Romania Travel Guide
- Everything you need to know for your trip to Romania-
Romania is a vast and stunning country in the crossroads of Central, Eastern, and Southeastern Europe. Since 2007, Romania is a member of the European Union and joined the North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO) 2004. A fantastic mixture of art, culture, architecture, history, food, and nature have come together to make an unforgettable experience for visitors from various spots of the world.
Why Visiting Romania?
Romania is home to fantastic nature, beautiful wildlife, and history. If you are a lover of these items, Romania will be a new experience for you. Architecture and medieval cities are incredible in this country and should convince you to visit this area at least once in your lifetime.
When it comes to nature, Romania is one of the most biogeographically diverse countries in the world, with snow-capped mountains, exceptional forests, lovely hills, etc. Also, Romania is one of the best countries in Europe for visiting wildlife. The country houses the largest population of bears in Europe, and you can find lynx, wolves, deer, chamois, badgers, and many other species in the forests. Natural wonders are exceptional in Romania. Scărișoara Glacier, the second biggest underground glacier in Europe, is located in this country. Bigăr waterfall, one of the most beautiful waterfalls in the world is also in Romania.
As for history, Romania is a paradise! The country has been inhabited since prehistoric times. Interestingly, the 34,950-year-old human remains were found in Caraș-Severin in 2002. Besides the history itself, you will be stunned by the architecture presenting a fantastic combination of different styles.
Romania is not limited to nature or history. You can find one of the most exquisite cuisines ever in the world. The main focus in Romanian cuisine is the taste and the quality of ingredients so that you can find something incredible!
Festivals and celebrations form a critical part of Romanian culture. The variety of these festivals in different regions of the country will make your trip more and more exciting.
Romania Top Destinations
Best Time to Visit Romania
The best time for visiting Romania is from the middle of May to the beginning of September, giving a great opportunity to travelers to make the most of their trip, visit the attractions easily, and enjoy sunbathing in coastal areas.
Spring
Temperature: 0 °C (32 °F) – +23 °C (73 °F)
Features
Early spring in Romania is very similar to winter, but from mid-April, everything changes, and the temperature reaches 50°F, but still with cold nights. You may also face rainy weather as well, decreasing towards the end of the season.
Summer
Temperature: +14 °C (57 °F) – +29 °C (84 °F)
Features
The summer temperature in Romania is not too high, mostly standing around 68°F. During the summer, seaside sunbathing can be an enjoyable experience for you since the sky is mostly sunny without notable clouds and humidity. Don’t forget to visit the Carpathian Mountains of Romania in the summer.
Autumn
Temperature: +24 °C (75 °F) – +1 °C (34 °F)
Features
The warm weather stands until the end of September, even in mountainous areas. Since October, rainy weather is expected until the first snowfall. If you want to enjoy sunny days, autumn won’t be a good option for you!
Winter
Temperature: -5,5 °C (22 °F) – +4 °C (39 °F)
Features
Winter in Romania is full of snow until the end of March except for southern areas. The country’s coldest area is in the Carpathian Mountains, reaching -22°F!
Best Romania Tours
Things to Do in Romania
Visiting Romania can be a mysterious and auspicious trip with numerous elements like its castles and fun places to visit. The landscape is undoubtedly suitable for exploring and camping or spending time in the environment, but there are much more things to do but keep them as secondaries since the cities have so much to offer. Romanians have a lot of history and folklore that will keep you entertained for a long time; therefore, it is better to read about some of them before traveling.
Go to Bran Castle and Other Castles and Fortresses of Romania
If you ever find yourself in Romania and miss the chance to visit Bran Castle, you have missed one of the most incredible things about this country. There are several reasons for that, one of them is that this country is full of magnificent castles and fortresses, the best of which can be Bran Castle. Although all of these castles and fortresses are great, this one always stands out since it is known are Dracula’s Castle.
Nobody knows if this place inspired the story of Dracula and Dracula’s castle, But Bran Castle is certainly very famous for this possible relation. Some people also claim that Vlad the Impaler lived here, but it actually belonged to Queen Mary.
Explore the Happy “Merry Cemetery” of Romania
Merry Cemetery is just the place to visit after seeing some castles and hearing about Count Dracula and Vlad the Impaler. Despite being in one of Romania’s religious parts, this cemetery is quite ‘Merry’ with colorful decorations, jokes, and poems about the deceased. One may think that visiting a cemetery is a creepy thing to do, but it is just like visiting a museum with extra fun.
Besides the beautiful surroundings, colorful paintings, and exotic tombstones, there is also a church in Merry Cemetery to visit. Have the most exotic experience of your life in the oddest possible way while reading the descriptions.
See the Birds, the Wildlife in Danube Delta, The Most Picturesque Part of the Country
Before reaching the black sea, the River and Danube Delta travel far and wide in an area of more than 3000 square miles. Danube Delta is the second-largest and the best-preserved delta of Europe after the Volga. If you have gone to the Bran Castle and Merry Cemetery first and want to see some life, Danube Delta is just the place. The delta has very rich biodiversity along with more than 300 species of birds all over its outstanding canals and pretty areas.
It is a great place for adventuring and visiting the wildlife of Romania. One of the top things to do here is to take some of the best pictures of the environment.
Have Fun in the Turda Salt Mine
Salina Turda or the Turda Salt Mine is where you can have a lot of fun by riding an underground Ferris Wheel or a rowboat. Exploring the Turda Salt Mine is also a good idea since it is a fantastic amusement park used to be an actual Salt Mine. Some people say that this visit is good for your health too, and can reduce allergies as well as specific lung problems. There are many things to do in the Turda Salt Mine of Romania that does not cost much. To top all the good stuff about Salina Turda, it is also suitable for all ages and groups.
Try the Traditional Romanian Cuisine
One of the things to try in a new country is their cuisine, which is a general rule. The difference is that the food and cuisine of Romania is something that is recommended as a must. Their cuisine gets some of its recipes from other countries, but with some modifications of spices and herbs. Romanian cuisine is amazing, especially if you try the traditional dishes, dairy products, soups, and side dishes. The best version of their food is the homemade version that is hard to find but worth the effort.
In addition to their herbs and spices, they have the best seafood you can try as well. This quality in seafood is because of the Danube Delta and the Black Sea; so, when in the area, give them a try too.
Spend a few days in the Young and Cheerful Town of Cluj-Napoca
Cluj-Napoca is the starting point of traveling to Romania for anyone looking for a budget traveling experience. The price of flights and many other things are more inexpensive in this town, but that is the least reason for visiting Cluj-Napoca. This town is mostly a university town, filled with art and museums, and the possible chance of catching a festival. Some of the things that make Cluj-Napoca a top place to visit in Romania are film and music festivals.
Other than that, there are many more things to do in Cluj-Napoca that will keep you busy for some time.
Embark on a Spiritual Journey by Visiting the Painted Monasteries
Painted Monasteries of Bucovina are several churches and monasteries with stunning beauty and design. Each of them makes prominent use of a specific color to depict a particular saint and tell their stories or historical events in the form of paintings. These old worship houses are among the most sacred and most important religious sites of all of Romania. Historically they are rich, and these Painted Monasteries are among the top attractions for any visitor to see.
Among the things you can do is just to visit each of them and look at the art and architecture. Alternatively, you can embark on a spiritual journey, learn some history, or prey and pay your respects to these deceased saints.
Discover Parts of Romanian History in Brukenthal National Museum
The Brukenthal National Museum in Sibiu is a great place to learn history. Besides the learning, you can see some collections of art, literature, and other valuable items, in an 18th-century building. The structure with its unique architecture is something amazing to behold before going inside. Once inside, you should visit all the six sections to see all the exhibitions, most of which date to medieval times.
While planning to visit the museum, try to explore the city of Sibiu as well. It is one of the most beautiful cities you can see in Romania and Europe.
Do not Miss the Exploration or a Tour of the Palace of The Parliament in Bucharest
Just because it is on the bottom of the list does not mean visiting the Palace of the Parliament is not a must-see attraction. Bucharest is the country’s capital, and exploring this city is definitely one of the top things to do in Romania. But the building that must be seen at least once in this city is the Palace of Parliament. The reason is that it is one of the biggest and heaviest buildings on the planet. Additionally, it has a rich history that is held inside the walls of this museum.
It is a magnificent architectural design, with a lot to show, constructed in 1997. All of Bucharest is full of things to be seen, but the Palace of Parliament is perhaps the best.
What to see in Romania
Local Transportation in Romania
Bus
Bus transportation plays a critical role in the Romanian transportation system. Unfortunately, most of Romania’s buses lack air conditioning and may get hot during the summer.
Light Rail
Light railway networks are operating in many Romania cities, and they are better options in comparison with the buses.
Metro
If you are going to visit Bucharest, the good news is that the city has an acceptable metro network system. Taking the metro is by far the most reliable and convenient way of getting around in Romania’s capital.
Taxi
Taxis in Romania are inexpensive and convenient. Drivers are required to post the rates on the window screen or doors.
App-based taxis
Uber and Taxify are operating in Romania’s major cities, and they are more recommended as the prices are fixed and clear.
Water Taxi
Water taxis are trendy in Bucharest and Danube Delta, running from the north to south with fantastic restaurants and entertainment hubs.
Bicycle
Romanians are not into driving so much, and you can see them mostly using bicycles and walking. In fact, riding a bicycle in the cities of Romania is very enjoyable.
Intercity Transportation in Romania
Air
The airplane is the best way of moving across the cities in Romania because of its convenience and speed. Imagine traveling between Bucharest and Cluj-Napoca. In this case, you need 10 hours of train travel.
Train
Major cities and towns in Romania have a train station, mostly in the heart of cities. Romania rail information site can help you see the timetables and plan for your trip.
Photo by Aero Icarus via Flickr
Bus
Traveling by coach is very inexpensive and easy; however, as the tourist cities of Romania have long distances like Bucharest and Cluj-Napoca, you may prefer a faster way!
Maxi Taxi
Maxi Taxis are great for traveling across towns and small villages where you cannot find a train station. These taxis are like bus vehicles that are independently operated.
Rent a Car
Driving a car in Romania can be an enjoyable experience as it’s safe and the roads are lovely. There are two major companies, including Hertz and Avis, that can help you enjoy driving here.
Flight Deals to Romania
Romania Travel Costs
| Accommodation | |
|---|---|
| Budget | $12 – 24 |
| Mid – Range | $28-57 |
| Luxury | $63-126 |
| Food | |
| Budget | $11 |
| Mid – Range | $26 |
| Luxury | $60 |
| Transportation | |
| Budget | $8.5 |
| Mid – Range | $19 |
| Luxury | $41 |
| Intercity Transportation | |
| Budget | $13 |
| Mid – Range | $32 |
| Luxury | $66 |
| Entertainment | |
| Budget | $3.8 |
| Mid – Range | $8.5 |
| Luxury | $17 |
| Daily Costs | |
| Budget | $36 |
| Mid – Range | $76 |
| Luxury | $162 |
Best Hotels in Romania
Find the best hotels in Romania using our best price search engine, or go with one of our All-inclusive tours with 4 Star hotels included. You can book our guaranteed hotels for your extra accommodation; before or after your tour days.
Romania Travel Tips
Tap water in Romania is considered safe, but most people drink bottled water as it’s cheap and available everywhere.
Tips are not included in the bills in Romania, so 10-15% is appreciated in restaurants, bars, etc.
Romanian is the official language of Romania, and since the locals usually have little trouble understanding other languages, learning basic phrases can help you better interact with them.
Romania is exceptionally safe and pleasant for visitors around the world. However, there are always some warnings and precautions, such as pickpockets.
Except for Bucharest, the nightlife is not notable in Romania. You can enjoy pubs, cocktail bars, sky bars, clubs, and more in the capital.
Unfortunately, non of the Romanian foods are vegetarian friendly. Locals say that the pork is their national vegetable!!!
Wi-Fi in Romania is the fastest in Europe and the sixth-fastest one in the world. You will not have any problem getting connected in Romania.
There are two plug types in Romania: type C and type F. the voltage in Romania is 230V and 50Hz
Emergency Calls
| Emergency Numbers | |
|---|---|
| General emergency numbers | 112 |
| Electricity – Enel | +4021 9291 |
| Gas – Distrigaz | +4021 9281 |
| Mountain Rescuers | +40725 826 668 |
| Toxapel | +40212 106 183 |
| Domestic violence | +4021 9833 |
Currency & Money Tips
The official currency in Romania is Leu (Plural = Lei), abbreviated as RON. Each Leu is divided into 100 bani. The banknote denominations are 1, 5, 10, 50, 100, and 500 lei, while there are coins in 1, 5, 10, and 50 bani pieces as well.
ATMs
ATMs can be widely found in major cities of the country, but you shouldn’t expect to find them easily in remote areas. Different international bank cards are accepted in ATMs such as Visa and MasterCard. However, it would help if you informed your bank that you are going not to get blocked.
Credit cards
International credit cards such as Visa and MasterCard are accepted in hotels, shops, restaurants, etc. in cities and large towns. However, in remote areas, you will need cash to pay. American Express Card is also acceptable in large hotels and restaurants.
Exchanging money
The best place to exchange your money is the bank since the commission is low. Besides, there are some exchange beaureu, but you need to be aware of the commissions they offer.
Food & Drink (Romanian Food)
It does not matter who you are or where you are from; the delightful and delicious food of Romania will make your mouth water. They have several recipes from Germany and some other nearby European countries as well as Turkey, Greece, and Asia, as well as their own original creations. All of these recipes are cooked and made to perfection with the meat, vegetables, and dairy products of the country. Long story short, Romanian cuisine is an aspect of the country you must experience.
Sarmale (Cabbage Rolls)
Sarmale or the Romanian Cabbage Rolls are some of the most delicious things to have during celebrations and events. This fantastic national dish includes rice, minced meat (mostly pork), and spice stuffed into cabbage leaves (sometimes pickled cabbage leaves). There are certainly similarities between this dish and the one with stuffed vine leaves of Turkey and the Middle-East, but they are still very different. The taste, fillings, and toppings for Sarmale may look like they were inspired by other food in other countries, but they are a new experience to have.
Just like the Asian version, with stuffed vine leaves, Sarmale also has a vegetarian version for people who do not eat meat. It is a delightful thing to have, more so when celebrating or when you are looking for something light to eat.
Mici (Grilled Minced Meat Rolls)
Mici is the most popular type of barbequed minced meat that goes great with a little bit of mustard and local spices. The key to making the best Mici is having fresh ingredients, especially the bread. Mici can be served in various ways and with different toppings according to each person’s taste, but they are always small.
Mici is among the best street food you can find. Try them hot with some mustard and with some fries as you explore the streets or as you sit in a restaurant.
Papanasi
After having some traditional food and trying the local cuisine of Romania, it would be best to have some of their amazing Papanasi as dessert. Papanasi is usually served in pairs and is a pastry filled with local cheese and topped with jam. It tastes like heaven as it is still hot and has a great texture along with its unique flavor. There are several versions of this sweet dessert, but they are all mostly similar, with only changing the kind of jam they use for the topping.
Papanasi
After having some traditional food and trying the local cuisine of Romania, it would be best to have some of their amazing Papanasi as dessert. Papanasi is usually served in pairs and is a pastry filled with local cheese and topped with jam. It tastes like heaven as it is still hot and has a great texture along with its unique flavor. There are several versions of this sweet dessert, but they are all mostly similar, with only changing the kind of jam they use for the topping.
Ciorba de Burta (Beef Tripe Soup)
Ciorba de Burta or Beef Tripe Soup is famous for having a kind of taste that you will either love or hate. Besides the flavor, it is trendy for being a cure for hangovers due to the tripe, made with a cow’s stomach. Ciorba de Burta may not look very appealing, but it is a very healthy dish prepared with various types of vegetables, herbs, garlic, and chili. There are different recipes for making the Ciorba de Burta, but the taste in all the versions is exotic and odd. No matter which kind of this soup you try, it is always something you must have at least once.
Drob de Miel (Lamb Haggis)
Drob de Miel or Lamb Haggis is a traditional food of Easter. During Easter, Romanians make the Drob de Miel an appetizer with lamb offal, eggs, milk, and vegetables. Making this traditional food is difficult, and not all the recipes are the same. The Drob de Miel has a unique taste, and it is mostly served cold and in small quantities. It is quite healthy and very delightful, therefore, if you see it anywhere as you travel, you must not miss it.
Pomana Porcului (Honoring the Pig)
If traditional dishes interest you, the Pomana Porcului will make you fall in love. The method of making this food is something exotic, as it is a food of December and Christmas. Traditionally, the pig is sacrificed, and to honor the animal, all of it is used to make the Pomana Porcului. Nowadays, people do not stick to the old ways, but the food is still somewhat popular during Christmas and Christmas Eve.
In any case, if you see this traditional dish, you must give it a try. It is known as a savory food fried in the fat that comes from the pig itself. After the Pomana Porcului is prepared, it is traditionally served with some pickles or wine.
Varza a la Cluj (Cluj-style Cabbage)
Varza a la Cluj is a local food mostly found in Romania’s northern areas. It is very similar to the Sarmale with almost the same ingredients and some differences. This dish is baked in an oven, and then it is served with sour cream in most places. Varza a la Cluj may belong to specific parts of the country, but you can easily find it anywhere nowadays.
Mamaliga (Polenta)
Mamaliga or Polenta is a kind of cornmeal porridge that is flavorful and rich, mostly seen as a side dish for Sarmale or Varza a la Cluj. It looks like a yellow mass that may not seem very delicious or heavy, but it is, perhaps because of the butter and traditional cheese used next to the eggs inside the Mamaliga. All of the added things to the recipe are mixed with cornflour and water and then prepared. There are many ways of serving Mamaliga, and it goes great with a wide variety of dishes, making this kind of Romanian food something you must try.
Ciorba Radauteana (Soup from Radauti)
Ciorba Radauteana is a hearty and delightful soup of fresh vegetables and chicken meat. It is simple and yet so good either as a side dish or appetizer or perhaps even a meal, depending on how much you will love it and how much of it you will eat. Some garlic and cream are usually added to the Ciorba Radauteana, making it smell and taste even better.
Mobile & Internet
Romania is a very easy country for travelers who want to be connected during their trip. Vodafone and Orange are the best companies in Romania for travelers as they cover over 95% of the population. These two companies have suitable packages for tourists even for a few days.
Where to buy a SIM card?
Convenience stores and newsstands sell prepaid SIM cards, but buying from such stores is not recommended. All shopping centers in major cities have official shops for Vodafone and Orange. Unlike many other countries, there is no official booth for Vodafone or Orange in the Airports.
Prices
There are many packages offered by both Vodafone and Orange; however, these are some examples:
| Price | Package |
|---|---|
| €5 (28 days) | 1000 domestic minutes or texts – 100 international minutes or texts – 30GB of data |
| €8 (35 days) | 2000 domestic minutes or texts – 1000 international minutes or texts – 80GB of data |
| €10 (42 days | 2000 domestic minutes or texts – 1000 international minutes or texts – 100GB of data |
Holidays & Festivals
| Holiday | Date 2021 | Date 2022 |
|---|---|---|
| New Year’s Day | 1-Jan | 1-Jan |
| Day after New Year’s Day | 2-Jan | 2-Jan |
| Unification Day | 24-Jan | 24-Jan |
| Orthodox Good Friday | 30-Apr | 22-Apr |
| Labor Day / May Day | 1-May | 1-May |
| Orthodox Easter Day | 2-May | 24-Apr |
| Orthodox Easter Monday | 3-May | 25-Apr |
| Children’s Day | 1-Jun | 1-Jun |
| Orthodox Pentecost | 20-Jun | 12-Jun |
| Orthodox Pentecost Monday | 21-Jun | 13-Jun |
| St Mary’s Day | 15-Aug | 15-Aug |
| St Andrew’s Day | 30-Nov | 30-Nov |
| National holiday | 1-Dec | 1-Dec |
| Christmas Day | 25-Dec | 25-Dec |
| Second day of Christmas | 26-Dec | 26-Dec |
Shopping in Romania
Horezu Ceramics
Make sure to purchase pots, plates, and ceramics from Olari Street in Horezu made by traditional techniques and painted in shades of blue, brown, and green. Horezu ivory is listed in UNESCO’s intangible cultural heritage list.
Le
Le is the traditional dress for Romanian women decorated with folk motifs known as one of Romanian culture’s most important parts. Find these dresses and wear them as the local women and girls have for centuries.
Cosmetics
There are two famous cosmetics in Romania called Gerovital and Aslavital, which has a long story and is widely popular in Romania and abroad.
Bee products
You won’t find so many countries where you can buy a cream containing bee venom! Well, it’s possible In Romania as the the venom is proven to relieve the symptoms of the joint ailment.
Dracula souvenirs
Romania is the best place for buying Dracula souvenirs! You can keep it on a shelf, refrigerator, or wall. There are statues, fridge magnets, posters, paintings, wine bottles, etc., decorated with Dracula images.
Țuică
Țuică is Romania’s national drink, containing 24–65% alcohol by volume (usually 40–55%) prepared from plums. Make sure to consider taste, quality, and age when purchasing one.
Green Walnut Jam
Green Walnut Jam is a super delicious jam in Romania you must try. June is the time of picking up the green walnuts, and then, this fruit goes through a process to become an excellent jam.
Painted Eggs
Easter is an essential religious holiday in Romania, and Romanian women paint eggs using a mixture of traditional folk motifs and natural elements. This handmade art can be excellent for decorating your home!
