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Romania

Transylvanian castles, painted monasteries, and Carpathian wilderness. Bucharest's contrasts and Brașov's medieval core. As part of Eastern Europe in Europe, Romania suits travelers drawn to historic, mountains, nature, and big cities. Use this guide to plan where to go, when to visit, and how to structure your days.

Romania

Start exploring.

Best time to visit: May – Sep

Bucharest

Bucharest is a favorite stop for travelers exploring Romania, with plenty to see on foot or by local transit.

Brașov

Brașov is a favorite stop for travelers exploring Romania, with plenty to see on foot or by local transit.

Transylvania

Transylvania is a favorite stop for travelers exploring Romania, with plenty to see on foot or by local transit.

Danube Delta

Danube Delta is a favorite stop for travelers exploring Romania, with plenty to see on foot or by local transit.

Sibiu

Sibiu pairs well with nearby highlights on a Eastern Europe route through Romania.

What it is known for
facts
  • Bran Castle linked to Voivode of Wallachia legend
  • Painted monasteries of Bucovina
  • Transfăgărășan mountain road switchbacks
  • Danube Delta birdwatching wetlands
  • Sarmale cabbage rolls and mămăligă polenta
key City
name
Bucharest
label
Capital
why
The Palace of Parliament, Old Town nightlife, and train links to Brașov and Transylvania start from the capital.
Places to visit
  • area
    Bucharest
    attractions
    • name
      Palace of the Parliament
      duration
      2-3 hours
      book Ahead
      Book timed entry 2-4 weeks ahead for popular palaces in peak season.
    • name
      Old Town Bucharest
      duration
      1-3 hours
      book Ahead
      No ticket required; go early for markets and late afternoon for squares.
    • name
      Romanian Athenaeum
      duration
      1-2 hours
      book Ahead
      Check official hours; book 1-2 weeks ahead if timed entry applies in peak season.
    • name
      Village Museum
      duration
      1.5-3 hours
      book Ahead
      Book timed entry 1-2 weeks ahead for major museums; same-day often fine off-season.
  • area
    Brașov
    attractions
    • name
      Brașov Council Square
      duration
      1-3 hours
      book Ahead
      No ticket required; go early for markets and late afternoon for squares.
    • name
      Black Church
      duration
      45 minutes to 1.5 hours
      book Ahead
      Usually walk-in; modest dress required. Donations welcome at active worship sites.
    • name
      Catherine's Gate
      duration
      1-2 hours
      book Ahead
      Many are free outdoors; timed entry sites need 1-2 weeks notice in summer.
    • name
      Tampa Mountain Cable Car
      duration
      1-2 hours
      book Ahead
      Same-day tickets often available; book 3-7 days ahead on weekends.
  • area
    Transylvania
    attractions
    • name
      Bran Castle
      duration
      2-3 hours
      book Ahead
      Book timed entry 2-4 weeks ahead for popular palaces in peak season.
    • name
      Sighișoara Citadel
      duration
      2-3 hours
      book Ahead
      Book timed entry 2-4 weeks ahead for popular palaces in peak season.
    • name
      Corvin Castle
      duration
      2-3 hours
      book Ahead
      Book timed entry 2-4 weeks ahead for popular palaces in peak season.
    • name
      Biertan Fortified Church
      duration
      45 minutes to 1.5 hours
      book Ahead
      Usually walk-in; modest dress required. Donations welcome at active worship sites.
  • area
    Danube Delta
    attractions
    • name
      Danube Delta Biosphere Reserve
      duration
      4-8 hours
      book Ahead
      Book park permits or safari slots 1-7 days ahead in peak season.
    • name
      Letea Forest
      duration
      1-2 hours
      book Ahead
      Check official hours; book 1-2 weeks ahead if timed entry applies in peak season.
    • name
      Sulina Beach
      duration
      2-4 hours
      book Ahead
      No ticket required; arrive early in peak season for parking and space.
    • name
      Caraorman Forest
      duration
      1-2 hours
      book Ahead
      Check official hours; book 1-2 weeks ahead if timed entry applies in peak season.
  • area
    Sibiu
    attractions
    • name
      Piata Mare
      duration
      1-2 hours
      book Ahead
      Check official hours; book 1-2 weeks ahead if timed entry applies in peak season.
    • name
      Bridge of Lies
      duration
      1-2 hours
      book Ahead
      Check official hours; book 1-2 weeks ahead if timed entry applies in peak season.
    • name
      ASTRA National Museum Complex
      duration
      1.5-3 hours
      book Ahead
      Book timed entry 1-2 weeks ahead for major museums; same-day often fine off-season.
    • name
      Evangelical Cathedral of Sibiu
      duration
      45 minutes to 1.5 hours
      book Ahead
      Usually walk-in; modest dress required. Donations welcome at active worship sites.
Itineraries
  • title
    Romania Highlights Express
    duration
    5 days
    locations
    • Bucharest
    • Brașov
    • Transylvania
    highlights
    • Full day discovering Bucharest
    • Full day discovering Brașov
    • Full day discovering Transylvania
    best For
    Weekend warriors and short trips
    days
    • day
      1
      title
      Arrive in Bucharest
      description
      Land in Bucharest, check into your stay, and take an easy orientation walk. Try a well-rated local restaurant to start your Romania trip.
    • day
      2
      title
      Explore Brașov
      description
      Dedicate the day to Brașov: main landmarks, neighborhoods, and a signature local experience before continuing your route.
    • day
      3
      title
      Transylvania and farewell
      description
      Spend your final day in Transylvania visiting any missed sights, picking up souvenirs, and preparing for departure.
  • title
    Classic Romania
    duration
    10 days
    locations
    • Bucharest
    • Brașov
    • Transylvania
    • Danube Delta
    • Sibiu
    highlights
    • Cover Bucharest and Brașov
    • Explore Transylvania
    • Explore Danube Delta
    • Explore Sibiu
    best For
    Outdoor lovers and slow travel
    days
    • day
      1
      title
      Arrive in Bucharest
      description
      Land in Bucharest, check into your stay, and take an easy orientation walk. Try a well-rated local restaurant to start your Romania trip.
    • day
      2
      title
      Explore Brașov
      description
      Dedicate the day to Brașov: main landmarks, neighborhoods, and a signature local experience before continuing your route.
    • day
      3
      title
      Explore Transylvania
      description
      Dedicate the day to Transylvania: main landmarks, neighborhoods, and a signature local experience before continuing your route.
    • day
      4
      title
      Explore Danube Delta
      description
      Dedicate the day to Danube Delta: main landmarks, neighborhoods, and a signature local experience before continuing your route.
    • day
      5
      title
      Sibiu and farewell
      description
      Spend your final day in Sibiu visiting any missed sights, picking up souvenirs, and preparing for departure.
  • title
    Romania Beaches & Coast
    duration
    5 days
    locations
    • Bucharest
    • Brașov
    • Transylvania
    highlights
    • Coastal day in Bucharest
    • Coastal day in Brașov
    • Coastal day in Transylvania
    best For
    Sun seekers, swimmers, and coastal road trips
    days
    • day
      1
      title
      Arrive in Bucharest
      description
      Check in near the shore and take a relaxed walk along the waterfront. Swim or sunbathe if conditions allow, then settle into a seaside dinner in Bucharest.
    • day
      2
      title
      Brașov coast
      description
      Spend the day on Brașov's shoreline: Brașov Council Square, Black Church, Catherine's Gate, with time for cafés, boat trips, or sunset views.
    • day
      3
      title
      Transylvania and farewell
      description
      Enjoy a final beach morning in Transylvania, visiting Bran Castle, Sighișoara Citadel, Corvin Castle before you depart Romania.
  • title
    Romania Countryside
    duration
    7 days
    locations
    • Bucharest
    • Brașov
    • Danube Delta
    • Sibiu
    highlights
    • Rural stop: Bucharest
    • Rural stop: Brașov
    • Rural stop: Danube Delta
    • Rural stop: Sibiu
    best For
    Nature lovers, hikers, and slow travel
    days
    • day
      1
      title
      Arrive in Bucharest
      description
      Reach Bucharest, drop bags at a rural stay, and take a short walk through nearby villages or trails to get oriented.
    • day
      2
      title
      Brașov countryside
      description
      Explore Brașov at an easy pace: Brașov Council Square, Black Church, Catherine's Gate with a focus on open landscapes away from the crowds.
    • day
      3
      title
      Danube Delta countryside
      description
      Explore Danube Delta at an easy pace: Danube Delta Biosphere Reserve, Letea Forest, Sulina Beach with a focus on open landscapes away from the crowds.
    • day
      4
      title
      Sibiu and farewell
      description
      Wrap up with a slow morning in Sibiu, stopping at Piata Mare, Bridge of Lies, ASTRA National Museum Complex before heading home.
  • title
    Romania Monuments & Hot Spots
    duration
    7 days
    locations
    • Transylvania
    • Bucharest
    • Brașov
    • Sibiu
    highlights
    • Must-see: Bran Castle
    • Must-see: Sighișoara Citadel
    • Must-see: Palace of the Parliament
    • Must-see: Old Town Bucharest
    best For
    Sightseeing, history buffs, and first-time landmark hunters
    days
    • day
      1
      title
      Icons of Transylvania
      description
      Start in Transylvania with Bran Castle, Sighișoara Citadel, Corvin Castle, buying timed tickets ahead when possible and finishing with a walk through the historic center.
    • day
      2
      title
      Bucharest monuments
      description
      Focus on Bucharest's tourist favorites: Palace of the Parliament, Old Town Bucharest, Romanian Athenaeum with breaks for local food between sights.
    • day
      3
      title
      Brașov monuments
      description
      Focus on Brașov's tourist favorites: Brașov Council Square, Black Church, Catherine's Gate with breaks for local food between sights.
    • day
      4
      title
      Sibiu landmarks and farewell
      description
      Catch any remaining must-sees in Sibiu, including Piata Mare, Bridge of Lies, ASTRA National Museum Complex, before your departure.
When to go & typical weather
summary
May through September suits Bucharest belle epoque boulevards, Transylvania castle circuits, and Painted Monasteries of Bucovina under warm Carpathian sunshine. Brasov and Sibiu make ideal bases for hiking and medieval town exploration.
typical Weather
Bucharest/Brasov May-Sep: highs 22-28°C (72-82°F), lows 12-16°C (54-61°F), 60-80 mm rain. Transfagarasan road open Jul-Oct only. Black Sea coast 24-28°C (75-82°F).
details
  • Jul-Aug peak for Transfagarasan and Black Sea; book early.
  • Dec winter markets in Sibiu and Bucharest; ski at Poiana Brasov.
  • Shoulder May-Jun and Sep ideal for castle hopping.
  • Halloween tourism peaks in Transylvania Oct.
most Affordable
period
Nov – Mar
summary
Cold off-season outside Halloween peak brings Romania's lowest Bucharest and Transylvania rates when castle tours see fewer groups and Black Sea resorts close.
details
  • Brasov and Sibiu hotels discount 30-40% in Jan-Feb.
  • Bucharest hotels offer winter promotions.
  • Transfagarasan closed; castle tours cheaper in winter.
  • Wizz Air fares to Romania cheapest in winter months.
most Expensive
period
Jul – Aug
summary
Summer peak fills Romania when Transfagarasan road opens, Black Sea coast fills, and Brasov serves as base for packed castle circuit tourism.
details
  • Bran and Peles castle area hotels premium in Jul-Aug.
  • Black Sea Mamaia resorts sell out at peak summer rates.
  • Transfagarasan day trips cost more when road opens Jul-Oct.
  • Halloween Dracula tourism (Oct) secondary peak in Transylvania.
Airports & arrivals
summary
Henri Coandă Airport north of Bucharest is the main gateway.
airports
  • name
    Henri Coandă International Airport
    code
    OTP
    location
    Otopeni, serving Bucharest
    distance From Center
    17 km (11 mi) north of central Bucharest
    transfer Note
    Express bus 783 reaches Piata Unirii
Getting around
overview
Romania combines national rail, urban transit, and buses; ride-hailing apps operate in major cities.
trains
  • name
    CFR Călători
    description
    National and regional rail serving Romania and cross-border routes.
    ticketing
    Buy tickets at station counters, rail apps, or online.
ferries
    subways
    • name
      Bucharest Metro
      description
      Bucharest underground serving the capital.
      ticketing
      Use transit cards or contactless at station validators.
    public Transit
    • name
      STB Bucharest
      kind
      public
      description
      Bucharest buses, trams, and trolleybuses.
      ticketing
      Pay contactless or buy tickets from drivers or kiosks.
    ride Share
    • name
      Uber
      kind
      rideshare
      description
      Ride-hailing in major Romania cities.
      ticketing
      Book and pay through the Uber app.
    • name
      Bolt
      kind
      rideshare
      description
      Ride-hailing available in urban areas of Romania.
      ticketing
      Book through the Bolt app.
    Rail passes
    name
    Eurail Romania Pass
    description
    U.S. and other non-European residents can use a Eurail One Country Pass for flexible train travel across Romania, including many regional and intercity routes on participating operators.
    ticketing
    High-speed and overnight trains often require a seat reservation fee even with a pass; buy and activate before your first train.
    Currency
    code
    RON
    name
    Romanian leu
    symbol
    lei
    note
    Carry some romanian leu in cash for taxis and markets; card acceptance is strongest in major cities and tourist areas.

    Convert your travel budget ↗

    Visas & official entry links
    Local customs
    summary
    Romania blends Latin warmth with Orthodox solemnity and rural superstition charm. Bucharest is lively; Maramureș villages conservative. Hospitality is generous; refusing all food can seem rude.
    customs
    • Shoes off indoors in many homes.
    • Orthodox Easter and Christmas dominate calendars.
    • Handshakes across thresholds avoided by some older people.
    dos
    • Greet with bună ziua in shops.
    • Dress modestly at monasteries like Voroneț.
    • Tip 10 percent at restaurants if not included.
    • Use Uber or official taxis in Bucharest at night.
    • Learn mulțumesc and vă rog.
    donts
    • Do not discuss Dracula stereotypes dismissively with proud locals.
    • Do not photograph Roma communities without permission.
    • Do not fly drones near airports and military sites without permits.
    • Do not assume EU roaming covers all mountain villages for data.
    • Do not enter Orthodox altar areas restricted to clergy.
    Useful travel phrases
    language
    Romanian
    phrases
    • english
      Please
      local
      Vă rog
      pronunciation
      Vă rog (vuh ROHG)
    • english
      Thank you
      local
      Mulțumesc
      pronunciation
      Mul-țu-mesc
    • english
      Yes
      local
      Da
      pronunciation
      Da (dah)
    • english
      No
      local
      Nu
      pronunciation
      Nu (noo)
    • english
      How much?
      local
      Cât costă?
      pronunciation
      Cât costă
    • english
      Where is the nearest restaurant or bar?
      local
      Unde este cel mai apropiat restaurant sau bar?
      pronunciation
      Unde este cel mai apropiat restaurant sau bar
    • english
      Where is the airport?
      local
      Unde este aeroportul?
      pronunciation
      Unde este aeroportul
    • english
      I need help
      local
      Am nevoie de ajutor
      pronunciation
      Am nevoie de ajutor
    • english
      I need a hospital
      local
      Am nevoie de spital
      pronunciation
      Am nevoie de spital
    • english
      Call the police
      local
      Sună la poliție
      pronunciation
      Sunati poliția
    Longer stays
    visa Summary
    U.S. citizens may visit Romania visa-free under Schengen rules for up to 90 days in any 180-day period following Romania's Schengen accession for air and sea borders. Long-stay visas and residence permits cover employment, study, family reunification, and EU Blue Card holders through the General Inspectorate for Immigration. EU and national rules continue to harmonize, so verify current permit types before relocating.

    Practical tips.

    • Book Transfăgărășan and Transalpina drives for summer months only because snow closes the highest passes into July some years.
    • Use licensed taxis or Bolt in Bucharest and Cluj because unofficial airport cabs overcharge with rigged meters.
    • Carry lei cash for Bran and rural guesthouses where card terminals still fail during power blips.
    More travel tips ↗

    Locate Romania.

    Location map of Romania

    Before you go.

    Check current entry requirements and travel conditions with official sources before booking. Read the current U.S. State Department advisory for Romania ↗