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Romania
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Romania
Romania offers a captivating blend of untamed wilderness, medieval history, and vibrant modern energy that few European destinations can match. You will find yourself lost in the charm of Transylvania's gothic architecture one day and exploring the grand, Parisian-inspired boulevards of Bucharest the next. The country is defined by the dramatic peaks of the Carpathian Mountains and the ancient traditions still preserved in its rural villages. Whether you are searching for the legends of Dracula or the architectural splendor of royal palaces, Romania provides a raw and authentic experience. It is a land where the pace of life slows down in the countryside, yet pulses with innovation in its growing tech hubs.
On This Page
We built this guide using official tourism data, local travel insights, and real pricing from our city guides, so you can plan your trip with confidence.
4 cities
12 guides
$58 – $71 Daily Budget
Quick Facts
Capital
Bucharest
Languages
Romanian
Currency
Romanian Leu (RON)
1 $ ≈ 4.32 lei
Plug Type
Type C/F (230V, 50Hz)
Driving Side
Right
Dial Code
+40
Entry Requirements
Check requirements →
Time Zone
EET (UTC+2) / EEST (UTC+3 in summer)
Emergency
112 (Police/Fire/Ambulance)
Why Visit Romania
Architectural Time Travel
From the fairytale turrets of Peleș Castle to the massive, communist-era Palace of the Parliament, Romania's buildings tell a complex story. You can wander through perfectly preserved medieval citadels like Sighişoara or admire the intricate painted monasteries of Bucovina.
The Carpathian Wilderness
The Carpathian Mountains cover a third of the country, offering world-class hiking, skiing, and wildlife watching. It is one of the best places in Europe to spot brown bears, lynx, and wolves in their natural habitat.
Unbeatable Travel Value
With an average daily budget of ~$65 / 280 lei, Romania is one of the most affordable destinations in the European Union. You can enjoy high-quality meals, comfortable boutique stays, and extensive sightseeing without the heavy price tag of Western Europe.
Legendary Road Trips
The Transfăgărășan and Transalpina mountain roads are often cited as some of the most beautiful drives in the world. These winding routes reach altitudes over 2,000m and offer breathtaking panoramic views of the glacial lakes and jagged peaks.
Vibrant City Life
Cities like Cluj-Napoca and Timișoara are buzzing with student energy, international film festivals, and a thriving cafe culture. Bucharest, the capital, offers a unique mix of world-class museums, trendy rooftop bars, and expansive public parks.
Top Experiences
Top-rated tours and activities in Romania
Cities & Destinations
Regions
Transylvania
The most famous region of Romania is characterized by the Carpathian Mountains, dense forests, and fortified churches. It is home to the legendary Bran Castle and the stunning medieval cities of Brașov, Sibiu, and Cluj-Napoca.
Bucharest and Muntenia
This southern region centers around the capital city, once known as Little Paris for its elegant architecture. Beyond the urban sprawl, you can find the rolling hills of the Dealu Mare wine region and the majestic Peleș Castle in Sinaia.
Maramureș and Bucovina
Located in the north, these regions are the heart of Romanian folk traditions and wooden architecture. Maramureș is famous for its towering wooden churches, while Bucovina is world-renowned for its UNESCO-listed painted monasteries.
The Danube Delta and Black Sea Coast
The Danube Delta is a biosphere reserve perfect for birdwatching and slow boat trips through reed-lined canals. To the south, the Black Sea coast offers lively beach resorts like Mamaia and the historic port city of Constanța.
Cities & Destinations:
Best Time to Visit
The most favorable time to visit is during late spring and early autumn when the weather is mild and the landscapes are most vibrant. Summer offers the best conditions for the Black Sea coast and hiking, while winter is ideal for the Carpathian ski resorts.
Peak Season
Jun, Jul, Aug
Summer is the busiest season, especially in the Transylvanian mountains and Black Sea resorts. Expect hot temperatures reaching 25–30°C (77–86°F), higher prices, and crowded cultural festivals in cities like Sibiu.
Shoulder Season
Apr, May, Sep, Oct
These months offer pleasant temperatures of 15–25°C (59–77°F) and fewer crowds. It is the perfect time for exploring rural villages and historical castles like Bran or Peleș without the summer heat.
Off-Peak
Nov, Dec, Jan, Feb, Mar
Winter can be harsh with temperatures often dropping below 0°C and frequent snowfall. While city tourism slows down, mountain regions are popular for winter sports, and cities host festive Christmas markets.
Getting Around
Romania has an extensive but often slow transport network. While trains connect most regions, domestic flights are the most efficient way to travel between major hubs like Bucharest, Cluj-Napoca, and Timișoara.
Train
Operated by CFR Călători, the rail network covers most of the country. Intercity (IC) and Interregio (IR) trains are more comfortable and faster than the slow Regional (R) services.
Bus
Intercity buses (autocare) and minibuses (maxitaxi) are often faster than trains for mid-range distances. Stations (autogări) are typically located near train stations.
Flight
Domestic flights by TAROM or low-cost carriers like HiSky are popular for long distances. A flight from Bucharest to Cluj-Napoca takes ~45 minutes compared to 9–10 hours by train.
Car
Renting a car allows flexibility for visiting remote rural areas. A road tax badge (rovinieta) is mandatory for all vehicles using national roads outside city limits.
Food & Drink
Romanian cuisine is a hearty, soulful reflection of its agricultural roots, influenced by Ottoman, Austro-Hungarian, and Balkan flavors. Meals are typically centered around meat, seasonal vegetables, and dairy products sourced from local farms.
Must Try
Sarmale
Minced meat mixed with rice and spices, rolled in fermented cabbage leaves and slow-cooked for hours to create the national dish.
Mămăligă
A versatile cornmeal porridge similar to polenta, often served with sour cream and salty Telemea cheese.
Mici
Small, casing-free grilled sausages made from a blend of beef, lamb, and pork seasoned with garlic and bicarbonate of soda.
Ciorbă de burtă
A creamy tripe soup seasoned with vinegar and garlic, widely considered the ultimate local hangover cure.
Papanăși
Fried doughnuts made with sweet cheese, topped with a generous dollop of sour cream and blueberry or sour cherry jam.
Pălincă
A powerful, double-distilled fruit brandy, usually made from plums, served as a traditional welcome drink before meals.
Money & Costs
Romania remains one of the most affordable destinations in Europe, with a typical daily budget of ~$65 / 280 lei per person. Value for money is high, particularly for dining and accommodation outside Bucharest.
Tipping
Tipping is customary and typically expected at 10–15% of the bill in restaurants. While newer laws allow tips to be added to card payments, cash remains preferred for individual service staff.
Cards
Card acceptance is high in major cities. From 1 Jan 2026, many businesses/sole traders must offer at least one modern cashless payment option, with specific legal exceptions (e.g., entities operating exclusively via bank accounts). Carry some cash for edge cases and small vendors.
ATMs
ATMs are widely available in towns and airports. It is best to use machines attached to major banks like BCR or Banca Transilvania to avoid the high fees associated with Euronet ATMs.
Culture & Etiquette
Romanians are known for their warm hospitality and deep respect for traditions, particularly in rural areas. While urban centers are quite modern, social interactions are still guided by a sense of politeness and formal greetings.
✓
Remove your shoes when entering someone's home unless the host specifically tells you to keep them on.
✓
Bring a small gift, such as flowers or chocolate, if you are invited to a local's house for dinner.
✓
Round up the bill or leave a 10–15% tip in restaurants, as this is standard practice and highly appreciated.
✕
Do not enter a church with uncovered shoulders or in short skirts/shorts; many monasteries provide wrap-around skirts at the entrance.
✕
Avoid discussing sensitive political history or making generalizations about the country's ethnic groups unless you are with close friends.
✓
Give up your seat for the elderly or pregnant women on public transport, as this is a very common sign of respect.
✕
Do not refuse food or drink offered by a host in a rural home, as it can be perceived as an insult to their hospitality.
✓
Always validate your bus or tram ticket immediately after boarding to avoid heavy fines from ticket inspectors.
Safety & Health
Romania is generally very safe for tourists (Level 1 advisory). Visitors should exercise standard precautions against pickpocketing in crowded tourist areas and be aware that Bucharest is in a moderate seismic activity zone.
Tap Water
generally safe (availability can vary by location)
Vaccinations
No vaccines are required for entry. Stay up-to-date on routine vaccines. Consider risk-based vaccines with a travel clinic; for extensive outdoor tick exposure, a tick-borne encephalitis (TBE) vaccine may be considered depending on itinerary.
Common Scams
- ⚠ Taxi scams where drivers refuse to use the meter or claim it is broken to charge inflated rates.
- ⚠ Fake parking attendants demanding payment for parking in areas that are actually free.
- ⚠ The 'petition' or 'charity' scam where individuals ask for signatures and then aggressively demand a donation.
- ⚠ The 'bird poop' scam where someone spills a substance on you to distract you while an accomplice pickpockets your belongings.
Emergency care is available, but visitors should expect to pay unless covered by an applicable agreement/insurance. Travel insurance (including medical) is strongly recommended.
Language
Romanian is the sole official language and shares roots with Italian and Spanish. English is widely spoken by younger generations and staff in the tourism industry, though less common in rural areas.
English Spoken: Moderately spoken
Key Phrases
| Meaning | Local | Pronunciation |
|---|---|---|
| Hello / Good day | Bună ziua | BOO-nuh ZEE-wah |
| Thank you | Mulțumesc | mool-tzoo-MESK |
| Please | Vă rog | vuh ROHG |
| Yes | Da | dah |
| No | Nu | noo |
| How much does it cost? | Cât costă? | kuht KOHS-tuh |
| Where is the bathroom? | Unde este toaleta? | OON-deh YES-teh twah-LEH-tah |
| Goodbye | La revedere | lah reh-veh-DEH-reh |
Visa & Entry
Romania is a full member of the Schengen Area (including land borders since 1 Jan 2025). Travelers from visa-exempt countries can visit for up to 90 days in any 180-day period across the Schengen area. The EU Entry/Exit System (EES) is rolling out (full implementation scheduled for 10 April 2026). ETIAS is scheduled to start operations in the last quarter of 2026.
Max Stay
90 days in any 180-day period (Schengen-wide total)
Passport Validity
Issued within the last 10 years; valid at least 3 months beyond intended departure from the Schengen Area
Visa-free for
USA, Canada, UK, Australia, New Zealand, Japan, South Korea, Israel, and most EU/EEA citizens.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Romania safe for solo travelers?
How expensive is a trip to Romania?
When is the best time to visit Romania?
Do I need a visa for Romania?
Is English widely spoken in Romania?
What is the best way to get around Romania?
Can I drink the tap water in Romania?
What should I eat in Romania?
Is Bran Castle really Dracula's castle?
What is the Danube Delta like for tourists?
Why you can trust this guide
Jan Křenek
35+ countries • 8 years analyzing travel data
Independent developer and travel data analyst based in Prague. 35+ countries visited across Europe and Asia, 8+ years analyzing flight routes, accommodation prices, and seasonal weather patterns.
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