under the courtyards, diplomats negotiating peace, and citizens gathering for culture and commerce. Located just steps from the Old Court ruins (Curtea Veche) and a stone’s throw from Union Square (Piata Unirii), it remains an essential stop on any walking tour of Lipscani’s atmospheric streets.
Want to visit this sight? Check out these Self-Guided Walking Tours in Bucharest. Alternatively, you can download the mobile app "ϳԹ: Walks in 1K+ Cities" from Apple App Store or Google Play Store. The app turns your mobile device to a personal tour guide and it works offline, so no data plan is needed when traveling abroad.
Manuc's Inn on Map
Sight Name: Manuc's Inn
Sight Location: Bucharest, Romania (See walking tours in Bucharest)
Sight Type: Attraction/Landmark
Guide(s) Containing This Sight:
Sight Location: Bucharest, Romania (See walking tours in Bucharest)
Sight Type: Attraction/Landmark
Guide(s) Containing This Sight:
Walking Tours in Bucharest, Romania
Create Your Own Walk in Bucharest
Creating your own self-guided walk in Bucharest is easy and fun. Choose the city attractions that you want to see and a walk route map will be created just for you. You can even set your hotel as the start point of the walk.
Bucharest Introduction Walking Tour
Bucharest, the capital and cultural center of Romania, is one of the largest cities in Southeastern Europe.
The name București has an unverified origin. Tradition links it to the guy named Bucur, who (according to various legends) was either a prince, outlaw, fisherman, shepherd or a hunter. The Romanian word “bucurie” means joy (happiness), which in turn explains one of Bucharest's... view more
Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 3.7 Km or 2.3 Miles
The name București has an unverified origin. Tradition links it to the guy named Bucur, who (according to various legends) was either a prince, outlaw, fisherman, shepherd or a hunter. The Romanian word “bucurie” means joy (happiness), which in turn explains one of Bucharest's... view more
Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 3.7 Km or 2.3 Miles
Old Town Walking Tour
The Historical Center of Bucharest, or the Old Town, as the locals habitually refer to it, is one of the most beloved and attractive areas in the Romanian capital. The neighborhood is really beautiful a place to visit, and you can walk into it pretty much from anywhere in central Bucharest. Ion Constantin Brătianu Boulevard crosses the historic heart of the city from Piata Universitate... view more
Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 1.9 Km or 1.2 Miles
Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 1.9 Km or 1.2 Miles
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