Life in Bucharest's sector 5: tradition and modernity in the south of the capital

By Bucharest Team
- Articles
Sector 5 of Bucharest, located in the south-west of the capital, is an area full of contrasts, where tradition meets modernity. This sector offers a unique combination of historic neighborhoods, green spaces and recent urban developments, making it attractive to residents of all ages.
Being a vast and varied area, Sector 5 includes residential neighborhoods with affordable housing and neighborhoods with developed infrastructure. Rahova and Giurgiului, for example, are popular areas for their more affordable housing prices, while September 13 benefits from a slightly more central location and well-developed infrastructure, which facilitates access to various amenities.
Sector 5. Neighborhoods and housing
Sector 5 comprises several distinct neighborhoods, each with its own characteristics:
- Rahova - a neighborhood with a rich history and a mix of old and new buildings. Hundreds of years ago, today's Rahova neighborhood was home to the city's disabled people. The Calicilor Bridge (in the past, "calic" = disabled person), as the area was called, was next to the Mitropoliei Gypsy Quarter, where murders were commonplace. Today, Rahova is known for its lively markets and traditional atmosphere.
- Ferentari: Although one of the less developed neighborhoods with predominantly Roma residents, Ferentari is undergoing a transformation with many renovation and development projects.
- Cotroceni: One of Bucharest's most prestigious neighborhoods, Cotroceni boasts quiet streets, elegant mansions and beautiful parks, and is favored by wealthy families and expats.
- September 13: A booming residential neighborhood with many modern apartment blocks and new amenities.
- Giurgiului: Giurgiului is a neighborhood in the south of Bucharest, located partly in Sector 5 and Sector 4, between the neighborhoods of Ferentari (to the west) and Olteniței and Berceni (to the east). Here, the buildings are generally standard in appearance, most of them identical, but there are also subtle Western modernist influences typical of the 60s. Buildings are spaced 47 to 180 meters apart, allowing for generous green spaces.
Sector 5. Facilities and infrastructure
Sector 5 benefits from a well-developed infrastructure and easy access to various essential services.
- Public transport: The public transport network is well represented, with multiple bus, tram and metro lines, facilitating travel within the sector and to other parts of the city. Important metro stations include Eroilor and the Military Academy.
- Education: Sector 5 is home to many educational institutions, from prestigious schools and kindergartens to renowned universities such as the National Defense University "Carol I" and the University of Medicine and Pharmacy "Carol Davila".
- Health: There is a wide range of hospitals and clinics, including the Bucharest University Emergency Hospital, one of the largest and best equipped hospitals in the country.
Recreation and Leisure
Residents of Sector 5 have many leisure options, whether they prefer cultural activities, sports or relaxing in nature.
- Parks and green spaces: Tineretului Park (which extends to other sectors) and Sebastian Park are two of the largest and most beautiful green spaces in Sector 5, offering residents ideal spaces for walking, jogging and picnicking, as well as educational activities.
- Culture and entertainment: Sector 5 is rich in cultural institutions, such as the Cotroceni Palace and the Cotroceni National Museum, which offer exhibitions and cultural events. Numerous theaters, cinemas and concert halls also add cultural value to the sector.
- Shopping and gastronomy: There are numerous shopping centers (Afi Palace Cotroceni, Grand Arena Mall etc), markets and restaurants, offering a variety of shopping and dining options. Rahova Market is famous for its fresh produce and dynamic atmosphere.
Bucharest's 5th district offers a balanced life, where tradition and modernity hold hand in hand. With a relatively well-developed infrastructure, numerous recreational options and an active community, this sector is an ideal place for diverse groups of residents, from families to young professionals and retirees.