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Romania: Castles, Carpathians, and Seriously Good Food

Medieval towns, mountain highways, and one of Europe's best-kept secrets. All at a fraction of Western European prices.

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Peles Castle in Sinaia, Romania
Peles Castle
Corvin Castle in Hunedoara, Romania
Corvin Castle
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Why Romania, Why Now

Romania catches people off guard. You show up expecting grey Soviet blocks and instead you're standing in a medieval town square with a castle on the hill and a plate of sarmale that costs less than a London coffee. Transylvania alone would justify the trip, Bran Castle, the Transfagarasan Highway, villages that look like they haven't changed in 300 years.

Then there's Bucharest with its mad mix of crumbling grandeur and rooftop bars, the Danube Delta where pelicans outnumber people, and the Carpathian Mountains cutting through the middle of it all like a spine. It's one of Europe's most underrated countries and one of its cheapest. This guide covers everything you need to plan the trip, budgets included.

3-3.5 hrsFrom the UK
May-SepBest time
RomanianMain language
Leu (RON)Currency
90 days visa-freeSchengen
Seasons

Best Time To Visit

Romania runs proper seasons, warm summers, cold snowy winters, and two lovely shoulder windows either side. Here's how each one actually feels.

Spring (Mar to May)

10-20C, blooming

Warm weather and nature waking up across the Carpathians. Ideal for cultural festivals and exploring historic cities like Bucharest and Sibiu without the summer crowds.

Summer (Jun to Aug)

Up to 30C, peak season

Hot weather, perfect for the Black Sea coast and festival season. Bucharest regularly hits 35C plus, and this is when the Transfagarasan Highway is actually open.

Autumn (Sep to Nov)

15-25C, wine season

Cooler and genuinely lovely for wine lovers and nature enthusiasts. Wine festivals across Moldova and Transylvania, plus proper autumn colour through the mountains.

Winter (Dec to Feb)

0-10C, snowy

A proper snowy wonderland, especially around Prahova Valley. Great for skiing and snowboarding, and Brasov and Sibiu turn genuinely festive with Christmas markets.

Watch First

See Romania in 60 Seconds

Sixty seconds of hilltop castles, mountain roads, and medieval town squares. Then read on for the full story.

Romania is one of Europe’s most underrated destinations, where medieval towns, dramatic mountains, legendary castles, and unspoilt countryside create an unforgettable adventure. In just 60 seconds, we’ll explore the colourful streets of Brașov, the fairytale castles of Transylvania, the scenic Transfăgărășan Highway, the vibrant capital of Bucharest, and the wildlife-rich Carpathian Mountains. Whether you’re travelling for history, nature, road trips, or a touch of Dracula folklore, Romania is a country full of surprises waiting to be discovered.
Peles Castle in Romania
Plan In Minutes

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Good To Know

What To Expect

The practical stuff, minus the waffle.

Capital

Bucharest mixes crumbling grandeur with rooftop bars and a Palace of Parliament that has to be seen to be believed.

Language

Romanian is official, a Romance language, so Italian, Spanish, or French speakers will recognise more than expected. English is common in cities, less so rurally. Try "multumesc" (thank you).

Currency

The Romanian Leu (RON). Rough ballpark: £1 is about 6.05 RON, and $1 is about 4.60 RON. Rates move around, so check XE before you go.

Cards & ATMs

Cards and contactless are popular and Romania went heavily digital during the pandemic. Apple Pay and Google Pay work in most places, but keep some cash for markets and rural spots.

Plugs

Types C and F, two round pins, 230V and 50Hz. UK visitors need an adapter. A universal adapter covers you everywhere.

Safety

One of the safest countries in Europe. Crime rates are low and most tourists have a completely stress-free trip. Usual city sense applies in crowded areas and train stations.

Random Useful Tip

Cards work almost everywhere these days, but keep a bit of cash on hand for markets, small guesthouses, and rural spots that don't take card.

Never Ever

Don't leave food out if you're camping or hiking in the Carpathians. Brown bears are a real thing here, not just a story to scare tourists.

Right Now

Live Weather in Bucharest

Straight from the source, updated as you read this.

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Detailed weather
The Guides

Romania Travel Guides

From Transylvania's castles to the Danube Delta. Everything you need to plan your Romania trip.

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Budgets

How Much Does Romania Cost?

One of Europe's cheapest countries to visit. Here's what you'll actually spend, in pounds, dollars, euros, and Romanian lei.

Backpacker

£26 / $34 / €30 / 150 RONper day, roughly
  • Hostel dorms from 50 RON (£9 / $11 / €10) a night
  • Street food, bakeries, and supermarket cooking
  • Public transport and walking
  • Free hiking trails, old town wandering, free museums
See Money-Saving Tips
Most Popular

Mid-Range

£51 / $69 / €59 / 300 RONper day, roughly
  • Private rooms, budget hotels, or Airbnb
  • Local restaurants serving sarmale, mici, and ciorba
  • Castle entries and guided day trips
  • Mix of taxis, Bolt, and public transport
Plan Your Budget

Upscale

£85+ / $115+ / €98+ / 500+ RONper day
  • Boutique hotels and luxury guesthouses
  • Fine dining and premium wine experiences
  • Private tours, spa resorts, and helicopter transfers
  • Rental car for scenic routes like the Transfagarasan
Find Accommodation
The Numbers

Detailed Cost Breakdown

Real prices in pounds, dollars, euros, and Romanian lei. Pick a category.

Budget

Hostel dorm£9-17 / $11-23 / €10-20 / 50-100 RON
Campsite£5-12 / $7-16 / €6-14 / 30-70 RON
Budget hotel£26-51 / $34-69 / €30-59 / 150-300 RON

Mid to Luxury

Airbnb apartment£34+ / $46+ / €39+ / 200+ RON
Boutique hotel£68-120 / $92-161 / €79-138 / 400-700 RON
Luxury resort£137+ / $184+ / €157+ / 800+ RON
Spend Less

Tips for Saving Money in Romania

Ten easy ways to keep a Romania trip cheap without missing the good stuff.

Bring a filtered water bottle

Tap water is safe in most Romanian cities. A LifeStraw or Grayl bottle covers you in rural areas too.

Walk everywhere

Brasov, Sibiu, Sighisoara, and Cluj-Napoca are all compact enough to explore entirely on foot.

Book hostels early

Romania has some of Europe's cheapest hostels. Dorm beds start at 50 RON (£9 / $11 / €10) a night.

Use public transport over taxis

Bucharest's metro costs 3 RON a ride. Some taxi drivers overcharge tourists, so stick to Bolt or Uber if you need a ride.

Cook some meals yourself

Most hostels and Airbnbs have kitchens, and Romanian supermarkets and local markets are incredibly cheap.

Wild camp in the Carpathians

Free accommodation with some of the best views in Europe. Just watch out for bears, seriously.

Travel in shoulder season

May, early June, September, or October. Cheaper rooms, thinner crowds, and the weather's still great.

Take free walking tours

Bucharest, Brasov, Sibiu, and Cluj-Napoca all offer them. Tip the guide a fair amount.

Book intercity trains early

CFR offers decent savings if you book ahead. Second class is perfectly fine.

Drink local wine

Romania's a seriously underrated wine country. A glass rarely costs more than 15-30 RON. Skip the imported stuff.

Transport

Getting Around Romania

Romania is bigger than you think. Here's how to move between the castles, mountains, and cities without losing half your budget.

Domestic Flights

Best for Bucharest to Cluj or Timisoara. Not many routes, but saves hours on long cross-country trips.

  • Fast, cuts 8-hour train rides to 1 hour
  • Budget airlines like Wizz Air from 100 RON
  • Limited routes and airports
Find Cheap Flights

Car Rental

Best for road trips. The Transfagarasan, Transalpina, and exploring rural Transylvania basically require a car.

  • Total freedom, stop wherever you want
  • From 100 RON/day
  • Romanian drivers can be adventurous, and roads vary wildly in quality
Compare Car Rentals

City Buses & Trams

Best for getting around within cities. Bucharest has a metro. Other cities rely on buses, trams, and trolleybuses.

  • Very cheap, 3-6 RON per ride
  • Contactless payment works in larger cities
  • Can be crowded and confusing outside Bucharest
Travel Tips

Intercity Trains

Best for Bucharest-Brasov, Bucharest-Sibiu, and scenic Carpathian routes. Slow but cheap and often the most convenient.

  • Scenic mountain routes
  • Cheap, Bucharest to Brasov from 40 RON
  • Delays are common, first class isn't much better than second
Search Train Routes

Intercity Bus

Best for routes trains don't cover well. FlixBus and local operators fill the gaps, especially to smaller towns.

  • Often faster than trains for the same route
  • Cheap, from 25 RON
  • Quality varies a lot depending on the operator
Find Bus Routes

Bolt & Uber

Best for short trips in cities. Both apps work in Bucharest, Cluj, Brasov, Timisoara, and other major cities.

  • Fixed pricing, no meter games
  • Available in most cities
  • Surge pricing during events and late nights
Recommended Tours
Cheat Sheet

Which Is Right For You?

Exploring one city

Walk plus the metro or tram.

City hopping

Train or bus between them, Bolt within.

Transylvania road trip

Rent a car. No question.

Tight budget

Trains plus buses, book ahead.

Before You Go

Quick Tips

Book Trains on CFR

The CFR website is clunky but it works. Book intercity trains in advance for the best prices.

Use Bolt Over Taxis

Street taxis occasionally overcharge tourists. Bolt and Uber give you fixed, transparent pricing.

Watch the Roads

Mountain roads are spectacular but narrow, and rural roads can be rough. Drive carefully, especially at night.

Card Payments

Cards and contactless work in most shops, restaurants, and transport. Carry some cash for markets and rural areas.

Experiences

Book Tours & Tickets

Handpicked Romania experiences, powered by GetYourGuide.

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Questions

Romania Travel FAQs

The questions we get asked most, answered honestly.

Do I need a visa to visit Romania?
If you hold a UK, US, Canadian, Australian, or EU passport, no. Romania is part of the Schengen Area, it joined fully in January 2025, so visa-free visitors get 90 days within any 180-day period across the whole Schengen zone. Your passport needs to be valid for at least 3 months beyond your planned departure date and issued within the last 10 years. Worth knowing, the EU's Entry/Exit System (EES) is rolling out across Schengen borders and is expected to be fully operational by April 2026. This replaces passport stamps with biometric registration, fingerprints and a photo, the first time you enter. And ETIAS, a pre-travel authorisation for visa-exempt nationals, is expected to launch in late 2026. Until then, you just need your passport.
Is Romania safe for tourists?
Yes, very. Romania consistently ranks as one of Europe's safer countries for visitors. Violent crime against tourists is rare. The main things to watch for are petty theft in crowded areas, Bucharest's Old Town, busy train stations, overcharging taxis (use Bolt or Uber instead), and stray dogs in some neighbourhoods, though this has improved a lot in recent years. If you're hiking in the Carpathians, brown bears are a real thing. Stick to marked trails, make noise, and don't leave food out. Common sense stuff, mostly.
How many days do I need in Romania?
For a solid first trip, 7-10 days covers a lot. Most people do Bucharest (2 days), Brasov and nearby castles (2-3 days), and either Sibiu, Sighisoara, or Cluj-Napoca. Want to add the Danube Delta or the Black Sea coast? Add another 2-3 days. Two weeks lets you do a proper road trip through Transylvania, the Transfagarasan Highway, and the painted monasteries of Bucovina without rushing. You could easily spend a month and still have places left.
What's the best time to visit Romania?
Late spring (May to June) and early autumn (September to October) hit the sweet spot, pleasant weather, manageable crowds, and lower prices. Summer (July to August) brings heat, Bucharest regularly hits 35C plus, and packed Black Sea resorts. Winter (December to February) is ideal for skiing in the Carpathians and Christmas markets in Brasov and Sibiu, but mountain temperatures drop well below freezing. The Transfagarasan Highway is closed by snow roughly November through June, so plan that one for summer.
What currency does Romania use?
The Romanian Leu (RON). Roughly, 1 pound is about 6.05 lei, 1 dollar is about 4.60 lei, and 1 euro is about 5.23 lei. Cards and contactless payments (Apple Pay, Google Pay) work in most shops, restaurants, and transport, Romania went heavily digital during the pandemic. Carry some cash for markets, small rural guesthouses, and occasional places that don't take card. ATMs are everywhere in cities. Avoid airport exchange bureaus, they give poor rates.
Is Romania cheap to visit?
Genuinely, yes. It's one of the best-value destinations in Europe right now. A budget traveller can manage on around 26-34 pounds a day. Mid-range is closer to 51-69 pounds a day with private rooms and restaurant meals. Even the splurge tier, boutique hotels, nice dinners, private tours, comes in at a fraction of what you'd pay in Western Europe. A full sit-down meal at a decent restaurant rarely costs more than 10-15 pounds.
Do I need travel insurance for Romania?
Yes. Romania doesn't have reciprocal healthcare agreements with the UK, and while EU citizens can use an EHIC or GHIC card for emergency treatment, it doesn't cover everything. Private hospital bills can add up fast. Travel insurance is also important for trip cancellations, lost luggage, and adventure activities like hiking and skiing. Compare policies in our Travel Insurance section.
Can I drink the tap water in Romania?
In most cities, yes. Bucharest, Brasov, Cluj-Napoca, Sibiu, and other major urban areas have safe, treated tap water. In rural areas and some smaller towns, quality can vary. When in doubt, bring a reusable bottle with a built-in filter. Saves money, reduces plastic, covers you either way.
Do I need any vaccinations for Romania?
No specific vaccinations are required for most visitors. But make sure your routine jabs are up to date, tetanus, diphtheria, hepatitis A. Tick-borne encephalitis is present in rural and forested areas, worth discussing with your GP if you're planning lots of hiking in the Carpathians. Check with a travel health clinic 6-8 weeks before departure.
What language do people speak in Romania?
Romanian, which is a Romance language, so if you speak any Italian, Spanish, or French, you'll recognise more words than you'd expect. English is widely spoken in cities, especially by younger Romanians and in the tourism industry. In rural areas, English is less common, but people are generally friendly and patient. Learning a few Romanian basics, multumesc for thank you, buna ziua for good day, goes a long way.
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