Complete Romania Travel Guide, What You Need to Know

Transylvania and Dracula have made Romania famous. The country also has many medieval villages, castles, painted monasteries, the Danube Delta, the Carpathian Mountains, and the Black Sea. Although tourism is rising, Romania remains an off-the-beaten-path destination. Under 13 million people visit the country each year.  Planning international travel can be overwhelming and time-consuming while working full time. Use this Romania travel guide and the following Romania travel blog posts to plan your perfect vacation. The top destinations in Romania are Bucharest, Brasov, Sibiu, and Sighișoara.

Bucharest Romania Travel Guide

Bucharest’s medieval history, French architecture, and years of Communism have created what is called a city of contrasts. The city has a mixture of urban decay, restored art nouveau, communist-era apartment blocks, modern construction, backyard cafes, and garden bars.

READ Things to Do in Bucharest Romania

Brasov Romania Travel Guide

Brasov Romania has a well-preserved medieval old town and is a popular tourist destination in Transylvania. Do not miss Council Square, Black Church, Rope Street, the city wall, gates, and towers, and the cable car ride up Tampa Mountain.

READ Things to Do in Brasov Romania

What You Need to Know When Planning a Trip to Romania

Where is Romania?

Romania is in East-Central Europe. It is bordered by the Black Sea, Bulgaria, Hungary, Moldova, Serbia, and Ukraine. The major cities are Bucharest, Iași, Timișoara, and Cluj-Napoca. Bucharest is the capital city of Romania and the most populated city in Romania.

What is the language in Romania?

The national language of Romania is Romanian, it is spoken by 89% of the population. German and Hungarian are also spoken in Romania. 40% of Romanians speak some English. English is commonly spoken in hotels and tourist attractions. Be sure to learn a few key phrases as well as some slang. FluentU offers a helpful list of common words and phrases to learn before you travel.

Do I need a visa to visit Romania?

Romania has a closed border, and your passport will be inspected. According to Project Visa, US citizens do not need a visa for a visit up to 90 days in a 6 month period.

What is the currency in Romania?

Although Romania is part of the European Union, the currency in Romania is the leu. Euros and/or US dollars are not accepted at restaurants, attractions, or stores. Be sure to download a free currency calculator before you arrive.

Can I use credit cards and ATMs in Romania?

ATMs are widely available in Bucharest. Avoid large fees by using your bank’s international partner in Romania and google its location before you travel. Visa and Mastercard are widely accepted in Romania, you will need a 4 digit PIN from the bank. Save money on fees with a credit card that waives foreign transaction fees and make purchases in leu. Most small businesses and villages are cash only.

How much should I budget per day in Romania?

According to Budget Your Trip, the average daily cost of traveling in Romania is $75. Expect to pay $1,046 + airfare for a one-week trip for 2.

When is the best time to visit Romania?

The high tourist season is June through August. July and August are very hot. September and October are shoulder seasons with mild temperatures and fewer crowds. Expect rain in May and freezing temperatures with snow from December To February.

What transportation does Romania use?

Cities and regions in Romania are well connected by trains and busses. The trains are slow. Check WizzAir, RyanAir, and BlueAir for low-cost long-distance flights. Transportation within cities is by bus, tram, or trolley bus. Bucharest also has an underground metro. Taxi drivers are required by law to post their rates on their doors or windshields. Uber and Taxify are available in large cities.

What kind of adaptor do I need in Romania?

The plugs in Romania are type C and F. The standard voltage is 230 V, and the standard frequency is 50Hz. I recommend buying a universal adapter with surge protection. You will need a converter if you plan to use an electric razor or blow dryer from the US.

What should I pack for Romania?

Jeans are popular in Romania. Dress in layers, the country has four seasons and the weather will likely fluctuate.  Be sure to cover your shoulders and knees when visiting Orthodox Churches. A comfortable pair of walking shoes with a good soles for cobbled streets is important.

Is Romania a safe country for solo travelers?

According to Travel Safe Abroad, Romania is a safe country overall. Be aware of your surroundings, there is a moderate risk for muggings and scams. Overpricing by taxi drivers, street vendors, and bars is common. Drink spiking is also a noted safety concern in nightclubs. Dial 112 in an emergency. Contact the US Embassy for non-urgent emergencies, such as a lost passport.

What Romanian food do I need to try?

Sarmale (cabbage rolls), mici (grilled minced meat rolls), cighiri (pork meatballs), jumari (smoked bacon and greaves), Moldavian stew, ciorba de burta (tripe soup), scovergi (street food, fried flatbread filled with cheese and sour cream), papanași (cheese doughnuts covered in sour cream and jam), and drink tuica (Romanian plum brandy).

What are the main holidays and festivals in Romania?

• Christmas markets run from mid-November to mid-January.
• The Martisor Spring Festival is held on March 1st in Bucharest and Brasov.
• Spotlight Festival (light installations and projections in Old Town) is held in Bucharest during the Spring.
• Easter festivals and hand-dyed eggs are a big thing in Romania.
• Romania hosts several music festivals during the summer months.
• Sighisoara’s Medieval Arts and Crafts Festival is held at the end of July.
• A Halloween celebration is held at Bran Castle (Dracula’s Castle).

Tips for Traveling in Romania

• A 10% tip is expected, and 15-20% is appreciated.
• Drink bottled water.
• WiFi is fast, but you need to look for it.
• You can use a SIM card from another EU country in Romania.
• Bucharest is not for early risers, the city does not wake up until noon.
• Operating hours are more of a guideline, expect things to open later or close earlier.
• Hitchhiking is normal in Romania.
• Romanians tend to be sarcastic.
• There is no Dracula tourism in Romania.

15 Top Things to See and Do in Romania

• Tour the Palace of Parliament in Bucharest, Europe’s largest building.
• Visit Dracula’s Castle in Transylvania.
• Explore the medieval town of Brasov.
• Drive the Transfăgărășan Highway.
• Kayak on the Danube Delta and photograph the Rock Sculpture of Decebalus.
• Relax at a seaside resort on the Black Sea.
• Check out the Painted Monasteries of Bucovina.
• Explore the Sighisoara Citadel.
• Check out Scarisoara Ice Cave, the world’s largest underground glacier.
• Ride the Turda Salt Mine underground Ferris wheel.
• Take a walk through the haunted Hoia Baciu forest.
• Explore the historic city of Sibiu.
• Giggle at the tombstones of the Merry Cemetery in Sapanta.
• Hike to Bigar Waterfall.
• Visit Corvin Castle.

Be sure to check the Romania Office of Tourism website for upcoming festivals, special events, and what’s happening during your stay.

Interesting Facts About Romania

• Romania is the 9th largest country in Europe.
• Parliament Palace in Bucharest is the second-largest building in the world.
• Bucharest is also called the “Little Paris of the East”.
• The 1989 Romanian Revolution overthrew Communism.
• Peles Castle was the first European castle to have full electricity.
• Romania has the largest population of brown bears in Europe.
• The Statue of Decebalus on the Danube is Europe’s largest rock sculpture.
• Peri Monastery is the tallest wooden church in the world.
• The Transfagarasan is the most beautiful road in the world.
• Romania is Europe’s richest country in gold resources.
• Hoia Forest is known for its paranormal activity.
• Romania is the ninth-largest wine producer in the world.
• Romanians drink around 14 liters of alcohol a year.
• Gymnast Nadia Comaneci was the first to earn a perfect 10 at the Olympic Games.
• The modern jet engine and fountain pen were invented by Romanians.

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Best Booking Resources for Romania Travel

Romania Travel Guide

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Romania Attractions and Day Tours

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Have a great vacation!