Planning a trip to Romania? Start in Bucharest for grand architecture, Communist-era history, lively neighborhoods, and café culture; head into Transylvania to explore Brașov, Sibiu, and Sighișoara; tour spectacular castles such as Peleș and Corvin; or travel farther to discover the Carpathian Mountains, painted monasteries of Bucovina, traditional villages of Maramureș, and the wildlife-rich Danube Delta.
Romania is often associated with Transylvania and the legend of Dracula, but the country offers much more than vampire folklore. Medieval towns, fortified churches, dramatic mountain roads, castles, monasteries, forests, traditional villages, vineyards, and Black Sea beaches make Romania one of Europe’s most varied destinations.
This Romania travel guide will help you decide where to go, when to visit, how to get around, how much to budget, and what you need to know before you arrive. You’ll also find practical information about entry requirements, currency, trains, driving, weather, electrical outlets, safety, food, packing, festivals, and Romanian traditions.
Visiting Romania for the first time? Bucharest, Brașov, Sibiu, and Sighișoara make an excellent introduction. Add Peleș Castle and Bran Castle for a classic Transylvania itinerary, then consider the Danube Delta, Bucovina, Maramureș, or the Carpathian Mountains if you have more time.
Romania rewards travelers who slow down. Distances aren’t always as quick to cover as they appear on a map, so choose a few regions rather than trying to see the entire country in one trip.
Romania Travel Guide at a Glance
Planning your first trip to Romania? Here are the essential things to know before you go:
Capital: Bucharest
Currency: Romanian Leu (RON)
Official Language: Romanian
Emergency Number: 112
Driving: Romanians drive on the right
Power Outlets: Type C and F, 230V, 50Hz
Best Time to Visit: May–June and September–October for generally pleasant sightseeing weather; summer is popular for mountains and festivals
Popular First-Time Destinations: Bucharest, Brașov, Sibiu, Sighișoara, Peleș Castle, and Bran Castle
Getting Around: Trains, intercity buses, rental cars, local public transportation, taxis, and ride-hailing services
Visa Requirements: U.S. tourists can visit Romania and the Schengen Area without a visa for up to 90 days within any 180-day period
Best Known For: Transylvania, medieval towns, castles, the Carpathian Mountains, fortified churches, Dracula legends, traditional villages, and the Danube Delta
Don’t Miss: A Transylvanian town, at least one castle, traditional Romanian food, Bucharest, and a destination beyond the major cities
First-time Romania travel tip: Don’t judge travel times by distance alone. Trains and mountain roads can make relatively short distances take longer than expected, so avoid overpacking your itinerary.
Best Places to Visit in Romania
Bucharest: Best for Romanian History, Architecture and Nightlife
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
Brașov: Best for a First Trip to Transylvania
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 Language Is Spoken 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 U.S. Citizens Need a Visa to Visit Romania?
U.S. citizens can generally visit Romania and other countries in the Schengen Area without a visa for up to 90 days within any 180-day period for tourism. Time spent elsewhere in the Schengen Area counts toward the same 90-day allowance.
What Currency Does Romania Use?
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 You 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 Does a Trip to Romania Cost?
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.
How Do You Get Around Romania?
Cities and regions in Romania are well connected by trains and buses. The trains are slow. Check Wizz Air, and Ryanair for low-cost long-distance flights. Transportation within cities is by bus, tram, or trolleybus. Bucharest also has an underground metro. Taxi drivers are required by law to post their rates on their doors or windshields. Uber and Bolt are available in large cities.
What Power Adapter Do You 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 may need a converter if you plan to use an electric razor or blow dryer from the US.
What Should You 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 good soles for cobbled streets is important.
Is Romania Safe 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. Be cautious of overpricing by taxi drivers, street vendors, and bars. Drink spiking is 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 Should You 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, things may open later or close earlier.
- Romanians tend to be sarcastic.
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.
- Tour Peles Castle.
- 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.
- Visit Corvin Castle.
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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