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Romania trip planning can feel like a monumental undertaking. The sprawling country is home to spectacular destinations – from buzzing cities to mountain towns to picturesque castles. Our Romania Itinerary allows travelers to experience a little bit of it all.
In our trip plan for the best way to spend 7 days in Romania, we share a day-by-day outline featuring the top things to do in Romania in a week. With our itinerary, fellow travelers can easily plan their trip to Romania!
Romania Itinerary: How To Plan a Romania Trip
In our Best of Romania Itinerary, we highlight a trip plan that includes three of the best Romania places to visit in a week using public transportation. With a 1 week in Romania timeframe, it’s the perfect introduction to the diverse country.
As visitors begin planning a trip to Romania, there are many factors to consider. Using our itinerary as a guideline, travelers will need to choose where to go, figure out how many days to spend in Romania, decide whether to rent a car or use public transit and make their trip budget.
Choosing Where To Go in Romania
If you asked us to choose to just one city as the best city in Romania to visit, we would be hard pressed to give an answer. The best places in Romania to visit are vastly different – so choosing where to go comes down to allotted timeframe and personal interests.
The destinations we chose for our Romanian Itinerary are three of the best cities in the country: Bucharest, Brasov and Sibiu.
Bucharest
Bucharest is the busy capital of Romania. Dotted with churches, parks, museums and monuments – and decorated in a fascinating array of architecture – Bucharest can boggle the mind. We share top sights and attractions in our guide of the Best Things To Do in Bucharest.
Brasov
Situated in the picturesque Carpathian Mountains in the Transylvania region, Brasov is simply stunning. The old historic center, once ringed by protective walls, is overlooked by Tampa Hill and an old fortress. Plan your Brasov Itinerary using our guide of What To Do in Brasov, Romania.
Sibiu
Perfectly preserved, Sibiu is an idyllic Transylvanian town that beckons visitors to slow down, relax and enjoy local life on one of the prominent squares. With a handful of incredible sights and an epic gastronomic scene, Sibiu is not to be missed! Find out more in our guide of Top Things To Do in Sibiu.
Figuring Out How Many Days to Spend in Romania
For our Romania travel itinerary, we use a one-week timeline to see the best places to visit in Romania. We think a 7 Days Romania trip allows just enough time to experience the highlights.
We understand, however, that fellow travelers may have more – or less – time to spend in Romania. Therefore, at the end of our featured One Week Romania Itinerary, we offer suggestions for shorter as well as longer itineraries.
Deciding to Drive or Use Public Transport
Getting around Romania is not easy. The country is large and the roads are woefully lacking (both in terms of quality and quantity). While renting a car allows for the most freedom, driving in Romania presents quite a few challenges.
Rather than taking on Romanian roads on your own, in our Itinerary for Romania we recommend using public transit. The top tings to see in Romania can be reached with bus or train.
In fact, our outlined trip plan can be used as a Romania Train Itinerary or Bus Itinerary (or a combination of both). And, of course, travelers who are comfortable in the driver’s seat can use the detailed outline as a Romania Road Trip Itinerary. We offer more tips for getting around Romania at the end of the article.
Budget For Your Trip to Romania
Romania is one of the most affordable destinations in Europe, so planning a vacation in Romania doesn’t have to be expensive. Whether you are planning a luxury getaway or a Romania backpacking itinerary, you can completely experience the destinations featured in our day-by-day outline.
Travelers can create and track their budgets with our Free Vacation Budget Planner.
Plan the Best Romania Vacation
Of course, there is much more to planning a vacation to Romania than deciding where to go, how long to stay and what method of transport to use to get around. Therefore, in addition to our day-by-day guide, we offer Romania travel tips on what to eat, when to go, how to get there, where to stay and what to pack.
Travelers making the trip from overseas can find more useful tips in our Guide to Planning a Perfect Europe Vacation.
As you begin to make reservations, staying organized is key! We suggest using a travel planner, like our Printable Travel Planner, to stay on top of all the details.
Best Romania Tours
With our outlined Romania trip itinerary, travelers can easily plan their time in the country. However, visitors who would rather leave the details to a professional guide can join a multiday tour.
On this Best in Romania Tour, visitors spend 6 days touring the top places to see and a few hidden gems. Get the details!
7 DAYS IN ROMANIA ITINERARY
Our outlined itinerary for Romania includes everything you need to plan your vacation. Let’s get started, shall we?
Save, Pin or Bookmark this Romania Travel Guide to plan your trip!
Day 1: Arrive in Bucharest
On Day 1 of your Romania One Week Itinerary, arrive in Bucharest and waste no time getting acquainted with the city. Explore the historic and poignant districts, then indulge in the fun Bucharest nightlife.
Old Town Bucharest
After getting settled into your accommodations (recommended: Grand Hotel Continental), start your exploration in the Old Town Lipscani District – one of the most interesting places to see in Romania. Join the Free Walkabout Bucharest Tour and let a guide show you the sights – or wander to the top Bucharest Old Town sights on your own.
In the afternoon, continue sightseeing to the north of the historic Bucharest center. Spend the rest of the day seeing some of the city’s most significant architecture and cultural highlights – like Gradina Cismigiu Park, the National Art Museum at the Royal Palace, Revolution Square and the Ateneul Roman Theater.
End the first day of your trip to Romania back in the Bucharest Old Town, where there are heaps of restaurants and bars to entertain. We recommend having dinner at the historic Caru cu Bere, where the lively atmosphere is highlighted by traditional music and the hearty meals are massive. After dinner, enjoy the nightlife at a few of the best Old Town Bucharest bars or keep it low key and sample some of Romania’s best wine at Abel’s Wine Bar.
Public Transit for Day 1
When you arrive in Bucharest, you will need to make your way to your accommodations. While public transportation is available from the bus and train stations and the airport, it is likely worth it to get an inexpensive Uber.
If you are staying in the Bucharest city center (and we suggest that you do), you can reach all sights on Day 1 on foot.
Day 2: Sightseeing in Bucharest
On the second day of your One Week Itinerary Romania, learn about the country’s former dictator and his palatial quest at The People’s Palace, then travel to the north side of the city to see his personal residence. Next, spend the afternoon at the best park in Bucharest.
Centrul Civic
Start your day in the Centrul Civic District, which was designed by Communist Dictator Nicolae Ceaușescu. Sights to see in the district are the Bucharest Fountains, the People’s Palace and the not-yet-finished People’s Salvation Cathedral.
While in the district, consider seeing some of Bucharest’s top religious sites (like the Patriarchal Cathedral and Antim Monastery) or discovering two of the top city parks (Parcul Carol I and Tineretului Park) and the beautiful Cimitirul Bellu Cemetery.
Primaverii Neighborhood and Herastrau Park
In the afternoon, travel north to the posh Primaverii Neighborhood. Visit the residence of the former Dictator, the Primaverii Palace House of Ceausescu, enjoy a refreshment in the estate garden and then wander through the district to Herastrau Park.
The Herastrau Park is the city’s biggest and best green space. In addition to the walking paths, water activities and ample dining options, make sure to seek out the Dimitrie Gusti Outdoor Museum, the Arcul de Triumf and the House of the Free Press Building.
Modern Establishments near the Bucharest Old Town
End the second day of your itinerary for Romania just west of the Old Town for a contemporary night out. Dine at Paine si Vin, the city’s best modern pizzeria. For after dinner drinks, walk around the corner to Ironic Craft Beer Taproom and sample local Romanian craft beer.
Public Transportation Day 2
On Day 2, plan on using the Bucharest Metro system to get from the Centrul Civic district north to the Primaverii Palace and Herastrau Park – and again to get back to the Old Town. Tickets are inexpensive and can be purchased at the station.
Day 3: Travel to Brasov via Sinaia and Peles Castle
Continue your One Week in Romania trip by moving north into the Transylvanian mountains to the once fortified city of Brasov. Along the route, make a stop in Sinaia to see the famous Peles Castle and historic monastery.
Peles Castle and Sinaia
Without a doubt, one of the best things to do in Romania is to visit the Peles Castle in the town of Sinaia. Conveniently located along the route between Bucharest and Brasov, the town is ideal for a stop off while transiting between the two destinations.
In Sinaia, make the uphill climb (or take a bus or taxi) to the picture-perfect Peles Castle. The castle was built as the summer residence for the first King of Romania in the late 1800s – and it’s exquisite, both inside and out.
After touring the castle interior, visit both of the churches at the Sinaia Monastery, then soar to the mountaintop via cable car for panoramic vistas of the Transylvania terrain.
Brasov, Romania
Arrive in Brasov by late afternoon and check into your hotel (recommended: Radisson Blu). Then, go directly to Tampa Mountain – and either take the cable car or hike to the Brasov Sign at the summit.
From the top of Tampa Mountain, visitors get a fabulous first look at Old Town Brasov. From the elevated viewpoint, the city – and its many sights – are clearly visible. Consider exploring the Tampa summit trails and then descend back down to the Brasov city center (by cable car or on foot).
Ease into the evening with a local craft beer at Aftar Stube, one of our favorite bars in the entire city! For dinner, get a table at La Ceaun on the main square and enjoy the house specialty, Bean Soup in a Bread Bowl, along with other traditional Romanian fare.
Day 3 Public Transport Options
The best way to travel between Bucharest and Brasov is via train. The trains depart frequently and are very affordable. When you make the stop in Sinaia, you can store your luggage at the train station (inquire with the bathroom attendant).
Arriving in Brasov by train doesn’t take you to the city center, but 2 miles north of the city. Therefore, when you arrive in Brasov, take an inexpensive Uber from the train station to your city center hotel.
Day 4: Brasov Sightseeing
Spend Day 4 of your Romania 1 Week Itinerary seeing the sights in Brasov Old Town. Let a local guide lead the way, while sharing the history of the city – then set off on your own to see more top sights and museums.
Join a Brasov Walking Tour
Start your discovery of Brasov with a local tour guide on the Free Walkabout Tour. On the 2.5-hour tour, visitors learn about the history of Brasov and get a local’s perspective.
After the tour, grab a quick lunch (recommended: Un Trancio e Via) and then spend the rest of the day discovering Brasov on your own.
Visit Top Brasov Attractions and Museums
The fascinating history of Brasov is preserved in the city’s best museums, attractions and neighborhoods. Note that a small entry fee is required to visit each the museums, but the online combo Brasov Visitor Ticket might save you money.
Begin in the Piata Sfatului main square. Visit the Brasov Country Museum of History located inside the Trumpeter’s Tower in the center of the square and then step inside the historic Black Church to see the vast interior. If time allows, stop by the Muresenilor House Museum, which shows how a prominent family lived during communist times.
In the midafternoon, stroll into the Schei District, one of the oldest parts of the city. Visit the First Romanian Schoolhouse and then see the dazzling interior of the St. Nicholas Orthodox Church.
As you make your way back into the city center, go to the Bastionul Tesatorilor Weaver’s Bastion to learn more about how Brasov thrived as a fortified city.
Brasov Dinner and Drinks
Rather than dining on the Brasov main square for a second night, we think it is best to navigate to one of the smaller lanes in the Old Town for a fine dining experience.
Begin the evening at Terroirs Boutique du Vin, where you can taste delicious Romanian wines. Stay for dinner or make advance reservations at Bistro Del’Arte, a restaurant that features classic Romanian cuisine with a modern twist.
Day 4 Public Transit
If you are staying in the Brasov City Center, everything on Day 4 is walkable, so there is no need for transit!
Day 5: Transylvania Day Trip
Explore more of the Transylvania region on Day 5 of your Romania 7 Day Itinerary. Depart from Brasov on your own or join a guided tour to travel further afield.
Take a Brasov Day Trip
For many visitors, Transylvania is the best area of Romania to see on trip – and it’s easily accessible from Brasov. Mighty castles, small villages and epic nature are all just a short journey from Brasov city center. We are a featuring a few of the top day trips from Brasov for Day 5 of your Romania Itinerary.
Dracula’s Bran Castle
A must-see Romania attraction, the Bran Castle – better known as Dracula’s Castle – is just an hour from Brasov by bus. Visitors can tour the castle interior, which is still decorated with artwork and furniture used by the last Romanian Royal Family that resided there. Buy Skip-the-Line Tickets to the Bran Castle or let a guide handle all the details by joining one of the castle tours.
Poiana Brasov
A popular Romanian mountain resort that boasts year-round outdoor activities, Poiana Brasov is a natural wonderland – and it’s just a short bus ride from Brasov. In the wintertime, visitors can hit the slopes, while the summer and autumn are ideal for mountain biking and hiking. In fact, there are trails that connect Brasov to Poiana Brasov for a full day of hiking fun!
Hiking Tour to Piatra Craiului National Park
Highly rated for outdoor adventures, the Piatra Craiului NP features stunning scenery and fantastic hiking trails. One of the top-rated areas to hike is Zarnesti Gorge, but it’s best to go on a guided tour if you do not have a car.
Bears in Romania
Wild bears roam the mountainous region of Transylvania – and visitors can travel with a tour guide to get a glimpse. Join an experienced forest ranger in search of wild brown bears…or travel to a bear sanctuary with a guide (and see the Bran Castle, too).
More Tours from Brasov
Still looking for the right day trip for your Romanian Itinerary? Travel the Transfagarasan Highway to the Sky on an organized tour or spend an entire day visiting quaint villages and hidden gems on a tour to Sighisoara.
Dinner in Brasov
Back in Brasov in time for dinner, plan to eat a traditional Romanian meal at the atmospheric Sergiana. For a truly traditional Brasov dish, order the Bulz – a decadent polenta, meat and egg meal.
Public Transportation for Day 5
Getting to some places – like Bran and Poiana Brasov – are fairly easy with local buses. That said, buses from Brasov to Bran depart from the Autogara 2 station – which is north of the city center. To get there, hop on a city bus at the Old Town Livada Postei bus stop (which is where you can also find Bus #20 going to Poiana Brasov).
Visitors who wish to spend a day further afield will likely benefit from renting a car for the day or joining a tour.
Day 6: Go to Sibiu, Romania
On Day 6 of your amazing Romania itinerary, travel west to the idyllic town of Sibiu – one of the absolute best places to go in Romania. Soak in the charm of the alluring little town, look up at the unusual architecture and feast on the local fare.
See Sights in Sibiu Old Town
After getting situated in your accommodations (recommended: ART Hotel), go out and see the sights of Sibiu. See the city on your own or hire a guide to lead the way.
Start in the massive main square, Piata Mare, and admire the ornate buildings and look for the Eyes of Sibiu peeking out from the rooftops. Duck through a passageway into Piata Mica, the small square. Wander across the Bridge of Lies, visit the magnificent St Mary Cathedral and climb to the top of the Council Tower.
Weave your way down quiet lanes, stroll up Sibiu’s wide pedestrian street and take the stairs under arched passageways along the old city walls.
Dinner and Drinks in Sibiu
For casual pre-dinner drinks, stop by Flow in the Stairs Passage, where outdoor tables line the old brick fortifications. Then, for dinner, decide whether you want to dine at La Taifas on the Large Square (Piata Mare) or at Kulinarium on the Small Square (Piata Mica).
Day 6 Public Transit
Tourists can travel from Brasov to Sibiu by train or bus. Both methods of transit take about the same amount of time and cost about the same amount of money. We traveled between the two cities on bus, as the bus times were more convenient to our schedule than the trains.
Day 7: Explore Sibiu
On the last day of your Best of Romania Travel Itinerary, enjoy the slower pace of Sibiu as you take in a few final attractions.
Sibiu Attractions and Museums
Start your day on Strada Cetatii, which is nicknamed The Most Beautiful Street in Sibiu, and the defensive towers that stand along the street. Inside the preserved fortifications is a small and inexpensive museum that details the history of Sibiu and the importance of the Saxon’s guilds.
Next, navigate your way to the awe-inspiring Holy Trinity Orthodox Cathedral. Featuring soaring, striped towers, the church interior is decorated in colorful frescoes.
If time allows and you are interested in art, consider visiting the National Brukenthal Museum, the oldest museum in the country. Housed in a palace, the museum features Romanian works of art, as well as pieces by European artists.
ASTRA Open Air Museum
In the afternoon, travel three miles outside the city center to the Sibiu ASTRA Museum.
Rated as one of the top places to visit in Romania to peek into the past, the ASTRA Museum is a historical complex of Romanian culture. Featuring more than 400 ancient houses, barns and workshops – as well as windmills, water mills and a 200-year-old wooden church – the outdoor museum is a treasure trove of Romanian heritage.
Dinner and Drinks to finish your Romania Itinerary
End your time in Romania with an evening to remember. First, enjoy a glass of fine Romanian wine in the cellars at Weinkeller or on the patio at Wine Not.
Then, indulge in a culinary treat at La Cuptor. The menu features traditional Romanian favorites with a touch of elegance – and it’s absolutely delicious!
Public Transit on Day 7
Visitors can take Sibiu public bus #13 from the city center to the ASTRA Museum. The bus conveniently stops at the complex entrance and rides are inexpensive. Alternatively, travelers can walk to the museum via the paved path and trails through the forested Sub Arini Park.
Map of Romania
Use this link to Google Maps for a live version of our Top Things To Do in Romania Map.
More Romania Itineraries
Above, we outlined the best places to visit in Romania in a week. However, because we know that not all travelers are planning to spend 7 days in Romania, we have created itineraries for more and less time in the country.
Romania Itinerary 3 Days
The best way to create a quick 3 Days in Romania Itinerary is to choose just one destination. Of course, what to see in Romania in 3 Days will depend on your interests, but basing yourself in either Bucharest, Brasov or Sibiu will allow enough time to see the highlights and take one day trip.
For example, if you decide to create a Bucharest itinerary for 3 days, spend 2 days seeing the top sights (as outlined in Days 1 and 2 in our Romania 1 Week Itinerary), then take a day trip – perhaps to Peles Castle and Bran Castle – on the final day of your short trip.
Use our guide to Things To See in Bucharest for sightseeing ideas that you can use to fill your itinerary.
4 Day Itinerary Romania
Travelers with 4 days in Romania might be tempted to split their time between two destinations. While it is possible, it is likely not worth the hassle of changing hotel rooms, unless you are arriving in one location and leaving the country from another.
An example would be flying into Bucharest and staying for two days. On Day 3, travel by train to Brasov (seeing Peles Castle en route). Spend 2 nights in Brasov, then depart the country from Brasov.
Romania Itinerary 5 Days
With a Romania 5 Day Itinerary, travelers can see two destinations at an ideal pace – spending 2 nights in one location and 3 nights in another.
One way to plan a 5 Day Romania trip would be to create a quick Transylvania Itinerary. Simply divide your time between Brasov and Sibiu.
6 Days in Romania
Travelers planning a 6 Day Romania Itinerary can use our outlined 1-Week Romania Trip Plan as a base for their trip – and eliminate one day in Brasov.
In order to pull this off without missing too many sights, we recommend merging Days 4 and 5. Start Day 4 with a guided tour of Brasov, then after lunch travel by bus to Bran Castle for a quick castle tour.
Alternate Romania Itinerary 7 Days
In our Romania One Week Itinerary, we include two full days in the bustling capital, Bucharest. For many travelers, however, Transylvania is the big draw of the country – and the part they most want to explore.
Travelers just interested in spending time in the mountainous region can plan a complete Transylvania Romania Vacation. To create a One Week Transylvania trip plan, we recommend spending 4 days in Brasov and 3 days in Sibiu.
Use our guides for Brasov, Romania Things To Do and Sibiu, Romania Sights to plan your itinerary.
Romania Itinerary 10 Days
Spending 10 days in Romania allows travelers more time to discover the country at a more leisurely pace.
For us, a perfect 10 Day Itinerary Romania would include the same three destinations in our One Week outline – Bucharest, Brasov, Sibiu. However, we would add one more day to each city; spend 3 Days in Bucharest, 4 Days in Brasov and 3 Days in Sibiu.
With an extra day in each city, we recommend either taking day trips to see more of the region or discovering some of the unique neighborhoods. In Bucharest, spend the extra day at the Botanical Gardens in the Cotroceni District. With another day in Brasov, spend time in nature hiking on the mountain trails. In Sibiu, take a day trip to Sighisoara.
Romania Itinerary 2 Weeks
Visitors with 2 weeks in Romania have enough time to add one more destination to their trip plan. For the best Romania 2 Week Itinerary, we recommend using our above outline for a 10 Day Romania Itinerary and then traveling to the vibrant university city of Cluj-Napoca for a 4 day stay.
In Cluj-Napoca, see the sights (like the Gothic St. Michael’s Church, Piata Unirii and Banffy Palace) and then set off on day trips to the surrounding region. See the small villages on an Apuseni Mountains tour or book an overnight excursion to Maramures for a look at local life.
Bulgaria and Romania Itinerary
Travelers who want to visit two countries in one trip can easily create a 2 Weeks Romania and Bulgaria itinerary. Sofia, Plovdiv and Veliko Tarnovo are three fantastic destinations in Bulgaria.
Romania, Bulgaria, Serbia Itinerary
Visitors with 2 weeks – or those who only want to see big cities – can create a Serbia, Romania, Bulgaria Itinerary. Start in Serbia to visit Belgrade and Nis, then go to Bulgaria to see Sofia. From there, travel north to Romania and use our outlined One Week in Romania Itinerary to plan your trip!
Travel Tips for Planning a Romania Trip
Now that you know where to go and what to see in Romania, we have a few more travel tips for your trip.
Facts about Romania
There are just a few more things to know before you take off on your vacation to Romania.
Romanian Currency
The Romanian currency is the Leu (plural Lei). Find current USD to RON conversion rates here.
Tipping in Romania
Tipping in Romania is a common practice. Visitors should be prepared to tip servers at restaurants (10% for good service, 12% for fantastic service), Uber, cab and tour bus drivers (3-5 lei for short trips, 10% for longer and more expensive trips), housekeeping staff (5 lei per day), hotel porters (5 lei per bag) and tour guides (5-10% for a good guide).
Tips should be given in cash in the local currency. If paying by credit card at a restaurant, you will still need to tip in cash. Try to carry small bills, but you can ask the waiter for change if you need to.
Pay for Toilets
Most towns, bus stations and train stations have toilets, but they usually cost. The fee to use the toilet is generally 2 lei.
Fee for Photos
At most Romanian museums, photos are not allowed unless you pay an extra fee. Before you start snapping pictures, ask if photographs are permitted.
Romanian Language
Romanian is the official language of Romania! However, many Romanians – especially those in the service and tourist industries – speak excellent English.
That said, when visiting any country, it is best to learn a few basic words. These are some phrases and numbers to know before your Romania vacation.
- Hello: Buna Ziua
- Thank You: Multumesc
- You’re Welcome: Cu Placere
- Numbers: 1 – Unu; 2 – Doi; 3 – Trei; 4 – Patru; 5 – Cinci
What To Eat and Drink in Romania
Romanian cuisine is hearty but simple – and, in our opinion, absolutely divine. The country’s gastronomy has been greatly influenced by outsiders. Visitors will likely notice elements of German, Hungarian, Turkish and other Eastern European inspiration in the local Romanian food. We are highlighting a few of the must-eat foods in Romania.
Ciorba
Soup – or Ciorba – is a popular meal in Romania and it comes in several variations. We like the Bean Soup best (Ciorba de Fasole), but Tripe Soup (Ciorba de Burta) and Meatball Soup (Ciorba de Perisoare) are the most popular.
Mititei or Mici
Mici are small, caseless grilled sausages made from various ground meats and spices. They go best with mustard and are typically served with a roll.
Sarmale
The National Dish of Romania, Sarmale are cabbage rolls stuffed with minced meat and spices.
Mamaliga
A traditional Romanian food served as a side or main dish, Mamaliga is polenta – and it can be prepared in many different ways. Bulz, with cheese, butter and meat, is our favorite preparation.
Pickles
Pickles – or any pickled vegetable – are popular appetizers and side dishes in Romania…and we couldn’t get enough of them! Crisp and flavorful, we highly recommend ordering a side of pickles for any meal.
Papanasi
The most famous dessert in Romania is Papanasi. The sweet treat is prepared with two Romanian donuts that are drenched in cream and a berry jam. It’s best to share, but we wouldn’t blame you if you wanted it all to yourself!
Romanian Wine and Craft Beer
Romania is one of the largest producers of wine in Europe…and it’s totally underrated! Although they are known for their white wine grape varietals (try the Feteasca Alba), they make incredible red wines, as well (Feteasca Neagra was far and away our favorite).
In our travels, we like to get a taste of what is brewing locally and we were pleased to find locally produced craft beer in Romania. In fact, we were able to find dedicated craft beer bars in Bucharest and Brasov – and a few in Sibiu, too. We particularly like the beers from two Romanian breweries: Beereta and Hop Hooligans.
Best Time to Visit Romania
Deciding when to go to Romania is an essential part of the trip planning process. Both weather and crowds can impact your visit, depending on the season.
Summer Trip to Romania
Summertime is the most popular time to visit Romania. The weather is typically warm (or hot) and the days are long – both of which are good for exploration and outdoor activities. However, the summer in Romania also sees the biggest crowds. Visitors will likely encounter long lines for attractions and increased prices for accommodations.
Travel to Romania in Autumn
We think the best time to go to Romania is in the autumn. There are fewer crowds and prices for hotels start to dip. Temperatures are cooler, which we like best for hiking and sightseeing. However, by the end of fall it can already be quite chilly and even snowy.
Winter in Romania
Romanian winters are long and cold. However, there are a few good reasons to go to Romania in the wintertime. Skiing is a popular winter activity in Romania – but the best reason to visit Romania in December is the Christmas markets. All three cities that we feature in our Romania Itinerary host spectacular Christmas fairs, making Romania one of the Best European Destinations for Christmas.
Trip to Romania in Spring
Springtime can be a bit hit-and-miss in Romania. While much of the country experiences pleasant weather, winter hangs on in the mountains until late spring – which might be ideal for skiers, but not so much for hikers and walkers. On the other hand, springtime offers the best deals on flights and hotels.
How To Get To Romania
Generally speaking, we think it is best to fly to Romania. Taking a train or bus from even the closest major cities (like Budapest) will be a long, slow journey.
There are several airports in Romania that make it easy for travelers to fly into one city and out of another. In our outlined Itinerary for Romania for a Week, we recommend flying into Bucharest and flying out of Sibiu.
Use our tips for Finding the Best Airfare for your trip!
The Bucharest Henri Coanda International Airport Romania (OTP) is the country’s largest airport and is serviced from many major European cities – by both network airlines and low-cost carriers.
The Sibiu Airport, while smaller, is still well connected to European hubs, especially in the summer season. Travelers who want to fly in or out of Brasov can do so when the new Brasov-Ghimbav International Airport opens in the summer of 2023!
Getting Around Romania
In our day-by-day Romanian Itinerary, we share the best way to travel without a car. However, we have a few more general tips regarding using public transportation in Romania.
Travel in Romania is slow – regardless of whether you are using buses, trains or even a car.
When using buses and trains, it is best to arrive early – at least a half hour prior to departure – to ensure you get a seat. In the busy summer season, it might be wise to buy tickets in advance.
Tickets for buses typically cost less than trains, yet they usually take about the same amount of time. The best reasons to use the train are that they are typically more comfortable than buses, they are more reliable (in terms of breakdowns and staying on schedule) and they have on-board toilets.
Buses, on the other hand, are cheaper, often have better timetables for travelers and travel to more places than trains.
Travelers who are considering renting a car should use our Tips for Finding the Best Car Rentals.
Where To Stay in Romania
For each of the 3 destinations we recommend in our One Week in Romania Itinerary, we include a suggested hotel.
- Bucharest: Grand Hotel Continental
- Brasov: Radisson Blu
- Sibiu: ART Hotel
For short stays, we think a hotel in the city center is the best place to stay. Budget travelers and backpackers will find inexpensive hostels in each of our destinations as well.
Additionally, travelers staying in one destination for a longer period of time may find that it is more comfortable to stay in an apartment. Visitors can search for apartments on Booking.com or Airbnb.
What To Pack for your Trip to Romania
Now that you know how to plan your Romanian vacation, it’s time to think about what to pack in your suitcase or backpack. We are sharing a few Romania specific tips, but you can find all of our packing advice on our Packing Tips page. Need a Packing Checklist? Get your FREE Packing Checklist here!
Good Travel Shoes
It’s important to pack the right shoes for your Romanian trip! We recommend packing a pair of comfortable shoes for city sightseeing – I wear these versatile sneakers on our trips. However, if you plan on hiking in the Transylvanian mountains, then it’s advisable to pack a pair of hiking shoes as well.
Use our tips for the Best Travel Shoes to ensure you pack the right ones for your trip.
The Right Clothes
When it comes to which clothes to pack for your trip, we recommend packing clothes that can be layered. Temperatures can fluctuate throughout the day (especially in the mountains), so layering your clothing will ensure you don’t get too hot or too cold.
Additionally, you will want to pack weather gear – like a lightweight raincoat and travel umbrella.
Proper Travel Camera
Romania is gorgeous! Instead of relying on your phone to capture the beauty of the country, upgrade to an actual camera.
We use a Canon Rebel with an 18-135mm lens for our travels. The affordable camera is easy to use, takes quality photos and comes with heaps of accessories.
A Good Day Pack
In our Week-long Romania Itinerary, we outline long days of sightseeing, DIY day trips and forest hikes – which means that a good day bag for travel is essential. For travel in Romania, we like small backpacks with zippered pockets for organizing your everyday personal items.
Romania Travel Insurance
Do you need travel insurance for your trip to Romania? Check the affordable rates and coverage here!
We Want To Know: What destinations would you include in A Week in Romania Itinerary? Are there any activities you would add to our trip plan? Tell us in the comments!
Start planning your trip to Romania! Search for the lowest airfares, the best accommodations and fun things to do…then start packing! Want more travel planning tips? Head over to our Travel Planning page for more information and tips on traveling – and for country-specific information, take a look at our Travel Guides page!
More Top Eastern European and Regional Destinations
We love the region of Eastern Europe and share our top tips in guides for the best destinations.
- How To Plan a Croatia Vacation
- What To See in Sarajevo and Things To Do in Mostar, Bosnia Herzegovina
- Sightseeing in Skopje, North Macedonia
- Planning a 3-Day Budapest Trip
- Things To Do in Kotor, Montenegro
- 3 Days in Athens Itinerary
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