romania country visit

A practical, up-to date travel guide

2024 travel guide for first time visitors in romania.

If you're planning to visit Romania in 2024 for the first time (or returning!) and are looking for a complete, up to date travel guide with essential advice and practical Romania travel tips to plan your holiday - this article is for you.

As locals we'll tell you the most important things to know about visiting Romania, up to date info about our country and the best way to plan an amazing holiday here! But first - is Romania worth visiting?

In short - YES! For the long answer - in this post we've linked to many of our articles about Romania's tourist attractions, best things to do, natural beauty, local culture and traditions.

So if you need help with planning your trip don't hesitate to contact us - that's what we're here for! We have a network of 50 best guides all over the country and created authentic Romanian experiences and trips you won't find anywhere else :)

This travel guide was last updated in January 2024. So, let's get started:

Table of contents

Quick facts about Romania

• 1. Entry requirements & visa

2. Romanian currency, exchange houses and card payments

3. is romania cheap to visit tourist budget and holiday costs, 4. romanian geography and natural attractions, 5. getting here. public transportation in romania, 6. weather. best time to visit romania, 7. medical emergencies, 8. is romania safe to visit, 9. where to stay in romania. hotels and guesthouses, 10. romanian people and society, 11. romania travel tips no one will tell you about, 12. romania means much more than dracula castle..., 13. open your mind and heart to romanian people.

The Lower Town of Sibiu

Located in Eastern Europe, Romania is the 9th largest European country by surface with a very rich and diverse geography as you'll soon find out. It ranks 6th by population (approx. 19 mil) composed of 85% Romanians and other ethnic minorities such as Hungarians, Germans, Italian, Turks or rroma.

Romania is a NATO member since 2004 and part of the European Union since 2007. The local time in Romania is Eastern European Time (EET) +02:00 GMT

Our country is made up of 3 historical regions: Wallachia (South), Transylvania (North-West) and Moldova (North-East). The capital of Romania is Bucharest with approx. 2,2 mil. The next major cities are Cluj-Napoca and Iasi, the unofficial capitals of Transylvania and Moldova.

There are many reasons why it's worth visiting Romania. Main attractions and tourist destinations include:

• lots of famous castles starting with the famous Bran Castle, Corvin Castle or the ex-royal residence Peles Castle built by King Carol I, and 140 more!
• interesting UNESCO World Heritage sites: the 400-year old Wooden Churches of Maramures, the 500-year old Painted Monasteries of Bucovina, the 700-year old Sighisoara Citadel or the 2,000 year old ruins of Dacian Fortresses
• incredible nature with great hiking opportunities in the wild Carpathian Mountains which earned our country the title of Europe's last wilderness reserve or relaxation at the sandy beaches of the Black Sea coast
• eclectic sights mixing communist landmarks such as the huge Palace of Parliament ) with historic sites and medieval cities such as Brasov, Sibiu and Targu Mures in the center of the country
• unique sights such as the impressive underground Turda Salt Mine , the haunted Hoia Baciu forest or the thrilling Transfagarasan Highway
• the miracle that is the Danube Delta - 3rd best preserved biosphere in the world and home to over 300 species of birds

Top attractions in Romania Tours

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• the famous South-East Transylvania with its main attractions: Saxon villages and fortified churches, castles, medieval towns
• the traditional Maramures region (upper North-West) with its Wooden Churches and folk costumes
• the spiritual Bucovina region (upper North-East) with its 500-year-old Painted Churches and egg-painting traditions

If you want an authentic experience of Romanian countryside you'll need at least 2 full days in any of these regions and to travel by car.

Romanian history is like Game of Thrones but without the fantasy part: at the intersection of Ottoman, Austro-Hungarian and Russian (later Soviet) empires, our history is full of twists and turns in the middle ages. We were always caught between the wars, domination and power plays of foreign power (hence the many castles in Romania and historical sites!).

Our history is a testimony of our nation's resilience, cultural identity and goal to unite the three historical regions into one independent state which happened only in 1918.

Castles, Fortresses & Historic Tours

As for Romanian culture and people, you'll see Romanians are very friendly and hospitable who love enjoying life, food and socialising. Our Latin blood and cultural affinity for Western Europe lifestyle mixes with a Balkan vibe and Eastern traditional values inspired by our Christian Orthodox religion. The best Romanian movies do a great job of showing this.

Although there are some prejudices and misconceptions about our country and people, those who've visited our country were pleasantly surprised and impressed by what it can offer - and we hope you'll be too! And if you're wondering who are some famous people from Romania - you might be surprised!

Now, on to the practical stuff with things to know and the latest information about visiting Romania:

1. Entry requirements & visa

Entering Romania is quite easy as visa requirements for tourism or short stays under 90 days are relaxed. On the Ministry of Foreign Affairs website you'll find lists of countries for which a visa is or not required.

Besides having a valid passport (or ID if you're from the European Union), for other travel documents needed also check the conditions of entry .

Besides European Union nationals, citizens from the United States, United Kingdom, Canada, Israel, Australia Singapore, don't need a visa when they enter Romania if planning to stay under 90 days. Make sure to double check entry requirements on your own too.

Holders of a Schengen visa with multiple entries (and slots still available and valid!) are not required to apply for a Romanian visa for entry.

You can apply for a visa online on the Ministry's (only) official website .

The Romanian currency is RON or informally called Lei. It comes in plastic, almost indestructible notes of 5, 10, 50, 100, 200 and 500. There are also some smaller-don’t-matter coins.

Although some prices in Romania may be displayed in Euro using Euros for cash payments is NOT accepted and if someone offers you an ‘in-house’ exchange rate - you should check official rates before accepting.

• 1 Euro is about 5 Lei and 1 USD is about 4,6 Lei - check official exchange rates published by the Romanian National Bank here )

Paying by card is very safe and widespread in Romania in all shops, restaurants, hotels or tourist attractions. But not in taxis, farmers market or artisan fares where you need to have cash. Debit cards issued by VISA, MasterCard and Maestro are widely accepted everywhere, but American Express cards may not always work. If you're using credit cards from a non-EU bank, make sure it's authorised for international payments.

Bucharest Street Food Tour: Farmers' Markets & Hidden Streets

Start from: University Square

When travelling in the country or in the mountains cash is king so always have Lei with you and plan your budget ahead. Some guesthouses or restaurants in the countryside don't accept card payments, especially credit cards, so ask in advance.

There are plenty of ATMs in Romania (bancomat) to withdraw money from. The most common banks with safe & secure ATMs are BCR, BRD or Banca Transilvania. For fees, check with your local bank. In the countryside or mountainous areas it's harder to find ATMs but every village or small town should have one near the city hall.

What currency to bring when travelling to Romania: Euros, US dollars, UK pounds or Swiss francs are the easiest to convert anywhere. When you arrive don’t use exchange offices located in airports for more than 20 € / $ / £ for taxi fare as they usually have very bad rates aimed at unsuspecting tourists. You'll find lots of exchange bureaus (casa de schimb) in Romania, easily recognisable by their yellow or white street boards indicating rates offered.

• Pro tip: rates at exchange bureaus are usually better than at banks and 90% of them don't charge any fees

View over Brasov, one of the best preserved medieval towns

Up until 2020, Romania used to be known as a cheap destination but this changed in the last 3 years... why?

The hospitality and tourist sector were strongly affected after two hard years of Covid-19 and a low 2022 caused by the invasion of Ukraine war-scare.

Many guides had to get regular jobs while small operators and guesthouses lowered their value-for-money ratio and/or closed shop. Meanwhile, the 'surviving' businesses and guides raised their prices to keep up with demand and rising costs.

• We have a network of 50+ guides and partners all over the country, so we witnessed the disaster firsthand while trying to stay alive. Since 2017 our mission has been to support local communities by including their services in our tours. So if you book a tour with us you'll directly help small businesses and people in Romania!

The wider European economic context (energy crisis, inflation) coupled with higher local taxes meant everything got more expensive in Romania by 20-30%.

The good news (ironically!) is prices increased all over Europe - and the world too, since the global economy is not doing great. So on a relative scale Romania is still cheaper to visit compared with most European countries if you plan your holiday well or go off-the-beaten path. Key info:

• generally, the value-for-money you get in Romania for tourist activities (e.g. guided tours, wine tastings, fine dining, SPA etc) is very good
• prices in major cities where the main attractions for tourists are ( Bucharest , Cluj-Napoca , Brasov and Sibiu ) or on the Black Sea Coast are higher compared to other ones, but on the flipside they have lots of choices for every budget, so shop around!
• in small towns and villages, prices for meals and accommodation are on average 20-30% lower

A reasonable budget per day if you're planning to travel to Romania is between 30-60 Euro for accommodation, meals and small expenses. In restaurants a main course is around 25-50 Lei (5-10 Euro), soups around 10-20 Lei (2-4 Euro), soft drinks start from 1,5 Euro while alcohol from 2 Euro. Entrance fees to tourist attractions range between 4-15 Euro

For a better idea of how expensive Romania is, for a 3-day city break in Bucharest or Cluj-Napoca budget around 200 - 350 Euro in total for 2 people (excl. flights and guided tours) with generous meals and drinks included, tickets and local transport. A 7-day guided tour starts from 2,000 Euro per person for 2 people, depending on hotels, activities and itinerary.

3-Day BEST of Transylvania Tour: Brasov, Sighisoara, Bran & Viscri

Start from: Bucharest

Tipping in Romania is very common and usually expected. Service fees or coperto is not included when going out in restaurants (unless expressly mentioned!) and a 7-10% tip on top of the bill is common. If you’re really happy with the service you can go up to 15%.

Tips for small, personal services (body care & cosmetics, hotel concierge, drivers, etc.) are also welcomed. Tipping tour guides is also common on average 10-15% of the tour price. And if the guide doesn't say anything (because they're usually uncomfortable asking!) - just do what feels right to you.

This is Transfagarasan Road one of Romania's top attractions

Romania has been blessed with a rich and diverse geography with lots of natural attractions which makes it one of the most beautiful countries:

• the Black Sea coast with fine sandy beaches
• the Danube River creates the Danube Delta with vast waterways and lakes
• picturesque hills and old-growth forests in Transylvania
• the wild, impressive Carpathian Mountains (also known as Transylvanian Alps)

Check our selection of hiking tours with licensed guides

Going as high as 2,544m (at Moldoveanu, the highest peak) the Romanian Carpathians and their foothills take up almost 45% of our land surface.

With over 100 peaks over 2.300m altitude, lots of trails for all difficulty levels offering incredible natural landscapes and a wildlife population that earned us the title of Europe's last wilderness reserve - this is a great place for your next hiking holiday. Our article on best hiking trails in Romania will tell you more.

7-Day Peaks of Romania [Shared Group Trip]

Start from: Brasov

In terms of natural attractions, besides the many national parks (Piatra Craiului, Bucegi, Apuseni being the most famous), I would also mention the Muddy Volcanoes , the Romanian Sphinx or the 7 stairs canyon.

The simplest and most convenient way to travel to Romania is to fly here. Besides the main airport (Bucharest Otopeni), there are 9 airports in big cities served by low cost airlines (Wizz Air and Ryan Air mostly) with flights to over 100 destinations in Europe. This is because there are close to 4 million Romanians living abroad so there's a lot of commuting. If you plan well and in advance, you can find tickets as cheap as 60 Euro round-trip.

• Local tip: check our guide on Bucharest airport so you have a 'soft landing' here :)

Besides a Southeastern Europe and Romania road trip, you can also get here using direct trains from Vienna, Budapest, Belgrade, Sofia or Thessaloniki. We prepared an article on travelling to Romania with additional information on this topic.

2-Day Transylvania Bike Trails Tour: Viscri & Saxon Villages

Public transport in Romania is a little more challenging. Unfortunately road and railway infrastructure is underdeveloped. There are few highways and mostly one-lane roads which are heavy with traffic (including trucks) so driving 100 km by car can take 2h. And though there are lots of train stations in the whole country, because tracks are old trains go slow (average of 80 km/h). At least they're cheap!

For short distances (>200 km) a car, train or bus is a good choice. For medium or long distances (over 300 km) you should consider breaking your itinerary or catching an internal flight (eg. from Bucharest to Cluj or Timisoara). Visitors to Romania are well advised to have travel insurance before getting here. Our guide on public transportation in Romania will have more info on this.

Romania has a temperate continental climate which used to be codename for standard weather. But in the last 10 years the effects of climate change are starting to show. We wrote a bigger article on the best time to visit Romania describing the weather and with visiting tips for each season.

In short, for sightseeing trips come anytime April - October when the weather is fair, warm and days are longer. Peak season for holidays is 1 Aug - 15 September so if you're planning to travel to Romania then, make sure to book everything in advance!

The best time to go hiking and for outdoor activities in general is from late Spring to mid October but this depends on where you're going. For example, in mountains at altitudes of over 2,000m (eg. Fagaras, Retezat or Bucegi) there can still be snow until late June and weather is unpredictable. High season for hiking is Aug-Sept when there's less rain and fair weather.

Transfagarasan Road & Hiking Day Trip in Fagaras Mts

For wildlife tours - we follow nature's rhythm. Animals - especially brown bears - are active from late Spring to late Autumn, depending on how warm and cold it is. The best time to visit with the highest chances of seeing wild animals is during Summer, but these trips usually have complex logistics, go into remote areas and are in high demand - so book them in advance!

3-Day Hiking & Wildlife Trip at an Eco-Luxury Private Cabin in Fagaras Mts

Start from: Rucar, Arges county

• Local tip: our personal favorite time to visit Romania is Autumn: starting from early September a superb array of gold, orange and brown will cover the vast Carpathian woodlands

The best time to visit the Danube Delta is April - October when nature at its best: lush vegetation in full bloom, birds nesting or playing around and lots of fish.

4-Day Danube Delta: Birds, Letea Village & Lakes [Group Trip]

Start from: Tulcea

Compared to other countries, the peak holiday season by the Black Sea Coast is shorter, typically from 15 July - 30 August. Winter in Romania is quite cold, but not humid. In mountainous areas there's lots of snowfall, but less so in the plains. The Romanian ski resorts come alive during the winter months of Jan-Feb but you can also take a cable car ride outside the season.

the UNESCO World Heritage site Ruins of Dacian Citadels

In Romania the emergency number is 112 and an operator will ask if you want to talk to the police, fire or medical services.

There are no particular health concerns you should be aware about. No special insects or food issues around here either. As vegetation is very diverse and rich, those with pollen allergies should be prepared.

Museum of Communism: A Time-Capsule of Ordinary Lives

As regards medical services most hospitals are public and state-owned so they will take care of any walk-ins or emergencies - and settle insurance matters after. But you still need travel insurance, even if from a foreign issuer, whether you travel to Romania or anywhere else in the world.

Unfortunately healthcare in Romania is severely underdeveloped and understaffed so better lower your expectations of what a hospital should look like and how you should be treated. But medical staff is usually kind and will do their best to help you.

There are plenty of pharmacies in all urban areas and you can easily get the usual over-the-counter pills for colds, aches, indigestions or bruises.

Finally, we highly recommend you have a travel insurance. For citizens of the European Union countries, the European Health Insurance Card (EHIC) which offers health coverage EU-wide is a good option.

Is Romania a safe travel destination? Yes! There are NO terror attacks, violent protests or civil disturbances here. We have very strict firearm regulations - so no crazy people with guns either.

So is Romania safe for travellers? Yup, and even though you may have heard or read scary stories about traveling in the Balkans, just do what you normally do when in 'tourist mode:' don’t look for trouble, beware of pickpockets or suspicious people, ignore drunkards and people pushing their services to tourists (like taxi drivers in North Train Station), be careful at night and don't disrespect people, traditions or clearly stated rules.

This applies to female and solo travelers as well.

Cluj-Napoca Food Tour: Food Markets, Regional Dishes and Coffee Culture

Start from: Cluj-Napoca

We wrote an extensive article with Romania safety travel advice that will answer everything.

You may have heard stories about the rroma ethnic minority (improperly called gypsy) and how they're usually involved in small thefts, cons and begging. While their reputation might be bad, not all are like that. Most of the time you will see them as beggars, even using their children for money - but don't get fooled and give them anything as you're only perpetuating the cycle and not really helping them.

On our tours in Transylvania we take people to typical Rroma villages to find out about their culture and lifestyle in an authentic way firsthand.

Tour of Transylvania's Countryside: Sighisoara Citadel & Fortified Villages

Romania offers lots of accommodation choices for all budgets, requirements or styles. All of them are listed on either Booking.com or AirBnB .

In the most visited cities you'll find a large selection of hostels, hotel rooms and boutique guesthouses. Lots of apart-hotels too. It's best to book them before you travel to Romania as walk-ins are rarely a good idea.

The Wine Tradition of Romania: Premium Wine Tasting in Dealu Mare

The other tourist cities are not that big so even if you're not staying in the "old town" or "union square" area (usually the city centre and most crowded areas), it will probably be a 5-15 min walk away. Besides walking, I personally like to keep my healthy routines while traveling and found some easy travel workouts to do.

When visiting the traditional tourist regions of Romania (Transylvania, Maramures, Bukovina, Danube Delta) accommodation usually means a family-owned guesthouse offering bed and breakfast in a small village. These are called pensiune or casa - no hotels or restaurants here. Most of them offer a private rooms with en-suite WC and half board we suggest you take it since there are likely few alternatives to eat out. For hiking trips villages at the base of the mountains usually have lots of guesthouses. But sometimes the hiking trails begin a little further away so you'll need a car or guide to get there. When going deeper in the mountains you'll have at most 1-2 choices to stay in, usually mountain cabins or chalets. Romania's hiking infrastructure is not well developed and hut-to-hut hiking is not possible for this reason.

1 or 2 Day Hiking Trip in Bucegi Mountains: Sphinx, Babele, Omu Peak

Start from: Bucharest OR Brasov

Due to their very limited accommodation options and very high demand, we highly recommend you book your hiking trips in advance (min 2-3 weeks).

There are many good reasons to explore the Romanian countryside (the best place for culture trips), and here's another one: to stay in the many charming, authentic or luxury guesthouses. In recent years locals bought and restored old boyar (aristocrat) manors, traditional village houses (like King Charles did in Viscri), built modern eco-luxury villas, or converted large old farmhouses into agro-tourism cottages straight out of a fairy tale. See some inspiration here and make your trip to Romania memorable!

2-days of Agro-Tourism in Transylvania at a Local Farm

Start from: Cobor or Brasov

Traditional folk singers in Maramures

Romanian people and society is generally conservative and adheres to traditional values, especially older generations who grew up in the 45 years of Romanian communist regime .

Spending quality family time and having good relationships is important in our society. There are lots of destinations and facilities for this, which is why you should consider a holiday with the kids in Romania .

85% of the population is Christian Orthodox so major religious holidays like Easter or Romanian Christmas are celebrated through public holidays (when all tourist attractions are closed by the way).

Religion plays an important role in our society, especially in rural areas where people dress up and go to church every Sunday. There are lots of historic churches valuable for small communities where priests enjoy great influence. But beyond their religious function, Romanian churches are worth visiting because they are a unique place to discover authentic Romanian culture and folk traditions. Romanians, though being the majority of population in these parts, were historically persecuted (especially in Transylvania) for our faith, language and culture by foreign rulers. So churches were the only safe havens and community spaces Romanians had.

5-Day Complete Tour of Traditional Maramures & Bucovina

But Millennials and younger generations are very liberal, open-minded, friendly, tech-savvy and influenced by Western lifestyle and values. Most, if not all, young people speak English, are very eager to help foreign visitors have a good time in Romania and will quickly teach you Romanian words to get around.

• Pro tip: Romanians like to complain about politics, the economy and time in traffic, and love talking about sports, Romanian food and where to go when traveling to Romania – so pick any of these topics to start a conversation :)

Go on a brown bear watching tour in Transylvania

As a frequent traveler myself, I spend A LOT of time doing online research to see what are the most popular places to visit and interesting things to do in a new place. I compare tours, prices, check public transportation, read forums, travel blogs, Instagram - the usual!

But this becomes confusing and stressful when planning to visit Romania because of outdated, incomplete or vague info. There's no official travel portal or assistance from Romanian tourist authorities. Tour operators compete on prices on Viator and similar websites - not on value or authentic experiences.

That's why I started this website in 2017 and partnered with the best and friendliest people. We want you to have a great experience and a memorable holiday when you travel to Romania and here's our advice on how to do that:

• first, read about the major tourist cities , best places to visit and things to do in Romania and make a list with "must see" and "nice to see"
• second, look at the map of Romania to see where they're located and understand the logistics and limitations of getting around Romania and on Google Maps
• third, decide the basics like how many days you have for your holiday, what's your budget and what are the best places to start or end your trip
• fourth, beware that most tourists who travel to Romania underestimate how big the country is and want to do / visit too much in too little time! For example, if you want to visit a traditional region like Maramures or Bucovina where tourist sights are spread in the surrounding areas, you'll need 2-3 days on top of the time needed to get there by car; the same if you want to visit the Danube Delta which can be done only by boat!
• finally, think about what kind of holiday do you want in Romania? to visit as much as you can and go from one place to another? to go hiking and see wildlife? to experience traditional village life through slow travel (the best way)? Romania has much to offer but because it's quite big and traveling is slow - you can't have it all!

Once you're clear on the above, here's how we can help you:

• a a do-it-yourself holiday: book places to stay on your own, use public transportation to get around and book day trips from different cities (more time + energy + hassle for you, but cheaper and we can give you a disccount)
• we prepare a fully guided private trip for you with as much as you want, within your budget, using our best guides, expertise and local connections (a couple of emails/calls with us, no stress for you, and an amazing value-for-money holiday)
• if you need help deciding or making a plan - we know everything about tourism in Romania and are happy to help - just contact us

Important: because Romania is such an underrated and undiscovered tourist destination, tourist numbers are very low so 90% of tours in Romania are private except for city tours and a few day trips to the main attractions such as Bran Castle, Peles Castle, Sighisoara Citadel or Transfagarasan Road. All our hiking tours are private too because we don't combine people with different hiking experience and fitness level.

In 2024 we run 2 shared, small-group tours with fixed departures in the Summer so check them out:

8-Day Exclusive Romanian Experience [Shared Group]

Romania is very popular thanks to Count Dracula touristy stories surrounding the famous Bran Castle known by its touristy name Dracula's Castle.

But there's so much more to do here other than visiting Bran Castle thanks to a fictional Hollywood character loosely connected to our history. Even though most tourists visit Romania looking for Dracula legends , once they're here, find out about the other main attractions and meet locals - surprise and wonder sets in!

The capital city Bucharest is a bustling city of contrasts. Though rough on the edges it is by far the most diverse and attractive for tourists. The main tourist cities of Brasov and Sibiu are famous for their Old Town with medieval architecture. But Cluj Napoca, Timisoara , Oradea or Iasi have their own stories to tell. But Romanian culture and spirit is best experienced when traveling in rural areas - perhaps on horse drawn carts . The ageing locals who preserved the traditional, authentic Romanian village life have done so by keeping a low profile, away from civilisation and busy "modern" life.

Day Trip to Traditional Mountain Villages: Magura & Pestera

The charm of Transylvania that made the UK's King Charles fall in love with Romania and buy village houses here can't be experienced on a touristy day trip from the capital to Brasov and Dracula Castle.

• `Local tip:`we created the first volunteer trip in Romania that combines tourist activities (hiking and wildlife watching) with hands-on environmental work at a typical rural farm, a tree nursery and for wildlife conservation. This will be a great experience for conscious travelers

6-Day Volunteer Trip: Farm Life, Tree Nursery & Wildlife Conservation

You need to go deeper into rural areas with a tour guide who has the connections to show you around, meet locals, enjoy Romanian cuisine with home-grown food and experience their way of life firsthand. You need to slow down - which is rare in the fast-paced world of today - and a ride on horse-drawn carts will help with that :)

Transylvania Tours and Trips

Sadly, time is passing for our elders. Many Romanian villages have been abandoned and lost their ways since younger generations moved to larger cities. And if you add Romania's underdeveloped tourism and public transport infrastructure in the mix, then you'll see why our honest and friendly recommendation for the best way to experience Romania is to hire a local guide. Here are 3 reasons why:

• first, for a decent price you'll have less stress with planning and driving (not easy!), and you'll actually understand what you're visiting instead of just taking a picture! besides learning about our history and culture, our guides have connections to locals, lesser known places and sights you wouldn't be able to find on your own, especially in rural areas
• second, since 2017 we at Romanian Friend personally built a network of 50+ guides and partners all over the country; our guides are licensed and specialised in certain travel types (culture, hiking, wildlife, etc.) or regions, and deliver exceptional services so you get great value-for-money when visiting Romania; we've welcomed over 10,000 travelers on our tours and are proud of our reviews
• finally, we created tours that support responsible, inclusive and eco-friendly travel so if you travel to Romania and book with us, your visit will directly benefit local people and communities; this is our mission

Day Trip: Village Life in Sibiu Countryside

Start from: Sibiu

Our guides will organise home-hosted meals for you

Final tip: if you visit Romania, spend some time to get to know locals. Romanians are very hospitable, thoughtful and warm people. They enjoy having guests and will treat you like family, feed you till you drop (literally!), bring out their best wine or tuica and generally go out of their way to make sure you have a great time. In our guide to Romanian cuisine we explain how so much of our culture and social life is connected to food, hospitality and enjoying meals together.

But so much hospitality and friendliness towards strangers might seem too much at first, or even make you feel uncomfortable. But this is just how Romanians are and an integral part of our culture: family, friends and community play a big role in Romanian life - even if Bram Stoker never mentioned this in his Dracula novel! If you have the chance, go to any Romanian festival and you'll see what I mean :)

Abandon any pre-conceptions about Romania and open your heart and mind while you're here, explore the country and meet locals. Let them show you what a beautiful country we have. Despite the uncertainties of travel, Romania will still surprise you, I'm sure of it. Why?

Because I've heard this so many times from our clients: Wow, I never thought Romania has so much to offer!

So that's it - I hope this will make it easy for you to travel to Romania and have a memorable holiday! I started Romanian Friend as a one-stop-shop to promote my country and its people, so you'll find everything you need on this website.

And if there's something missing, you have a question or need help with planning - just contact us - happy to help!

Your Romanian Friend (and founder)

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4 times a year we prepare a newsletter with local stories, places and our special insights about Romanian culture and local life that will inspire you to visit our country and have an authentic local experience. Would you like to get it?

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7 unmissable things to do in Romania

Feb 19, 2022 • 4 min read

The lush region of Maramureş is host to numerous Unesco-listed sites © Matt Munro / Lonely Planet

Situated in the southeastern corner of Europe, on the shores of the Black Sea, Romania has so far largely missed out on the global tourism boom. Tenuous associations with Bram Stoker’s fictional Dracula have long lured travellers to Transylvania , but much of the rest of the country, with its beautiful mountains and river valleys, rustic villages, and vibrant cities, has only recently begun to attract visitors. Before word gets out, here are seven exciting experiences awaiting you in Romania.  

Gawk at immense Bran Castle

Bran Castle is often associated in the public eye with Dracula, and this wouldn’t be an article on Romania without a nod toward the infamous count, but the only bloodthirsty nobleman who ever stayed here was probably Romania’s own Vlad Țepeș  (aka Vlad the Impaler), a 15th Wallachian prince who was famed for spiking the heads of his Turkish adversaries. But Bran doesn’t need Dracula to induce awe. The castle’s enormous mass of turrets and castellations, all looking over a foggy, desolate mountain pass, pretty much recalls every horror film ever made. 

Admire the painted monasteries

The Unesco-protected, 15th-century painted monasteries of Bucovina show off not just Romania’s enduring devotion to its Latin-flavoured Orthodox tradition, but also superb artistry and craftsmanship. The elaborate frescoes adorning both the interiors and exteriors of the half-dozen or so churches were largely inspired by the Moldavian prince and hero, Stephen the Great (Ştefan cel Mare). The frescoes illustrate everything from biblical stories to the 15th-century siege of Constantinople. The dizzying matrix of colours and intricate detail, like at the stunning Voroneţ Monastery , blend effortlessly with remote natural surroundings.  

Step back in time in Maramureş

A visit to Maramureş in far northern Romania, above Transylvania, is like a trip back to a simpler, more rustic, more rural past. Isolated villages, separated from one another by vast, rolling fields and forested hillsides, cluster around stark wooden churches with weather-beaten, Gothic-style steeples. The region is home to several Unesco-listed churches, including at Bârsana , Budeşti , Deseşti , Ieud and Surdeşti . Stay for the weekend to see the villagers don their traditional Sunday dress. 

See the Saxon splendour of Transylvania

Around 800 years ago, the Hungarian kings invited Saxon Germans to settle hilly Transylvania as a way of protecting the region from encroachment by the Ottoman Turks. That Saxon legacy lives on in the form of beautifully preserved cities like Braşov , Sighişoara and Sibiu , the latter of which still occasionally refers to itself by the German ‘Hermannstadt’. Admire the architectural heritage at Sighişoara’s Citadel fortress or Braşov’s Black Church . Don’t pass up the chance to see the pretty Saxon villages, straight out of a Grimms’ fairy tale, at Biertan and Viscri. 

Boat or bird-watch on the Danube Delta

After meandering more than 2800km across the European continent, the powerful Danube River pours into the Black Sea in the northeastern corner of Romania. The Danube Delta is a vast protected wetland of water lilies and reeds, pushing up through the river’s countless tributaries. Visit the Central Eco-Tourism Museum of the Danube Delta in the port of Tulcea to see the varied flora and fauna that call the delta home. Ibis Tours runs regular birding outings, with chances to glimpse species like the white-tailed eagle, bee-eater, great white egret and the roller. 

Hike the Carpathians

The vast Carpathian mountain chain runs down the centre of the country, separating the historic provinces of Transylvania and Moldavia, and creating a far-reaching Romanian rooftop that feels on some days as if you’re gazing out over the entire country. Trekking is the best way to experience this riveting landscape of peaks, forests and pastureland. The Retezat Mountains of southwestern Transylvania, part of the Retezat National Park , sport some 80 glacial lakes and several peaks that push upwards of 2000m. 

Be wowed by Bucharest’s Palace of Parliament

The year 2019 marked 30 years since dictator Nicolae Ceaușescu was deposed in a popular revolt, but his memory lives on in the form of a gigantic palace that rivals in size both the Pentagon and the Taj Mahal. The sheer scale of the building serves as a testament to the folly of dictatorship, though the elaborate interiors, in room after room after room, showcase the quality of Romanian materials and workmanship. After touring the building, repair to one of the energetic capital ’s dozens of cafes, bars and restaurants.

Getting to and around Romania

The majority of international flights arrive at Bucharest’s  Henri Coandă International Airport . Several other cities have international airports that service mostly domestic routes, but also have flights to select European cities. Most international trains access the country via Budapest and onward to Braşov and Bucharest. Once inside Romania, an extensive bus and train network links major cities and towns.

You might also like:

Inside the campaign to create a ‘Yellowstone of Europe’ Top Bucharest festivals to plan a trip around 10 things you need to know before visiting Transylvania

This article was first published December 2019 and updated February 2022

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Nomadic Matt's Travel Site

Travel Better, Cheaper, Longer

Romania Travel Tips

Last Updated: November 2, 2023

I had no idea what to expect when I first visited Romania. Beyond the stereotypical vampire myths and legends of Transylvania, I knew shockingly little about the country.

What I found on arrival was a budget-friendly destination brimming with hearty food, amazing natural landscapes, and a fraction of the tourists found elsewhere in Europe .

The country has a long (and turbulent) history stretching back thousands of years. It was annexed by numerous powers over the centuries, including the Romans, the Byzantines, the Holy Roman Empire, Hungary, and the Soviets (who left a particularly dark stain on the country’s history).

While Romania used to be far off the beaten path, in recent years, the country’s tourism numbers have been increasing. That said, it’s still relatively undiscovered compared to countries in Western and Central Europe and its charming historic cities with cobblestone streets and medieval architecture is both affordable and rarely crowded.

I love Romania to bits and I strongly, strongly encourage you to take the country slowly and spend extra time here. It’s a massive country perfect for road-tripping, hiking, and history buffs.

This travel guide to Romania can help you plan your trip, save money, and make the most of your visit.

Table of Contents

• Things to See and Do
• Typical Costs
• Suggested Budget
• Money-Saving Tips
• Where to Stay
• How to Get Around
• How to Stay Safe
• Best Places to Book Your Trip
• Related Blogs on Romania

Click Here for City Guides

Top 5 things to see and do in romania.

1. Explore Brasov

Located in the historical region of Transylvania and surrounded by the Carpathian Mountains, Brasov is one of the best-preserved cities in Romania. Due to its location in the center of the country, the city has long been a hub for commercial and cultural activities (it was even the birthplace of Romania’s national anthem). Today, the city is best known to travelers as the launching pad for trips to “Dracula’s castle” (which isn’t actually his castle but is still a fun one to visit). There’s a bit of everything here, including great hiking nearby, a beautiful historic center, and charming medieval streets. The city also offers a wide variety of food, from local Romanian fare to tasty international dishes. Stay awhile and really soak in this cultural capital.

2. Wander Bucharest

Bucharest boasts a healthy mix of Neoclassical and Beaux-Arts buildings and communist-style concrete blocks. By European standards, it’s a relatively young city, and in recent years has become a tech hub for local and European startups as well as digital nomads. There are plenty of museums, cemeteries, historical sites, shopping centers, and architectural sights to check out here. Some of the main sights include the gigantic Palace of Parliament, the Romanian Patriarchal Cathedral, the ethnographic Village Museum, Revolution Square, and the Ceausescu Mansion.

3. Trek the Fagaras Mountains

The Fagaras Mountains are the highest mountains in the Southern Carpathians and one of the most popular places in the country to go hiking. You can go on an awesome multi-day trekking experience that takes you along the main ridge of the Fagaras. The route is one of the longest and most continuous high-mountain traverses in Europe. Hikers can trek over Moldoveanu, Negoiu, and Vista Mare — three of Romania’s highest peaks that all tower over 2,500 meters (approximately 8,300 feet).

4. Visit Sibiu

Visiting Sibiu is like stepping back into the Middle Ages. Located in the historical region of Transylvania, the city was the capital of the region at various points throughout history. Cobblestone streets, ancient town squares, castle walls, and historic buildings — this city has everything you want in an old European city but without the crowds found elsewhere. It has a wonderful medieval charm, beautiful views of the surrounding landscapes, excellent food, and lots of green space. Don’t miss the Brukenthal Museum, the Citadel, and the unique Baroque eyebrow dormers that earned the city the nickname “The City with Eyes.”

5. See the painted monasteries in Bucovina

These Romanian Orthodox monasteries in the northeastern edge of the country are striking in that they have their exterior walls painted with elaborate 15th- and 16th-century frescoes featuring saints, prophets, Jesus, and other religious scenes. The walls are a masterpiece of Byzantine art and a pilgrimage destination for Romanian Orthodox believers. Eight of the monasteries have been designated a collective UNESCO World Heritage Site too.

Other Things to See and Do in Romania

1. see the alexandru borza botanic gardens.

Located in Cluj-Napoca , this massive botanical garden features rolling green hills, an observation tower, a rose garden, and even a Japanese garden. Founded in 1872, the garden is home to over 10,000 plants and spans 35 acres. There are greenhouses, ponds, and a wide variety of regional gardens with plants from all around the world. Admission is 15 RON per person (RON when the greenhouses are closed).

2. Get a cultural immersion in Maramures

This medieval region of Romania is one of my favorites. The traditional culture here is thriving and there is an interesting blend of local music, hand-made wooden structures, and colorful textiles to experience. Each village has a large wooden church and intricate wooden gates that are hand-carved (woodworking is a tradition here that goes back centuries). There are unique cemeteries as well, stemming from their belief that the afterlife is a beginning, not an end. For example, instead of solemn words on stone tombstones, there are blue wooden crosses with funny verses about the deceased. Don’t miss the Memorial Museum to the Victims of Communism & to the Resistance and the Elie Wiesel Memorial House (Wiesel was a famous Romanian-American who wrote the book Night about his experiences during the Holocaust.).

3. Hike at Mount Tampa

Towering above Brasov, this mountain is great for a quick hike if you’re looking to get a view overlooking the city. The mountain also has a large sign similar to the white “Hollywood” sign in Los Angeles . While the hike is pretty easy and takes less than an hour (the mountain is just 1,000 meters/3,280 feet high), there is also a cable car you can ride to the summit for 18 RON (round trip).

4. Visit the Romanian Patriarchal Cathedral

This cathedral in Bucharest was completed in 1659 and still has all of its original interior paintings and icons, in addition to some beautiful frescoes (most of the frescoes are reconstructions). The exterior façade was designed in the Brancovenesc style and the interior is lavishly ornate, spacious, and colorful. The acapella choir is particularly impressive to listen to. Admission is free but dress conservatively as this is a place of ongoing worship.

5. See the wildlife in Northern Dobruja

Tucked away in the southeastern corner of the county, this region is home to over 400 species of birds as well as lots of wildlife. It’s a hilly expanse with over a dozen lakes, and more to be found just over the border in Bulgaria . It’s one of the best regions to explore by car as you can hop from town to town. Be sure to spend some time in the coastal city of Constanta, the oldest continuously inhabited city in Romania (it was founded in 600 BCE).

6. Visit the Danube Delta

Flowing over 3,000 kilometers (1,864 miles) from its source in Germany , this is Europe’s second-largest and best-preserved delta (the Volga is the largest). The Danube stretches through 10 countries — more than any other river in the world — before draining into the Black Sea via Romania (and Ukraine ). The entire region is a UNESCO World Heritage site, making it a great nature preserve to explore if you’re looking to get away from the crowds. You can hike around the coastline or take a boat tour along the water for a better view. While the hiking is free, expect to pay around 210-300 RON for a full-day boat tour that includes lunch. A half-day tour without lunch is about 110-150 RON.

7. Celebrate Hora de la Prislop

Held every August, this festival is a celebration that brings together Transylvania, Moldova , and Maramures. Known more commonly as the Dance at Prislop, there is lots of traditional dancing and singing, beautiful costumes, parading, and awesome feasting. Dating back to the 1730s, the festival is a celebration of local and traditional culture and one not to be missed if you’re in the area. The festival is held in the remote Prislop Pass in the north of the country, where up to 50,000 people gather each year.

8. Hunt for Dracula in Sighisoara

Founded during the 12th century, this town is one of the most beautiful and best-preserved medieval towns in Europe. One of the eight UNESCO World Heritage Sites in the country, there are many towers, ornate churches, and burgher houses (traditional houses from the Middle Ages and Renaissance) to see throughout the colorful cobbled streets. This is also the birthplace of Vlad Tepes, more commonly known as Vlad the Impaler (aka Dracula). Be sure to climb the clock tower for sweeping views of the city. Other highlights include the History Museum, the guild towers (part of the city’s historic defenses), and the Scholar’s Stairway (a 17th-century staircase that was used by schoolchildren).

9. Visit Peles Castle

Constructed for King Carol I in the 1870s as a getaway spot, this castle (which looks more like an elaborate palace or manor house) is lavishly decorated and serves as a great reminder of the luxurious lives these rulers enjoyed. It was also the first castle in Europe to have electricity. After touring the elaborate grounds and gardens you can head inside to look at the art and antique collection, which includes over 4,000 arms and armor. A visit to the ground floor of the castle costs 50 RON, a tour including the first floor costs 100 RON, and a tour of the ground, first, and the second floor costs 150 RON. The temporary exhibitions are free. Guided day trips from Bucharest cost around 100 RON and include Bran Castle.

10. Tour a salt mine

Salina Turda is a salt mine in Turda that has been converted into a subterranean museum. The mine dates back to antiquity and was used throughout the Middle Ages. Learn how the workers got the salt to the surface and how laborious the process was. There’s a small underground lake at the bottom where you can rent a boat and paddle around and there are also games like bowling and mini-golf and even a Ferris wheel! It’s a good place to visit with kids. There is also a spa if you want to treat yourself to some natural remedies. Admission is 50 RON on weekdays and 60 RON on weekends. Skip-the-line tickets (including a guide and ride from Bucharest) cost 500 RON.

11. Explore Cluj-Napoca

Cluj-Napoca is pleasant university town located in Romania’s northwest and a big stopping point for people coming east from Hungary (it’s a hub for cheap flights too). The city dates back centuries, and there are a lot of historical churches, museums, and ruins (especially on Cetatuia hill) to visit. Because of the university here, there are a lot of affordable restaurants and a very happening nightlife in the city. I really liked the days I spent here. While not as historic and medieval as many of Romania’s other cities, if you’re looking for a city with a cool atmosphere in Romania, this place is it.

12. Explore Hoia Forest

This infamous forest has been the site of numerous ghost and UFO sightings over the centuries (as well as other paranormal activities). In fact, it’s often considered the creepiest forest in the world. Here, trees are warped and bent in unsettling ways that science hasn’t been able to explain. Take a stroll through the woods during the day for free (lots of locals walk and jog here) or do a guided night tour to learn about the unsettling paranormal events that have occurred here! Night tours cost 250-475 RON per person.

13. Unwind at Balea Lake

Located 90 minutes from Sibiu, Balea Lake makes for a worthwhile day trip from the city. Part of the Fagaras Mountains (often called the “Transylvanian Alps”), many people come here to hike or to ski during the winter (there is even an ice hotel built here in the winter). There are marked trails if you want to hike, offering both five-hour and nine-hour routes to some of the nearby summits. Located about an hour from the city, you can take a bus here for around 90 RON.

  For more information on specific cities in Romania, check out these guides:

• Brasov Travel Guide
• Cluj-Napoca Travel Guide
• Sibiu Travel Guide

Romania Travel Costs

Accommodation – A bed in a 4-8-bed hostel dorm costs about 50-70 RON per night. A private room in a hostel costs at least 130 RON per night. Free Wi-Fi is standard and many hostels also have self-catering facilities if you want to cook your own food. Most hostels in the country don’t include free breakfast.

A budget hotel costs around 150-175 RON per night. You can find rooms cheaper, however, you’ll have to share a bathroom with other guests. Free Wi-Fi is common and many hotels also include a simple free breakfast as well.

Airbnb is available throughout the country with private rooms starting around 90 RON per night, while entire homes/apartments cost around 130-175 RON.

For those traveling with a tent, camping is possible around the country, though stick to dedicated campgrounds. Wild camping is legal, but theft is a bit common so it’s much safer to camp in designated areas. It costs 25-40 RON per night for a basic tent plot.

Food – Romanian cuisine is hearty, influenced by nearby Hungary and other Eastern European neighbors. Stews and sausages are common staples, with garlic sausage being especially popular. Sour soup, lamb, meatballs, and meat pies are other popular traditional meals. Wine is the drink of choice here as Romania is one of the largest wine producers in the world.

Most cheap (yet filling) restaurant meals (such as schnitzel with mashed potatoes and salad) cost around 25-45 RON for dinner, and 10-20 RON for breakfast. Soup is a good option for saving money as it costs around 17-25 RON and is pretty hearty (it also typically comes with a side of bread).

At a mid-range restaurant, a three-course meal costs around 80 RON. A burger or pasta dish is 35-40 RON while seafood or steak dishes typically cost 75-130 RON. A six-course tasting menu starts at 110 RON.

Fast food is around 6-9 RON for a burger or hot dog, while a combo meal (think McDonald’s) is around 30-40 RON. Takeaway sandwiches are around 20 RON.

A domestic beer out at a restaurant or bar costs around 8-10 RON, a glass of local wine is 7-18 RON while a bottle is 60-100 RON, and cocktails start at 20-35 RON. A cappuccino/latte is around 10-12 RON, a tea is 10 RON, and a bottle of water is 5-8 RON.

In tourist destinations like Brasov or Sighisoara, expect prices to be a little higher (but not too much).

If you buy your own groceries and cook your meals, expect to pay about 140-190 RON per week for groceries that include pasta, vegetables, chicken, and other basic staples. Save money by shopping at local markets or small roadside stands, which usually have the cheapest and freshest products. There are also several discount supermarkets in Romania, like Profi, Lidl, and Penny Market.

Backpacking Romania Suggested Budgets

On a backpacker budget of 140 RON per day, you can stay in a hostel, cook all of your meals, use local transportation to get around, take slow trains between cities, and do mostly free activities like hiking and free walking tours.

On a mid-range budget of about 265 RON per day, you can stay in an Airbnb, eat out for most meals, enjoy a few drinks out at the bar, take the occasional taxi, take buses or rideshares between cities, and do more paid activities such as museum and castle visits.

On a “luxury” budget of 440 RON or more per day, you can stay in a hotel, eat out for all your meals, drink more, rent a car to get around, and do whatever tours and activities you want. This is just the ground floor for luxury though. The sky is the limit!

You can use the chart below to get some idea of how much you need to budget daily, depending on your travel style. Keep in mind these are daily averages — some days you’ll spend more, some days you’ll spend less (you might spend less every day). We just want to give you a general idea of how to make your budget. Prices are in RON.

Romania Travel Guide: Money-Saving Tips

Romania is already a very affordable country to visit. You’ll be hard pressed to spend a lot of money here. You really have to go out of your way to do so. But, if you want some ways to lower your costs, here are ways to save money in the country:

• Stay with a local – Nothing’s cheaper than sleeping for free. Couchsurfing connects you with locals who give you not only a free place to stay but who can introduce you to all the great places to see and share their insider tips and advice. It’s a great community to be a part of.
• Eat lunch out – Although the food in Romania is inexpensive in general, you can save more money by cooking your own dinners and eating your lunches out. A lunch menu in Romania typically consists of three courses (soup, main, dessert), and can cost as little as 30 RON.
• Rideshare – If you’re flexible in your schedule, use the ridesharing service BlaBlaCar to catch rides with locals between cities (or countries). Drivers are verified and it’s perfectly safe (though sometimes rides don’t show up, which is why you need to be flexible). While buses might be cheaper, this is more fun and usually faster.
• Shop at discount grocers – If you’re going to cook or are just grabbing a snack, save money by shopping at discount supermarkets like Profi, Lidl, and Penny Market.
• Stay at Balkan Backpacker Hostels – There are hostels all around Romania that are a part of the Balkan Backpacker network. Book directly with these hostels and tell them you’re aware of the network to get 10% off your stay.
• Hitchhike – Hitchhiking in Romania is safe and quite common. It’s not the fastest way to get around but it works if you’re on a budget. Just make sure you have a sign and that you trust your gut when accepting rides. It’s a great way to connect with locals while also saving money.
• Take the train – The trains in Romania are slow, but they are the cheapest way to get around. If you’re not in a hurry, take the train. There are some night trains around the country as well if you’re going long distances.
• Bring a water bottle – The tap water here is generally safe so bring a reusable water bottle to save money and reduce your reliance on single-use plastic. I suggest a LifeStraw since their bottles have a built-in filter to ensure your water is always clean and safe.

Where to Stay in Romania

Romania has tons of budget-friendly hostels. Here are of my favorite places to stay in Romania:

• JugendStube (Brasov)
• Sleep Inn Hostel (Bucharest)
• PanGeea (Sibiu)
• Burg Hostel (Sighisoara)

How to Get Around Romania

Public Transportation – Buses and trams in most towns cost as little as 2 RON for a single journey, though the vehicles are often crowded and in varying states of disrepair. In Bucharest, the metro is 3 RON, though a day-pass is only 8 RON making it a much better deal. Weekly metro passes are 30 RON, which is worthwhile if you’re going to be using public transportation often (week passes are also available for the buses and trams but prices vary depending on your route).

In Brasov and Cluj, for comparison, a single-ticket ride on the public bus is 2-2.50 RON while a day pass is 12-14 RON.

Flights – Flying around Romania is an option if you’re in a hurry. You can often find great deals if you plan ahead. From Bucharest, you can reach pretty much any airport in the country for under 400 RON.

Bucharest to Cluj or Timisoara, for example, can be done for under 170 RON one-way. Ryanair, Wizz, and Blue Air (the Romanian low-cost carrier) are the three airlines to check for the lowest prices.

Bus – Buses connect all the major cities in the country, though since Romania is a large country, the journeys can be quite long. For example, the journey from Bucharest to Cluj costs around 100 RON and takes 9 hours. The journey from Bucharest to Brasov takes around 4 hours and costs 50-65 RON.

Contrary to most countries, the trains here are a cheaper option in many cases. If you’re on a budget, be sure to compare bus and train prices.

Train – Trains in Romania are a slow (but reliable) way of getting around. There are 3 different kinds of trains: InterCity (IC), InterRegional (IR), and Regional (R). The InterRegional trains are the fastest and nicest and likely the ones you’ll be using to travel from city to city.

Standard seats (second class) are usually quite comfortable and adequate for even long journeys. Wi-Fi and catering are not available so bring your own entertainment and food if you have a long journey.

As for prices, the 9-hour journey from Bucharest to Timisoara is around 100 RON while the trip from Bucharest to Cluj-Napoca takes about the same amount of time and costs a little less at 90 RON.

Rideshare – Uber is available in Bucharest, Cluj-Napoca, Brasov, Timisoara, and Iasi. It’s the cheapest option if you need to get somewhere and don’t want to take public transit as the taxis in Romania charge an arm and a leg.

For longer distances, use BlaBlaCar. It’s a great (and safe) ridesharing service for intercity travels. Just download the app, make a profile, and search for rides.

Car – Car rentals are about 70 RON per day for a multi-day rental. Always be sure to lock your rental car when leaving, as rentals are targeted for theft more often than local vehicles. Drivers need to be at least 21.

For the best rental car prices, use Discover Cars .

Hitchhiking – Hitchhiking in Romania is very easy. Just make sure you make it clear to the driver that you are hitchhiking, as some drivers will demand payment if it’s not made clear. For more information about hitchhiking in Romania, use Hitchwiki .

When to Go to Romania

The best (and most popular) time to visit Romania is during the summer, from June to August. Temperatures are hot and rain is infrequent. Expect daily highs around 30°C (86°F) during this time. These are the busiest months of the year for tourism, though it’s only noticeable in destinations like Brasov or Sibiu where tourism is the main draw. But even then, the crowds are much smaller than in Western Europe.

The shoulder seasons (late April-May and September-October) are great times to visit as well. You’ll beat the crowds and have much milder temperatures, which are perfect for anyone looking to head into the hills for some hiking. There’s more rain in the spring, but there are also stunning autumn colors in the fall which makes for a beautiful backdrop to your trip (especially if you’re traveling through Transylvania).

Winter in Romania can be quite cold, with temperatures dropping below freezing. Snow is common though not abundant, which can affect conditions if you’re traveling by car. While cities like Sighisoara and Brasov look quite charming in the winter, Bucharest has a much grimmer atmosphere due to the influence of Soviet architecture and their reliance on gray, bland concrete. In short, I wouldn’t recommend a winter visit unless you have a specific desire to enjoy the cold and quiet cities.

How to Stay Safe in Romania

Romania is a very safe country and crime against tourists here is rare. It’s a safe destination for solo travelers.

That said, petty theft can still occur so always keep your valuables secure and out of sight. Theft is most common when riding crowded city buses and trams (mostly in Bucharest) so take extra precautions when riding.

Additionally, take some extra precautions when renting a car. While the roads are safe, rental cars are targeted for theft more than local cars, so take precautions and lock your vehicle when you’re not using it. When booking, make sure your insurance covers theft.

While scams are rare, if you’re worried about getting ripped off you can read about common travel scams to avoid here .

Solo female travelers should feel comfortable exploring on their own, though the standard precautions apply (don’t accept drinks from strangers, don’t walk alone late at night, etc.). As in any city, never leave your drink unattended when out at the bar and never walk home alone if intoxicated.

If you experience an emergency, dial 112 for assistance.

Always trust your gut instinct. Avoid isolated areas at night and be aware of your surroundings at all times. Make copies of your personal documents, including your passport and ID.

The most important piece of advice I can offer is to purchase good travel insurance. Travel insurance will protect you against illness, injury, theft, and cancellations. It’s comprehensive protection in case anything goes wrong. I never go on a trip without it as I’ve had to use it many times in the past. You can use the widget below to find the policy right for you:

Romania Travel Guide: The Best Booking Resources

These are my favorite companies to use when I travel. They consistently have the best deals, offer world-class customer service and great value, and overall, are better than their competitors. They are the companies I use the most and are always the starting point in my search for travel deals.

• Skyscanner – Skyscanner is my favorite flight search engine. They search small websites and budget airlines that larger search sites tend to miss. They are hands down the number one place to start.
• Hostelworld – This is the best hostel accommodation site out there with the largest inventory, best search interface, and widest availability.
• Booking.com – The best all around booking site that constantly provides the cheapest and lowest rates. They have the widest selection of budget accommodation. In all my tests, they’ve always had the cheapest rates out of all the booking websites.
• Get Your Guide – Get Your Guide is a huge online marketplace for tours and excursions. They have tons of tour options available in cities all around the world, including everything from cooking classes, walking tours, street art lessons, and more!
• SafetyWing – Safety Wing offers convenient and affordable plans tailored to digital nomads and long-term travelers. They have cheap monthly plans, great customer service, and an easy-to-use claims process that makes it perfect for those on the road.
• LifeStraw – My go-to company for reusable water bottles with built-in filters so you can ensure your drinking water is always clean and safe.
• Unbound Merino – They make lightweight, durable, easy-to-clean travel clothing.
• Top Travel Credit Cards – Points are the best way to cut down travel expenses. Here’s my favorite point earning credit cards so you can get free travel!
• BlaBlaCar – BlaBlaCar is a ridesharing website that lets you share rides with vetted local drivers by pitching in for gas. You simply request a seat, they approve, and off you go! It’s a cheaper and more interesting way to travel than by bus or train!

Romania Travel Guide: Related Articles

Want more info? Check out all the articles I’ve written on backpacking/traveling Romania and continue planning your trip:

The Cost of Traveling Far Eastern Europe

Finding More Than Dracula in Romania

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• Where To Stay
• Transportation
• Booking Resources
• Related Blogs

21 Beautiful Places in Romania

By Caitlin Morton

This small, medieval town in Transylvania has a UNESCO-protected historic center and charming streets lined with colorful houses. But beware: It's also the the birthplace of Vlad the Impaler, and is considered one of the world's most haunted cities .

Lacul Roșu (Red Lake)

Located in the Eastern Carpathians, Lacul Roșu doesn't exactly look reddish in color, but you'll be too busy admiring the stunning mountain views and evergreen trees reflecting in the waters to care about semantics.

Bran Castle

Located in Romania's Carpathian Mountains on the border between Transylvania and Wallachia, this national landmark is also known as "Dracula's Castle" , due to its similarity to the fortress described in Bram Stoker's novel.

The Transfăgărășan

With extra-long S-shaped curves weaving through the southern Carpathians, it's no wonder the Transfăgărășan is regarded as one of the most thrilling highways in the world.

Harrison Pierce

María Casbas

CNT Editors

Salina Turda

Not all beauty is found above ground, as proven by Salina Turda, a unique theme park that happens to be found in one of the world's oldest salt mines. Visitors head about 400 feet below earth's surface to find a bowling alley, a lake with paddle boats, a mini golf course, and even a Ferris wheel.

Sarmizegetusa Regia

This archeological site is Romania's version of Stonehenge , the remains of ancient Dacia's capital during the first centuries B.C. and A.D. The city was built under the rule of King Decebalus, then was conquered by the Romans at the beginning of the second century A.D. (along with the rest of the Dacian kingdom).

Statue of King Decebalus

Speaking of King Decebalus, you can find a 131-foot-tall stone rendering of his face along the Romanian side of the Danube . Although it looks like the stuff of ancient myths, it was actually created between 1994 and 2004.

Culture Palace, Târgu Mureș

Built between 1911 and 1913 at the request of Târgu Mureş's then-mayor György Bernády, the Culture Palace features Art Nouveau architecture, bronze busts of composers, and intricate stained glass . The building has served many purposes over the years, from housing the county library to serving as a school of fine arts.

This glacial lake situated 6,673 feet high in central Romania's Făgăraș Mountains is known for its two chalets (open year-round) and accessibility via the Transfăgărășan road.

The Hotel of Ice

One more thing Bâlea Lake is known for: the Hotel of Ice. Built in 2005 and then rebuilt every year using water from the lake, the frozen hotel has an ice restaurant and bar, rooms and igloos with fur blankets, and an adjacent ice church where couples can get married and children can get baptized.

Ceahlău Massif

The 6,257-foot-high Ceahlău Massif is one of the most renowned mountains of Romania, featuring beautiful views of the Eastern Carpathians and an incredible concentration of wildlife and plant species.

Cimitirul Vesel (Merry Cemetery), Săpânţa

You'd probably expect a Romanian cemetery to be pretty scary, but these sky-blue graves with hand-carved, painted crosses are anything but gloomy.

Danube Delta

Formed by the meeting of the Danube and the Black Sea, this UNESCO World Heritage Site is home to wetland marshes, beautiful beaches, and over 300 species of birds.

Corvin Castle

This 15th-century Gothic fortress has enough nightmarish features to rival Bran Castle—think impenetrable walls and a drawbridge on the outside, and a massive dungeon and torture chamber on the inside.

Timișoara is the third most populated city in Romania (after Bucharest and Cluj-Napoca), attracting people with its public squares, swanky hotels, and frequent musical and cultural festivals.

Casino Constanta

Opened as a casino overlooking the Black Sea in 1910, this Art Nouveau masterpiece was used briefly as a hospital during WWII before becoming one of Romania's most beautiful abandoned spots .

Cheile Nerei-Beușnița National Park

Declared a natural protected area in 2000, this 142-square-mile park in southwest Romania is known for its waterfalls and dazzling blue lakes.

Vidraru Dam

Built in 1966 on the bank of the Argeş River, this massive, arched dam created Lake Vidraru (a body of water over six miles long) and has a pretty epic statue of Prometheus erected nearby.

Palace of Parliament, Bucharest

With more than 300 ornately decorated rooms, the Palace of Parliament is the second-largest administrative building in the world (after the Pentagon).

Visiting Braşov is like stepping back in time, with medieval clock towers and Gothic churches (like the famous Black Church) defining its skyline.

Sibiu's history dates back to the 12th century, when Saxon settlers made Transylvania their home. The Germanic architecture in the city's old town serves as a reminder of its origins (shown here illuminated by Christmas lights).

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Ultimate Romania Travel

A Luxury Voyage Blog

2024 Romania Travel Guide: Local Insights for First-Time Visitors!

Welcome to Romania, a land of rich history, stunning landscapes, and vibrant culture waiting to be explored! As a Romanian with a passion for sharing the hidden gems and insider tips of my homeland , I’m thrilled to help you create an unforgettable journey. Romania travel guide is crafted through the lens of a local and is your essential companion for the upcoming adventure.

Get ready to embark on an adventure that goes beyond the ordinary, as we delve into the heart of Romania’s charm and uncover the secrets that will make your visit an authentic and enriching experience.

In this travel guide, I’ll take you beyond the typical tourist spots, offering you a firsthand perspective and revealing the lesser-known treasures that make Romania truly special.

Let’s explore Romania together, and discover the beauty that lies off the beaten path!

And you also can check: 19 Things You Must Consider Before Traveling to Romania!

Know before you go to Romania

Language basics.

While in my country English is spoken in tourist areas, learning a few Romanian phrases will not only ease your travels but also endear you to the locals. We appreciate the effort, and it enhances your overall experience. The Romanian language, a Latin language like French, Italian, and Spanish, has its own unique charm. Greetings play a crucial role in Romanian culture, so mastering basic pleasantries like “Bună ziua” (Good day) and “Mulțumesc” (Thank you) can go a long way.

Cultural Etiquette

Cultural etiquette in Romania is deeply rooted in traditions and respect. When greeting someone, a firm handshake is customary, with direct eye contact and a sincere smile. It is polite to address people using their titles and last names, especially in formal settings. Punctuality is appreciated, so arriving on time for social events or meetings is considered courteous. During conversations, Romanians value open communication and appreciate a genuine interest in their culture and history. When entering someone’s home, it’s customary to bring a small gift, such as flowers or sweets, as a token of appreciation. Additionally, respecting personal space and using polite expressions contribute to positive interactions.

Entry Requirements

Ensure you have the necessary travel documents, including a valid passport. Check if a visa is required for your nationality and the duration of your stay.

Cultural and Historical Sites

Research and prioritize the cultural and historical sites you want to visit. Knowing the significance of these places enhances your appreciation of Romania’s rich heritage.

Respect for Nature

If you plan on exploring Romania’s natural beauty, be sure to adhere to eco-friendly practices. Respect nature reserves and follow responsible tourism guidelines.

Natural Hazards

Depending on the region and season, be aware of potential natural hazards such as bears in certain areas or weather-related issues. Stay informed about safety guidelines.

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Best time to visit Romania

Summer in Romania is a vibrant tapestry of experiences that showcases the country’s natural beauty and cultural richness. From the lush green landscapes of the Carpathian Mountains to the sun-soaked beaches of the Black Sea coast, Romania beckons visitors with a diverse array of attractions. As a local, I recommend exploring the charming medieval towns, attending outdoor festivals celebrating traditional music and dance, and indulging in the seasonal bounty of fresh, local produce. Dive into the turquoise waters of the Black Sea, unwind in the picturesque countryside, and savor traditional dishes at lively open-air markets.

Fall in Romania unveils a breathtaking transformation as the landscapes transition into a kaleidoscope of warm hues. As a Romanian, I cherish this season for its cozy charm and the enchanting atmosphere it brings to our historic towns and countryside. Fall festivals celebrate our cultural heritage, offering a taste of traditional foods and lively folk performances. Whether you’re wandering through ancient fortresses or sipping hot drinks at a charming café, Romania in the fall captures the essence of tranquility and cultural richness, making it a season to be savored.

Winter transforms Romania into a magical wonderland. Blankets of snow drape the Carpathian Mountains, turning them into a serene playground for winter sports enthusiasts. Historic towns adorned with twinkling lights exude a festive atmosphere, and Christmas markets offer a delightful array of traditional treats and handmade crafts. Embrace the warmth of hearty Romanian cuisine, from sarmale to mămăligă, as you cozy up in inviting local eateries . Picture yourself wandering through medieval castles dusted with snow or sipping mulled wine at a picturesque chalet. Winter in Romania is a time to embrace the cold with open arms, celebrating the season’s charm and the warmth of community spirit that defines this magical time of the year.

Spring in Romania is a symphony of renewal. Nature awakens with vibrant blooms carpeting the countryside, turning it into a picturesque panorama. The Carpathian Mountains, still dusted with snow, create a stunning backdrop to the emerging greenery. It’s the perfect time to explore historic towns, where cobblestone streets come alive with the hustle and bustle of outdoor markets. As the weather warms, outdoor cafes beckon, inviting you to savor local delicacies amidst blooming gardens. Spring also marks the beginning of cultural festivals and events celebrating our rich traditions.

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Places to visit in Romania

Bucovina , my cherished corner of Romania, is a treasure trove of beauty and cultural richness. Nestled in the northeastern part of the country, this enchanting region is renowned for its painted monasteries, each a masterpiece of vibrant frescoes that tell stories of our heritage. As a local, I am captivated by the lush landscapes, rolling hills, and the warmth of the people who proudly preserve their traditions. Bucovina’s authenticity shines through in its charming villages, where time seems to stand still. Indulge in the delectable local cuisine, savoring dishes that reflect our agricultural heritage. Whether marveling at the Painted Monasteries of Suceava or hiking through the pristine surroundings, Bucovina offers a glimpse into the heart of Romania, inviting you to immerse yourself in its timeless allure and experience the true essence of our culture.

Transilvania

Transylvania, a jewel in Romania’s crown, is a region that beckons with its captivating blend of history, folklore, and natural splendor. I take pride in welcoming you to this enchanting land, where medieval castles stand as silent witnesses to a rich past. The picturesque landscapes, dotted with fortified churches and charming villages, tell tales of a bygone era. Explore the cobbled streets of Sibiu or delve into the Gothic grandeur of Bran Castle, forever linked to the Dracula legend. Transylvania’s allure extends beyond its legendary associations; it’s a place where vibrant festivals, hearty cuisine, and warm hospitality converge. Whether hiking in the Carpathians or wandering through the vibrant squares, Transylvania invites you to embrace its timeless charm, offering an authentic and unforgettable Romanian experience.

Danube Delta & Black Sea

The Danube Delta and the Black Sea, an awe-inspiring duo in the Romanian landscape, offer a unique tapestry of natural wonders and coastal allure. I find solace in the serenity of the Danube Delta, a UNESCO World Heritage Site where labyrinthine waterways crisscross through reed-filled landscapes, creating a haven for diverse flora and fauna. From pelicans to wild horses, the Delta is a living canvas of biodiversity. Moving towards the Black Sea, golden beaches stretch along the coastline, inviting relaxation and seaside adventures. Explore the vibrant port cities of Constanta and Tulcea, where history mingles with a lively maritime atmosphere. Whether cruising the delta’s waterways, birdwatching in pristine wetlands, or basking in the sun on the Black Sea shores, this region encapsulates Romania’s natural beauty, offering a tranquil escape and a haven for exploration.

Maramureș, a hidden gem in the heart of Romania, beckons with its timeless charm and cultural richness. The iconic wooden churches, adorned with intricate carvings, stand as testaments to Maramures’ architectural heritage. Roaming through the countryside, you’ll encounter rolling hills, wooden gates, and locals proudly preserving age-old traditions. The Merry Cemetery in Săpânța, with its vividly painted grave markers, adds a touch of folklore to the journey. Maramures is not just a destination; it’s an immersive experience, inviting you to embrace its authenticity, savoring the hospitality, vibrant festivals, and captivating stories embedded in every wooden beam and cobblestone street.

Bucharest , the dynamic capital of Romania, is a city where history and modernity seamlessly intertwine. You’ll be captivated by the energy of this bustling metropolis, adorned with grand Belle Époque architecture, Soviet-era structures, and contemporary design. The iconic Palace of the Parliament, a colossal symbol of Romania’s complex history, stands alongside charming neighborhoods like Lipscani, where cobblestone streets lead to vibrant cafes and eclectic shops. Bucharest’s parks, including Herastrau and Cismigiu, offer peaceful retreats amidst the urban hustle. Culinary delights abound in the city’s diverse restaurants, and the nightlife is alive with music and excitement. Whether exploring the open-air Village Museum or immersing in the city’s thriving arts scene, Bucharest is an invitation to discover Romania’s dynamic spirit and the rich tapestry of its capital city.

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Romanian currency, exchange houses and card payments

Local currency.

Romania’s official currency is the Romanian Leu (RON)

Money Exchange

When exchanging money in Romania, it’s recommended to use authorized exchange offices or banks for fair rates and secure transactions. Avoid street vendors offering currency exchange, as they may not provide reliable services. Additionally, many establishments in urban areas accept major credit cards, but having some local currency on hand is beneficial, especially in more remote locations.

cash and card Payments

While credit cards are widely accepted in urban areas, it’s advisable to carry some cash, especially when venturing into rural regions or smaller establishments. ATMs are readily available for currency withdrawal, and exchanging money at local banks or exchange offices is a common practice for visitors.

Where to stay in Romania: Booking hotels, guesthouses and homes

Staying in hotels in Romania promises a blend of comfort and cultural immersion. From boutique accommodations in historic city centers to resorts nestled in picturesque landscapes, you can experience warm hospitality, diverse amenities, and a chance to explore the country’s rich heritage. Romanian hotels offer a delightful fusion of modern convenience and traditional charm.

Guesthouses

Opting for guesthouses or Airbnbs in Romania provides an intimate and authentic experience. From charming rural cottages to cozy urban apartments, these accommodations offer a genuine glimpse into local life. Guests enjoy personalized attention, local insights, and a unique stay that complements Romania’s diverse landscapes and cultural tapestry.

Stay with Locals

Immerse yourself in Romanian hospitality by staying with locals. Whether in a village homestay or city residence, this intimate experience offers genuine connections, cultural insights, and personalized recommendations. Sharing meals, stories, and traditions with locals creates lasting memories, providing a truly immersive and enriching stay in Romania.

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What to eat in Romania: Traditional Romanian Food you must try

Romanian cuisine is a delightful fusion of flavors influenced by its diverse history and cultural heritage.

Tochitura Bucovineana

Tochitură Bucovineană is a flavorful Romanian dish originating from the Bucovina region. It features diced pork, sausages, and bacon, simmered together until golden and crispy. Seasoned with garlic, thyme, and sweet paprika, Tochitură Bucovineană is often served with mămăligă (cornmeal porridge) and a fried egg, creating a hearty and savory culinary experience.

Sarmale with Mamaliga

Sarmales are cabbage rolls filled with a delicious mixture of minced pork, rice, sautéed onions, and various spices like thyme and dill. Slow-cooked and often served with polenta, sour cream, and hot pepper, they are a centerpiece of festive meals and celebrations.

Mici (Mititei)

These small, grilled ground meat rolls are a popular Romanian street food. The mixture of pork, beef, and lamb is seasoned with garlic, black pepper, and paprika, resulting in flavorful, juicy morsels. Mici are typically enjoyed with mustard and fresh bread.

Papanași, a beloved Romanian dessert, are doughnut-shaped pastries made from a mixture of cottage cheese, eggs, and semolina, deep-fried to golden perfection. The center is usually filled with a dollop of sour cherry or apricot jam, and they’re traditionally served with a generous dusting of powdered sugar or a side of sour cream. Papanași delight the taste buds with their sweet, tangy, and creamy combination.

Getting Around in Romania

Train and buses.

Navigating Romania by train and bus offers a convenient and scenic way to explore the country’s diverse landscapes. The extensive rail network connects major cities, providing comfortable and efficient travel. Buses complement train routes, reaching smaller towns and picturesque regions, making both modes of transportation essential for a comprehensive Romanian journey.

Uber and Taxis

In Romania, Uber and traditional taxis provide convenient options for navigating urban areas and reaching destinations efficiently. Uber operates in major cities, offering a reliable and often more cost-effective alternative to traditional taxis. Taxis are readily available, and while some might not use meters, it’s advisable to choose licensed operators for a secure and regulated travel experience.

Renting Car

Renting a car in Romania offers unparalleled freedom to explore the country’s hidden gems . From the vibrant streets of Bucharest to the scenic Transfăgărășan Highway, having your own vehicle unlocks the beauty of diverse landscapes. While public transportation is available, driving allows for personalized itineraries, revealing the authentic charm of Romania at your own pace.

Internal flights

Internal flights in Romania provide swift connections between major cities, ideal for travelers covering longer distances. Although the country’s size may make internal flights less common than other modes of transportation, they offer a time-efficient option for those with limited time or specific travel requirements. From Cluj-Napoca to Timișoara or from Suceava and Iasi to Bucharest, internal flights provide convenience for exploring Romania’s diverse regions.

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Visit Romania Faqs

What you should know before going to romania.

Before traveling to Romania, familiarize yourself with the local currency (Romanian Leu) and consider having some cash on hand. Learn a few basic Romanian phrases to enhance your interactions, and be aware that English is widely spoken in tourist areas. Research the specific regions you plan to visit, as Romania offers diverse landscapes, each with its own unique attractions and cultural nuances.

How much cash can I bring to Romania?

There are no strict limits on the amount of cash you can bring to Romania, but it’s advisable to declare sums exceeding €10,000 or the equivalent in other currencies upon entry. ATMs are widely available for currency withdrawal, and credit cards are accepted in urban areas. Carry a moderate amount of cash for convenience, especially in rural or smaller establishments.

Do I need cash in Romania?

While major cities and tourist areas in Romania accept credit cards, having some cash on hand is advisable for smaller establishments and rural areas where card acceptance may be limited. ATMs are widely available, making it convenient to withdraw local currency (Romanian Leu) as needed. It’s a good idea to carry a moderate amount of cash for practicality during your travels.

What to do and not do in Romania?

Embrace our vibrant culture by engaging with friendly locals, savoring traditional cuisine, and participating in lively cultural events. Explore our rich history through iconic sites like Bran Castle and the Painted Monasteries, and immerse yourself in the breathtaking natural beauty of the Carpathian Mountains, Danube Delta, and Black Sea coast. Opt for public transportation in cities, use reputable taxis or ride-sharing apps, and always be respectful of local customs. Don’t shy away from trying our diverse traditional foods, plan your travels wisely to avoid underestimating distances, and prioritize safety by being aware of your surroundings and respecting local laws. Your journey through Romania is bound to be an authentic and enriching experience.

What are 5 interesting facts about Romania?

Romania boasts a unique blend of history, nature, and culture. It is home to one of the heaviest buildings globally, the Palace of the Parliament in Bucharest, and hosts Europe’s last genuinely wild forests in the Carpathian Mountains. The country is renowned for its Painted Monasteries, showcasing intricate frescoes, and Transylvania is linked to the Dracula legend, with Bran Castle as a focal point. Romania is the birthplace of the method for insulin treatment for diabetes, discovered by scientists Nicolae Paulescu and Sir Frederick Banting. Additionally, it has a fascinating diversity of wildlife, including the largest population of brown bears in Europe.

Overall Romania Travel Guide

All in all, Romania offers a captivating tapestry of history, culture, and natural beauty waiting to be explored. From the iconic castles of Transylvania to the pristine landscapes of the Danube Delta, the country unfolds as a treasure trove for every traveler. Engaging with locals, trying traditional cuisine, and participating in cultural events enhance the authenticity of the journey. Whether navigating the dynamic streets of Bucharest or savoring the tranquility of rural villages, Romania’s diverse regions promise a rich and immersive experience. Embark on this adventure with an open heart, and let the warmth of Romanian hospitality and the allure of its landscapes create lasting memories .

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• 3 Other destinations
• 4.1 History
• 4.2 Visitor information
• 6.1 Entry requirements
• 6.2 By plane
• 6.3 By train
• 6.5 By boat
• 6.7 On foot and by bicycle
• 7.1.1 Train types
• 7.1.2 Getting tickets
• 7.1.3 Tourist railways
• 7.2.1 Tolls
• 7.2.2 Types of roads
• 7.4 By taxi
• 7.5 By plane
• 7.6 By thumb
• 7.7 On foot and navigation
• 8.1 Cities and castles
• 8.2 Natural attractions
• 8.3 Countryside and monasteries
• 8.4 Itineraries
• 10.3 Transactions
• 10.4 Tipping
• 10.5 Supermarkets and convenience stores
• 10.6 The countryside fair
• 12.3 Spirits
• 16.1 Emergency phone numbers
• 16.2 Petty crime
• 16.3 Animals
• 16.4 Corruption
• 17.1 Health care
• 19.1 Mobile phones
• 19.2 Internet access
• 19.3 Cable TV

Romania ( Romanian : România ) is a country of great natural beauty and diversity and a rich cultural heritage, including a variety of ethnic, linguistic, and confessional groups. Romania enchants visitors with its scenic mountain landscapes and unspoilt rural areas, but also with its historic cities and busy capital. There has been significant development, especially since it joined the European Union in 2007. Still, it may surprise some of its visitors who are used to western Europe. It has six cultural and one natural UNESCO world heritage sites .

Romania is a large country which can sometimes be shocking with contrasts: some cities are truly modern, while some villages can seem to have been brought back from the past. While it has significant cultural similarities with other Balkan states, it is regarded as unique due to its strong Latin heritage, reflected in every part of Romanian society from its culture to its language. Things for which Romania is famous include: the Carpathian mountains, wine, medieval fortresses, Dacia cars, Dracula, stuffed cabbage leaves ( sarmale ), the Black Sea, sunflower fields, painted monasteries and the Danube Delta.

Regions [ edit ]

Cities [ edit ]

• 44.4325 26.103889 1 Bucharest ( București ) — the capital of Romania, in which megalomanic monuments, including "House of the People", built during Ceaușescu's reign, overlook medieval neighbourhoods
• 45.666667 25.616667 2 Brașov — located in south-eastern Transylvania, its main attractions are the well kept medieval downtown, the nearby luxury resort of Poiana Brașov and the proximity to the Râșnov fortress and the Bran Castle.
• 46.766667 23.583333 3 Cluj-Napoca — the largest town in Transylvania, a major economic centre and also a very youthful city, as it has one of the largest universities in Europe.
• 44.166667 28.633333 4 Constanța — Romania's main Black Sea port and one of the major commercial hubs in the region. The northernmost district, Mamaia , is one of the best Black Sea resorts.
• 47.156944 27.590278 5 Iași — the second largest Romanian city, it was the capital of the Moldavian principality until 1861 and then briefly capital of Romania. Today it remains one of the major economic and cultural centres in the country.
• 45.792778 24.151944 6 Sibiu — one of the most beautiful cities in the region, it has the best preserved historical sites in the country, numerous museums and exhibitions, proximity to the stunning Făgăraș mountains, for which reasons it became the 2007 European Capital of Culture.
• 46.216944 24.791111 7 Sighișoara — the city's downtown area, the Sighișoara Citadel, is the last inhabited medieval citadel in Europe and one of the best preserved.
• 47.651389 26.255556 8 Suceava — the main city in Bukovina and the medieval capital of Moldavia; it can be used as starting point for visiting the Painted Monasteries of the region.
• 45.759722 21.23 9 Timișoara — the largest town in the Banat region, one of the most prosperous and modernised cities in Romania; it was here that the 1989 Romanian anti-communist revolution began.

Other destinations [ edit ]

• Ski resorts of 45.35 25.551389 2 Sinaia , 45.504444 25.578333 3 Predeal , 45.597222 25.551944 4 Poiana Brașov , 44.878611 22.414167 5 Băile Herculane
• 45.5 24.25 6 Transylvanian Alps within the Carpathian Mountains
• 47.778333 25.712778 7 Painted Monasteries
• 45.083333 29.5 14 Danube Delta

Understand [ edit ]

With a Black Sea coast to the east, it is bordered by Bulgaria to the south, Serbia to the southwest, Hungary to the northwest, Moldova to the northeast and Ukraine in both the north and the east. While its southern regions are usually seen as part of Southeastern Europe (Balkans), Transylvania , its largest region, is in Central Europe.

The country is enjoying better standards since the Communist periods, with foreign investment on the rise. It is even considered to be the one of the fastest developing countries in the world due to its rapid GDP growth year by year and infrastructure improvements.

History [ edit ]

The area between the Southern Carpathians and Danube had been inhabited since the dawn of mankind. The human remains found in Peștera cu Oase ("The Cave with Bones"), radiocarbon dated as being from circa 40,000 years ago, represent the oldest known Homo sapiens in Europe

In ancient times the territory of present-day Romania was inhabited mainly by Dacian tribes, which were a remarkable, although not very well known, culture. The Dacian kingdom reached the height of its power in the 1st century BC, when their king Burebista ruled from his power base in the Carpathian Mountains over a vast territory stretching from Central Europe to the Black Sea. The intriguing network of fortifications and shrines built around the Dacian capital Sarmisegetuza , in today's south-western Transylvania, has been relatively well preserved through the ages and is now a UNESCO World Heritage site .

In 106 AD, after two fiercely fought wars, the Dacians led by king Decebalus were defeated by the Roman legions under Emperor Trajan and most of their homeland became part of the Roman Empire under the name "Dacia Felix".

Being very rich in natural resources (especially gold), the region prospered under the Roman administration: cities developed rapidly, important roads were built and people from all over the Empire settled here. That's why, although Roman rule lasted only 169 years (106-275 AD), a population with a distinctive Latin culture, character and language emerged.

In the Early Middle Ages Hungarians began to settle in the area today known as Transylvania, which would eventually become part of the Kingdom of Hungary , and later the Austro-Hungarian Empire . Germans also settled in that area (in several waves) and in Banat, some coming as early as the 12th century. In order to protect themselves from the frequent Tartar and Turkish invasions they set about building fortified cities and castles, many of which remain standing. South and east of the Carpathians the principalities of Wallachia and Moldavia were created in the 14th century. Starting with the 15th century, they (and for a while Transylvania too) fell under the domination of the Ottoman Empire .

For a short period in 1600, Michael the Brave (Mihai Viteazu) ruled over all three principalities, thus briefly becoming the de facto ruler of a unified Romania. His union fell apart a short while later.

A Romanian national revival movement started in Transylvania in the late 1700s and swept across the Carpathians, inspiring the 1859 union of Moldavia and Wallachia, thus creating the prototype of a modern Romania. In 1918-1919 Transylvania and Eastern Moldavia (present-day Republic of Moldova ) were united with Romania.

In 1940, after losing part of its territory (Eastern Moldavia and northern Bukovina) to the USSR as a result of the Molotov-Ribbentrop Pact, Romania joined the Axis powers and participated in the 1941 German invasion of the USSR. 855,000 Romanian soldiers, airmen and sailors fought all the way to Stalingrad and Caucasus Mountains and then retreated alongside the German Army while suffering more than 30% casualties. Three years later, overrun by the Soviets, Romania signed an armistice. From August 1944 until 9 May 1945, two Romanian armies, 540,000 strong, fought on the side of the Allies against the Axis powers and liberated parts of Hungary, Czechoslovakia and Austria while suffering over 160,000 casualties. Except for Germany, Romanian armed forces exceeded all other combined Axis military on the Soviet front, and became the fourth largest Allied European contributor after the August 1944 armistice was signed (after USSR, USA and Great Britain).

The post-war Soviet occupation led to the formation of a communist "people's republic" in 1947 and the abdication of the king. Between 1947 and 1965, Romania was led by Gheorghiu Gheorghiu-Dej, who had a pro-Soviet stance throughout most of his administration. In 1965, he was succeeded by Nicolae Ceaușescu who was less enthusiastic towards the Soviet Union and maintained a more neutral foreign and domestic policy than his predecessor; but his Securitate police state became increasingly oppressive and draconian through the 1980s. Ceaușescu was overthrown and executed in late 1989.

Former Communists, regrouped around the Front of National Salvation and later the Romanian Party for Social Democracy, dominated the government until the 1996 elections, when they were swept from power by a fractious coalition of centrist parties, the Democratic Convention of Romania (DCR). After failed reforms and internal infighting the DCR lost the elections in favour of the Social Democratic Party (PSD). Both groups attempted to amend ties with Hungary, which were deeply fractured in the 1980s, when Ceaușescu either encouraged the large Hungarian community to leave the country or exiled them outright (5,000 Hungarians left Romania per year).

When the economic, social and political development is concerned, Romania is doing well in comparison to its neighbours, but it still has some ways to go to reach that level of development that is enjoyed by Western Europeans. Romania is the fastest developing economy in Europe, rapidly reforming itself and modernising, in contrast to other countries that are either in stagnation or have very little GDP rise.

Visitor information [ edit ]

• Romania Tourism

Talk [ edit ]

The official language of Romania is Romanian . Romanian is not a Slavic language but a member of the Romance language family; thus, it is closely related to Spanish, Italian, French, Catalan, and Portuguese. It shouldn't be hard for speakers of these languages to pick up Romanian; however, it is a cakewalk for Italian speakers, as Romanian is most closely related to Italian.

Romanian is considered to be the toughest Romance language to master, due in large part to its highly complicated grammar — three grammatical genders, five grammatical cases, numerous verb tenses, and there are more exceptions than rules in Romanian!

Hungarian is the largest minority language in the country. Approximately 6% of Romanians can speak Hungarian fluently and you're likely to find a Hungarian speaker in Transylvania . Counties where Hungarian is widely spoken, and where ethnic Hungarians are a majority, include Harghita , Covasna , and Mureș .

German is spoken by Transylvanian Saxons and Banat Swabians, two minority groups in the country. Ethnic Germans flocked to Romania during the 1930s and they were at one point the largest ethnic minority group in Romania. Now they are one of the smallest ethnic groups in the country.

Turkish is spoken mainly by the Turkish minority. They comprise 0.1% of the population and live in the eastern parts of the country. You're likely to find a Turkish speaker in Constanța .

French has been widely studied in Romania and it is believed that a quarter of the population has studied the language. Its use has largely been supplanted by English.

Russian was taught in school during the communist era, so some older people may speak Russian (although it was not obligatory to learn). However, due to the history of Soviet domination, Romanians generally do not take kindly to being addressed in Russian, so you should ask in Romanian if the person speaks Russian before proceeding.

English is now the most widely spoken foreign language in Romania. However, only a small minority are actually fluent in it; most people working in tourism will be able to speak good English, but do not assume that other people can. The younger generations of Romanians who grew up after the fall of communism have a decent command of the language.

Get in [ edit ]

Getting to Romania is easy from nearly all parts of the world: it is served by an array of transport types and companies.

Romania has borders with the following countries: Ukraine , Bulgaria , Serbia , Moldova , and Hungary .

Entry requirements [ edit ]

As of 31 March 2024, Romania is partially in the Schengen zone. Travelers in possession of a Schengen visa can enter by air for by sea from a fellow Schengen country without visa checks; those entering by land however will still be required to provide a visa.

Citizens of Canada , Japan and the United States are permitted to work in Romania without the need to obtain a visa or any further authorisation for the period of their 90-day visa-free stay. However this ability to work visa-free does not necessarily extend to other countries.

If you do need to obtain a visa from outside your own country, try obtaining it from somewhere else beside Budapest, where it can take 3–4 days. From Ljubljana the process can sometimes be done in a day because they are not as busy. If you have a valid Schengen visa or a residence permit in any Schengen country, it may be accepted in lieu of a Romanian visa but it is recommended that you get a multiple-entry visa (if possible) if you plan to sandwich a trip to Romania between two Schengen countries - make sure you mention your visit to Romania (see Travelling around the Schengen area for more information).

By plane [ edit ]

Romania has become increasingly attractive for low cost carriers with 17 civilian airports, 12 of which are served by scheduled international flights.

The major international airports are:

• Henri Coandă (Otopeni) Airport ( OTP  IATA ), Bucharest – The largest and busiest airport. It has flights to nearly all the major cities in Europe, to a few Middle Eastern capitals, to all other Romanian cities, but no direct flights to the USA .
• Cluj International Airport ( CLJ  IATA ), Cluj-Napoca – The largest airport in Transylvania , served by a number of flights from various European destinations. It is one of the many hubs of low-cost Wizz Air. Lufthansa also serves the airport.
• Iași International Airport ( IAS  IATA ), Serving Iași . A good air connection with the visitors focused on Moldavia and Southern Bukovina .
• Traian Vuia International Airport ( TSR  IATA ), Serving Timișoara . It is an entry point for the Western part of the country ( Banat and Crișana ).

Other minor international airports are:

• Stefan cel Mare International Airport ( SCV  IATA ), Suceava
• Sibiu International Airport ( SBZ  IATA ), Sibiu
• Târgu Mureș International Airport ( TGM  IATA ), Târgu Mureș
• George Enescu International Airport ( BCM  IATA ), Bacău
• Mihail Kogălniceanu International Airport ( CND  IATA ), Constanța

The domestic airports (some with very few international connections) are:

• Oradea International Airport ( OMR  IATA ), Oradea
• Maramures International Airport ( BAY  IATA ), Baia Mare
• Satu Mare International Airport ( SUJ  IATA ), Satu Mare

The most important airlines serving Romania:

• TAROM – The Romanian flag carrier, based in Bucharest Otopeni.
• WizzAir – A Hungarian budget airline offering countless flights.
• Ryanair – It operates many flights.

By train [ edit ]

Romania is relatively well connected with the European rail network. There are daily international trains to Munich , Venice , Vienna , Budapest , Zagreb , Belgrade , Sofia , Istanbul , Chișinău , Kyiv , and Moscow . But due to the poor quality of rail infrastructure in the region, train travel on long distances takes considerable time.

Nonetheless, trains are the ideal way of reaching cities in western and central Romania such as Brasov , Sighisoara , Oradea or Cluj-Napoca coming from Central Europe .

International trains to Romania include the (relatively high standard) EuroCity trains and night trains. Romania is part of the Eurail pass offer.

A cheap way of traveling to or from Romania might be the Balkan Flexipass .

By bus [ edit ]

Even though Romania has not been traditionally seen as a 'bus country', buses are becoming a more and more popular way to reach the country from abroad, especially from the Balkans and the former USSR , but also from Western Europe, e.g. Germany and Switzerland. Even though trains are still the most popular way of getting to Romania from Central Europe, due to good service, train services to the Balkans and former USSR are of a considerably poorer quality and are less frequent (mainly because railway infrastructure in these countries is a lot poorer than Romania's infrastructure). For this reason, a slew of private bus operators (like reNNen.ro , VioTur.ro , Zgr.ro , claudiutravel.ro , Waltrans , Grandtour.ro or Royal-tour.ro ) now provide quicker and more comfortable coach services to and from cities such as Chișinău , Kyiv , Odesa , Sofia , and Istanbul .

A general rule of the thumb on whether you should use bus or train is this: if trains are available just as frequently, and at around the same price, and take around the same amount of time, then definitely use them. Otherwise, consider the buses.

For all information about buses in Romania and online reservations and tickets (i.e. timetables and prices) you can use Autogari.ro ("Autogari" is the Romanian word for bus-stations). They accept also payment with credit card.

By boat [ edit ]

Cruises on Danube are available, very expensive though, starting from Passau or Vienna and having a final destination in the Danube Delta. These cruises will stop in every major port along the road, in Austria , Hungary , Serbia , and Romania . Once in the Delta, you can travel by rapid boats or fisherman's boats on endless channels to watch huge colonies of pelicans, cranes or small migratory birds. You can enjoy a local dish, fishermen's borsch, prepared using different species of fish, but take care, they use the Danube's river water!

It is the only way to travel around the Danube Delta, and the only way to get to the city of Sulina.

There are ferries across the Danube from Bulgaria in several ports: from Bechet to Oryahovo (daily) and from Zimnicea to Svishtov (only on weekends). From Calafat to Vidin there is now a traffic bridge, easily accessible by car.

There are reportedly (but not confirmed) ferry connections over the Black Sea from Varna in Bulgaria to Constanța . The ferry service between Odesa and Constanța is no longer operating at this time.

By car [ edit ]

You can easily drive into Romania coming from countries in the West, but when coming from the East you will have to drive through Moldova and you may experience troubles there. There is not a direct border crossing between Ukraine and Romania in the south-eastern corner of Romanian Moldavia ( Reni / Galati ), you must go via Giurgiulesti, which is in Moldova (a small stretch of about 500 m). Moldovan border control officers may ask times for money (ecological tax, road tax...). Coming from the north (Ukraine), can also be time-consuming, times can vary from one to more than five hours.

The road infrastructure is fairly modest compared to Western and Central Europe. There are few motorways and only in the south of the country. The upside to this is that most European roads, which you will mostly be travelling on are well maintained and are denominated with an E followed by a number (e.g. E63), are scenic roads and cross some spectacular scenery of mountains, valleys and forests. The roads especially in Transylvania are built on top of the old medieval routes and there is always something to stop for and visit on your way. Drivers are confronted with a lot of roundabouts, both in towns and outside. The rule for them is straightforward: cars already inside the roundabout have priority, those outside must wait.

On the roads linking Romania to its western borders take particular care as traffic is heavy and most roads have one, or at most two, lanes each way, and on some parts are unlit.

On foot and by bicycle [ edit ]

On the Ukrainian-Romanian border there is only one point where one can cross on foot: Solotvino - Sighetu Marmației . The bridge over the Tisa is old and one could say a point of tourist interest.

Get around [ edit ]

Getting around Romania is relatively inefficient for the great distances that have to be covered in this country (this is after all, the second-largest country in Central Europe, after Poland ). The transport infrastructure has been improving quite significantly, even though roads remain a weak point. There are three operational highways, that connect Bucharest to the seaside and to the cities of Pitești and Ploiești, respectively, and several others under construction. Train travel, however, has improved dramatically. Several upgrade projects are underway for several railway tracks, which makes rail traffic on those lines a bit slow for the time being.

Romania has a very dense rail network that reaches practically every town and a sizable number of villages. Although some modernisation is taking place, this network isn't in a very good condition, with low speeds and limited train frequency on many routes. Nonetheless trains remain the best option for long distance travel.

Most trains are run by the state carrier, Căile Ferate Române, abbreviated as (SN)CFR . Many secondary lines are operated exclusively by private companies: Regio Călători , Regional and Transferoviar .

Trains generally run without major delays, except on lines where there are repair works or during anomalous weather (heavy snow storms in winter, heat waves or floods in summer).

Train types [ edit ]

Three major types of trains are available: Regio , InterRegio , and Intercity . The last two types provide reasonable conditions but Regio trains are best avoided.

• Regio ( R )

These are very slow trains, stopping in almost every station (including some in the middle of nowhere). Prices are dirt cheap, but they provide an extremely basic service and are sometimes uncomfortable (no seat reservation, no ventilation to speak of, sometimes crowded, no working toilets in some trains, poor lighting).

They usually have 1970s single-suburban or double-decker cars, with 4 seats per row. Most will not offer 1st class (but if they do it's highly recommended to get a 1st class ticket, it will be less crowded and less miserable than 2nd class).

Western Desiro and French Z-type DMUs have been introduced on some routes, including Suceava-Cacica, Craiova-Sibiu, Sibiu-Brașov, Cluj-Teiuș-Brașov, Cluj- Bistrița , Brașov- Sfântu Gheorghe . Z-type cars provide a more comfortable seating arrangement but a bouncier ride, which is diametrically opposed to Desiro's improvement. As these newer trains are designed for short-distance travel, expect to be uncomfortable if traveling for a long period of time.

Most of the trains operated by private companies are also ranked as Regio. They are usually cleaner than CFR Regio trains, but rarely run on the same routes.

Example: Bucharest-Brașov (166 km) by Regio train costs ~23 lei in 2nd class, takes about 4 hours, and has up to 31 stops

• InterRegio ( IR )

Semi-slow trains traveling on medium and long distance routes, stopping just in towns. They are cheap (though nearly twice as expensive as Regio) and offer variable conditions.

Newly-renovated cars have been introduced on several routes including Bucharest- Târgu Jiu and Bucharest-Brasov. However, many consider these cars just as uncomfortable, if not more so, than older cars, with merely an improved visual element. There is little baggage room and little leg-room compared to 1980s carriages.

Some InterRegio trains have connection cars to destinations located on secondary lines; after they separate from the InterRegio train they run as RegioExpress ( RE ).

Example: Bucharest-Brașov (166 km) by InterRegio train costs 47 lei in 2nd class, c. 2 hr 45 min, up to 8 stops

• InterCity ( IC )

If presented with a choice of Intercity trains (classic cars or "Săgeata Albastră" - Blue Arrow DMUs) it is advisable to choose classic cars, as these are faster, more comfortable trains. Săgeata Albastră are small 3-car diesel trains with slower service (120 km/h top speed compared to 160 km/h).

Example: Bucharest-Brașov (166 km) by Intercity train costs 58 lei in 2nd class, about 2½ hr, three stops

• Night trains

Most InterRegio trains travelling by night also have couchette cars (with six or four beds) and sleeping cars (with three, two or one bed). Conditions are relatively good.

Example: Bucharest-Satu Mare (782 km), ~142 lei/bed (six beds couchette), 14 hours

Getting tickets [ edit ]

Tickets for CFR operated trains are sold at train stations and CFR booking agencies ( agentie de voiaj CFR ) in any sizable town (usually in the central area). At these booking agencies and at a few major stations it's possible to buy tickets up to six months in advance for any domestic route and for international trains passing through Romania.

It's also possible to get tickets for domestic routes online through CFR's relatively complicated booking site with up to one month in advance.

All trains types except Regio and RegioExpress require seat reservation (not to be confused with advanced ticket booking).

Several discounts are available:

• for small groups (10% for 2 people, 15% for 3, 20% for 4 and 25% for 5+)
• for large groups (25% for groups of more than 30 people)
• for buying return tickets (10%)
• for advance ticket purchase (13% for over 21 days in advance, 10% for 11-20 days in advance, 5% for 6-10 days)

People that board CFR trains without a ticket from stations where there are ticket sellers can be fined and have to buy more expensive tickets directly from the train staff.

On lines operated by private operators tickets are usually issued on the train.

For up-to-date timetable information on CFR operated lines see CFR's timetable site [dead link] . For timetables on lines operated by other companies check .

Tourist railways [ edit ]

Several scenic narrow gauge railways exist in mountainous areas, but trips on them are mainly available for small groups and not for individual tourists. One notable exception is the Valea Vaserului railway [dead link] in Maramureș which has tourist runs daily in mid-summer and on weekends in early summer-autumn.

Groups can also rent the former Romanian king's personal train or Ceaușescu's private train but these trips are rather expensive.

Travelling by car or coach is the easiest way and a vast majority, over 60% of foreign tourists, use this way of transportation. The steering wheel is on the left and European driver's licenses are recognised by police. For Americans, a passport, a valid U.S. driver's license and a valid International Driving Permit are required for car rental. If you drive your own car, you must purchase a road tax sticker (the "Rovinieta") either from the border or from the nearest gas station. Driving without one will incur a severe fine.

Rentals can be expensive; the cheap small local outfits may pressure you to pay extra for insurance. The well-known international brands and Automon (the largest local) are a safer option. In Bucharest and throughout the country, rentals start at €20-30 per day (without fuel) for a small hatchback, go around €65-90 for an average car or lame SUV, and may go up to €170-200 for a luxury sedan or a luxury SUV. You may be denied renting unless you are 25 or older.

While Romanians are generally friendly and polite, this doesn't always apply to their driving style. Speeding is common, young (inexperienced) drivers driving performance vehicles are common in cities, angry drivers are the norm in the capital and the accident rates are amongst the highest in the European Union.

The poor condition of roads is a constant source of surprises. In winter, roads are often not properly ploughed, so it pays to be very careful when driving. Between November and early March, the use of winter tyres is compulsory by law in Romania, but not all cars may be fitted with winter tyres. Driving without winter tyres is punishable by a fine. The use of studded tyres is prohibited. When driving in the mountains, snow chains are necessary in winter.

City roads tend to be heavily overcrowded, particularly in Bucharest. Beware of hazards, such as double-parked cars, pedestrians, sudden braking to avoid a pothole, or stray animals entering the road (in rural areas). Most intercity routes are 2-lane roads, used by everything from communist-era trucks to modern sports cars. So plan for longer driving times than in other areas of Europe.

Bucharest has a very dense and crowded city centre, with narrow, twisting roads, built mainly in the 19th century, with little traffic in mind. The roads are suffocated by over 1 million cars every day - it is possible to take 2 hours to drive a distance that could be walked in 20-25 minutes. GPS or local guide is a necessity. The best way to travel within Bucharest is either by public transport (as it is very cheap and fairly reliable) or taxi.

Romanian police now have high-tech radars to catch speeding motorists. Speed limits are generally 100 km/h outside of a city and 50 km/h or 70 km/h within built up areas. Some police units are equipped with performance vehicles, while others are the standard Dacia Logan cars. Although rare, some highway patrols have BMW bikes. On major roads, motorists in the opposite direction will sometimes flash their headlights to warn that they have passed a radar trap which may be just ahead of you. Also many national roads and motorways are discreetly watched by Police Puma helicopters. Even small offences are subject to heavy fines by the traffic police (Poliția Rutieră), they may even take one's driver's license for an irregular passing. Both hidden and visible speed cameras are becoming common on major roads and highways. Policemen sometimes seem to be more lenient with locals, than with foreigners — however, stricter fining applies for locals than for foreigners (for locals, as few as two or three minor offences will have their licence suspended for six months). Obviously, do not attempt to bribe the police if you are stopped.

The Romanian police have a zero tolerance policy on drunk driving - checks are very frequent - and basically any amount of alcohol in your blood counts as drunk driving.

If you are involved in a car accident while driving and someone is hurt you must stop and wait for the traffic police . Driving away from the scene is considered hit-and-run. Accidents with no injuries can be solved with yourself and all parties involved having to go to a police station and make a statement, but, if in doubt, better phone 112 (Emergency Services) and ask for directions. In most of the cases, after an accident it is mandatory to take a blood test to establish if the drivers had consumed alcohol. Refusal to undergo this test is almost certain to land you in jail - the punishment is usually more harsh than the one for drunk driving.

Many important roads were once medieval trade routes which go straight through the centre of many villages. Passing while driving is the norm rather than the exception as slow moving trucks, horse drawn carts, and non-moving herds of cows often frequent village main streets.

Tolls [ edit ]

Electronic vignette can be bought on the official website .

Types of roads [ edit ]

A lot of road infrastructure has been constructed in the past few years, and changes appear rapidly. Therefore, check up to date online sources before you go, as information might get outdated quickly.

• A1 - planned to connect Bucharest with cities in southern Transylvania and then proceed to the western border; the only part completed so far is the 126-km-long stretch between Bucharest and Pitești opened in 1973. The Arad—Timișoara section was opened at the end of 2011.
• A2 - connects Bucharest with the Black Sea ports of Constanța and Agigea. This means that you can avoid Constanța, if you're going to the other resorts on the seaside.
• A3 - is supposed to cross Transylvania diagonally from north-west to south-east and then head south to Bucharest. The Borș - Brașov segment, also called the Transylvania Motorway [dead link] , is the largest road project in Europe; it will connect the Hungarian-Romanian border with Oradea, Zalau, Cluj-Napoca, Targu Mures, Sighisoara and Brasov. As of 2015, only a few sections of the A3 are in use: a 55-km stretch between Bucharest and Ploiesti in the south and a 52-km section between Campia Turzii and Gilau, which is part of the southern section of the Transylvanian Highway.

The speed limit on motorways is 130 km/h .

• Expressways ( drum expres ) - Basically non-grade separated/semi-grade separated dual carriageway. The only completed expressways are the 60-km-long Bucharest - Giurgiu (DN 5) road, The Ploiesti Bypass (DN 1), the Cluj East bypass, the Bucharest - Henri Coanda International Airport stretch of the DN 1 (which is grade-separated). The speed limit on expressways is 100 km/h .
• National roads ( drum național ), including European Roads ( drum european ). In the absence of motorways the national roads remain the most important element of the Romanian road system, as they connect the main cities in the country. Most of them are in reasonable condition, and most of the trunk network has been rehabilitated. Many have 4 non-separate lanes near cities, some have 3 or 4 non-separate lanes throughout (such as Bucharest-Comarnic and a large part of E85) but many have only two lanes — one per traffic direction (a notable example is DN1 Câmpina-Brașov — the 100-km mountain stretch can take 3-5 hours to cross during weekends and holidays. The speed limit on national roads is 100 km/h .
• Other roads - county ( drum judetean ) and rural ( drum comunal ) roads are owned and maintained by either regional or local authorities. These roads mainly link trunk roads with very small towns or villages - few running for more than 30-40 km. The situation of county roads is highly dependent on each of the counties involved — while in Ilfov or Constanta these roads are of decent-to-high quality, in other regions such roads are in a poor to very poor condition compared with national roads. Rural roads are of even shorter nature (under 10 km), some of them being one lane of traffic only, others being covered in gravel only. The speed limit on these roads is 90 km/h .

For all roads, when in a city, town or village, the speed limit is 50 km/h (unless clearly otherwise posted). As such, driving a National Road becomes a constant accelerate-and-brake adventure, one having to be constantly spotting speed limit signs, city limit markers and the behaviour of other drivers.

Bus can be the least expensive method to travel between towns. In the Romanian towns and cities, you can usually find one or several bus terminals ( autogara ). From there, buses and minibuses depart for the towns and villages in the nearby area as well as to other cities in the country. You can find timetables on the autogari website .

Romania is criss-crossed by many mini buses , sometimes called maxi taxi . They are faster than the trains, and can be taken directly from the international airport in Bucharest. Mini buses are usually very uncomfortable; some buses are old and slow. Schedules are not tightly followed, and delays of over an hour are not uncommon, especially for inter-city buses. Romanian roads are in a rather bad shape, with most of the trunk network being made of one lane per way roads (fairly similar to British rural roads), and only about 250 km of expressway. Most minibuses employed are small, crowded, 14-seat vans (some converted from freight vans), with some longer routes employing 20-seat mini-buses. For commuter and suburban routes, expect an overcrowded van (25 passengers riding a 14 seat van is quite common, with 40 passenger loads not being unheard of), with no air-conditioning, which stops several times in every village. Inter-city bus travel is only slightly better - most vehicles used are also converted vans, or, at best, purpose-build minibuses, with only some being air-conditioned. Seating is generally crowded, and in most cases there is no separate compartment for luggage. Most have no toilets on board, calling for 30 minutes stops every 2-3 hours. All in all, the experience of travelling by minibus is quite similar to that of travelling in a Russian or Ukrainian marshrutka.

However, buses are the best solution for a number of routes badly served by the railway network, namely Bucharest - Pitești - Râmnicu Vâlcea, Bucharest - Alexandria, Bucharest - Giurgiu, and Pitești - Slatina.

The comfort of vehicles is steadily improving, at least in Transylvania along the longer routes serving larger cities. You will find buses from respected companies (such as Normandia, FANY [dead link] or Dacos and waltrans ) which offer punctual and reasonable, though not always sparkling, conditions, and on which a luggage compartment will always be available. Toilet stops still need to be made, but they happen usually in places where you can also buy food or drinks. On Fridays, Sundays, and close to national holidays, these buses tend to be overcrowded, so a reservation by phone might be necessary.

Buses inside the cities are often crowded. This gives pickpockets good opportunities. The pickpocket problem seems to be not essentially worse than in any other European city. Please, pay attention.

By taxi [ edit ]

Taxis are relatively inexpensive in Romania. It costs about 1.4-2 lei/kilometre or slightly more, with that amount again as flagfall. The very low prices make taxis a popular way to travel with both locals and travellers (it can be cheaper than driving your own car) - so during rush hours it may be hard to find a cab (despite Bucharest having almost 10,000 cabs).

A notable exception is the Fly Taxi company that operates from the Henri Coanda (Otopeni) Airport. The price for a ride from the airport to the city centre can be about 70 lei. Either call a taxi by phone to pick you up near the airport or chose the route 783 bus to get into the city. Alternately, you can go to the departure terminal to avoid expensive airport taxis. To do this, after you exit baggage claim, immediately turn right. Literally dozens of taxi operators will approach you and ask if you need a taxi, having marked you as a foreigner (it's their job to do so, after all). Be polite, shake your head no and keep walking. You will pass though about 200 m of shopping and service areas in a little mini-mall connecting the two terminals, and will then arrive at the 2nd level of the departures terminal. Walk out the door and you will see plenty of taxis dropping off passengers. Flag one down and make sure the fare posted on the side is less than 2 lei/km. They are not supposed to pick up there, but you aren't doing anything wrong by trying, and not many drivers can say no to 30 lei for a trip back to the city centre that they were going to make anyway. Just make sure they use the meter. Some taxi drivers use remote controls in their pockets that raise the tariff price suddenly by small increments that are otherwise unnoticeable until the end of the fare. It might be easier to negotiate the tariff price upfront based on your destination and pay that amount at the end.

Kiosks for reasonably-priced cabs can be found inside the arrivals terminal, and the police are constantly watching for pirate taxi drivers. Kiosks are a safe and reliable to hitch a €10 trip by taxi to downtown Bucharest.

Be careful to look at the cost posted on the outside of the taxi, and then to look at the meter to see that you are being charged the same fare. Be especially careful in Bucharest, where some taxis post 7.4 lei instead of 1.4, but the 7 looks very much like a 1. Ask if you're not certain - they are obliged to post and clearly state the tariff up-front. All taxis must have a license - a large, oval metal sign bolted on the sides of the car, featuring the city markings, and a serial number inscribed, usually using large numbers. Do not use any taxi without those markings. Also, do not use a taxi with a license from another city (for example, never use an Ilfov taxi in Bucharest or a Turda taxi in Cluj-Napoca).

The driver may try to cheat you if he sees you are a foreigner. Insist that he will use the meter, or have a Romanian guide with you. Don't negotiate the ride fee in advance, as it may be 2-4 times higher (even more) than the real fee (even if it would seem cheap to you). Check whether it is going in the right direction, follow the way on a map (if you have any!) Do not take cabs from the cab stand in railway stations, unless they are from a reputable company and do not take any of the services of those offering you a cab ride in the train station. They may end up being amazingly expensive (up to €50 for a cab ride that would normally be around €3). If you need a taxi from the train station (or airport), order it by phone from a reputable company (see the city pages for the cities you want to visit) - most dispatchers speak some English as do many taxi drivers.

Ride-hailing is available in Romania and the following are the most anticipated providers:

• Bolt . Includes many towns. ( updated Jul 2020 )
• Uber . Works in Bucharest. ( updated Jul 2020 )

Air travel as a means for domestic transport is becoming more and more popular as increased competition resulted in lower prices (sometimes less than the cheapest train or bus ticket). This, coupled with an improved airport infrastructure leads to increases in the number of passengers compared to past decades.

Two airlines offer domestic flights in Romania - Tarom , with a hub in Bucharest and "no-frills" Blue Air [dead link] with its domestic hub in Bucharest.

In 2010, Bucharest and Timisoara were linked by up to 12 daily flights (operated by Blue Air and Tarom - Tarom operated some of the flights on the routes with A310 wide-bodies), Bucharest and Cluj by up to 10 daily flights (operated by Tarom and Blue Air), Bucharest and Iasi by up to 4 daily flights (operated by Tarom), Bucharest and Oradea, Bucharest and Sibiu, and Bucuresti and Satu Mare by 2-3 daily flights (operated by Tarom), Bucharest and Suceava and Bucharest and Baia Mare by 1 daily flight (operated by Tarom). Bucharest and Arad are also connected through a daily flights by Blue Air. Constanta and Bacau, owing to the short distance from Bucharest, only see flights a couple of times per week. Frequencies on Saturdays may be reduced, especially to smaller cities.

Prices can begin from as low as 40 lei one way if booked in advance with Blue Air, or through a Tarom 'Superspecial' fare. Even 2-3 days before the flight, it is not uncommon to find tickets for under €35-€50 with a little shopping around. While Tarom style themselves as full-fare full-frill airlines, Blue Air considers itself a low fare carrier, and subsequently, has followed the model of not allowing price aggregation through reservation systems (a la Ryanair, Easyjet or Southwest), and as such, tickets for their flights will not be available through booking engines such as Orbitz or Kayak, but only directly through their website.

Some airports may be fairly distant from city centers, and, while some larger ones have adequate public transport (Bucharest, Cluj, Timisoara, Oradea), in some (such as Craiova or Iasi) you have to rely on taxis. Even so, a taxi fare from any airport downtown should not cost more than €5-10 outside of Bucharest.

By thumb [ edit ]

Hitchhiking is very common in Romania, and some experienced hitchhikers say it's the easiest country in eastern Europe. Usually, if you are in the right spot, you don't have to wait longer than 5 minutes. During weekends you may need a bit more patience, as roads are a little emptier. Locals also use this method on a regular basis, especially for shorter distances (up to 50 km). It is not uncommon for people (especially students) to hitchhike intercity (Bucharest-Sibiu, Timisoara-Arad and Bucharest-Ploiesti are particularity common hitchhiking destinations). Increase your chance to be picked up by using a paper with the city where you want to get to - it may save you some time especially if travelling intercity. A good spot is a bus station, road-split, or close to the city limits. Nevertheless, many if not most people will stop (provided they drive alone) - you may end up getting a ride in a 1970s rusty old Dacia or in a brand new Mercedes, in a semi-articulated truck or in a company car belonging to a big corporation. Hitchhiking is typically not dangerous (the highly aggressive, fast and disorderly driving style of Romanians may be more of a danger), but take usual precautions when using this conveyance. Inside city limits, it is not advisable to hitchhike using the traditional thumb-up hand signal, as many drivers may believe you are flagging a taxi or a route-taxi (mini-bus), and not stop. Use a destination paper instead.

It is customary to leave some money for the ride (so called 'gas money', about 1-2 lei/10km), but if you are a foreigner you will not be expected to leave money and nobody will get upset. Most truck drivers and company car drivers will refuse payment altogether. Furthermore, if you tell the driver where you want to get in a city, he or she will make a detour just to drop you off where it best suits you. Say "Mulțumesc"( Mooltsoomesck ) (thank you) at the end.

Most Romanians are very talkative, and even if their English, French, German, whatever is extremely rusty, many will more likely than not tell you their entire life story, discuss the entire football season and/or talk politics (usually starting from discussing the poor state of roads even while on a freshly repaired road). In the end, however, hitchhiking is a mostly enjoyable experience, and, if lucky, you may even get yourself invited for lunch or dinner, offered a room for a night, or just meet some very interesting people along the way.

On foot and navigation [ edit ]

Being a popular hiking destination, but also for navigating around the countryside, make sure to have good (offline) maps and GPS with you in Romania. For reliable maps, GPS navigation , comprehensive trails and map information, consult OpenStreetMap , which is also used by this travel guide and by many mobile Apps like OsmAnd or Mapy.cz . Or just download the according GPX or KML files for such trails on OpenStreetMap through Waymarked Trails . (Note, you just need to change the OpenStreetMap relation ID to download the GPX or KML files of other trails through the same link.)

See [ edit ]

Whether you're looking for stunning landscapes, ancient cultural traditions, bustling city life or beautiful historic heritage; no visitor to Romania needs to search for things to see. This country is home to a range of top sights, especially when you'd like to get a feel for the old Europe, the time of monasteries and castles.

Cities and castles [ edit ]

The country's lively capital Bucharest does not top the average traveller's wish list, but if you're willing to look, this city's controversial mix of building styles might just amaze you. Go see the largest parliament building in the world, the 1935 Romanian version of the Arc de Triomph or visit one of the many museums . The impressive Bran Castle , dramatically situated on a Transylvanian hill top, is widely associated with the famous tales of Count Dracula and one of the country's main tourist draws. While there's no clear evidence of this castle being the model for Bram Stoker's stories, the castle surely fits the book's descriptions and has a fascinating recorded history of its own. Yet, there are other interesting examples, including the Neo-Renaissance Peleș castle near Sinaia and Corvin castle near Hunedoara . The still inhabited citadel of Sighișoara is easily among the most beautiful ones of its kind. Listed as a Unesco World Heritage Site, it still features many characteristics of a medieval fortified town and is a charming town to visit. Other fine historic towns include Timișoara , the country's second city, the popular mountain resort Brașov and Sibiu . Cule , erected by noble families, grace the landscape of south-western Romania and beyond, leaving an indelible mark on the architectural heritage of Oltenia and various Balkan countries. Each cule tells a unique story, serving for crucial defensive function, these are reflecting the opulence, power, and artistic prowess of the boyars who commissioned their construction, offering a glimpse into the bygone era of nobility and aristocracy in this enchanting part of the world.

Natural attractions [ edit ]

For a more natural experience, head to the Danube Delta , considered to be the most well preserved and one of the largest river deltas in Europe. While it mostly consists of extensive wetlands, it in fact holds 23 different ecosystems. It lies on route for a number of main migratory routes, and more than 320 species of bird can be found here in summer. Besides water systems, Romania is also home to the largest European populations of bears and wolves , inhabitants of its vast untouched forests. The Rodna National Park and Biosphere Reserve and Retezat National Park are excellent places to experience the country's rugged lands, old-growth forests and stunning mountainous landscapes, or hike to beautiful water falls in Cheile Nerei-Beușnița National Park .

Countryside and monasteries [ edit ]

When planning your trip, make sure to include one of the many monumental monasteries and churches , such as the one in Horezu , a World Heritage Site known for it Brâncovenesc style architecture or Curtea de Argeș the most representative Byzantine style monastery in Romania, also royal necropolis where are buried the all kings of Romania. Or, head to Southern Bukovina to see some of the wonderful and famous Painted Monasteries . Another fascinating region is Maramureș , listed by Unesco and popular among visitors for its wooden churches and Merry Cemetery . A trip to some of these more remote places of worship comes with the bonus of easy exploration of Romania's lovely countryside where -despite rapid development- old traditions and craftsmanship are still alive.

Itineraries [ edit ]

The following are some possible itineraries for travelling in Romania:

• Transylvania Triangle Train Tour
• If you like to drive, follow the stunning Transfăgărășan Road , “the best road in the world” according to Top Gear, for some spectacular views and lots of challenging curves. Or you could try the Transalpina Road , the highest one in Romania (2145m), also known as King Road.

Do [ edit ]

• Go to church - Romania is one of the most religious countries in Europe, and the Orthodox church is omnipresent. You will certainly want to visit some churches and monasteries for their beauty and history, but why not take the chance to experience an Orthodox mass? The congregation is usually standing and it is perfectly normal to show up only briefly during the mass so you can come and go at your leisure without disturbing anyone. Show up at any church on Sunday morning, stand quietly in the back and observe. Be suitably dressed, see the section "Respect".
• Hiking trails come in a wide range of levels, from easy to seriously challenging. From flat delta areas to rugged terrains, the country's national parks make for great starting points and excellent vista's.
• Winter sports - the Romania mountains house a number of popular winter sports resorts, such as Poiana Brasov (close also to Bran castle), Sinaia and Predeal . While increasingly popular, also among locals, these places remain fairly off the beaten track for most international winter sports fans and remain budget friendly.

Buy [ edit ]

Money [ edit ].

The national currency of Romania is the leu (plural lei ), which means lion in Romanian. The leu is divided into 100 bani (singular ban ). On 1 July 2005, the new leu (code RON ) replaced the old leu (code ROL ) at a rate of 10,000 old lei for one new leu. Old ROL banknotes and coins are no longer legal tender but can still be exchanged at the National Bank and their affiliated offices.

Coins are issued in denominations of 1 (gold), 5 (copper), 10 (silver), and 50 (gold) bani, but 1 ban coins are rare, despite store prices ending a lot of times with 99 bani. Do not expect exact change from store clerks, unless your total spending divides by 5 bani. When grossly short on change, clerks may also provide small coffee bags, oranges or similar as substitutes, but they may not accept it back as tender. Banknotes come in denominations of 1 (green), 5 (purple), 10 (red), 20 (yellow-green), 50 (yellow), 100 (blue), 200 (brown), and 500 (blue and purple) lei, are made of polymer plastic, and, except for the 200 lei, correspond to a euro banknote in size. However, 200 and 500 lei banknotes are uncommon.

When exchanging money, use exchange bureaus or to use cash machines (which will provide ready access to most foreign bank accounts). Absolutely avoid black market transactions with strangers: in the best case scenario, you might come out ahead by a few percentage points, but that rarely happens. Most black marketers are con men of one sort or another, who will either leave you with a bankroll that turns out to be full of worthless Polish złotys, or will engage you in conversation for a few minutes, awaiting the arrival of their partners who will pretend to be the police and try to con you into handing over your wallet and papers. (This con game is known as a maradonist .) Exchanging money in the street is also illegal and in the worst case scenario, you might spend a night in jail. It is not recommended to exchange money in the airport either — they tend to overcharge on transactions and have very disadvantageous rates — you should use a card and the ATM for immediate needs (taxi/bus) and exchange more money later while in the city. Unless you are on a budget, the safest and easiest way to obtain Romanian cash is to use your ATM card at any local bank ATM. Your bank will give you a current, reasonable exchange rate, and as long as your bank doesn't charge exorbitant foreign transaction fees, it's usually not worth the risk or the inconvenience to save the one or two percent. BRD, Banca Transylvania and Raiffeisen banks and ATMs are everywhere in major cities, including inside most high end hotels.

You should shop around a bit for good exchange rates. Some exchange offices in obvious places (such as the airport) may try to take advantage of the average tourist's lack of information when setting the exchange rate, and it is not advisable to use them, as the exchange rates may well be quite unrealistic. Prior to leaving for Romania consult the website of the National Bank of Romania for a rough estimate of what exchange rates you should expect. Typical exchange offices should not list differences larger than 2-3% from the official exchange rate. Also, when picking an exchange office, make sure it has a visible sign saying "Comision 0%"; Romanian exchange offices typically don't charge an extra commission apart from the difference between the buy and sell rates, and they are also required by law to display a large visible sign stating their commission, so if you don't see such a sign or if they charge something extra, keep going. Choosing a reasonable exchange office, which is not hard to do with the data in this paragraph, can save you as much as 10%, so this is worth observing. Changing money at a bank's exchange office is also a good idea.

Costs [ edit ]

Romania is generally very cheap, and is probably the cheapest country inside the EU, though it's still more expensive that neighboring Ukraine . Although you can expect food and transport to be inexpensive in Romania, buying imported consumer goods are as expensive as in other parts of the EU. Good buys for foreigners include clothing, wool suits produced in Romania, shirts, cotton socks, local wine, chocolates, salami, a wide range of local cheeses, inexpensive leather jackets or fur coats. In addition, groceries, transport, and accommodation remain relatively cheap, as does general shopping, especially in markets, although inflation is taking its toll. Bucharest, as with every capital in the world, is more expensive than the national norm, particularly in the city centre. However, travellers from Nordic countries will find all the prices in Romania to be amazingly low, especially transport (short and long distance), restaurant food and drinks.

Transactions [ edit ]

Romanian transactions generally take place in cash. Aside from a few specific types of transactions, the best method is to pay using local currency. In any situation where prices are displayed in local currency, attempting to pay in euros or US dollars will result in your money being accepted at a worse rate (up to 20%) or outright refusal. In situations where prices are displayed in euros, you are generally still expected to pay in lei (for example, mobile phone plans are priced in euros without VAT, so when you pay in lei, the tax is factored in for what appears at first to be a bad exchange rate) except for international train tickets, which are priced in and can be paid in euros. Most Romanians have either a charge card or a credit card - however, they are generally used at ATM machines - on-line payments are relatively new, and some companies still look at them with suspicion - so much so, that they will make you pay on delivery. You can however pay by card in many shops and in most supermarkets. Accepted credit/debit cards are: MasterCard, Visa, American Express (in some places - although this is rapidly expanding because of a very aggressive campaign by American Express) and Diners Club (usually only in hotels, and even then expect stares and incredulity that such a card even exists). Almost all transactions at POS machines (supermarkets, shops etc.) will ask you to enter the card's PIN as well.

Most small towns have at least one or two ATMs and a bank office, with large cities having hundreds of ATMs and bank offices. (It is not uncommon to see three bank agencies next to each other in residential neighborhoods of Bucharest). ATMs are also available in many villages (generally at the post-office or the local bank-office). Romanian for ATM is bancomat . Credit cards are accepted in large cities, in most hotels, restaurants, hypermarkets, malls. Do not expect to use a credit card at any railway station for domestic travel (some railway stations take credit cards for international tickets) or for the public transport (the subway and RATB of Bucharest, for example, are cash-only because they consider that card transactions would slow down the queues at the ticket booths). Gas stations and a great number of other stores accept Visa and MasterCard. It is advisable to always have a small sum of money in cash (about 50 lei or even more), even in large cities. It is not possible to withdraw any common currency (like euros or dollars) besides lei.

Romanian businesses are not mandated to provide you with full change for every transaction, and frequently their tills are short of small coins in particular. Fortunately many prices are in round multiples of 1 leu, and they are almost always in multiples of 10 bani. Even if a store can change, say a 100 lei note, they might ask you for smaller change first. For very small amounts (say 20 or 50 bani) they might sometimes insist on you buying something of that value instead of giving you change.

Tipping [ edit ]

A tip is usually 5-10% of the bill and is expected in restaurants, coffee shops, taxi, hair dressers.

Supermarkets and convenience stores [ edit ]

A good place to shop for food are farmers' markets, although hypermarkets have become popular in Romania such as Auchan , Carrefour , Cora or Kaufland .

Different from supermarkets are neighbourhood grocery stores called 'alimentară'. The stores are dim, old Communist-era shops that can be cheaper. These shops, which can best be compared to British cornershops, may be convenient if living in the suburbs or in smaller towns. Despite their seemingly poorer appearance, they sell good-quality food. In 'alimentara', expect strange systems of payment or selection: you may not be able to take items off of the shelf yourself, or one person may tally up your total before another handles the cash, etc. Many locals however actually prefer these establishments, since they offer a personal touch, with many salespeople remembering the preferences of each buyer, and catering specifically for their needs.

Opening hours are extremely predictable and amazingly long. Some shops will have a "non-stop" sign - meaning they are open 24 hours, 7 days a week. Shops that are not open 24 hours are usually open 08:00 - 22:00/23:00, with some keeping open in summer until 02:00 or 03:00. Supermarkets and hypermarkets are open 08:00 - 22:00/23:00 as well, except during some days before Easter and Christmas, when they remain open through the night. Pharmacies and specialised shops are usually open 09:00 - 20:00/21:00, sometimes even later while farmers' markets usually open their doors at 07:00 and close at 17:00 or 18:00.

The countryside fair [ edit ]

A traditional countryside shopping is the weekly fair (târg, bâlci, or obor). Usually held on Sunday, everything that can be sold or bought is available - from live animals being traded amongst farmers (they were the original reason why fairs were opened centuries ago) to clothes, vegetables, and sometimes even second hand cars or tractors. Such fairs are hectic, with haggling going on, with music and dancing events, amusement rides and fast food stalls offering sausages, "mititei" and charcoal-grilled steaks amongst the many buyers and sellers. In certain regions, it is a tradition to attend them after some important religious event (for example after St. Mary's Day in Oltenia), making them huge community events bringing together thousands of people from nearby villages. Such fairs are amazingly colorful - and for many a taste of how life was centuries ago. One such countryside fair (although definitely NOT in the countryside) is the Obor fair in Bucharest - in an empty space right in the middle of the city, this fair has been going on daily for more than three centuries.

Eat [ edit ]

Romanian food is distinct yet familiar to most people, being a mixture of Balkan cuisine and Central European cuisine , but it has some unique elements. The local dishes are the delicious sarmale , ardei umpluți (stuffed peppers), mămăligă (pr. muhmuhliguh, polenta), bulz (traditional roasted polenta, filled with at least two kinds of cheeses, bacon and sour cream), friptură (steak), salată de boeuf (finely chopped cooked veggies and meat salad, usually topped with mayo and decorated with tomatoes and parsley), zacuscă (a yummy, rich salsa-like dip produced in the fall) as well as tocană (a kind of stew), tochitură (pr. tokituruh, an assortment of fried meats, and traditional sausages, in a special sauce, served with polenta and fried eggs), mici (pr. michi, with a ch sound like in the word "chat"; a kind of spicy sausage, but only the meat, without the casings, almost always cooked on a barbecue, but may also be cooked with hot water vapours; often served with beer during picnics - mici și bere ), roe salad, various mashed beans varieties like iahnie (the h is loud).

Other dishes include a burger bun with a slice of ham, a slice of cheese and a layer of French fries, ciorbă de burtă (white sour tripe soup), ciorbă rădăuțeană (very similar to ciorbă de burtă , but with chicken instead of tripe), ciorbă țărănească (a red sour soup, akin to borș but with the beet root being replaced by fermented wheat bran, with lots of vegetables), Dobrogean or Bulgarian salads (a mix of onions, lettuce, tomatoes, cheese, white sauce and ham), onion salad - diced onion served in a dish, tomato salad - diced tomato with cheese, șorici (pig skin - boiled and sometimes in stew), and drob (haggies) - a casserole made from lamb or pork liver and kidneys. Local eclectic dishes include cow tongue, sheep brain (Easter), caviar, chicken and pork liver, pickled green tomatoes and pickled watermelon.

Traditional desserts include pască (a chocolate or cheese pie produced only after Easter), sărățele (salty sticks), pandișpan (literally means Spanish bread; a cake filled with sour cherries), and cozonac (a special cake bread baked for Christmas or Easter). Bread (without butter) comes with almost every meal and dill is quite common as a flavoring. Garlic is omnipresent, both raw, and in special sauces ( mujdei is the traditional sauce, made of garlic, olive oil and spices), as are onions.

Generally, there is good street food, including covrigi (hot pretzels), langoși (hot dough filled with cheese and various other optional seasonings like garlic), gogoși (donut-like dough, coated with fine sugar), mici (spicy meat patties in the shape of sausages), and excellent pastries (many with names such as merdenele , dobrogene , poale-n brâu , ardelenești ), thin pancakes filled with anything from chocolate and jam to bananas and ice cream. Very popular are kebab and shawarma ( șaorma ), served in many small shops.

Popular Romanian snacks that are readily available in shops are pufuleți (very cheap and delicious corn-made snacks) and sunflower seeds, but usual snacks like potato chips and various nuts are also common. Common sweets are halva , halviță , rahat (Turkish Lokum - "rahat" is also commonly used as an euphemism for feces, meaning that you might hear Romanians talk about rahat a lot when being angry, but they do not actually refer to anything commonly considered edible) and colivă , a boiled wheat dish commonly used in religious mourning rituals.

Most restaurants in Romania, especially in more regional areas, only serve Romanian food, even though it is similar to Western European food. Especially in Bucharest, there is a wide variety of international food, especially Mediterranean, Chinese or French. There are also fairly plentiful international fast food chains. The interesting truth about these is that they are just nominally cheaper than restaurants, with the quality of the food being of an international standard but much lower than that served in restaurants. Therefore, go for the restaurants when you can - they provide a much more authentic and quality experience at prices that aren't much higher.

Vegetarian and vegan travellers can easily find a tasty dish suitable for them if they ask for mâncare de post (food suitable for religious fasting). Because Romanians are in their large majority Eastern Orthodox Christians, fasting involves removing of all the animal products from their meals (meat, dairy products or eggs). Even though Lent seasons only cover a small part of the year, you can find fasting food throughout the year. However, most Romanians are unaccustomed with vegetarianism or veganism; still, you can find such "mâncare de post" all year round; some Romanians fast also outside Lent, on most Wednesdays and Fridays, as part of their orthodox faith.

Drink [ edit ]

Wine [ edit ]

Romania has a long tradition of making wine (more than 2000 years of wine-making are recorded), in fact Romania was in 2014 the 12th largest producer of wine in the world. The best wineries are Murfatlar, Cotnari, Dragasani, and Bohotin. Its quality is very good and the price is reasonable: expect to pay 10-30 lei for a bottle of Romanian wine. Locals in tourist areas make their own wine and sell it directly. Many of the monasteries produce and sell their own wine. Most of the individual wine makers, including monasteries, will allow you to taste it first.

Beer [ edit ]

Beer is very widespread (even more so than wine) and rather cheap compared to other countries. Avoid beers in plastic PET containers (they let the beer go stale), and go for beers in glass bottles or cans. Most of the international brands are brewed in Romania under a license, so they taste quite different than in Western Europe. Some beers made under licence are still good - Heineken, Pilsner Urquell, Peroni. You can easily realise whether a beer has been brewed in Romania or abroad and then imported simply by looking at the price: imported beers are much more expensive than the Romanian ones (A Corona, for example, may be 12 lei while a Timisoreana, Ursus or Bergenbier of a full 1/2 litre size will be 2-4 lei. Some of the common lagers you may find around are quite tasteless, but there are some good brewers. Ursus produces two tasteful beers, its lager is quite good and its dark beer ( bere neagră ), Ursus Black, is a strong fruity sweet beer, similar to a dark Czech beer. Silva produces bitter beers, both its Silva original pils and its Silva dark leave a bitter aftertaste in your mouth. Bergenbier and Timisoreana are quite good. All the other lager beers you may find, such as Gambrinus, Bucegi or Postavaru are tasteless (in some consumers' opinion). Ciuc is a very decent and affordable pilsner, now owned by Heineken. Expect to pay around 2-3 lei for a bottle of beer in the supermarket and double in a pub.

Spirits [ edit ]

The strongest alcohol is palinca , with roughly 60% alcohol and is traditional to Transylvania, the next is țuica (a type of brandy made from plums - for the better quality, traditional version - but alternatively from apricots, wine-making leftovers, or basically anything else - an urban legend even claims you can brew a certain kind of winter jacket (pufoaică) to țuică, but this is rather a proof of Romanian humor). Strength of țuica is approximately 40-50%. The best țuica, made from plums, is traditional to the Pitești area. Strong alcohol is quite cheap, with a bottle of vodka starting off between 10 lei and 50 lei. A Transylvanian speciality is the 75% blueberry and sour cherry palinca (palincă întoarsă de cireșe negre), better known as vișinată - but is usually kept by locals for celebrations, and may be hard to find.

Sleep [ edit ]

Finding an accommodation in Romania is very easy, for any price. In all the touristy places, as soon as you get to the train station several people will come to you asking whether you need an accommodation, or you can book it in advance. Those people welcoming you at the station often speak English, French and Italian. Moreover, while walking on the street, you will often find cazare written on the houses; that means they will rent you a room in their house. You're best advised to book an accommodation in advance in the big cities (Bucharest, Cluj-Napoca, Brasov and Iasi), since it'll be quite hard to wander around looking for a place to sleep, but you won't have any problem at all anywhere else.

As in most other countries, it is often cheaper to obtain accommodation directly with the hotel (either in person or in advance via the internet) rather than through booking agencies. Even an increasing number of small hotels will accept reservations via the Internet. Search for the local official tourist guide websites which will have a list of hotels and/or bed and breakfasts, then inquire at that site: most have information in English, many have formal reservation webpages. Prices for 4-star hotels are much the same as in the rest of Europe, certainly in Bucharest, whilst 3-star hotels and below can be a little cheaper. A feature of Romanian accommodation prices is that many bed and breakfast establishments (without any hotel star rating) are as expensive as or more expensive than 2- or 3-star hotels. Most appear to be more modern than rated hotels.

Rural tourism is relatively well developed in Romania. There is a national association of rural guesthouses owners, ANTREC [dead link] who offer accommodations in over 900 localities throughout the country.

Learn [ edit ]

The oldest Romanian university is the University of Iași , founded in 1860 (the medieval schools in Bucharest and Iasi are not considered universities). Bucharest, Iasi and Cluj are considered to be the largest and most prestigious university centres, with newer centres of education like Timisoara, Craiova and Galati emerging as cities with an increasingly larger student population. If coming with a mobility grant (Erasmus/Socrates or similar), it is very important to go to the International Office of the Romanian University as soon as possible, as Romanian paperwork tends to be quite impressive and may take some time to be processed. Also, if planning to study in Romania, it is highly recommended to find your own accommodation - most universities do not provide any accommodation, and if they do provide accommodation, the conditions offered are sometimes terrible (3-4 persons sharing a room, with a corridor of 50 or more sharing the showers and toilets is not unheard of - this happens since university-offered accommodation is typically next to free (€15-20 per month) for Romanians, and you usually get what you pay for).

The education system is mediocre at best since 1990 (Romania did not do good in either of the PISA evaluations, being in the lower third of European countries), however reform attempts have been done in the past decade. Attendance is compulsory for 10 years. Universities have started to reduce the number of subsidies so students will, increasingly, have to pay the tuition (tuition is however very low - €500 per year is the norm). With some exceptions teaching methods in universities are antiquated, with formalism, dictation and memorisation as the main tools employed - leading to low quality of many establishments (no Romanian university made it in the Shanghai Index). However, there were very serious reform attempts, with some universities (notably the University of Bucharest, University of Iasi, the Babeș-Bolyai University in Cluj and the University of Timișoara) imposing better teaching standards and interactivity between students and teachers - however much progress is to be done even there. For most subjects, programs are available in Romanian and Hungarian, depending on the university. Some programs are available in English, French and German. Elementary and middle schools are supported by local authorities budget. As with most nations, teachers complain about small salaries. Literacy is nearly universal. According to an EU commission study, about 30% of Romanians speak English (50% in urban environments) and 25% French (40% in urban environments). German is also spoken by about 3-5% of the population (1% having it as their mother tongue).

Work [ edit ]

Citizens of the Nordic countries, the European Union (EU), the European Economic Area (EEA), and Switzerland have the right to enter, reside, and work in Romania freely. Everyone else, however, needs a work permit to work in the country.

Romania's greatest export happens to be people departing the country in search of opportunities elsewhere. Since the fall of the Communist government, millions of Romanians have moved abroad. Corruption, low standards of living, a mediocre educational system, and a general lack of lucrative employment opportunities are some of the many reasons why Romanians leave their country. As a result, some Romanian employers often struggle with managing inexperienced or unskilled staff.

Stay safe [ edit ]

Romania is a very safe country, where random attacks are almost non-existent. While violence against foreign tourists is rare, this does not mean you should leave your common sense at home, if you decide to vacation in Romania. Generally crime is limited to petty thefts and common scams, and not much else that would concern the tourist. Wherever you may be in the country, ask trusted locals about the surroundings, they will gladly give you a few pointers.

Although racial prejudice exists in Romania, especially toward those who look like Roma (“gypsies”), hate crimes are rare. Some homophobic prejudice also remains, for instance an annual gay pride parade in Bucharest has been the scene of violent protests in past years.

Emergency phone numbers [ edit ]

Romania uses the pan-European standard number 112 for all emergency calls since 2004. Therefore, this is the only number you will need to remember for police, ambulance and the fire department.

Petty crime [ edit ]

Romania is quite safe, with very little violent crime. Pickpocketing and scams (such as taxi scams or confidence tricks) are present on a wider scale, so exert care especially in crowded places (such as train stations, some markets, urban public transport). Keep your money or valuables in inner pockets of your backpack and always watch your handbag in said crowded areas. When traveling with a cab, always make sure you read and remember the price per kilometer that's written on the outside of the car, because some of the drivers may try to take advantage of the fact that you are not familiar with the prices.

Animals [ edit ]

Romania has a very large population of wild animals , including one of the largest populations of wild bears in Europe. Bears are deadly, and even the ones living closer to cities, which loot garbage containers, must not be approached. It is commonplace for bears to visit city neighborhoods situated near mountain forests in search for food (such as in Brașov). As such, spotting a bear or wolf is fairly easy. Although usually not dangerous, such animals may become aggressive if care is not taken. If you spot a bear or wolf when hiking, it is advisable to slowly turn around and slowly walk away while facing the animal. Local shepherds advise people who are wild camping to camp out in the open rather than under trees where possible to avoid the bears. Under any circumstances, do not attempt to run or try to feed the animal, as it may become disoriented and attack. In 2006, six people were killed by wild animals in Romania. There have also been cases in which tourists encountered bear cubs and attempted to feed or play with them. In some cases this has turned out to be a fatal mistake. If you happen to encounter any sort of young animals be aware their parents are somewhere close. The best thing you can do is leave the area as soon as possible, as cuddly and cute as bear cubs may be, their parents are not. Bears are extremely aggressive when they have cubs and will attack at the slightest hint of a threat to their cubs. This is one of the leading causes of attacks by animals on people.

Feral animals such as stray dogs may additionally pose a problem in Bucharest and other major cities, where they are widespread. Some might not be aggressive, but be careful about animals in packs and at night. Some are taken care of by people from nearby housing blocks and these can be especially territorial and can sometimes attack without warning. The number of stray dogs is declining but is still relatively high and overall they are the biggest physical danger especially in remote areas.

Romanian farmers also use dogs for herding and protecting sheep. You'll most likely see this if you're walking near any farms, on dirt roads, or rural areas. You can tell they are sheep dogs as farmers usually attach horizontally-hanging sticks under their necks. If you encounter one of these dogs, it might appear scared at first, and might be looking backwards. It is indeed scared, but it is not looking for retreat: it's looking for its other doggy friends! If you continue walking towards their territory or whatever herd of sheep they are protecting, they will most certainly become more and more defensive, and have no doubt that more and more will appear as you get closer to the herd. In situations like this, you simply need to back off. It's not worth attempting to defend yourself either, as Romanian farmers will get very angry. If you are in a rural area, consider waiting for a horse-drawn wagon or car for hitchhiking: this is the best way to cross such territories.

Corruption [ edit ]

Corruption is becoming less significant in Romania in last years.

Some visitors may encounter corrupt policemen ( Polițiști ) and customs officials ( Vameși , Ofițeri de vamă ) first hand, even though this seems to be a declining problem. While it may be tempting to pay a bribe ( mită or șpagă ) to smooth things along on your visit, you should avoid doing so as it only contributes to this problem. It is also illegal to give bribes as well as to receive them. Foreigners might receive tougher sentences in Romania.

A piece of good advice for when you find yourself in the situation to be asked to pay a bribe (or just suggested) is to politely reject the proposal, stating clearly that you would not do that. If you are being harassed adopt a swift and determined attitude, and threaten that you will immediately call the police. This will almost surely make whoever is asking for the bribe stop and leave you alone.

Stay healthy [ edit ]

Tap water is generally potable, but most people choose to drink bottled water instead.

Health care [ edit ]

Conditions in Romanian hospitals may vary from the very clean and sparkling, with all the latest technological utilities, to the downright drab, dark and cold. Some hospitals, however, may be, as aforementioned, uncomfortable, with dimness, temperature problems (hot in summer, cold in winter) and outdated equipment, although medical staff are usually experienced. You won't usually face problems such as significant lack of cleanliness.

Your travel health insurance might prove to be insufficient if the medical condition is severe. In this case, you will be asked to pay for the medical services, and prices are not very low compared to Western Europe.

Citizens of the European Union are covered by Romania's National Healthcare System as long as they carry an E111 European Health Insurance Card, obtainable from their own national healthcare authority and valid for all EU countries.

Dental procedures in Romania, especially those in private clinics, are of an excellent quality. In fact, many Western Europeans come to Romania to have their teeth done for the quarter of the price they pay in their home country. Quality is particularly high in clinics in Transylvania and Bucharest.

Respect [ edit ]

Romanians are quite hospitable. In the countryside and small towns, they welcome foreign tourists and, occasionally, they might even invite you for a lunch. As is common with Romania's Balkan neighbours, Romanians will insist when offering something, as "no" sometimes does not mean "no", and they just consider it polite for you to refuse and polite for them to insist.

You should take some normal precautions to study your hosts first. It is common for friends and family to kiss both cheeks upon greeting or parting. Respect towards the elderly is highly appreciated and is a good representation of your character. The phrases used to greet friends and strangers alike is "Bună ziua" (Boo-nah Zee-wah) which means "Good day" or "Good afternoon." During morning and evenings, the phrase changes to "Bună dimineața" and "Bună seara", respectively.

Handshakes are a basic form of greeting, used very often and with every meeting. It is always expected to shake hands with everybody when entering a room or gathering of people. Although nowadays it is commonly accepted in Romania for men to shake hands with women, some men still prefer to kiss hands instead, out of tradition (mainly the older ones).

Courtesy is highly expected in Romanian society, especially toward females. It is customary to let women go first in doors, help with heavy baggage or give up seat on public transport (particularly to elderly, pregnant women and very young children).

When entering someone's house, the guest is expected to take off shoes. Not doing so will be a disappointment for the host, although the host probably will not be open with showing it.

It is impolite to get drunk in public. If a person gets intoxicated, therefore is expected to still behave calmly, not noisy nor using fool language.

At beaches, men wear either speedos or shorts, with the former more common amongst the over 40s, and the latter more popular with the younger crowd. Ladies tend to wear thong bikinis, while topless sunbathing is becoming more widespread.

Refrain from observations that Romanian is a Slavic language or even related to Hungarian, Turkish or Albanian. People might find it quite offensive; in fact, as it was already mentioned, Romanians do not pronounce vowels and consonants the same way as any of their neighbours.

Romanians also appreciate foreigners who do not assume that Romania was part of either the Russian Empire or the Soviet Union (it was only a member of the Eastern Bloc). Anti-Russian sentiment is high due to the history of Soviet domination. Even if you are the most ardent Russophile in the world, avoid being overly enthusiastic about Russia as it could provoke a hostile response from the locals.

Avoid discussing the ethnic animosities between the Romanians and ethnic Hungarians. Hungarians dominate in some areas in Transylvania, and inter-ethnic violence occasionally broke out in the early 1990s.

Other minority-rich regions include Dobrogea, where Tatars, Turks, and Ukrainians still live today, and also the west of the country, where there are small numbers of Serbs, Slovaks, and Germans. Almost all Jews left the country in the decades after the Holocaust.

Another very offensive misconception is making no difference between Romanians and the Roma people (commonly referred to as Gypsies, although this term is considered derogatory). Confusing the two ethnic groups can offend a lot of people because there is still a lot of prejudice towards the Roma people.

Romanians might dislike having Romania labelled as a Balkan country because of a somewhat negative image of the region. It is not entirely geographically correct either, as most of Romania (all of it except Dobrogea) lies outside the Balkan Peninsula.

Connect [ edit ]

Mobile phones [ edit ].

Mobile phones are ubiquitous in Romania. There are five networks - four GSM/3G (Orange Romania, Vodafone, Telekom and DigiMobil). Orange and Vodafone have almost full national coverage (98-99% of the surface of the country), while the German Telekom is expanding quickly.

Tariffs are average for the European Union (€0.08-0.30/min, €0.04 per SMS). Both pre-paid cards and subscriptions are available, and special options for discounted international calls exist with some pricing plans. Roaming is available but is, like in most of the EU, rather expensive. Pre-paid cards or recharge codes can be bought in almost every shop, either rural or urban.

On prepaid SIMs you can activate extra options ("extraopțiune") starting from €5 (+ 24% VAT) in total = 27-32 lei, with a validity period of 30 days, containing thousands (200 -3000) of minutes and SMSs within the same network and up to 100 minutes outside the network, including most European Union fixed land-line networks and two or three mobile networks.

Internet access [ edit ]

Internet access is fast, widely available in urban environments and growing in rural environments. Broadband internet is widely available in cities and towns, through cable, DSL, or home-grown small or medium size ISPs offering UTP connections. Speeds are mostly like Western Europe or the US, with 1-4 Mbit/s downstream for non-metropolitan access being the norm - with prices being around €9-25 for 1-4Mbit/s, with local access significantly faster (10-50 or even 100Mbit/s). The speeds are increasing, home access for 4Mbit/s being available at around €10 per month.

Internet cafés are available in most towns and cities and villages - but in big cities, their numbers are dropping because of the cheap availability of home access. In rural areas, public Internet access is available in 150 remote villages (in so-called "telecenters"). In these "telecenters", access is subsidised by the state, and therefore limited. Computers are usually not available in libraries, or in public places such as train stations.

Wireless access is growing, especially in Bucharest, Brașov, Sibiu, Bistrița, Timișoara and Cluj with Wi-Fi widely available in University areas, airports, public squares, parks, cafes, hotels and restaurants. Pay-as-you-go Wi-Fi is also available in many venues. If uncertain, look for plazas near the Town Hall, large parks or other important buildings. Most (if not all) McDonald's restaurants in Romania have Wi-Fi access and so do most 3-star (and higher) hotels.

Mobile internet is available cheaply by all the mobile phone companies (using Romanian simcards). Combined 3G/GPRS/EDGE access is priced at 40-80 lei per month with a cap of 5-10GB.

Cable TV [ edit ]

Cable TV is also very widely available, with about 85% of all households being connected. All hotels providing you with a TV set will offer cable TV or digital TV.

Go next [ edit ]

The land border can be crossed to Moldova , Bulgaria , Ukraine , Serbia and Hungary .

Romania has ultra low-cost flights to many European countries, Israel , Jordan and the United Arab Emirates .

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50 Best Places to Visit in Romania, Europe’s Underrated Gem

I don’t know why I waited such a long time to share a list of the best places to visit in Romania.

Not only do I love this country because that’s where my grandparents were born but also because it’s an underrated beautiful destination and one of the cheapest countries to visit in the world .

If you’re a first-time visitor to Romania , you’ll see that it’s full of surprises, from medieval cities and villages to jaw-dropping natural landscapes to the most unique historical landmarks .

On my Romania road trip , I obviously only got to see some of them, so I’ve gathered the recommendations of a few more bloggers to create this awesome Romania bucket list just for you.

* This post may contain affiliate links from which I earn a commission (for more info, read my disclosure ). As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases.

* I try to keep the information on this blog as updated as possible, but I still recommend consulting the latest prices, opening hours, and other details on the official website of each site, hotel, and tour, as well as checking the updated public transport routes and timetables.

Table of Contents

Historical Landmarks and Unique Points of Interest

Castelul de lut.

Contributed by Rachelle from  Adventure is Never Far Away

Tucked away in the Transylvanian countryside of Romania lies the Castelul de Lut Valea Zanelor, translated to “Clay Castle of the Valley of Fairies.”

This quirky, soon-to-be-open hotel is made entirely of clay, straw, and sand, with all 10 rooms having their own unique style. The structure itself was built by the craftsmen from Maramures, a region in Transylvania known for beautiful wooden churches.

Castelul de Lut is set in a picturesque location within sight of the mighty Carpathian mountain range. Local legend says that fairies still roam there, protecting the magical area.

For just 5 Lei a person, you can wander the grounds, check out each room, take all the pictures you want, and relax in the fairy garden by the babbling brook nearby!

Painted Monasteries of Bucovina

Contributed by Kristin from  Adventures with Ensuite

In the northeast of Romania, close to the border with Ukraine, lies Bucovina. It is nearly six hours by car from the capital Bucharest, but it is worth it to see the eight UNESCO-listed painted churches and monasteries from the 15-16th centuries.

From the outside, the churches look like forts, surrounded by heavy defense walls and towers. However, the interior and exterior walls of the churches are covered in mural paintings, depicting scenes from the Old and New Testaments.

The churches are spread over a relatively large area with limited public transport, so renting a car is the best way to get around. If you don’t have time to see all eight, make sure you include Voronet, Moldovita, and Sucevita in your itinerary.

During winter, there is a lot of snow, so the best time to travel is from mid-April to mid-October.

Corvin Castle

Contributed by Odette from Omnivagant

Located on the edges of Transylvania, you will find one of Romania’s most beautiful castles:  Corvin Castle .

The history of this castle dates back as far as the 14th century, and visiting this place will almost feel like you are stepping into a fairytale, or a Harry Potter Movie.

To access this castle, you will have to walk across a beautiful wooden bridge through the ports of the castle until you reach the courtyard.

From here, you can visit various sections, such as the knights’ hall, the towers, and plenty of rooms that have been filled with original and replica furniture to give you a better idea of what Corvin Castle truly looked like back in the day.

Visiting the Corvin Castle is one of the best things to do in Romania – it’s a magical experience, one that undoubtedly deserves a spot on anyone’s Romania itinerary.

Libearty Bear Sanctuary in Zarnesti

Spreading across 70 hectares (160 acres) of forested area, this incredible, unique sanctuary is the home of dozens of rescued bears (and also wolves and deers).

Hearing their heartbreaking stories yet seeing them so free and content, I couldn’t help but feel sad and happy both at the same time.

It is, without a doubt, one of the best places to see in Romania – it was one of the highlights of my trip, and it must be on your Romania bucket list!

Ruins of the Carta Monastery

Located near the city of Sibiu, this abbey is assumed to be founded by Cistercian monks in the 13th century. It is the only Cistercian monastery in Romania, and I’m certain you’ll want to see its fairytale-like remains.

Turda Salt Mine

Contributed by Nicky from That Anxious Traveller

Turda Salt Mine is one of the most extraordinary things to see in Romania! Easily accessible from the  pretty town of Cluj-Napoca , you might think that this is going to be your standard historical sight – but you’d be wrong.

Enter the mine, walking through increasingly chilly rooms, and you’ll certainly see mines with ye olde excavating equipment.

But the big surprise comes when you descend to the Rudolf Mine – and discover that here, hundreds of meters below ground level, is a fully functioning theme park and recreation area!

Take your pick of activities under the stalactites hanging from the cavern’s roof – there’s ping pong, a basketball court, an auditten-pinor concerts, ten pin bowling… oh, and your standard boating lake (saltwater, of course), and a Ferris wheel. Yes, seriously.

Dumbrava Sibiului Natural Park and the Astra Museum Complex

Just outside Sibiu’s city center, you’ll find a natural park that houses one of the largest outdoor museums in the world and one of the most amazing points of interest in Romania.

The park is a protected area, home to hundreds of flora and fauna species, and the museum complex is located in its forest area – the Dumbrava Forest.

The open-air complex consists of four ethnology and history museums, including the unmissable Museum of Traditional Folk Civilization, which showcases the way of life in different parts of Romania before the industrial era.

From houses and windmills to workshops and fairs, this place makes you feel like you’ve stepped back in time.

Bran Castle

Who hasn’t heard of the infamous Bran Castle ? Often known as ‘Dracula’s Castle,’ it is one of the biggest attractions in Romania. I have to admit that there was something creepy about this place, but I couldn’t leave Romania without visiting it.

When learning about its history, the actual connection between the castle itself, Dracula’s author (Bram Stoker), and his alleged inspiration (Vlad the Impaler) remains unclear, but everybody likes good old European myths and legends , which are the reason why it’s such a popular sight.

Transfagarasan Road

Contributed by Kat from Wandering Bird

If you’re heading to Romania, make sure you add the  T ransfagarasan Road  to your itinerary. This is the road made famous by the car show Top Gear in 2009 – and thousands visit every year to experience it for themselves.

The road winds through the Carpathian mountains and rises to 2042 meters at its highest point- making it the second-highest paved road in Romania.

The entire road is about 90 km long and takes a couple of hours to drive – unless you choose to stop for photos! 

There aren’t many facilities along the way, so be sure to bring some food and drinks with you – a picnic is perfect and a great excuse to enjoy the incredible views.

If you’re not keen on driving in Romania, you can also book a Transfagarasan Road tour .

Sarmizegetusa Regia

Seeing photos of this intriguing place, you’ll probably think you’re looking at ancient ruins in South or Central America, but no – this surprising spot is one of the top sights in Romania!

Sarmizegetusa Regia was the capital of the ancient Dacian Empire, and the elaborate archaeological works that took place here revealed three areas – the fortifications, the sacred zone, and the residential zone.

Just one glance at them explains why this place is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and why you must visit this Romanian hidden gem.

Wooden Churches of Maramureș

The wooden churches of the region of Maramureș totally deserve to be a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Well, only eight out of almost a hundred surviving churches are listed by UNESCO, but they all should be appreciated.

Dating back to the 17th-19th centuries, they were created as a response to the Austrian-Hungarian Empire’s prohibition to build churches with durable materials like stone.

These uniquely beautiful structures will surely make you feel like you’ve been transported to the past, and you can find them in the villages of Barsana, Desesti, Surdesti, Ieud, Budesti, Rogoz, Plopis, and Poienile Izei.

Fortress of Suceava

If there aren’t enough medieval landmarks on this list, I’m adding the Fortress of Suceava, a 14th-century citadel that was built to defend Suceava, the capital city of the former Principality of Moldavia.

Today, it also houses a medieval history museum, including some amazing multimedia exhibits.

Baile Romane (Roman Baths) of Geoagiu-Bai

Do you want to visit a unique archeological site in Romania?

Head to the tiny village of Geoagiu-Bai to see its ancient thermal baths, preserved in almost the same shape as in antiquity. While there, be sure to also visit the Clocota Fall, a thermal waterfall created by 16 natural springs.

Rock Sculpture of Decebalus

If you love hidden gems and quirky places (like I do), this one will knock your socks off.

Imagine this: you’re taking a boat tour on the Danube, enjoying the views, and suddenly, there it is in front of you – a giant face carved in the rock overlooking the river.

So who is so important that people would make such an effort to commemorate him? Meet Decebalus, the last king of the ancient kingdom of Dacia, who fought against the Roman Empire multiple times and is considered a hero in Romania.

How to get there: This landmark is located in the Porțile de Fier Natural Park, where you’ll find many other points of interest and accommodation options.   Not too far from the sculpture (on the road alongside the river), you’ll find quite a few companies that operate boat tours to see it.

Fagaras Fortress

There’s no shortage of beautiful fortresses in Romania, and the Fagaras Fortress has to be one of the best-preserved.

Dating back to the 14th century, it was one of the strongest fortifications in Transylvania, and today, it houses the Fagaras County Museum.

Densus Church

Though you’ve probably never heard of the Densus Church (Biserica Sfântul Nicolae din Densuș), many consider it the oldest church in Romania (and Southeastern Europe!).

The stone structure standing today dates back to the 13th century, but it is believed that it was built on a 4th-century temple, making it a must-see place in Romania for history lovers.

Rupea Citadel

The Rupea Citadel is an extremely important historical landmark.

Not only was the area already inhabited by humans in the era of 5500 BC–3500 BC, but a local legend also says that the citadel is the place where the last Dacian King, Decebalus, took his own life instead of being captured by the Romans.

Today, this hilltop fortress is open to the public and occasionally even hosts different cultural events.

Feldioara Fortress

Built in the 13th century by the Teutonic Knights, this is the oldest fortress in Brasov County.

After a few years of restoration that was meant to preserve its remains and give it the shape and appearance it had in the 17th century, the fortress is now reopened to the public.

Curtea de Argeș Monastery

Located in one of the oldest towns in the region of Wallachia, this 16th-century cathedral is a Byzantine-style masterpiece and the burial place of many Romanian kings and queens.

With legends and myths regarding its construction and unique architectural style, it’s no wonder why it is one of the most famous, most important monasteries in Romania.

Horezu Monastery

Contributed by Stephanie from Sofia Adventures

An often overlooked place to visit in Romania is Horezu Monastery. This UNESCO World Heritage Site is located in southwest Romania in the southern Carpathian Mountains of the Walachia region.

Founded in the 17th century by Prince Constantin Brâncoveanu, it is one of the country’s best examples of the Brancovan style of monastic architecture.

Horezu is still a working monastery. The town is also famous for its Horezu pottery, which makes a great souvenir from Romania to bring home with you.

While there aren’t many tours that run here, you can easily get here by renting a car and driving or by hiring a private driver through a rideshare app. It makes a great  day trip from Bucharest  since getting here takes about three hours each way.

Cantacuzino Castle

There’s always room for one more castle on this Romania bucket list, and the Cantacuzino Castle should have it. This little beauty was built in the 20th century by the order of Prince George Grigore Cantacuzino and is now open to the public.

To tour the castle itself, you’ll need to join a guided tour in Romanian (English tours must be requested in advance), but you can also purchase a ticket to the castle’s park.

It includes access to places like the interior courtyard and hunting tower, and of course, you can also enjoy the castle’s photogenic exteriors.

Rasnov Fortress

Built by knights (how cool is that?), this 13th-century hilltop fortress was also a place of refuge for the local community, though it was abandoned in the 19th century.

Today, it’s restored, and you can visit the citadel’s remains as well as a small museum.

Do you love knight history? You should visit Malta and Portugal !

Merry Cemetery

Visiting a cemetery doesn’t sound particularly tempting, I know. But some cemeteries around the world have legitimately become highly-visited tourist attractions.

In Romania, close to the border with Ukraine, you’ll find the Merry Cemetery (Cimitirul Vesel), known for its colorful tombstones created by the artist Ioan Stan Patras.

It may sound weird to us, but it’s assumed that the unusual vividness of this place comes from the Dacian belief that death is a joyful moment because the soul continues on to find a better life.

Want to see more of Europe’s underrated countries? Here are the best cities to visit in Poland and Hungary !

Best Places to Visit in Romania: Cities, Towns, and Villages

The Romanian capital holds a special place in my heart because that’s where my grandfather was born. I have to admit that I don’t think it’s the highlight of this list, but it’s still worth spending 2 or 3 days in Bucharest .

Planning your itinerary, don’t miss landmarks like the Palace of the Parliament (an architectural masterpiece and the second-largest administrative building in the world after the Pentagon), the Romanian Athenaeum, and the National Museum of Art of Romania.

For something more relaxing, stroll around the old town, grab a drink at a rooftop bar, or wander through beautiful parks like Herăstrău Park and Cișmigiu Park.

There’s plenty more to see and do, including enjoying Bucharest’s nightlife and culinary scenes, so this is just a taste of what this city has to offer.

If it’s not the first post you’re reading here, you probably already know how much I love roaming the streets of beautiful towns, and medieval Sibiu is one of them.

The colorful buildings of the old town (most of which were built by German settlers), the iconic eye-shaped dormers on their roofs (also called the Eyes of Sibiu), the little cozy cafes, and the medieval vibe – doesn’t that sound dreamy?

If you want to go sightseeing in Romania’s cutest town, some of its points of interest include the 14th-century Sibiu Lutheran Cathedral, the Altemberger House (Sibiu History Museum), the Potter’s Tower, and the Brukenthal National Museum (locates in Piata Mare, one of the prettiest European squares ) .

Contributed by Arnav from Eat | Travel | Live | Repeat

Frequently referred to as ‘Little Vienna ‘, Timișoara is known for its secessionist architecture. It is the country’s most cosmopolitan city, as well as the third-largest city and the social and cultural capital of  Romania .

Fun Fact – it was in Timișoara, that the Romanian Revolution of 1989 took birth, which ultimately ended Ceauşescu’s dictatorship, making Timisoara quite an important city in Romania’s history.

When it comes to recommending things to do in Timisoara, the majority of attractions are found in the Old Town.

Iconic sights and attractions in Timisoara such as the Romanian Orthodox Metropolitan Cathedral, Opera House, Strada Alba Iulia (Umbrella Street), the Roman Catholic Cathedral, and Piata Libertatii – all will be covered along if one starts at Piata Victoriei and walks all the way to Piata Unirii.

It’s no wonder why Brasov is considered one of the most beautiful cities in Romania.

With a mix of architectural styles, a well-preserved fortification system, and the fact that it was founded by knights – who can resist such a fascinating place?

Apart from the fortified medieval towers, gates, and bastions, you should also check out Council Square, the Black Church, Rope Street (the narrowest street in Romania), the Beth Israel Synagogue, and the Brasov History Museum.

If you want to visit in winter, the nearby Poiana Brașov is a highly popular ski resort.

If you’re looking for an offbeat weekend getaway in Europe, Craiova can be a great option. It is not a super touristy city, yet it offers enough to fill up a laid-back two-day itinerary.

Its must-see spots are the Madona Dudu Church, the Cosuna Monastery, the Craiova Art Museum, the Oltenia Museum, the Botanical Garden, and the Nicolae Romanescu Park, but you can also take a day trip to the city of Targu Jiu.

Sinaia (Peles Castle)

The town of Sinaia is mostly known for the Peles Castle, an architectural stunner, which was a royal summer residence up until 1947. A few fun facts about it:

• It was the first European castle to have electricity.
• It has 30 bathrooms (because why not?).
• It houses a collection of thousands of pieces like paintings, armors, porcelain, tapestries, and more.

But this little beauty is not the only building worth seeing in Sinaia. Be sure to also check out the Pelisor Castle, the Sinaia Monastery, the Stirbey Castle, the Sinaia Casino, and the St. Elias Church.

If you’re an architecture lover, you’ll be gawking at these buildings for hours.

Another medieval city waiting to be explored by you is Sighisoara. A few fun facts about it:

• The origins of Sighisoara go back to Roman times.
• Thanks to its intact nine-tower citadel, its old town is a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
• It’s the birthplace of Vlad the Impaler (aka the possible inspiration for Dracula).

Apart from the citadel’s towers and Vlad’s birth house, there are plenty of things to see in Sighisoara like the Venetian House, the Stag House, the wooden Scholars’ Stairs, many beautiful churches, and of course – the old town’s enchanting colorful streets.

Cluj-Napoca

Contributed by Cass from Cassie the Hag

Cluj-Napoca is the most populous city in Romania. It has an aesthetic that makes itself known as both a lively, university city and a former medieval old town filled with beautiful historic buildings, including many houses painted in bright colors.

This city has trendy cafes and bars a stone’s throw away from the gothic architecture, which the  Transylvania region , for which Cluj-Napoca is the unofficial capital, is most famous. St Michael’s Church and the Reformed Church are impressive examples.

Alongside a great foodie scene and nightlife, you’ll find plenty of things to do in Cluj-Napoca . There’s a large variety of museums and gardens all being walking distance from each other.

Popular day trips include castle and fortress tours, the Turda Gorge, and the unique underground amusement park at Turda Salt Mine.

Targu Mures

The underrated Targu Mures is one of the best cities to visit in Romania and should not be overlooked.

You’d be surprised to know that almost half of its population is actually Hungarian and that it’s home to some of Romania’s most amazing landmarks.

These include a medieval fortress, the impressive Status Quo Synagogue, churches and museums, and the Culture Palace, a stunning early-20th-century building (that should be seen on the inside as well).

Contributed by Mario from Rest and Recuperation

There is one place that I really loved during my trip to  Romania: Viscri .

This little village in the middle of Transylvania is out of the usual tourist routes because you need to take a long detour from the main attractions (I highly suggest renting a car to get there).

The region is famous for Dracula, of course, but also for its Saxon villages and their stunning fortified medieval churches.

Viscri is probably the most beautiful for its location, lost between fields. The village is very small and there are almost no cars, as most people get around with horse carts.

If you want to see more UNESCO listed fortified churches in Transylvania, head to the villages of Biertan, Calnic, Dârjiu, Prejmer, Saschiz, and Valea Viilor.

Contributed by Anda from  Travel for a while

Alba Iulia is one of the oldest settlements in Transylvania. A Dacic fort existed here even before the Romans conquered the region. During the Roman occupation, they extended the fort to a Roman Castrum and named it Apulum.

Modern Alba Iulia played a major role in the Romanian Union of 1918. The final act of Transylvania’s unification with the rest of Romania happened in Alba Iulia in 1918. You can now visit Union Hall, where the final vote took place.

Other places you need to visit are the 18th-century Alba Carolina Fortress and the Coronation Cathedral, where King Ferdinand and Queen Mary were sworn in as monarchs in 1922.

The star-shaped citadel is also a must-see. It features Baroque gates, museums, bastions, and restaurants (my favorites are the bronze statues). Also, don’t miss the guard-change ceremony at 11:50 AM every day.

Contributed by Kami from My Wanderlust

Located right at the border with Hungary,  Oradea  is like a hidden gem of Romania. The city was founded in the 11th century and for years has been an important center in the region. At some point, Oradea was even a burial place for Hungarian kings!

The biggest development of the city took place in the 18th century, and that’s when most of the buildings you can admire now were built.

Oradea is a great place for fans of art nouveau architecture. You can find many stunning buildings, but the most impressive one is the “Vulturul Negru” Palace (“Black Eagle” Complex) from the beginning of the 20th century with two symmetrical parts and a beautiful passage in the middle.

The whole center of Oradea is such a lovely place and wandering around is pure pleasure.

Contributed by Arabela from The Spicy Travel Girl

The combination of a romantic cityscape full of ancient Roman relics and a beautiful coastline with clear water and a vibrant party scene makes Constanța a perfect Romanian destination for couples,  solo travelers , and families alike.

Enjoy a romantic evening strolling through the old city center and watching the sunset from the minaret of the Carol I Mosque or spend a fun day swimming in the Black Sea and dancing the night away in the Mamaia Beach Promenade.

Besides all that, you can enjoy delicious Romanian cuisine in traditional restaurants, Autoservire canteens, or through inexpensive street food stalls right next to the water.

For history buffs, Constanța not only houses impressive Roman mosaics and other ruins but was also the very place in the Roman Empire where the poet Ovid spent his last days. Doesn’t that make it even more romantic?

Last but not least, Constanța is also a great base to explore other coastal towns and villages in the area like Vama Veche, Mangalia, and Neptun.

Székelyudvarhely (RO: Odorheiul Secuiesc)

Contributed by Helga from  ShegoWandering

Székelyudvarhely is one of the most charming towns at the feet of the mountains of the Eastern Carpathians.

The town is mostly populated by Hungarian Székelys, who have a long history in the area. The town is famous for its charm, great traditional restaurants, and the beautiful nature surrounding it.

While here, you must see the 300+ years old churches, such as the Protestant church on the north side of the town center.

Visit the park of statues on the east side, where you’ll see sculptures of all the famous figures from Hungarian history, as well as the Catholic and Protestant schools which have lovely architecture!

Take a walk in the town center and admire the rose gardens, then, make sure you visit the famous Alexandra pastry shop! It’s the best in the region! Outside the town, visit Szejke, with the must-see 14 gates going up on the hill!

Contributed by Sean from Living Out Lau

One of the most charming features of Romania is its wide stretches of pristine countryside and rustic traditional villages.

Because of the lack of transportation in these areas, most travelers don’t get to see the beauty of these places unless they are going on a  Romania road trip .

One of the most idyllic villages is Rimetea, a small hamlet of about 1000 inhabitants located an hour away from Cluj-Napoca, the unofficial capital city of Transylvania. Because of almost 1000 years of Hungarian rule, most of the villagers are still Hungarian and speak Hungarian.

Strolling on the gravel-stoned roads and exploring the simple way of life is a great experience in Rimetea.

Another popular activity is hiking the Piatra Secuiului – at 480 meters above the town, the views up there are surely breathtaking!

If you’re already road-tripping through the region of Maramureș, add a short stop at Baia Mare to your itinerary.

This city has been an important mining center for thousands of years, and you can visit the Museum of Mineralogy and marvel at its unique mineral collection.

Although Medias is the second-largest city in Sibiu county, it seems a lot more like a medieval village. It’s home to one of the best-preserved historical centers in the country and is such an enchanting place, yet you’re likely to be the only tourist there.

It’s definitely worth dedicating a few hours to explore its old town and see the 15th-century St. Margaret’s Church, as well as the fortified Trumpeters’ Tower.

Best Places in Romania for Nature Lovers

Ceahlău national park.

Contributed by Audrey from That Backpacker

Ceahlău National Park is a hiker’s paradise! Located in Neamt County in Romania’s Eastern Carpathians, this park is bounded by Lake Bicaz to the east and the Bicaz River to the south.

What makes this place a must-visit destination in Romania is its natural beauty. Picture dense forests that offer a cool canopy to hike under, fossil limestone peaks that tower on the horizon, and rolling clouds that play hide-and-seek, surprising you with majestic vistas when they finally blow over.

This group of mountains known as Ceahlău Massif is often nicknamed the Mount Olympus of Romania, and there are ancient legends of Dacian gods that trace their origins thousands of years back to these very mountains.

The two main peaks in the  Ceahlău National Park  are Ocolaşul Mare (1907m) and Toaca (1904m).

For anyone looking to spend the night atop the mountain, there is a hikers’ cabin (Cabana Dochia) and a campsite (Camping Ceahlău). If you’re an outdoor enthusiast, this is a destination you won’t want to miss in Romania!

Piatra Craiului National Park

Contributed by Daniela from Grumpy Camel

Romania’s Carpathian Mountains are possibly Europe’s last true wilderness. The mountain range is home to ancient unspoiled forests, as well as several wildlife species, including brown bears, wolves, and lynx.

If you want to go  hiking in Romania , spend a few days exploring Piatra Craiului National Park in Transylvania.

Forming part of the Southern Carpathians, the park offers several hiking trails through remote mountain villages and deep gorges, with views of sweeping meadows and an impressive limestone ridge that stretches for over 15 miles and rises up to a height of 6560 feet.

The town of Zarnesti is a great base if you want to hike Piatra Craiului. Make sure you hire an experienced guide, as the park is inhabited by brown bears and it’s easy to get disoriented in bad weather.

There are several attractions close by, including Libearty Bear Sanctuary, Bran Castle, and the colorful city of Brasov.

Danube Delta

Danube Delta – Europe’s second-largest river delta, is one of Romania’s hidden gems.

After meandering through 10 countries, the Danube River splits into three main distributaries in the delta, namely Chilia (120 km long), Sulina (64 km long), and Sfântul Gheorghe (70 km long), before emptying into the Black Sea.

Fun Fact – the Danube Delta, which is home to 250+ bird species, is the third-largest biodiversity hotspot in the world and was declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site back in 1991.

I highly recommend you spend 2-3 days in the Danube Delta on your next trip to Romania, visit during the summer months, and go on a bird-watching boat trip.

If you’re looking for accommodations, one of the best places to stay during your  weekend in the Danube Delta  is Green Village Resort – a luxurious Oasis surrounded by nature.

Trovanti Museum Natural Reserve

Romania is home to some pretty curious places, and the Trovanti Museum Natural Reserve (Muzeul Trovanților) is definitely one of them.

Home to unusual geological formations, also known as the “growing stones,” this is where you’ll find rocks that literally get bigger with time. Bizarrely resembling the trolls from Frozen, you don’t want to miss this quirky natural phenomenon.

Sphinx Natural Monument

Situated in the Bucegi Natural Park (and accessed with the Busteni Cable Car), the Sphinx is one of the most unique rock formations in Romania.

You can guess that the name derives from its resemblance to the Great Sphinx of Egypt, though it’s not certain whether it was created naturally or by humans.

Along with the adjacent Babele rock formation, it is one of the Seven Natural Wonders of Romania, and it’s even said that it has “a special mysterious energy.”

Situated in the Făgăraș Mountains, this glacier lake and its surroundings provide some of the most gorgeous natural landscapes in Romania.

You can simply enjoy the views or hike to either Balea Waterfall or Capra Lake. If you also want to wake up to this scenery, book a night at one of the chalets sitting on the lake.

How to get there: I visited it in summer when it was accessible by car. In winter, this area becomes a paradise for skiers, but it is only reachable by cable car or a day tour .

Berca Mud Volcanoes Reserve

Lunar landscapes and bubbling mud volcanoes? Are you sure this is Romania?

Probably one of the most unusual natural phenomena you’ll see in the continent of Europe, it derives from gas erupting through salty mud, creating little volcano-shaped natural structures.

If you’re looking for out-of-this-world scenery and love offbeat gems, this reservation, which is reachable by car, must be on your itinerary.

Tip: Be sure to bring appropriate footwear and avoid visiting on rainy days.

Nerei-BeușNița Ravine National Park

For relatively easy (yet not necessarily short) hikes, add this national park to your bucket list.

Here, you’ll find spectacular waterfalls (like Bigar, Vaioaga, and Beusnita), caves, gorges, and the famous turquoise Devil’s Lake and Ochiul Beiului Lake.

You can check out the full list of hikes on the park’s official website (use Google Translate).

Contributed by Stella Jane from  Around the World in 24 Hours

Tulcea, Romania is one of the best places to visit if you want to truly appreciate Romania’s natural beauty. That’s because Tulcea is the perfect base for exploring the extraordinary Danube Delta.

Several tour companies leave from the Tulcea Harbour and take visitors on either all-day or half-day boat trips around the Danube Delta. This is one of the most biodiverse regions in the entire world, and you can see many different unusual birds and over 1000 plant types here. 

Back in Tulcea, you can also learn more about the Danube Delta by visiting the Danube Delta Eco-Tourism Museum Center, which includes a fascinating aquarium.

By the end of your trip, you’ll be an expert on the Danube Delta. Tulcea is about 5 hours away from Bucharest by either bus or train.

Retezat National Park

With mountainous landscapes dotted with dozens of glacial lakes, the Retezat National Park is an avid hiker’s heaven. It’s also home to thousands of flora and fauna species and is a UNESCO Reserve of the Biosphere.

Some of its most popular hikes are Bucura Lake, Retezat Peak, Peleaga Peak, and Păpușa Peak, but I’d say this is a destination for adventurers rather than newbie hikers, and a trip to this remote area requires careful planning.

Pin these Romanian travel destinations for later using the share icon on the right bottom corner!

About Or Amir

Hey, I'm Or! I'm a passionate traveler with a severe coffee, chocolate, and pastry addiction (or any other carb for that matter). I'm always planning my next trip to Spain, Italy, or any other country in Europe, and my goal is to help you make the most of each destination.

18 thoughts on “50 Best Places to Visit in Romania, Europe’s Underrated Gem”

We spent a week in Romania about 6 years ago. I am itching to go back. It was truly amazing. One thing we did, which I didn’t see mentioned was the “Seven Ladders Canyon”. Anyone with a little adventure would spend a day in the forest to accomplish this task. At the time, we took 21 Zip Lines back down the mountain – it was AMAZING! So memorable. Some day we will return to see this spectacular Country! Thanks for the write-up!

Thanks for the recommendation!

As a local, my top 3 places in Romania are Transylvania, the Carpathian mountains and the Danube’s Delta. And Sibiu is my city of choice since I live there 🙂

I loved Transylvania too 🙂

Ahhh! I made it to a few of these – Brasov, Peles Castle, and Bran Castle, but I want to go to all of them! Romania is definitely way underrated.

Yeah, there’s a lot more to it than the popular touristic spots 🙂

Wow! Romania looks incredible. I’ve been interested in visiting for a while but other than Bucharest I don’t know very much about the country. I’m definitely going to check out some of these places when I eventually get around to planning a trip there in the future though. The national parks in particular look incredible! Thanks for sharing this.

I’m happy this post inspired you, Stuart! I love introducing new places to others, and I hope you get to visit soon!

You shared so many interesting places! I would love to see all those cool and beautiful spots in Romania!

Thanks, Ophelie! TBH, while creating this post, I myself felt the urge to go back to Romania – it’s really beautiful and special!

The most comprehensive Romania bucket list on the internet!

Aww, thank you, Arabela! That was the goal 🙂

I was in Romania just over a year ago a d you brought back some wonderful memories. Loved your photos too. Thanks for the inspiration, Or! 🙂

Always happy to inspire others 🙂 Thanks for reading!

Romania seriously looks like my fairytale dream! Love this comprehensive post – just pinned it for future inspiration!

It’s filled with fairytale places, so it’s the perfect destination for you, Elena 🙂

Amazing guide, love the detail! I visited just before covid and really loved it, esp Peles Castle. But it seems there is so much more to see!

There’s plenty to see 🙂 I feel like even this list might not be long enough 😛

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Hi, I'm Or!

I'm a passionate traveler obsessed with traveling in Europe and discovering hidden gems in each place I visit. For me, it's not about ticking destinations off the bucket list but experiencing each one of them to the fullest. Read more about me and my story.

• 12 Reasons Why You Should...

12 Reasons Why You Should Visit Romania

There comes a time when every seasoned traveller likes to be surprised. With a mix of unique history , spectacular nature, charming medieval cities and castles and surprising architecture, Romania is absolutely worth a visit. Here are our 12 reasons why you should make this beautiful country your next destination.

It’s home to breathtaking nature.

Due to its varied landscape, Romania is the most biogeographically diverse country in the European Union. With snow-capped mountains, green hills covered in forests and vineyards, sandy Black Sea beaches and Europe’s largest and best-preserved delta, Romania has something for everyone.

The wildlife is spectacular

Romania is one of the best places in Europe to go wildlife watching. Home to the largest population of brown bears in the EU, its forests are also a prime habitat for lynx, wolves, deer, chamois, badgers and more. The Danube Delta – the ultimate birdwatcher’s paradise – and the bison reservations are a must-visit for any wildlife lover.

There’s no better way to discover the Carpathian mountains than through hikes . Regardless of whether you choose a beginners’ walk on the saddle of the mountain or an advanced hike, you will enter a wild space so vast that you’ll see nature in a whole new light.

Natural wonders are par for the course

Romania is home to Scărișoara Glacier , Europe’s second biggest underground glacier, the Berca mud volcanoes, Bigăr waterfall , one of the most beautiful waterfalls on the continent, the living fires of Buzău and Turda salt mine , home to the only underground amusement park in the world.

History is everywhere

Romania has been inhabited since prehistoric times – the 34,950-year-old human remains found in Caraș-Severin in 2002 are among the oldest ever found in Europe. In modern times, the country’s history was shaped by major ideologies and conflicts that swept through Europe, leaving behind a unique mix of collective experiences and values.

There’s some seriously stunning architecture

Romania is full of architectural treasures . In particular, Bucharest offers an unusual and sometimes uneasy mix of styles that combines the charming and almost organic shapes of 19th century architecture with the rigid lines of the Stalinist architecture.

The food is mouth-watering

Romanian cuisine is built around hearty, high calorie dishes designed to be the ultimate comfort food. With a strong focus on taste and quality of ingredients, it will win you over with its unfussy, unmistakably homemade feel.

There are thrilling festivals aplenty

Festivals are the liveliest and most exciting side of Romanian culture. From local festivals that gather the whole village in celebration of a local flower or fruit, to electronic music and music festivals and week-long classical music celebrations , Romania will surprise you with the variety of its culture.

The World Heritage Sites are awe-inspiring

Romania is home to no less than eight World Heritage Sites just waiting to be explored: the painted churches of Moldavia, the Dacian fortresses of the Orăştie Mountains, the historic centre of Sighișoara , the Danube Delta, the Primeval Beech Forests of the Carpathians and other regions of Europe (shared), the Monastery of Horezu, the Villages with fortified churches in Transylvania and the Wooden Churches of Maramureș.

Legends and customs are part of everyday life

In Romania, legends and customs are still alive and occupy a significant part of Romanians’ lives, particularly around religious feasts. Nearly everyone will receive caroller at Christmas, paint eggs red and knock them on Easter and smear their door and window sills with garlic on St. Andrew to keep the evil spirits at bay.

Folk culture is still going strong

Romanian folk culture has experienced a revival in recent years and is constantly being rediscovered and reinterpreted by local designers and craftsmen. In particular, the traditional Romanian blouse, ie , is worn by women of all ages and celebrated via an annual festival organised by a local NGO .

It’s good value for money

You will make more of your dollar or euro in Romania, a country constantly rated among the cheapest destinations in Europe – perfect for budget travellers and those wanting to make the most of their time away.

Since you are here, we would like to share our vision for the future of travel - and the direction Culture Trip is moving in.

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Increasingly we believe the world needs more meaningful, real-life connections between curious travellers keen to explore the world in a more responsible way. That is why we have intensively curated a collection of premium small-group trips as an invitation to meet and connect with new, like-minded people for once-in-a-lifetime experiences in three categories: Culture Trips, Rail Trips and Private Trips. Our Trips are suitable for both solo travelers, couples and friends who want to explore the world together.

Culture Trips are deeply immersive 5 to 16 days itineraries, that combine authentic local experiences, exciting activities and 4-5* accommodation to look forward to at the end of each day. Our Rail Trips are our most planet-friendly itineraries that invite you to take the scenic route, relax whilst getting under the skin of a destination. Our Private Trips are fully tailored itineraries, curated by our Travel Experts specifically for you, your friends or your family.

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The best things to see and do in dorobanți, bucharest.

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Stay curious: experience romania from your living room.

Why This Romanian Music Festival Is Holding Concerts in a Landfill

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The Best Hotels to Book in Poiana Brasov, Romania

The Best Spa Hotels and Wellness Retreats in Targu Mures, Romania

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Visit the Fairy Valley Clay Castle Nestled in the Carpathian Mountains

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The 25 Most Beautiful Places to Visit in Romania

Last Modified: April 22, 2024 //  by  Anda //   19 Comments

Located at the crossroads of Central, Eastern Europe and the Balkans, Romania is one of Europe’s most underrated destinations, providing an incredible wealth of unique places to visit. But best of all, Romania is still one of the cheapest countries to visit in Europe , where even high-end restaurants and fancy clubs have fairly low prices compared to Western Europe.

And since the cost of a holiday to Romania is so affordable, why wouldn’t you want to visit this beautiful country? I may be a little biased about Romania because it’s my place of birth. However, the country’s natural beauty cannot be denied. Its wild mountains, dense forests, and pristine landscapes create a perfect setting for the myths and legends that emanate from nearly every region. But I’m not biased when I state that Romania is a very inexpensive country to visit.

Most Unique Places to Visit in Romania

There are many good  reasons to visit Romania and the abundance of unique places in this country is one of them. Therefore, in this article I’ll give you an overview of the most interesting sites to visit there.

Whether it’s the medieval towns, painted monasteries, stunning scenery, or historic castles , one thing is for sure: Romania has plenty of amazing places to capture your heart and imagination.

1. Transfāgārāsan Highway

The Transfāgārāsan Highway is Romania’s most famous mountain road, traversing the Fāgāras Massif in the Carpathian Mountains. The road’s official name is  Drumul National 7C (DN7C). The highway is regarded as one of the most beautiful mountain roads in the world, running through incredibly beautiful places.

The Transfāgārāsan Highway closes during the winter and opens in summer for 5 or 6 months a year, depending on the weather conditions. 

2. Danube Delta

Spreading over 1,500,000 acres, the Danube Delta is Europe’s largest and best preserved deltas. The Delta has three channels:  Chilia, Sulina, and Sfantu Gheorghe . 

The Danube Delta Biosphere Reserve is home to one of the greatest ecosystems in the world. The delta is home to hundreds of species of birds, particularly two species of pelicans, herons, storks, cormorants and terns.

3. Transalpina Road

The Transalpina is Romania’s highest road, crossing the Parâng Mountains and connecting the region of Transylvania) with Oltenia. The 87 mile long road begins at Sāliste (Sibiu county) and ends at Novaci (Gorj country), ranging in elevation from 1,476 feet at Novaci to almost 7,040 feet at Pasul Urdele.

In contrast with the Transfāgārāsan, the Transalpina enjoys a more rugged, unaltered beauty and it’s way less crowded. The Transalpina is open from late May through the end of October (weather permitting).

4. The Sphinx , in the Bucegi Mountains

One of the most interesting places to visit in Romania is the Sphinx – a natural rock formation in the Bucegi Mountains. To reach this place you’ll have to hike at an altitude of 2,216 meters (7,270 ft).

The rock’s shape, which resembles a human face, was the result of hundreds of years of wind and rain erosion. However, from a certain angle, its outline looks a lot like the Great Sphinx of Giza, in Egypt. Hence the name.

According to some theories, the Sphinx was built by the Dacian people as a tribute to Zalmoxis, a deity present in their culture. 

5. Vidraru Dam

About 40 km from Curtea de Arges , between the slopes of Pleasa and Vidraru, you’ll find one of Romania’s most impressive sites: the Vidraru Dam. At the time when it was finished, in 1966, this was the 8th highest dam in Europe.

Lake Vidraru – which was created by the dam – is also very impressive, gathering water from several rivers around. When we lived in Romania , Vidraru Lake was one of our favorite places to visit in summer.

6. Clay Castle of the Valley of Fairies

Tucked away in the mountains of Transylvania, about 40 km away from Sibiu , lies a fairytale castle: Castelul de Lut Valea Zânelor( Clay Castle of the Valley of Fairies.)

This quirky castle (soon-to-be-hotel) was the idea of a couple from Bucharest. They sold their house and hired a team of craftsmen from Maramures to build this place for them.

The structure is entirely made of clay, straw, and sand. The charming towers and undulating roofs look more like a movie set from the “Hobbit,” than a castle in the conventional sense.

The beautiful location and close proximity to the Transfāgārāsan highway, make the Clay Castle a great place to stay when you visit Romania.

7. Painted Monasteries of Bucovina

The Painted Monasteries are the biggest attraction in Bucovina and for sure one of the most visited places in Romania. What makes these monasteries so famous are the colorful exterior frescos depicting various religious scenes.

If you have time, I would suggest taking a dedicated tour of all the painted churches in Bucovina. They are absolutely stunning! But at the minimum, you should visit the monasteries of  Voronet, Moldovita and Sucevita, which are undoubtedly the most beautiful ones.

8. Lacul Rosu

Another unique site to visit in Romania is  Lacul Rosu  (the Red Lake), in the Bicaz-Hāsmas National Park. Its name comes from  Pârâul Rosu  (the Red Creek) which crosses through red layers of iron oxide and hydroxide, giving the lake somewhat of a reddish color.

This natural dam came into existance when one of the massifs near the Bicaz Gorges collapsed due to a big earthquake, and locked the river valley. Before being invaded by water, this area used to be a forest. Therefore, the lake looks like a sunken forest – with broken tree trunks emerging from the water.

9. Ruins of Cârta Monastery

One of the oldest and most beautiful Gothic monuments from Romania is the Cistercian Abbey of Cârța. The monastery only 100 km away from Brasov, so it’s easy to visit on a day trip.

The Mongol invasion of 1241 almost leveled the abbey to the ground. However, it was King Matthias Corvinus who closed it down in 1474, expropriating all its properties. The Abbey of Cârța managed to survive the centuries even if only partially. The largest part that still stands today is the choir, which the Evangelical church uses as their sanctuary. The former space of the nave was transformed into a war cemetery.

10. Wooden Churches of Maramures

The region of Maramures is home to a group of almost one hundred wooden churches. These high timber constructions have characteristic tall, slim bell towers at their western end. Eight of these wooden churches are registered and under UNESCO care and represent remarkable examples of diverse architectural designs.

The tallest of the wooden churches in Maramures is the Sapînta-Peri Monastery. Its tower measures 78 meters in height plus a 7 meter-high cross on the top.

11. Merry Cemetery in Sāpanta

For most people, graveyards are sad and uncomfortable places to visit. However, that’s not the case of the Merry Cemetery in the village of Sapînta. Here the grave markers have a sense of cheerfulness, rather than sadness.

In the Merry Cemetery each tombstone tells the story of the deceased person, the work they did, and how they died. The epitaphs are written under the form of a short poem, using hilarious phrases that are at times irreverent and almost profane! Romanians surely have a good sense of humor!

12. Mocānita Steam Train

Romania is one of the very few places Europe where you can still experience the bygone era of the steam engine locomotives. So if you ever find yourself in the region of Maramures, don’t miss riding the  Mocanita , the nostalgic steam train of yesteryear.

The nostalgic steam locomotive from Viseul de Sus will take you on an incredibly journey along the lush Vaser Valley, one of Romania’s most picturesque areas.

13. Culture Palace in Târgu Mureș

With its shimmering tiled roof, stained glass windows and painted walls, the Palace of Culture in Târgu Mures will surely impress you. The palace was built between 1911 and 1913, in Secessionist style.

One of the rooms that will leave you in awe is the enchanting Hall of Mirrors, named for the Venetian mirrors at each end of it. The hall was once used for balls and fancy receptions.

14. Bran Castle

From its rock foundation near the riverbed, the imposing silhouette of Bran Castle rises majestically above the valley below. This somber yet graceful structure is arguably one of the most popular places to visit in Romania.

For most people,  Bran Castle in Romania will evoke one name only: Dracula, the bloodthirsty character from Transylvania. But whether you believe or not that Dracula resided here, visiting this mysterious place in the heart of Romania is definitely worth it. The castle is only 28 km away from Brasov , so you can easily visit it on a day trip.

15. Peles Castle

Peleș is undoubtedly one of the most beautiful castles in Europe. Located in Sinaia, very close to Bucharest, the Peles was the royal hunting retreat of Carol I of Hohenzollern, King of Romania. 

The construction lasted for over 40 years (1873-1941) and it costed 16,000,000 Romanian lei in gold. In today’s money, that approximately 120 million US dollars.  Peles Castle remained in the royal family possession until 1947, when the communists seized it, forcing King Michael of Romania to abdicate.

16. Biertan Fortified Church

The spiritual and defensive center of each village in Transylvania was a fortified church. This was the place where villagers would retreat with their belongings in case of an attack. There are seven villages with fortified  churches in Romania  on the UNESCO World Heritage site. But perhaps the most imposing one of them is the fortified church of Biertan .

Biertan is located 10 km away from the main road that connects Mediaş to Sighişoara. One interesting building not to miss here is the  Marriage Prison , where couples seeking separation were locked and forced to stay together for six weeks before being granted the divorce.

17. Sibiu Historic Center

Sibiu is one of the most authentic and perfectly preserved medieval towns in Europe. You should plan on spending at least a couple of days here in order to properly explore it. But even if you only decide to visit the city for a few hours, you can still see some of the many attractions in Sibiu ‘s historic center.

There are three major churches, two beautiful squares and many picturesque corners that you shouldn’t miss in the historic center.

18. Bigār Waterfall

Located in the county of Caras-Severin, the Bigār Waterfall is part of the Cheile Nerei-Beusnita National Park. This is one of the most unusual and spectacular waterfalls in the world. The water comes from under a rock that is over 50 meters high and flows over stone covered with moss.

The Bigār Waterfall is gorgeous year-round. However, in winter the water freezes forming long icicles that transform the waterfall into a real palace of ice. The waterfalls is right at the entrance of the national park and is very easy to visit. The access is just a few meters away from the road.

19. Sighisoara Citadel

Somewhere in the middle of Romania, you’ll find a city unlike any other. Built by the Saxons in the 12th century, the citadel of Sighisoara acted as protection against Tatars and other invaders. The fortress was a strong defensive construction, with towers, bastions and guns which you can still see today. 

Once you step through the gates of this charming old town, you’ll be carried back in time. Its old strategic towers, cobbled streets, colorful buildings and ornate churches look like from the pages of story book. Today, Sighisoara is the only inhabited medieval fortress in South-East Europe. 

20. Corvin Castle

One of the places you should definitely visit in Romania is the impressive Corvin Castle, in the heart of Transylvania. The castle was built in the 14th century by John Hunyadi on the site of an old fortress.

The Castle is a medieval architectural gem with pointed turrets, an imposing entrance bridge, scary gargoyles, and beautiful fountains. Despite the ugly industrial area that surrounds it, the Corvin Castle retains its charm and character. In 2003 the castle underwent lots of renovations and is today in a very good shape.

21. Decebal Monument

Did you know there is a Romanian Version of ‘Mount Rushmore’ on the Danube River in Romania? Carved in the rocky bank of the Danube, near the city of Orsova, is the tallest rock sculpture in Europe, the statue of Dacian King Decebal (135 feet tall).

The monument is a homage to the last king of Dacia (today’s Romania) and took 10 years to built. The cost was over one million US dollars!

22. Vama Veche

Romania’s Black Sea coast is one of the country’s most visited places, populated with numerous coastal towns and seaside resorts. But the most unique of them all is Vama Veche, the southernmost town in Romania.

Once a small fishing village on the border with Bulgaria, Vama Veche was not deemed suitable for mass tourism. For this reason, during the communist period the village drew the ‘wild spirits’ who would flock here in search of pristine nature and an authentic village vibe. 

Today the village is no longer as pristine as it used to be when we lived there. Vama Veche has grown now into one of Romania’s most popular beach-party towns, with lots of clubs located right on the beach. Tourists are dancing barefoot on the sand until the sunrise. Both loved and controversial, Vama Veche is undoubtedly Romania’s most colorful place.

23. Palace of Parliament in Bucharest

The gigantic structure of the Palace of Parliament was the brainchild of Romania’s former dictator, Nicolae Ceausescu, who had the ambition to build the largest administrative building in the world. And he succeeded.

For the Romanian people the gigantic structure is just a sad memento to a dictatorial era. Nonetheless, Romania’s Palace of Parliament is an interesting place to visit. According to the Guinness World Records, this is the largest and heaviest building in the world.

24. Bâlea Lake

One of Romania’s amazing natural wonders is Bâlea Lake, a spectacular must-see place on the Tranfāgārāsan Highway. The glacial lake was formed into the rugged stones of the Făgăraș Mountains, at an altitude of 2,034 metres (6,673 feet). 

Bâlea Lake is not only a place to do some sightseeing around. It’s also a great spot for hiking, cycling or even skiing. In fact, two of the Romania’s most difficult hiking trails start at Bâlea Lake. One leads to the Moldoveanu peak at 2,544 meters (8,346 feet) – a nine-hour hike. The second, leads to the peak of Negoiu , at 2,535 meters (8,316 feet) – a five-hour hike.

25. Bears’ Cave

One of the largest a most impressive sites to visit in Romania is the Bears’ Cave, in the Apuseni Mountains. The cave was discovered by accident in 1975, during some mining exploitations. A local miner was the first one to enter the cave. He managed to go through the gallery until the Great Hall of the cavern.

In the following years, the speleologists continued exploring the cave and discovered a large number of bear fossils, which is why they named it Bears’ Cave. But besides bear remains, the cave holds various impressive natural formations, as stalactites and stalagmites. Some of these formations have very interesting shapes, so they received names like: the Enchanted Castle, the Dwarfs House, the Water Lilly Lake, the Old Men’s Council and so on.

Planning a trip to Romania? You may also like these:

• 10 Reasons to Visit Romania Now and Why You Shouldn’t Postpone
• 15 Fun and Interesting Facts About Romania You Probably Didn’t Know
• 15 Churches in Romania That Even Nonbelievers Love!

Anda is an award winning travel writer, avid globetrotter and passionate photographer. She is the voice behind "Travel Notes & Beyond," a collection of stories and travel impressions from her wanderings around the world. When she is not busy writing, traveling, or editing photographs, you can find her hiking in the foothills behind her house together with her husband and their dog.

Reader Interactions

September 30, 2021 at 8:59 am

The Transfāgārāsan Highway truly fascinates me. It is like something straight out of the postcard. I would love to drive here someday. Thank you for the heads up that it’s not open all year round.

September 29, 2021 at 1:51 pm

I traveled in Romania for two weeks and went to some of the places of your wonderful list. Recently I have been researching a kayaking or canoe trip in the Danube Delta, but there are a few more tempting places on your list. The Bigar waterfall looks like straight out of a fairytale.

September 29, 2021 at 2:28 pm

Wow, it seems Romania is not so underrated after all. Glad you liked your trip there.

September 28, 2021 at 5:49 pm

I was in Romania a few years ago, but only for a week, so I haven’t seen many places from your impressive list yet. I am sure that I have to go back there because there are still many attractions to admire. I agree that Transfāgārāsan Highway is amazing. Driving the Transalpina, Romania’s highest road, was thrilling. But on my dream list is still Danube Delta with its hundreds of birds species and wildlife. I would like to see also Clay Castle of the Valley of Fairies. I hope to visit all the fabulous places you recommend.

September 28, 2021 at 6:09 pm

Maybe you’ll return to Romania someday, Agnes. There are indeed many beautiful places to see.

September 28, 2021 at 2:07 pm

Romania has some incredible places to visit, I had a hard time deciding which one I want to see first! I love the monasteries and the castles and the unique waterfall would be amazing to see in person. I always enjoy reading about lesser known places in a country so this list helps me plan a future trip!

September 28, 2021 at 7:58 am

Except for Bran and Peles Castles I have not visited any of these places in Romania. I wish I had known about these places before visiting Romania. All these are stunning and Romania has so much to offer. Would love to go back again and explore more of the country.

September 28, 2021 at 6:10 pm

Happy to hear you loved my country of origin, Raksha.

Pamela Mukherjee

September 27, 2021 at 10:36 pm

I want to visit Romania for a long and it is on my bucket list priority trip for sure. While reading your post I was thinking to visit this place as soon as possible. The Transfāgārāsan Highway looks divine and magical and the bears’ cave is worth visiting. The pictures have justified the post. Hopefully will visit this place soon.

Linda (LD Holland)

September 27, 2021 at 9:09 am

We really did not have Romania on our travel wish list. Your posts have shown me why we need to change that! We would definitely want to rent a car and explore those stunning outdoor spots. And we would not leave without a visit to the Valley of the Fairies and seeing the painted monasteries. We often visit cemeteries on our travels and are fascinated by the history. But the Merry Cemetery would also provide such interesting pieces of art.

September 27, 2021 at 2:35 pm

Absolutely, Linda. Romania deserves much more attention than it gets, which is to the tourists advantage because prices there are very low.

Ambica Gulati

September 27, 2021 at 1:10 am

I know very little of Romania, but i read that old cultural practices are still prevalent. Your guide makes it look simply mindblowing. I would love to see the castles, monasteries, national parks. In fact, it looks like a place where you could just gaze at the landscape and fall in love.

Hope you will, Ambica.

September 26, 2021 at 9:42 am

I very nearly chose to study abroad in Romania, so I adore this post for showing what stunning views there are. The Bigar Waterfall looks like something from another planet, it’s so unique. You are so lucky to be from such a lovely place.

September 26, 2021 at 7:55 pm

I think you’ll have a lot of fun if you end up studying in Romania, Alice. They have good schools there and lots of places to have fun.

September 23, 2021 at 6:20 pm

I spent a wonderful two weeks travelling around Romania a couple of years ago. But I will have to go back because I didn’t get to half the places you suggest in this article. Thank you for sharing. I have saved it for future reference.

September 23, 2021 at 7:03 pm

Thank you, Joanna. Hopefully you’ll return to Romania someday.

September 23, 2021 at 6:51 am

My husband and I have visited Romania on a river cruise, in addition to spending an additional week in Bucharest. It’s a beautiful country filled with charm and mystery. The people are hospitable, welcoming and wonderful! I love Romania.

September 23, 2021 at 11:44 am

Thanks for dropping by, Judie. I’m glad you liked my country of origin. Romanians are indeed very welcoming and hospitable people.

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10 Best Places to Visit in Romania

Located on the Balkan Peninsula, Romania is a country of contrasts. The former Eastern Bloc country has, over the years, belonged to the Romans who gave the country its name, the Hungarians and the Ottomans. It is filled with quaint old towns, mountain resorts that offer great skiing, and a burgeoning art community. It’s most famous citizen, however, may be the vampire Dracula, a fictional character found in Transylvania.

History is something that Romania is definitely not short of. Medieval castles dot the country – notably in Sighişoara, which is filled with historic buildings and Gothic-era, cobblestoned old quarters.

You’ll find even more history in Brașov, where – if you really do want to know where Dracula really lived – you’ll find the 14th-century Bran Castle to learn about more than just legends. And Bucharest? You’ll find yourself charmed by the medieval architecture as much as wowed by the wild buildings of the Communist era. Here’s a look at the best places to visit in Romania:

10. Danube Delta [SEE MAP]

The majority of the Danube Delta, Europe’s second largest river delta, lies in Romania. Originally part of the Black Sea, the Danube Delta is a good place to observe nature.

It is home to many unique species of plants and animals in Europe, as well as contains 23 different ecosystems, including some of the world’s largest wetlands. Previous visitors rave about the spectacular sunsets and highly recommend taking a slow boat ride on the river.

9. Cluj-Napoca [SEE MAP]

Home to the country’s largest university, Cluj-Napoca is considered the unofficial capital of the historical region of Transylvania. The city, which pre-dates the Roman colonization, is one of Romania’s arts and cultural centers. Home to a large Hungarian population, Cluj-Napoca features a statue honoring one Hungarian king.

Built in the 14th century, the Gothic St. Michael’s Church has the tallest church tower in the country. The National Museum of Art, housed in a former palace, has a large collection of work by Romanian artists.

8. Mamaia [SEE MAP]

Located on the Black Sea, Mamaia is Romania’s most popular seaside resort. Mamaia is small, however, situated on a strip of land that is about 8 km (5 miles) long.

It has great white sand beaches, just made for sunning or people-watching. Mamaia has a water park, but activities are limited for small children. Adults, however, might enjoy a few lessons at the wind-surfing academy.

7. Timisoara [SEE MAP]

Located in western Romania, Timisoara is one of the country’s largest cities, dating back to the early 13th century. Once part of the Ottoman Empire, it was the first European city to have electric street lamps. The city has bounced back after sustaining heavy bombing damage from both sides during World War II.

Unlike many European cathedrals, the Timișoara Orthodox Cathedral was only built in the 20th century, but the central, notable for its 11 towers, houses many historic religious objects as well as vintage icon paintings.

6. Bucharest [SEE MAP]

Bucharest is a city that combines the old with the new. Visitors might come across a centuries-old building, a modern high rise, and a Communist-style building all in the same block.

This modernizing European capital boasts the largest Parliament building in the world with 3,100 rooms and 12 stories high. Tours of this impressive building, constructed in 1984, are given frequently throughout the day. Also not to be missed in Bucharest is the old town center with its narrow cobblestone streets and old buildings, including medieval churches.

5. Sinaia [SEE MAP]

Sinaia is a mountain resort town that grew up around a monastery that was named for Mount Sinai. The monastery, which contains a copy of the first Bible printed in Romania, is a popular site today with tourists, who enjoy hiking in the summer and some pretty tremendous downhill skiing in the winter.

King Charles I built his summer home, known as Peles Castle, near here; it also is a popular tourist attraction. The town is noted for having pretty flowers, but visitors who pick them can find themselves in hot water, as this is not allowed.

4. Painted Monasteries [SEE MAP]

Among the most picturesque attractions of Romania are the Painted Monasteries of Bucovina in the northeastern part of the country. Their painted exterior walls are decorated with elaborate 15th and 16th century frescoes featuring portraits of saints and prophets, scenes from the life of Jesus, images of angels and demons, and heaven and hell. The best-preserved are the monasteries in Humor, Moldovita, Patrauti, Probota, Suceava, Sucevita, and Voronet.

3. Brasov [SEE MAP]

Located in central Romania, Brasov boasts everything from dynamic modern city life to old world charm and fascinating scenery. Surrounded by the Carpathian Mountains, the city is considered a mountain resort, with skiing and ice skating facilities.

A top sight is the Black Church, a Gothic cathedral so named because smoke from a huge 17th century fire blackened the stones. Visitors also may want to take a stroll down Rope Street, which is the narrowest street in the country.

2. Sibiu [SEE MAP]

Sibiu, once part of Hungary, dates back to the early 12th century. The city is located in Transylvania, an area that is associated with vampires, including Dracula, but it’s highly unlikely that visitors will run across any in this day and age.

Instead, travelers will find the Grand Square, in use since the 15th century, and Baroque buildings, including Brukenthal Palace, home to one of the oldest museums in the world. Visitors may also want to be on the lookout for remnants of old fortifications used to defend the city hundreds of years ago.

1. Sighisoara [SEE MAP]

Also located in Transylvania, Sighisoara is one of the best places to visit in Romania due to its beautiful preserved walled town. During the 12th century German craftsmen and merchants,

The Transylvanian Saxons, were invited here by the King of Hungary to settle and defend the frontier. They established a thriving trading town here and the citadel visitors see today. It was later extended and enlarged in the 14th century. Every July a Medieval Festival takes place in the old citadel. The landmark of the city is The Clock Tower, a 64 meter (210 foot) high tower build in 1556.

Map of Romania

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Reader interactions.

December 24, 2020 at 7:37 pm

I visit 2 times in Romania it’s so beautiful ?️❤️ country people are very nice and kind . Price of hotel , food and car rental cheap .

April 5, 2018 at 8:59 am

it is very interesting for me to visit Romania. I know this country has its unique culture and history.

June 1, 2017 at 1:20 am

Adderrazak,

Try airport of Sibiu or Cluj Napoca(better connected, but not so nice city) . Don’t miss Brasov, surrounding mountains with winter resorts (+ castle in Sinaia), Sibiu, Sighisoara. Trains are OK, buses OK, but if your budget allows, rent a car. Each destination is doable in 2 days, there are no road tolls and parking is cheap or you can find free.

February 26, 2017 at 8:11 am

I’m thinking of visiting Romania in November. It ‘s my belief that the capital is not the most attractive city to visit. I’d love to visit Sighisoara but that wouldn’t be possible since it doesn’t have an airport. Which airport city is worth visiting in you opnion?

July 27, 2016 at 8:02 am

The description of Cluj-Napoca is a little bit incorrect: The highest church in the country is the Timisoara Orthodox church, which is 83.7 meters high, while the St Michael’s church is 80 meters high.

June 5, 2016 at 4:05 pm

I love my country and i am proud to be native Romanian. We have a very beautifal country, traditional’s culture in different part of country and ppl are kind.

May 30, 2016 at 8:07 am

I don’t know why the Hungarians are mentioned so much in this article. Sure, Transylvania was once part of Hungary, but that doesn’t mean that Romanians alone have no culture of they own. we don’t have a hungarian – ottoman mixed culture. We have our own culture, and it’s so different from that of neighbouring countries.

May 22, 2016 at 12:42 pm

I am Romanian, but I live in California now. However, I go home every summer. I am still amazed how beautiful my motherland is. This summer I’ll come visit with a friend, she’s American, who will see Romania for the first time. I know where to take her, since I have lived there 30 years. Romania needs a lot of rehabilitating, but it is still an underestimated gem in the heart of the Balkans.

January 23, 2016 at 12:27 pm

This is very helpful and I agree to that Romania is beautiful and many people don’t know how the ruins and landscape just takes your breath away!!!

January 13, 2016 at 9:20 am

Unfortunately,most of the old buildings from the cities you mentioned in this report are almost in ruins.Their facades need to be restored ,otherwise in short term they will colapse, endangering the people walking by.I do not know why the local authorities can not find a solution to force the owners of these old building to restore them.The cities would show a different face if these building were rehabilitated.

December 24, 2015 at 12:37 am

Indeed many many people do not even know Romania. A country that is very beautiful in terms of landscapes, culture and much much more.

December 27, 2014 at 4:45 pm

I think many people do not understand how beautiful Romania is in my next trip to Europe i will sure go there.

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20 Beautiful Places to Visit in Romania You Shouldn’t Miss

Snowy mountain peaks , endless forests , rolling hills , fine sandy beaches , the aquatic paradise of the Danube Delta , medieval towns and traditional villages , all these elements make Romania an amazing destination to discover. Known as Dracula’s country, Romania’s tourist potential exceeds by far the stories of ghosts and vampires that made the country famous in the world.

From a cultural point of view, Romania is a unique country , being the only Latin country in Eastern Europe. Looking at the map, we can say that Romania is like an island of Latinity surrounded by a Slavic sea, all its neighbors, except Hungary, being Slavic countries. Thus, Romania is the only predominantly Orthodox Latin country, which is explained by its proximity to Constantinople.

From a culinary point of view, Romania is a unique mix of Ottoman and Central European elements , Romanian food retaining the best of these two cuisines. The best way to describe Romanian cuisine is tasty, simple, and hearty.

While planning your visit to Romania’s breathtaking destinations, it’s crucial to be prepared for any situation. Whether you’re exploring the medieval castles of Transylvania or the vibrant streets of Bucharest, having access to reliable legal services can offer peace of mind in unexpected circumstances, especially if you are a business traveller.

Let’s have a look at the best places to visit in Romania by a local:

20 Best Places to Visit in Romania:

Sibiu is a charming little town in the south of Transylvania. The former capital of culture in 2007, Sibiu is ranked 3 stars by the Michelin guide, which means they highly recommend the city to visit and should definitely belong to your Europe bucket list . It is easy to understand why: the former medieval town preserved most of its historical town: impressive defense walls dating back from the 15th century, elegant baroque buildings, gothic churches.

The charm of Sibiu consists of the 3 adjacent squares, a meeting place, and a promenade for tourists and locals alike. In summer, the festive atmosphere emanates from every corner, with live music sounds, with relaxed people enjoying a drink or dinner in the warm evening air. While in Sibiu , look for your eyes on the roofs. No, no one is spying, but the attic skylights have a sleeping eye shape, which became kind of trademark for the city.

2) Transfagarasan

Transfagarasan is a mountain road that crosses the Carpathian Mountains from north to south, reaching up to 2000 meters in altitude. Crossing the Transfagarasan is the best driving experience, with countless hairpin curves, dangerous ravines just one meter from the edge of the road, jaw-dropping mountain landscapes, with dozens of waterfalls showing at every corner. On Transfagarasan there are great chances to be with head in the clouds, literary. And sometimes above the clouds. The road is closed from November till July, so the road trips planners must take this into consideration. It’s definitely one of the best places to visit in Romania.

3) Danube Delta

Before meeting the sea, the second largest river in Europe, the Danube, divides itself into 3 branches, to form the Danube Delta, a lush universe of marshes, floating reed islands, and sands. The labyrinth of channels bordered by thatch, willows, and oaks trapped in lianas, offers the perfect habitat for a myriad of water birds of all sorts, fish, and mammals.

The delta is the perfect place for wildlife lovers, birdwatchers, fishers, nature photographers, and anyone wanting to isolate in nature, away from civilization, for a few days. The best time to visit Delta is from spring to late autumn, and most of the tours are starting from Tulcea, the place where the Delta begins. One can rent a speed boat for a shorter time and reach the Black Sea in around 6 hours, but we recommend allowing a few days for a complete experience in the Delta. One experience to try in the Delta is the gastronomy, based, of course on fish: there are plenty of dishes to try, from hearty fish soups to fine black caviar.

4) Maramures traditional villages

Maramures is one of the historical regions of Romania which best preserved the rural culture. Located in the northern part of Romania, on the border with Ukraine, in a mountainous area, Maramures can be considered a living museum. The traditional art of wood is representative of Maramures: monumental gates and houses decorated with traditional symbols, wooden churches with towers that rise high in the sky.

Also, Maramures is one of the few areas in Romania where the traditional costume is worn every Sunday or during the holidays. Maramures is famous for horinca, a fruit distilled alcohol that is offered to any visitor, as a sign of hospitality. For the uninitiated, taste it carefully, because it is very strong, having over 50 degrees.

5) The Merry Cemetery

Have you ever imagined something “merry” about a cemetery? In Maramures they did. In Sapanta, in the far north of Romania, death is seen as a normal stage in the cycle of life. The crosses in the local graveyard are painted in vivid colors, predominately blue. The woodcarver, who is also making the crosses is writing the epitaph on the cross in a rather funny manner.

The first crosses of this kind were placed in the cemetery in the 30s, and today, the entire burial ground is populated with more than 800 such crosses. The funeral monuments, carved from oak, are making the cemetery a unique open-air museum and a tourist attraction alike.

6) The Saxon fortified churches

Saxon fortified churches are a unique architectural phenomenon in the world. Churches are like any other church, but what makes them special is the defensive system around them. The church-fortification combination can be found in Transylvania, in the former Saxon villages. Each village (around 300) built such a fortification to provide protection to the local community against the frequent Turkish attacks of the Middle Ages. Initially, churches were built without the protective wall around them, but starting in the 15th century, the community began to add defensive walls, towers, and sometimes even bastions.

Currently, about 100 fortified churches remained in Transylvania, and 7 of them are inscribed on the UNESCO World Heritage List. Our recommendation is to visit at least the fortified churches of Biertan, Prejmer, or Viscri.

7) The Danube Gorges – Iron Gates Natural Park

The Iron Gates is a canyon bordered by the Carpathian Mountains in the north (on the Romanian side) and the Balkan Mountains in the south (on the Serbian side), where the Danube found its way to the Black Sea. The best point to see the keys is the village of Dubova, where, after a 30-minute walk, visitors can enjoy splendid views of the Danube flowing through the narrow canyon. From the nearby ports, one can start small cruises through the gorge, from where the visitors can admire stone-carved inscriptions dating from the Roman period, or visit a few caves, directly accessible from the Danube.

8) Turda Salt Mine

Turda Salt Mine is a former salt mine transformed into a tourist attraction, in Turda, Transylvania, near Cluj-Napoca. Started in antiquity, salt mining ceased in the 30s. In 2008, the cavities from the Austro-Hungarian period were arranged for tourism. After a walk of a few hundred meters through the salt evacuation gallery, the visitor reaches the 2 huge salt caves opened for visit. The deepest one, bell-shaped, has a depth of 112 meters, and at its bottom is a small lake, where tourists can rent boats.

The other mine, 40 meters deep and 80 meters long, in the shape of a trapezoid, is a small amusement park, with a Ferris wheel, mini-golf, ping pong tables, or a mini football field. The visit to the mine is like a journey into the depths of the earth, the visitors being impressed by the salt abyss and the lunar atmosphere of the whole ensemble. It’s certainly one of the best places to visit in Romania.

9) The painted monasteries in Bucovina

Built-in the 15th-16th centuries in Bucovina, the northeastern part of Romania, the painted churches impress their visitors with the exterior murals whose colors have survived the harsh environment for more than 400 years. Both interior and exterior paintings had the role of more easily conveying the stories of the Bible and the values of Orthodoxy to a mostly illiterate population.

A masterpiece of the Byzantine art, several churches have been inscribed on the list of UNESCO monuments: Arbore, Humor, Moldovita, Patrauti, Probota, Sfantul Ioan cel Nou (Suceava), Sucevita and Voronet. The most famous among them in Voronet, with its exterior painting on a blue background that gave the name of a color: “the Voronet blue”. If you need more inspiration, check these interesting places to visit in Bucovina .

10) Timisoara

Timisoara is located in the western part of Romania, close to the border with Hungary and Serbia, just a few hours drive from Budapest or Belgrade. The European Capital of Culture in 2021, Timisoara is the Romanian city with the strongest Viennese look. And there is no wonder, as the historic district abounds in Baroque and Art Nouveau palaces and churches, inspired by Viennese architecture. The connections with Vienna were made after Timisoara was conquered by the Austrian armies from the hands of the Turks in the 18th century. After that victory, the entire region was embedded in the Austrian Empire, and the city was rebuilt from scratch.

While in Timisoara, do not miss a walk through the historic district, visiting the 3 main squares (Union Square, Liberty Square, and Victoriei Square). Also, a good way to explore Timisoara is on board of the small boats from the Bega canal or by the tourist tram.

11) Bran Castle

Bran Castle is perhaps the most famous tourist attraction of Romania, being frequently associated with Dracula’s Castle. It belongs between the 10 most beautiful castles in Romania . The truth is that the castle has little to do with the infamous vampire, but that does not stop hundreds of thousands of tourists from stepping on its doorstep every year. Built-in the 14th century as a border stronghold, the castle changed its role when in 1922 it became the summer residence of Queen Maria of Romania. Oscillating between legend and facts, the castle image swings between the gloomy appearance from the Dracula movies and the romantic aspect that the queen saw when she chose the medieval fort to be her residence.

12) Peles Castle

Peles Castle is the residence of the first king of Romania, Carol I. Built between 1873 and 1914, the castle bears the imprint of the aesthetic style of the king, an art-loving erudite. The architectural style is an eclectic one, the most frequent elements being taken from the German Neo-Renaissance. Upon completion, the castle was one of the most modern buildings in the world, with central heating and ventilation, electricity, elevator, or central vacuum system. Today, visitors can admire the castle interior decorations, king’s weapons, and art collections, public salons, or the royal family’s private spaces, as they looked 100 years ago. Certainly one of the best places to visit in Romania.

13) Corvin Castle

The picture of Corvin Castle should be placed in the dictionary next to the word castle. Because there is no better description of this word than an image with the Castle of Ioan Corvin from Hunedoara. Equally, this castle could have been easily the source of inspiration for Walt Disney cartoons with princes and princesses, due to its fairytale look. At first glance, the castle impresses visitors with its Gothic stone decorations, sharp towers, and the drawbridge, under which a rushing river flows.

The largest Gothic castle in Transylvania, Hunedoara Castle was built in the 15th century by the governor of Transylvania, Ioan (John) Corvin, and was extended by his son, Matias Corvin, the king of Hungary. It is located in Hunedoara, a small industrial town in the southeastern part of Transylvania.

14) Bucharest

The capital of Romania, Bucharest is a good exponent of Romanian culture: an original mix between east and west, between old and new, between communism and capitalism. The most visited area in Bucharest is the old town, rich in Byzantine, neo-Romanian, neo-classical or French-inspired architectural elements from the “la belle epoque” period. Thus, in its heyday in the late 19th century, Bucharest was called “Little Paris”. Unfortunately, the communist period destroyed an important part of the old city and in its place appeared communist buildings of dubious architecture.

The most famous building is the People’s Palace, the second-largest building in the world, after the Pentagon. Reconverted into the Romanian Parliament building, the palace became a tourist attraction, tourists being able to find out the details of the megalomaniacal construction emerging from the madness of the former communist dictator, Nicolae Ceausescu.

For more inspiration, check best things to do in Bucharest .

15) Sighisoara

Sighisoara is a small town in Transylvania, the smallest of the 7 cities built by the Saxons there. Keeping relatively intact its appearance from a few centuries ago, Sighisoara is one of the few medieval cities still inhabited in Europe. Colorful buildings from ancient times, fortified defensive walls, towers and bastions, cobbled streets leading to hidden corners, small squares with beautiful cafes, all these attract thousands of tourists every year.

Above all, Sighisoara is the birthplace of Vlad Tepes, the cruel prince who inspired Bram Stoker in creating the character Dracula. An extra reason to visit Sighisoara for fans of vampire stories. While in Sighisoara, don’t miss visiting the Clock Tower, one of the former defense towers, nowadays a museum. It offers a good insight into the history of Sighisoara and an amazing view from above over the citadel.

Oradea is a city located in western Romania, very close to the border with Hungary. Founded in the 11th century by the holy Hungarian king, Ladislaus I, the city has a rich history, belonging to the Hungarian kingdom, the principality of Transylvania, the Ottoman Empire, the Habsburg Empire (later the Austrian-Hungarian Empire) and Romania. Orbiting for centuries under the influences from Budapest and the Viennese Court, Oradea is called the Art-Nouveau city, displaying the largest collection of buildings built in this style in Romania.

The architectural repertoire is not limited to Art Nouveau, numerous baroque buildings or the Renaissance style fortress are making the city a perfect destination for art and architecture lovers. Crossed by the river Crișul Repede, Oradea is a short distance from one of the most important spas in Romania, Băile Felix.

17) Cluj-Napoca

The largest city in Transylvania, Cluj-Napoca was founded in antiquity by Roman settlers. A multiethnic city, inhabited by an important Hungarian community, Cluj-Napoca is a cosmopolitan city and a large university center. The youthful atmosphere and the constant buzz of the visitors found a perfect setting in the historic district of Cluj, rich in architectural masterpieces from the 18th and 19th centuries. One of the iconic buildings from Cluj, dominating its skyline from the 14th century is the Saint Michael gothic church, erected in the heart of the old town, in Union Square.

Cluj is also the place where the most important dance music festivals are organized annually, UNTOLD festival, for example, becoming a reference among such events in Europe.

If you need more inspiration, check this ultimate guide about Romania .

Another Saxon city in Transylvania, Brasov is located at the foot of the Carpathians, in the southeastern corner of Transylvania. Inheriting a very beautiful historical center, located near Bran Castle and Peles Castle, Brasov is also one of the most attractive tourist cities in Romania. Brasov is also a destination sought by winter sports lovers, just 20 minutes from Brasov being Poiana Brasov, the most important ski resort in Romania.

Brasov boasts the largest Gothic church east of Vienna, the Black Church. Visitors arriving in Brasov can enjoy a special view of the church and the city from Mount Tampa, where they can get by cable car, or on foot, after a hike of about an hour.

19) Magura and Pestera villages

Magura and Pestera are two charming villages located in a mountainous area between Piatra Craiului and Bucegi mountains, very close to Bran Castle. The villages are a perfect destination for of hiking or photography lovers. The country roads of the village allow countless walks, both on foot or by bike, and the ridges of the nearby mountains offer multiple opportunities for passionate or amateur photographers. In these villages, although affected by modernity, one can still see traditional houses covered by shingle, flocks of sheep grazing on nearby pastures, haystacks, or carts pulled by horses.

20) Rosia Montana

Rosia Montana is an ancient gold mining town in the heart of the Apuseni Mountains. Gold mining has existed since antiquity, the underground of the town becoming a labyrinth of hundreds of kilometers of galleries dug in almost 2,000 years. Some of the Roman galleries have been arranged for visitors, tourists being able to discover details about the mining methods from 2 millennia ago. In addition to the history of mining, tourists can go hiking and enjoy the beautiful landscapes of the Apuseni Mountains.

Near Rosia Montana is a massive basalt massif, where nature has carved almost perfect square columns in stone: Detunata.

Map of the best places to visit in Romania

We have prepared a detailed  map of all the best places to visit in Romania   to help you plan your trip out. The map can be exported and uploaded to the mobile map app like Maps.me or Locus maps.

• Check here  all our travel planning maps .

Places to Visit in Romania Video:

Author’s bio:

Places to visit in Romania was written by Florin Ionescu , who is a travel writer and a tour guide for Romania Guided Tours Travel Agency . He is organizing private tours in Romania since 2013 and loves designing custom tours for foreign visitors, focusing on rural culture, local gastronomy and nature.

More tips for your travels:

We have prepared for you this comprehensive list of links, discounts, and resources for travel planning in one place. Bookmark this page and whenever you plan a vacation in the future, just open it and save yourself a lot of time.

1) Where to book accommodation?

• We prefer to find an accommodation using Booking.com .
• It's also worth it to compare with AirBnb .
• Read also our guide - How to search for the best accommodation .

2) How to find cheap flights?

• We recommend searching for flights on Skyscanner .
• Read also our complete guide - How to find cheap flights .

3) How to rent a car?

• We recommend a comparison portal RentalCars.com to compare the best offers of all available rental companies.

Pin Places to Visit in Romania for later or for your friends:

Best places to visit in Romania – FAQ:

Is there a downloadable map of the best places to visit in romania .

Yes, here you can find a  detailed map of the best places to visit in Romania , which you can download to your mobile phone.

How to find accommodation in Romania ?

Accommodation options in Romania are huge. The easiest way is to book hotel or hostel at  Booking.com .

What are the best places to visit in Romania?

There are several places you should not miss. Read here about 20 best places to visit in Romania .

Did this post about the Places to Visit in Romania help you? Share it with your friends! It can help them too!

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Update April 12, 2024

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Travel Advisory July 26, 2023

Romania - level 1: exercise normal precautions.

Reissued with obsolete COVID-19 page links removed .

Exercise normal precautions in Romania.

Read the country information page for additional information on travel to Romania.  

If you decide to travel to Romania:

• Enroll in the  Smart Traveler Enrollment Program  ( STEP ) to receive Alerts and make it easier to locate you in an emergency.
• Follow the Department of State on  Facebook  and  Twitter .
• Review the  Country Security Report  for Romania.
• Visit the CDC page for the latest Travel Health Information related to your travel.
• U.S. citizens who travel abroad should always have a contingency plan for emergency situations. Review the  Traveler’s Checklist .

Embassy Messages

View Alerts and Messages Archive

Quick Facts

Three months beyond departure date.

1 page per stamp.

Not required for stays under 90 days.

Amounts over 10,000 Euros or equivalent must be declared.

Embassies and Consulates

U.S. Embassy Romania

4-6 Liviu Librescu Blvd. District 1 Bucharest, Romania Telephone: (+40) 21 200-3300, (+40) 21 270-6000  Fax: (+40) 21 200-3578 Email:  [email protected]

Destination Description

Learn about the U.S. relationship to countries around the world.

Entry, Exit and Visa Requirements

• You must have a U.S. passport that is valid for at least three months beyond your departure date from Romania . 
• With a valid U.S. passport book, U.S. citizens can stay up to 90 days in the Schengen area for tourism or business during any 180-day period.  You must wait an additional 90 days before applying to re-enter the Schengen area.
• Departing Romania and then attempting to re-enter Romania does not “restart the clock.” U.S. citizens who depart Romania and return after spending less than 90 days in the Schengen will be admitted for the remainder of their 90-day stay. U.S. citizens attempting to re-enter Romania after having already spent 90 days in Romania the Schengen area may be denied re-entry to Romania. 
• U.S. citizens who wish to stay longer than 90 days must obtain an extension (resident permit) from the  Romanian Immigration Inspectorate .  
• U.S. citizens traveling to Romania should also consult the  CDC’s Romania website  for immunization and other health information.
• U.S.-Romanian dual nationals should consult the  Romanian Border Police  website for information on exit requirements. 
• If you have a temporary or permanent Romanian residence permit, be ready to present it upon request from local competent authorities.

Visit the Embassy of ROMANIA website for the most current visa information.

Traveling Through Europe : If you are planning to visit or travel through European countries, you should be familiar with the requirements of the Schengen Agreement. 

• Your passport should be valid for at least three months beyond the period of stay if you plan on transiting a Schengen country review our U.S. Travelers in Europe page .  
• You will need sufficient proof of funds and a return plane ticket .
• For additional information about visas for the Schengen area, see the Schengen Visa page.
• The U.S. Department of State is unaware of any HIV/AIDS entry restrictions for visitors to or foreign residents of Romania.  

Find information on dual nationality , prevention of international child abduction and customs regulations on our websites.

Safety and Security

Terrorism:  Terrorist groups and those inspired by such organizations are intent on attacking U.S. citizens abroad.  Terrorists are increasingly using less sophisticated methods of attack – including knives, firearms, and vehicles – to more effectively target crowds.  Frequently, their aim is unprotected or vulnerable targets, such as:

• High-profile public events (sporting contests, political rallies, demonstrations, holiday events, celebratory gatherings, etc.)
• Hotels, clubs, and restaurants frequented by tourists
• Places of worship
• Shopping malls and markets
• Public transportation systems (including subways, buses, trains, and scheduled commercial flights)  

For more information, see our Terrorism page.

Crime: Reported types of crime include:

• Robbery, pick pocketing, internet scams, and credit card fraud are the most commonly reported crimes. 
• Organized groups of criminals, sometimes including minors, operate in train stations, trains, subways, and busses.
• Money exchange schemes often involve individuals posing as plainclothes policemen who approach you, flash a badge, and ask for your passport and wallet. Insist on the presence of a uniformed police officer and request that any issues be resolved at the police station.
• If traveling on an overnight train, travel with a companion and in the highest class available.
• Do not leave your personal belongings unattended; stow them securely out of sight.
• Use ATMs located inside banks. You should check ATM machines for any evidence of tampering before use.
• Be extra cautious of your surroundings if using an internet café.

Be cautious about entering into contracts with Romanian businesses and/or organizations without legal assistance. The Romanian legal system is difficult for foreigners to navigate, making the assistance of a  local attorney  nearly essential.

International Financial Scams:  See the  Department of State  and the  FBI   pages for information.

Internet romance and financial scams are prevalent in Romania. Scams are often initiated through Internet postings/profiles or by unsolicited emails and letters. Scammers almost always pose as U.S. citizens who have no one else to turn to for help. Common scams include:  

• Romance/Online dating 
• Money transfers 
• Grandparent/Relative targeting 
• Lotteries 
• Bank overpayments 

Victims of Crime: U.S. citizen victims of crime are encouraged to contact the U.S. Embassy for assistance. Report crimes to the local police at 112 and contact the embassy at (+40) 21 270-6000. Remember that local authorities are responsible for investigating and prosecuting crime.

See our webpage on help for U.S. victims of crime overseas .

We can: 

• Help you find medical care
• Assist you in reporting a crime to the police 
• Contact relatives or friends with your written consent 
• Provide information regarding the victim’s role during the local investigation and following its conclusion 
• Provide a list of local attorneys
• Provide our information on  victim’s compensation programs in the U.S.
• Provide an emergency loan for repatriation to the United States and/or limited medical support in cases of destitution
• Help you find accommodation and arrange flights home
• Replace a stolen or lost passport 

Domestic Violence:  U.S. citizen victims of domestic violence are encouraged to contact the Embassy for assistance.

Tourism: The tourism industry is generally regulated and rules [with regards to best practices and safety inspections] are regularly enforced.  Hazardous areas/activities are identified with appropriate signage and professional staff is typically on hand in support of organized activities.  In the event of an injury, appropriate medical treatment is widely available throughout the country.  Outside of a major metropolitan center, it may take more time for first responders and medical professionals to stabilize a patient and provide life-saving assistance.  U.S. citizens are encouraged to purchase medical evacuation insurance .  

• Romania is situated in a seismically active region and has a history of devastating earthquakes, with the greatest risk in Bucharest.
• Avoid contact with stray dogs. You may consult the CDC's Romania website  for rabies immunization and other health information.

Local Laws & Special Circumstances

Criminal Penalties: You are subject to local laws.  If you violate local laws, even unknowingly, you may be expelled, arrested, or imprisoned.  Individuals establishing a business or practicing a profession that requires additional permits or licensing should seek information from the competent local authorities, prior to practicing or operating a business.

Be aware that recreational drug possession is not allowed in Romania, regardless of type or quantity. The penalty for possession of drugs for personal use can be imprisonment of up to three years.

Romania has strict regulations on importing/exporting firearms, other weapons, drugs, antiquities, local currency and gold or gold jewelry. Contact the Romanian Customs Office  for specific information regarding customs requirements.

Furthermore, some laws are also prosecutable in the United States, regardless of local law.  For examples, see our website on crimes against minors abroad and the Department of Justice website.

Arrest Notification:  If you are arrested or detained, ask police or prison officials to notify the U.S. Embassy immediately.  See our webpage for further information.

Counterfeit and Pirated Goods: Although counterfeit and pirated goods are prevalent in many countries, they may still be illegal according to local laws. You may also pay fines or have to give them up if you bring them back to the United States. See the U.S. Department of Justice website for more information.

Faith-Based Travelers:  See the following webpages for details:

• Faith-Based Travel Information
• International Religious Freedom Report – see country reports
• Human Rights Report – see country reports
• Hajj Fact Sheet for Travelers
• Best Practices for Volunteering Abroad  

LGBTQI+ Travelers:  There are no legal restrictions on same-sex sexual relations or the organization of LGBTQI+ events in Romania. The annual gay pride parades in Bucharest have been the scene of violent protests in past years, though this has been less common recently. 

See our LGBTQI+ Travel Information page and section 6 of our Human Rights report for further details.

Travelers with Disabilities:   The law in Romania prohibits discrimination against persons with physical, sensory, intellectual or mental disabilities, and the law is enforced.  Social acceptance of persons with disabilities in public is not as prevalent as in the United States.  The most common types of accessibility may include accessible facilities, information, and communication/access to services/ease of movement or access.  Expect accessibility to be limited in public transportation, lodging, communication/information, and general infrastructure. There is a significant difference between the large cities and the rest of the country.

Availability of rental, repair, replacement parts for aids/equipment/devices, or service providers, such as sign language interpreters or personal assistants is very limited. Contact the Embassy for information on providers.

Students:   See our Students Abroad page and FBI travel tips .

Women Travelers:   See our travel tips for Women Travelers .

Medical care in Romania is generally not up to Western standards, and basic medical supplies are limited, especially outside major cities. Some medical providers that meet Western quality standards are available in Bucharest and other cities but can be difficult to identify and locate.

Hospitals and doctors often require payment “up front” prior to service or admission. Credit card payment is not always available.  Most hospitals and medical professionals require cash payment. Travelers seeking medical treatment should therefore choose their provider carefully.

Psychological and psychiatric services are limited outside of the larger cities, with hospital-based care only available through government institutions. 

Most prescription drugs and over-the-counter medications are available in Romania but are often sold under different names. A list of approved medicines available in Romania can be found on the website of the Romanian National Agency for Medicines and Medical Devices .

Ambulance services are not present throughout the country and are unreliable in some areas except in or around major cities.

We do not pay medical bills.  Be aware that U.S. Medicare/Medicaid does not apply overseas.  Most hospitals and doctors overseas do not accept U.S. health insurance.

Medical Insurance:  Make sure your health insurance plan provides coverage overseas.  Most care providers overseas only accept cash payments.  See our webpage for more information on insurance coverage.  Visit the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention for more information on type of insurance you should consider before you travel overseas.

We strongly recommend supplemental insurance to cover medical evacuation.

Always carry your prescription medication in original packaging, along with your doctor’s prescription. Check with the  Romanian National Agency for Medicines and Medical Devices  to ensure the medication is legal in Romania.

Vaccinations:  Be up-to-date on all vaccinations recommended by the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

Further health information:

• World Health Organization
• U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC)

Air Quality: Air pollution is a significant problem in several major cities in Romania.  Consider the impact seasonal smog and heavy particulate pollution may have on you and consult your doctor before traveling if necessary. Visit AirNow Department of State for information on air quality at U.S. Embassies and Consulates.

The U.S. Embassy maintains a list of doctors and hospitals . We do not endorse or recommend any specific medical provider or clinic.

Travel and Transportation

Road Conditions and Safety: Though Romanian traffic laws are very strict, road accidents are a real threat in Romania. According to the European Commission, Romania has the highest per-vehicle rate of road fatalities of any country in the EU.

While major streets in larger cities and major inter-city roads are generally in fair to good condition, many secondary roads are poor quality unpaved, poorly lit, narrow, and lacking marked lanes.

• Mountain roads are dangerous when wet or covered with snow or ice. Snow removal is intermittent.
• Mountainous areas can be subject to torrential rains and flash floods, especially in the spring and summer.
• Streets and sidewalks are often icy and hazardous during winter.
• It is common for pedestrians, animals, cyclists, and horse-drawn carts to share a road with motor vehicles, especially in rural areas.
• Parked vehicles often block sidewalks, forcing pedestrians to walk in the streets.
• Cross only at crosswalks and exercise vigilance as crosswalks are generally poorly marked.
• Although emergency services and road assistance services exist, it is advisable to carry spare tires, fuel and tools. The law requires motorists to carry a first aid kit, fire extinguisher and reflective triangles. This obligation has been eliminated for motorcycles and mopeds.

Traffic Laws: Romanian traffic laws are very strict.

• The traffic police can confiscate a driver's license or permit for 1-3 months and request payment of fines at the time of the infraction.
• Police are required to give all drivers involved in an accident a breathalyzer test on the scene.
• Refusal to take a breathalyzer test may result in criminal penalties regardless of whether or not alcohol was involved.
• Wearing a seat belt is mandatory.
• Children under 12 years of age may not be transported in the front seat.
• Use of mobile phones while driving is banned, with exception of hands free systems.
• The driver of a vehicle involved in an accident resulting in death or injury of a person must immediately call the emergency number 112, and must not move the vehicle, alter or leave the scene of the accident.
• In the case of an accident that only caused damage to the vehicles, drivers must move the vehicles to the side of the road, signaling their presence, and report the accident to the police or exchange insurance information and fill out an amicable accident report.

Use of U.S. state issued drivers’ licenses (DL) is not sufficient to operate motor vehicles in Romania.  U.S. citizens arriving in Romania for stays up to 90 days may use their U.S. state drivers’ licenses only when accompanied by an International Driving Permit . Most rental car companies require international driving permits when renting a car to a U.S. driver’s license holder.

For current traffic regulations and speed limits in Romania please visit the website of the  Romanian Ministry of Foreign Affairs .

If entering Romania by vehicle you must purchase a road tax badge, “rovinieta”, at the border crossing point. Proof of insurance and a car registration document are required. Drivers of vehicles registered abroad who are not in possession of a valid international insurance document must buy short-term insurance at the border.

Public Transportation:   Public transportation in Romania is inexpensive and reliable. Inner city travel options include a variety of buses, trams, trolleybuses, and “maxitaxis” (private vans operating as shared taxis).

• You can purchase bus or tram tickets at street kiosks before boarding and validate the ticket once aboard.
• For “maxitaxis” you may buy a ticket directly from the driver.

For additional travel information

• Enroll in the  Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP)  to receive security messages and make it easier to locate you in an emergency.
• Call us in Washington, D.C. at 1-888-407-4747 (toll-free in the United States and Canada) or 1-202-501-4444 (from all other countries) from 8:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m., Eastern Standard Time, Monday through Friday (except U.S. federal holidays).
• See the  State Department’s travel website  for the  Worldwide Caution  and  Travel Advisories .
• Follow us on  Twitter  and  Facebook .
• See  traveling safely abroad  for useful travel tips.

Romania was cited in the State Department’s 2022 Annual Report to Congress on International Child Abduction for demonstrating a pattern of non-compliance with respect to international parental child abduction. Review information about International Parental Child Abduction in  Romania . For additional IPCA-related information, please see the  International Child Abduction Prevention and Return Act ( ICAPRA )  report.

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Romania Entry Requirements

Trip planner.

• Entry Requirements

• Travel Documents / Entry Visa Documents for admission into Romania Romanian Entry Visa Schengen Visas
• Travel with Pets Pet Entry Requirements Pet transportation / Travel with pets in Romania trains, bus, subway.

Driving in Romania

Travel documents.

A valid passport is required for all overseas/ non-EU visitors. Your passport must be valid for the entire duration of your visit (it will not expire sooner than your intended date of departure). However, please check the expiration date on your passport carefully before traveling to Europe. Some airlines (i.e. Lufthansa) may refuse boarding at your point of origin or while transferring planes if your passport is not valid for at least three months beyond your intended date of departure; or your entry into the Schengen Area could be denied. For this reason, the U.S. Department of State – Bureau of Consular Affairs recommends that your passport has at least six months' validity remaining whenever you travel abroad.

For stays longer than 90 days visitors need to need to apply for a temporary residence permit (either before arriving into Romania or at least 30 days before the 90-day "no visa" stay expires). To apply for an extended stay visa please visit eVisa.MAE.ro Additional information are available from any Romanian Immigration Office

Citizens of the European Union countries can enter Romania with a valid passport or with their National Identity Card.

Depending on your citizenship, you may be required to show different documents at the port-of-entry.

American and Canadian citizens as well as citizens of Australia, New Zealand and most European countries do not need an entry visa to visit Romania, providing duration of stay is not more than 90 (ninety) days, accumulated during a single visit - or multiple visits - within a six-month period.

Citizens of certain countries and territories need a visa to visit Romania. To quickly check if you need a visa please visit www.E-Visa.MAE.ro (select the "Get Informed" tab (up left) and enter the following information: passport issuing country, type of passport, purpose of your visit to Romania). Entry requirements and visa information are also available at www.mae.ro .

Please send all inquiries regarding visa and entry requirements to the nearest Consulate of Romania . RomaniaTourism has no authority or expertise to answer questions regarding travel documents or visa.

» List of countries whose nationals, bearer of a regular passport, are exempt from the requirement of a Romanian visa.

» List of countries whose nationals, bearer of diplomatic, service, official passport and seamen's books, are exempt from the requirement of a Romanian visa.

» List of countries whose nationals, holders of regular passport, need a visa to enter Romania.

Schengen Visas validity in Romania

Romania partially joined Schengen area of free movement opening up travel by air and sea without border checks. Border checks will continue to apply for those travelling by land between either Bulgaria or Romania and other Schengen area countries. Effective April 1 2024, the Consulates of Romania issue standard short-term Schengen C visas, as per recent EU directives.   Schengen Visa holders do not need to get a (special) Romanian visa to visit Romania as long as number of entries and/ or length of stay has not been not exhausted. More info concerning Romania visa requirements / Schengen visa. The Schengen visa zone includes 25 EU member countries along with four non-EU states: Iceland, Liechtenstein, Norway, and Switzerland.

No immunizations or unusual health precautions are necessary or required. Romania has no infectious risks and there are no poisonous insects. There is no malaria in Romania. During the summer months mosquitoes are present in the Danube Delta and some low-lying regions. For your comfort take some mosquito repellent with you, if visiting Romania during the warm season.

Tap water is safe to drink; if you prefer, bottled water is inexpensive and widely available. Romania is home to more that 1/3 of the natural mineral springs in Europe. Some Romanian bottled waters are rated the best in the world for purity and taste and are exported to many foreign countries.

Naturally, we hope that you will never need to use any medical facilities. However, Romanian doctors are known for their high standard of medical education. The embassy of your country, to Romania, can probably provide a list of preferred physicians or medical facilities.

Travel with Pets in Romania

Leisure travelers or soon-to-be expatriates (departing from non-EU countries) generally fall within the EU regulations for non-commercial pet travel to Europe. The following EU regulations apply only to dogs, cats or ferrets. Please contact your Embassy/ Consulate (or the embassy of destination country) to determine what (if any) protocol to follow for other types of pets.

Documents needed to take your pet into Romania include:

1. Proof of rabies vaccinations - Rabbies Certificate (Your veterinarian issued documentation that proves rabies vaccination and disproves the existence of rabies in your pet, specifying that this documentation is certified for your travel to the EU). Your pet may not travel to Europe until at least 21 days after the primary rabies vaccine.

2. Pet's Health Certificate The health certificate must prove that your pet has had all its shots and is healthy enough to travel. Although this certificate is technically valid for 4 months, it is recommended to be completed and endorsed by the USDA within 10 days of travel to avoid any customs issues upon arrival. The results of a serological test and the pet's vaccination details must be attached to the health certificate. Obtain this documentation within 10 days of travel. For travel to Europe, an additional single-sheet EU Vet Health Certificate form must be filled out and certified by your vet.

3. Microchip Implantation Record Microchips provide electronic identification on your pet. If your pet doesn't already have a microchip you can easily get one. All original documentation must travel with your pet. Translation of documents is not needed if they are in English, French or German.

More info concerning pet movement from non-EU countries Romania Pet Travel check list

Dogs: must be kept in leash and wear a muzzle. Small pets and birds: must be kept in a cage at all times. Some municipalities might have additional regulations regarding travel with pets in city buses or trams. A small number of cities in Romania do not allow pets on board of their public transportation fleet.

Dogs: must be kept in leash and wear a muzzle at all times. Small pets and birds: must be kept in a cage at all times.

Dogs are allowed in second-class cars only; they must stay on the floor, in leash, and wear a muzzle at all times. If a passenger is allergic to pet-hair or is not comfortable in the presence of a dog, the owner of the dog must find a seat / place in another car. Dog's health certificate must be available for inspection by the train conductor.

A ticket is required for all (larger) dogs that do not travel in a pet-cage hold in the lap of the owner. The cost of a train ticket for a dog is 50% of the price of a ticket for an adult traveler.

Dog breeds with aggressive tendencies/ history (Pittbull, Boerboer, Bandogge) are not allowed on trains.

Each bus company has its own rules regarding pet travel / transportation.

Each airline has its own rules regarding pet travel / transportation. An international pet passport is required for pets traveling to EU / Schengen countries. Although there are uniform regulation within the EU, some European countries have additional own regulations regarding pets.

Romanians love pets; please don't be surprised or offended if someone you don't know tries to pet your dog or cat without asking permission.

Each hotel or restaurant has its own pet policy.

In general pets are allowed in hotels and restaurants. Many hotels will charge extra the guests bringing their pets.

Romania Customs Regulations

Romanian Customs regulations are in line with those of most European countries. A traveler can enter and leave Romania with up to 10,000 Euros (or equivalent) in cash or traveler's checks. Amounts over 10,000 Euros have to be declared when entering the country.

Items that must be declared at customs also include: art objects, historic artifacts, weapons, ammunition, explosive materials, toxic and hazadous substances.

- Tobacco: 40 cigarettes or 50 cigars or 250 g (100 oz) tobacco. - Liquor: 4 litres of still wine and 16 litres of beer or 2 litres of alcoholic drinks less than 45 proof or one litre of liquor stonger than 45 proof. (one litre = 33.8 fl. oz). - A reasonable quantity of gifts with a total value of up to $450. - Goods and medical products/ medicines for personal use. Customs officers do not usually check the luggage of individual travelers or tour groups. However, you must know that, as in any other country, custom officers have the authority to check passports and to conduct enforcement examinations without a warrant, ranging from a single luggage examination to a personal search. More information on European customs regulations

U.S. / Canadian / Australian / New Zealand / European drivers' licenses are valid and can be used for driving in Romania, by visitors who are in the country temporarily (less than 90 days).

Driving is on the right side of the road.

Independent travelers entering Romania by car (own or rental) need to obtain a road toll sticker, called "RoVinieta". RoVigneta is available on-line at Roviniete , and E_Rovinieta , as well as at border-crossing points, postal offices and most gas stations. Cost of RoVinieta for passenger cars is the Romanian currency equivalent of $3.50 (7 days) or $8.00 (30 days).

Romania Rules of the Road are available at RomaniaTourism Practical Information section

General emergency phone # : 112

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5 Cheapest European Countries to Visit in 2024

Published on april 26, 2024 at 6:13 pm by talha zubair in news.

This article looks at the cheapest European countries to visit in 2024. If you wish to view our detailed analysis of Tourism in Europe and ways to budget your vacation, you may check out 15 Cheapest European Countries to Visit in 2024 .

5. Bulgaria

Cheapest Return Ticket: $1112

Average expense during stay: $972

Total cost: $2084

Not only is Bulgaria one of the cheapest European countries to visit in 2024 , but it is also one of the most welcoming. The capital city of Sofia offers many free tours to acquaint travelers with its cultural identity. Between temples, mosques, monasteries, churches, and cathedrals, there are plenty of exquisite sites to explore in this city.

Cheapest Return Ticket: $859

Average expense during stay: $1169

Total cost: $2028

There is an abundance of attractions in Romania, meaning that a week might not be enough to traverse the beauty of this historically diverse country. However, as far as budget trips go, there are very few as exciting as Romania. The intriguing landscapes of Transylvania, the cathedrals of Bucharest, and the bustling Old Town are each some of the most incredible destinations in Europe you can explore.

Cheapest Return Ticket: $824

Average expense during stay: $1108

Total cost: $1932

Each destination in Albania offers a different proposition altogether. The capital city of Tirana offers a vibrant culture and nightlife, while the city of Berat provides a glance into 2000 years of the region’s history, and who could resist the Albanian Riviera which is home to emerald beaches along the coast of the Ionian Sea.

Cheapest Return Ticket: $873

Average expense during stay: $909

Total cost: $1782

Poland is one of the cheapest European countries to visit in 2024 and its capital Warsaw features a glimpse into the vindictiveness of the Nazi forces during World War II. Tourists can also visit Auschwitz-Birkenau, an aide-memoire to the sacrifices which this country was built on.

Cheapest Return Ticket: $1220

Average expense during stay: $555

Total cost: $1775

The primary attraction of Serbia is its picturesque mountains. However, the country’s capital Belgrade is also home to a wealth of attractions including the Kalemegdan Fortress and the Nikola Tesla Museum, a perfect coup d’oeil into the life and achievements of one of humanity’s most prodigious minds. Serbia tops our list of cheapest European countries to visit in 2024 , with a meager cost of just $1,775.

Insider Monkey focuses on uncovering the best investment ideas of hedge funds and insiders. Please subscribe to our free daily newsletter to get the latest investment ideas from hedge funds’ investor letters by entering your email address below. You can also take a peek at  20 Most Underrated Travel Destinations in Asia  and  15 Best Places To Retire In Arkansas .

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AI Fire Sale: Insider Monkey’s #1 AI Stock Pick Is On A Steep Discount

Published on april 11, 2024 at by inan dogan, phd.

Artificial intelligence is the greatest investment opportunity of our lifetime. The time to invest in groundbreaking AI is now, and this stock is a steal!

The whispers are turning into roars.

Artificial intelligence isn’t science fiction anymore.

It’s the revolution reshaping every industry on the planet.

From driverless cars to medical breakthroughs, AI is on the cusp of a global explosion, and savvy investors stand to reap the rewards.

Here’s why this is the prime moment to jump on the AI bandwagon:

Exponential Growth on the Horizon: Forget linear growth – AI is poised for a hockey stick trajectory.

Imagine every sector, from healthcare to finance, infused with superhuman intelligence.

We’re talking disease prediction, hyper-personalized marketing, and automated logistics that streamline everything.

This isn’t a maybe – it’s an inevitability.

Early investors will be the ones positioned to ride the wave of this technological tsunami.

Ground Floor Opportunity: Remember the early days of the internet?

Those who saw the potential of tech giants back then are sitting pretty today.

AI is at a similar inflection point.

We’re not talking about established players – we’re talking about nimble startups with groundbreaking ideas and the potential to become the next Google or Amazon.

This is your chance to get in before the rockets take off!

Disruption is the New Name of the Game: Let’s face it, complacency breeds stagnation.

AI is the ultimate disruptor, and it’s shaking the foundations of traditional industries.

The companies that embrace AI will thrive, while the dinosaurs clinging to outdated methods will be left in the dust.

As an investor, you want to be on the side of the winners, and AI is the winning ticket.

The Talent Pool is Overflowing: The world’s brightest minds are flocking to AI.

From computer scientists to mathematicians, the next generation of innovators is pouring its energy into this field.

This influx of talent guarantees a constant stream of groundbreaking ideas and rapid advancements.

By investing in AI, you’re essentially backing the future.

The future is powered by artificial intelligence, and the time to invest is NOW.

Don’t be a spectator in this technological revolution.

Dive into the AI gold rush and watch your portfolio soar alongside the brightest minds of our generation.

This isn’t just about making money – it’s about being part of the future.

So, buckle up and get ready for the ride of your investment life!

Act Now and Unlock a Potential 10,000% Return: This AI Stock is a Diamond in the Rough (But Our Help is Key!)

The AI revolution is upon us, and savvy investors stand to make a fortune.

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Imagine an AI company so groundbreaking, so far ahead of the curve, that even if its stock price quadrupled today , it would still be considered ridiculously cheap.

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Our research team has identified a hidden gem – an AI company with cutting-edge technology, massive potential, and a current stock price that screams opportunity.

This company boasts the most advanced technology in the AI sector, putting them leagues ahead of competitors.

It’s like having a race car on a go-kart track.

They have a strong possibility of cornering entire markets, becoming the undisputed leader in their field.

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50-year Wall Street Insider Names #1 stock for AI “Tidal Wave”

Published on april 1, 2024 at by insider monkey staff.

Should I put my money in Artificial Intelligence?

Here to answer that for us… and give away his No. 1 free AI recommendation… is 50-year Wall Street titan, Marc Chaikin.

Marc’s been a trader, stockbroker, and analyst. He was the head of the options department at a major brokerage firm and is a sought-after expert for CNBC, Fox Business, Barron’s, and Yahoo! Finance…

But what Marc’s most known for is his award-winning stock-rating system. Which determines whether a stock could shoot sky-high in the next three to six months… or come crashing down.

That’s why Marc’s work appears in every Bloomberg and Reuters terminal on the planet…

And is still used by hundreds of banks, hedge funds, and brokerages to track the billions of dollars flowing in and out of stocks each day.

He’s used this system to survive nine bear markets… create three new indices for the Nasdaq… and even predict the brutal bear market of 2022, 90 days in advance.

So you can see why CNBC’s Jim Cramer has said he’s learned to never bet against Marc.

Click to continue reading…

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What does EU visa relaxation for Saudi, Bahraini, Omani citizens mean?

This week, the European Union (EU) announced a relaxation of Schengen visa rules for the citizens of Bahrain, Oman and Saudi Arabia , making it much easier for nationals of the Gulf countries to visit Europe. 

Background: At the EU- Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) High Level Forum on Regional Security and Cooperation in Luxembourg on Monday, the European Commission adopted three implementing decisions to update the Schengen rules for issuing multiday visas for the three Gulf states. Saudi Foreign Minister Prince Faisal bin Farhan Al Saud headed a delegation from the kingdom in the European country, which also included Ambassador to the EU Haifa Al-Jedea and the Foreign Ministry’s adviser, Manal Radwan.

Announcing the visa rule change during the opening session of the forum, the EU foreign policy chief Josep Borrell said, “I welcome a decision adopted by the European Commission this morning to harmonize the rules for granting multiple-entry visas for the citizens of the GCC countries.”

The GCC includes Saudi Arabia, United Arab Emirates, Qatar, Kuwait, Bahrain and Oman.

At the forum, officials discussed security and strategic cooperation between the GCC and the EU, as well as the conflict in the Gaza Strip and the wider region. 

What are the new visa rules? 

Under the new rules, Bahraini, Omani and Saudi Arabian nationals will be eligible for multiple-entry visas, allowing them to visit the Schengen area (the EU’s 27 member states as well as Bulgaria and Romania) and move freely between them. The area expanded in February 2022 to include the two non-EU states, removing all air and maritime border controls. A decision on whether to remove land border controls will be made at a later date. 

Those who have the visa will be able to visit Schengen area countries multiple times over five years with the same visa. The visa will also apply to first-time travelers to Europe from the three Middle Eastern countries.

Holders of the visas will enjoy the same travel rights as visa-free nationals. 

Other members of the GCC, including the United Arab Emirates, Kuwait and Qatar, have different rules regarding getting a Schengen visa. UAE citizens do not need a visa to travel to the Schengen area, but Qataris must apply for one. 

In 2022, the EU said it planned to offer visa-free travel to Kuwait and Qatari nationals. A new visa “cascade scheme” was unveiled for Kuwaitis last September, allowing for all eligible applicants, including those travelling for the first time, to obtain five-year permits.

Know more: The move by the EU comes after the UK government announced in February that nationals from the GCC, including Saudi Arabia, could apply for Electronic Travel Authorization visas , making it easier for them to come to the UK, even on very short notice. The EU decision will allow the 27-nation bloc to remain competitive in providing access to their countries to Saudi nationals, as European countries vie for new investment from wealthy Gulf countries.

On the Gulf side, the Riyadh-headquartered GCC in November announced plans for a unified tourist visa similar to the Schengen visa.

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The Israel-Hamas War: Live Q&A with Amb. David Satterfield (Part 2)

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Ukraine-Russia war latest: 'Putin did not order Navalny death,' - US report; Russian oil refinery suspends operations after 'Ukrainian drone attack'

A large fire broke out at the Slavyansk oil refinery after being hit with 10 Ukrainian drones, the security director at Slavyansk ECO Group, was quoted as saying.

Saturday 27 April 2024 10:18, UK

• Russian oil refinery suspends operations after Ukrainian drone attack
• Forbes journalist placed under house arrest by Russian court
• How will Ukraine use US military aid?
• Explained : Why has Ukraine aid bill passed now, after months of delay?
• Your questions answered: Will Ukraine launch another spring offensive?
• Listen to the Sky News Daily above and  tap here  to follow wherever you get your podcasts
• Live reporting by Lauren Russell

Russia launched a barrage of missiles against Ukraine overnight, appearing to target the country's energy infrastructure.

Ukraine's air force said that it had intercepted 21 out of 34 drones launched across the country.

Energy minister Herman Halushchenko said energy facilities in Dnipropetrovsk in the south of the country and Ivano-Frankivsk and Lviv in the west had been attacked.

An engineer was reportedly injured, Mr Halushchenko said.

Private energy operator DTEK said four of its thermal power plants were damaged and that there were "casualties" but did not provide any further detail.

It comes after the Security Service of Ukraine confirmed that it had launched drones at the Slavyansk and Ilsky oil refineries in Russia's Krasnoyarsk region.

The source said drones also targeted Russia's Kushchevsk military airfield in the same region. 

Intelligence agencies in the US have determined that Russian President Vladimir Putin most likely did not order opposition leader Alexei Navalny to be killed, according to the Wall Street Journal (WSJ).

Mr Navalny, one of Mr Putin's fiercest critics, died at an Arctic prison camp in February at the age of 47.

His allies, including his wife, accused the Russian leader of having him murdered - an accusation the Kremlin has always denied. 

But after a recent assessment based on a range of information - including some classified intelligence, and an analysis of public facts - US intelligence agencies do not believe Mr Putin ordered the death of his opponent.

The assessment also took into account the timing of the death and how it overshadowed Mr Putin's presidential re-election in March, the WSJ cited some of its sources as saying.

The paper quoted sources as saying the finding had been "broadly accepted within the intelligence community and shared by several agencies, including the Central Intelligence Agency, the Office of the Director of National Intelligence, and the State Department's intelligence unit".

Responding to the report, Leonid Volkov, a senior Navalny aide, called the findings naive and ridiculous, the WSJ reported.

A Russian oil refinery has partially suspended operations after being damaged in a suspected Ukrainian drone attack, the Russian TASS news agency says.

A large fire broke out at the Slavyansk oil refinery in the Krasnoyarsk region after being hit with 10 Ukrainian drones, the security director at Slavyansk ECO Group, was quoted as saying. 

They said some of the damage caused may be hidden so the "work of the plant has been partially suspended".

Earlier today, Roman Siniagovskyi, head of the Slavyansk administrative district said the distillation column was damaged during the alleged strike. 

Russia's Defence Ministry said its air defence units had intercepted and destroyed 66 Ukrainian drones over the Krasnoyarsk region, and two more over the Crimean Peninsula.

A source from the Security Service of Ukraine confirmed that Ukrainian drones had been launched at the Slavyansk and Ilsky oil refineries and had caused fires at the facilities. 

A Ukrainian court has ordered the detention of the country's farm minister in the latest high-profile corruption investigation.

The country's High Anti-Corruption Court ruled that agriculture minister Oleksandr Solskyi should be held in custody for 60 days, but he was released after paying bail of 75 million hryvnias (£1.5m), a statement said.

He is alleged to have led an organised crime group that unlawfully obtained land worth 291 million hryvnias (£5.87m) and attempted to obtain other land worth 190 million hryvnias (£3.83m) between 2017 and 2021.

Over the past two years, a number of senior Ukrainian officials have lost their jobs, causing embarrassment as they receive thousands in foreign aid. 

US military aid is currently on the way to Ukraine, which may take several weeks to arrive.

The Institute for the Study of War (ISW) says due to this, it will be a little while until any of the much-needed aid makes much of an impact on the battlefield.

It says forces in Ukraine will first have to use the aid to stabilise the frontlines and try to stop ongoing Russian advances, particularly in the areas of Avdiivka and Chasiv Yar in the Donetsk region.

No matter what way Ukraine uses the new aid, the US has not claimed that it would be enough to allow the country to regain all of its territory. 

The ISW also warns of a potential summer Russian offensive operation that may begin as soon as June.

"Ukraine's ability to regain all of its territory in the long term rests on numerous future decisions in the West, in the Kremlin, and in Kyiv," the ISW says.

A Russian court has placed a journalist - who works for the Russian edition of Forbes - under house arrest, Russian state-news agency RIA has reported. 

Sergei Mingazov is believed to have been detained yesterday on suspicion of spreading false information about the Russian army, his magazine said at the time.

Forbes is an American business magazine.

It is currently owned by Hong Kong-based investment group Integrated Whale Media Investments.

Welcome back to our live coverage of the war in Ukraine.

Yesterday, the US announced even more aid for Ukraine in the form of a $6bn (£4.8bn) package. 

The new package includes more Patriot missiles for the country's air defence systems.

It is in addition to the $61bn (£49bn) aid package that was finally passed by Congress following a long delay.

Before we resume our live coverage and regular updates, here is a recap of the other key moments from the last 24 hours.

• Ukrainian air defences shot down 21 out of 34 Russian missiles in an overnight attack, the Ukrainian air force said;
• A Russian oil refinery has been damaged in a suspected Ukrainian attack, local authorities said;
• A 20-year-old British man has been charged with conducting hostile state activity to benefit Russia, prosecutors have said.

Thank you for following along today as we brought you live updates on the Ukraine war. 

Scroll down through our live page to catch up on the main developments today.

The US has announced a $6bn (£4.8bn) military aid package for Ukraine.

It includes more Patriot missiles for the country's air defence systems, defence secretary Lloyd Austin said.

The package also includes more munitions for the National Advanced Surface-to-Air Missile Systems and gear to integrate Western air defence launchers, missiles and radars into Ukraine's existing weaponry, much of which dates back to Soviet times.

It comes after Ukraine's president Volodymyr Zelenskyy talked about the need for Patriots with the Ukraine Defence Contact Group - a coalition of about 50 countries gathered virtually in a US-led meeting.

Mr Austin said the group had "moved heaven and earth" since April 2022 to source millions of rounds of ammunition, rocket systems, armoured vehicles and jets to help Ukraine fight back against Russia.

Mr Zelenskyy had asked for at least seven Patriot systems to protect Ukrainian cities, saying they were needed "urgently", adding: "This is what can and should save lives right now."

Other countries have been reluctant to send Patriot systems to Ukraine, worried they will need them for their own defence. 

General CQ Brown, chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, said: "Now the Ukrainians don't necessarily have to ration what they have because they know things are coming out of this package and there will be follow-on packages."

Russian jets have already used more than 9,000 guided aerial bombs against Ukraine this year, Volodymyr Zelenskyy has said.

The recent pause in US funding helped Moscow to seize the initiative, the Ukrainian president added.

He is asking for additional Patriot air defence systems to be supplied, saying at least seven are required.

"We urgently need Patriot systems and missiles for them," he said. 

"This is what can and should save lives right now."

He added: "We need the ability to shoot down the air combat aircraft so that they do not approach our positions and borders," Mr Zelenskyy said at the start of a virtual meeting led by the United States.

Lloyd Austin, the US defence secretary, said the meeting of the Ukraine Defence Contact Group - a coalition of about 50 countries - would focus on Ukraine's air defence capabilities.

As we have been reporting, the US has finally passed a new $61bn (£49bn) programme of funding for Kyiv into law.

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