Romania
Embark on an enchanting odyssey with us, ‘The Travel Tinker‘, as we unveil the mystical allure of Romania. Nestled in the rich tapestry of Eastern Europe, Romania is a realm where ancient folklore entwines with modern vibrancy, offering a travel experience steeped in mystery and charm.
At ‘The Travel Tinker‘, we’re passionate about revealing the hidden gems and celebrated wonders of Romania. From the shadowy forests of Transylvania, echoing tales of Dracula, to the bustling streets of Bucharest, brimming with history and culture, our blog is your quintessential guide to this beguiling nation.
Why Romania with The Travel Tinker? Our journey through Romania is more than just a trip; it’s an exploration of a land where time-honoured traditions meld seamlessly with contemporary life. Romania’s diverse landscape, ranging from the Carpathian Mountains’ rugged wilderness to the serene Danube Delta, offers a plethora of experiences for every type of traveller.
Best Time To Visit
Spring (March to May): Enjoy warm weather (10°C to 20°C) and nature in bloom. Ideal for cultural festivals and exploring historic cities like Bucharest and Sibiu, and witnessing the blossoming Carpathian Mountains and Transylvanian countryside.
Summer (June to August): Hot weather (up to 30°C), perfect for beach lovers at the Black Sea coast and festival goers. Enjoy sunbathing, water sports, and a vibrant cultural scene with music and film festivals.
Autumn (September to November): Cooler temperatures (15°C to 25°C) make it great for wine lovers and nature enthusiasts. Experience wine festivals in regions like Moldova and Transylvania and enjoy the scenic beauty of autumnal foliage.
Winter (December to February): A snowy wonderland, especially in mountain areas like Prahova Valley, ideal for skiing and snowboarding. Cities like Brasov and Sibiu offer festive charm with Christmas markets, with temperatures ranging from 0°C to 10°C in urban areas.
What To Expect
Capital: Bucharest
Population:19.12 million (2021)
Language: The official language of Romania is Romanian, a Romance language with strong similarities to Italian. Romania also has quite a few minority languages, including Hungarian and Romani.
Currency: The official currency in Romanian leu (RON). 1 USD is equivalent to about 5.5 RON around £1 GBP. Check the latest rates here
Credit Cards & ATMs: Cards and contactless payments are popular with Romanians. Card schemes Visa and Mastercard are used the most. During the pandemic, cash payments greatly decreased, resulting in more card and contactless payments. A lot of places will now also accept contactless payments like Apple Pay or Google pay.
Plugs: For Romania there are two associated plug types, types C and F. Plug type C is the plug which has two round pins and plug type F is the plug which has two round pins with two earth clips on the side. Romania operates on a 230V supply voltage and 50Hz. I recommend buying a universal adapter
Safety: Romania is one of the safest countries in Europe. Its crime rate is low, and most tourists enjoy a stress-free journey in this gorgeous country.
Travel Guides
Below you will find guides on places in Romania and reasons to visit Romania
Search for your Perfect Hotel
Find the Cheapest Flights
Book Tours and Purchase Tickets
Top 5 Things to See and Do in Romania
1. Visit Bran Castle in Transylvania
Often associated with the legend of Dracula, Bran Castle is a must-see in Romania. Perched atop a hill, this 14th-century fortress offers stunning views and a rich history. Explore its rooms and learn about its connection to Vlad the Impaler, the inspiration for Bram Stoker’s Dracula.
2. Explore Bucharest's Old Town
Bucharest, Romania’s capital, is known for its vibrant history and culture. The Old Town, Lipscani, is filled with charming streets, historic buildings, lively cafes, and shops. Don’t miss the impressive Palace of the Parliament, the second largest administrative building in the world after the Pentagon.
3. Take a Scenic Drive on the Transfagarasan Highway
Known as one of the most beautiful roads in the world, the Transfagarasan Highway winds through the Carpathian Mountains, offering breathtaking views. It’s a thrilling drive with sharp turns and steep descents, perfect for adventure seekers.
4. Discover the Painted Monasteries of Bucovina
These UNESCO World Heritage Sites are famous for their exterior frescoes depicting biblical scenes, unique in the world for their artistic value and placement. The monasteries, such as Voronet, known as the “Sistine Chapel of the East,” are a testament to Romania’s rich religious and cultural history.
5. Visit the Capital City, Tirana
Near the city of Oradea, Baile Felix is renowned for its thermal springs and spa resorts. It’s the perfect place to relax and rejuvenate, with therapeutic waters known for their healing properties. The area also offers beautiful parks and nature reserves.
Romania Travel Costs
Accommodation
- Hostel Dorms – 50–100 RON / £9–17 GBP / $11–22 / €10–20
- Hostel Private Rooms – 120–250 RON / £21–43 GBP / $26–55 / €24–50
- Budget Hotels – 150–300 RON / £26–52 GBP / $33–66 / €30–60
- Airbnb Private Rooms – 100–200 RON / £17–35 GBP / $22–44 / €20–40
- Airbnb Apartments – 200+ RON / £35+ GBP / $44+ / €40+
- Campsites – 40–80 RON / £7–14 GBP / $9–18 / €8–16
Transportation
- Local Bus or Metro – 3–6 RON / £0.50–1 GBP / $0.65–1.30 / €0.60–1.20
- Intercity Bus or Train – 30–100 RON / £5–17 GBP / $7–22 / €6–20
- Taxi (per km) – 2–4 RON / £0.35–0.70 GBP / $0.45–0.90 / €0.40–0.80
- Car Rental (per day) – 100–250 RON / £17–43 GBP / $22–55 / €20–50
Food
- Budget Meal – 20–50 RON / £3.50–9 GBP / $4.50–11 / €4–10
- Mid-Range Restaurant Meal – 50–100 RON / £9–17 GBP / $11–22 / €10–20
- Coffee – 7–15 RON / £1.20–2.60 GBP / $1.50–3.30 / €1.40–3
- Beer – 8–15 RON / £1.40–2.60 GBP / $1.75–3.30 / €1.60–3
Activities
- Museum Entry – 10–30 RON / £1.70–5.20 GBP / $2.20–6.60 / €2–6
- Guided Tours – 100–300 RON / £17–52 GBP / $22–66 / €20–60
- Castle Entry (e.g., Bran Castle, Peleș Castle) – 50–80 RON / £9–14 GBP / $11–18 / €10–16
- Ski Pass (per day in Poiana Brașov, Sinaia, etc.) – 150–250 RON / £26–43 GBP / $33–55 / €30–50
- Boat Tours (Danube Delta, Black Sea Coast) – 100–300 RON / £17–52 GBP / $22–66 / €20–60
- Guided Hiking Tours (Carpathian Mountains) – 150–350 RON / £26–60 GBP / $33–77 / €30–70
Romania Suggested Budgets
Backpacker – 150 RON Per Day
💰 €30 / £26 / $33
A backpacker’s budget covers:
- Staying in a hostel dorm or a budget guesthouse.
- Cooking some meals or eating at cheap local spots like bakeries and street food vendors.
- Using public transportation (buses, metro, or cheap intercity trains).
- Enjoying free and low-cost activities, like hiking in the Carpathians, free walking tours, and exploring medieval towns.
📌 If you plan to drink, add an extra 20–50 RON (€4–10 / £3.50–9 / $4.50–11) per day.
Midrange – 300 RON Per Day
💰 €60 / £52 / $66
A mid-range budget offers:
- Staying in a private hostel room, Airbnb, or a budget hotel.
- Dining out at local restaurants, enjoying traditional Romanian dishes like sarmale and mici.
- A few drinks at bars and coffee at cafés.
- Exploring museums, castles (like Bran or Peleș), and cultural sites.
- Taking a couple of day trips, such as visiting Transfăgărășan Highway, the Danube Delta, or Sibiu.
- Using taxis occasionally for short trips and public transport for longer ones.
📌 For guided tours or extra activities, consider an extra 50–100 RON (€10–20 / £9–17 / $11–22) per day.
Upscale – 500+ RON Per Day
💰 €100+ / £86+ / $110+
A luxury budget allows for:
- Staying in boutique hotels, high-end Airbnbs, or luxury resorts.
- Dining at high-end restaurants, enjoying wine and cocktails at top-rated venues.
- Exploring Romania with private tours, such as wine-tasting in Transylvania, private castle tours, or guided hikes in the Carpathians.
- Comfortable transportation, including rental cars or private drivers for exploring scenic routes.
- Relaxing experiences, like spa treatments, thermal baths, or Black Sea beach resorts.
📌 For complete indulgence, a budget of 700–1,000 RON (€140–200 / £120–170 / $155–220) per day covers an ultra-luxury experience.
Romania Money-Saving Tips
Romania is already one of the most affordable destinations in Europe, but if you want to stretch your budget even further, here are some top money-saving tips for your trip:
1 – Bring a Water Bottle with a Filter – Tap water is generally safe to drink in most Romanian cities, but in rural areas, it can be questionable. Instead of buying bottled water, bring a reusable bottle with a built-in filter like LifeStraw or Grayl to stay hydrated and reduce plastic waste.
2 – Take Free Walking Tours – Most major cities like Bucharest, Brașov, Sibiu, and Cluj-Napoca offer free walking tours. These are a fantastic way to learn about Romania’s rich history, medieval castles, and communist past. Be sure to tip your guide for their insights!
3 – Cook Your Own Meals – Many hostels, guesthouses, and Airbnbs in Romania come with kitchen facilities. Buying fresh ingredients from local markets is much cheaper than eating out every day, and you can try making traditional dishes like mămăligă (cornmeal porridge) or zacuscă (vegetable spread).
4 – Stay with Locals via Couchsurfing – Couchsurfing is still popular in Romania, especially in bigger cities like Bucharest, Cluj-Napoca, and Timișoara. It’s a great way to save money on accommodation while getting local travel tips from your host.
5 – Stay in Budget-Friendly Hostels – Romania has some of the cheapest hostels in Europe from Hostelworld, with dorm beds starting at just 50 RON (€10 / £9 / $11) per night. Many hostels also organise group activities, making it easy to meet fellow travellers.
6 – Walk Everywhere – Cities like Sibiu, Sighișoara, and Brașov are compact and best explored on foot. Even in Bucharest, many top attractions are within walking distance. This will save you money on public transport or taxis.
7 – Use Public Transportation – If walking isn’t an option, Romania’s buses, trams, and metro (in Bucharest) are extremely cheap. A single metro ticket in Bucharest costs 3 RON (€0.60 / £0.50 / $0.65), and intercity trains or buses are also very affordable. Avoid taxis when possible, as some drivers overcharge tourists.
8 – Take Advantage of Wild Camping – Romania allows wild camping in many areas, especially in the Carpathian Mountains and near rural villages. If you have a tent, you can save a lot on accommodation while enjoying Romania’s stunning natural scenery. Watch out for the bears!
9 – Enjoy Free Outdoor Activities – Romania is a paradise for nature lovers, with free hiking trails in the Carpathians, stunning lakes like Balea Lake, and medieval old towns like Sighișoara. Many castles and historical sites also have free entry days, so check in advance!
10 – Travel Off-Season – Visiting Romania in spring (April–May) or autumn (September–October) means cheaper accommodations, fewer crowds, and lower prices for tours and attractions. Plus, the scenery in the Carpathians is breathtaking in autumn!
How to Get Around in Romania
Getting around Romania is relatively easy, though transport infrastructure varies between major cities and rural areas. Here’s a guide to navigating the country efficiently and affordably:
Walking
In most towns and cities, walking is one of the best ways to get around. Places like Sibiu, Brașov, Cluj-Napoca, and Sighișoara are compact and pedestrian-friendly, with historical centres full of cobbled streets, lively squares, and picturesque buildings. In Bucharest, while some areas are walkable, public transport is more efficient for longer distances.
Public Transportation
Romania has affordable and reliable public transport options, especially in major cities. Bucharest is the only city with a metro system, with fares starting at 3 RON (€0.60 / £0.50 / $0.65) per ride. Buses, trams, and trolleybuses operate in most urban areas, with a ticket costing 2–3 RON (€0.40–0.60 / £0.35–0.50 / $0.45–0.65). Contactless payment is available in larger cities. Use BusBud for the best fares.
Airport Transfers
From Henri Coandă International Airport (OTP) in Bucharest, the 783 Express Bus is the cheapest way to reach the city centre, costing 3 RON (€0.60 / £0.50 / $0.65) per ticket. The train to Gara de Nord (Bucharest’s main railway station) costs 5 RON (€1 / £0.85 / $1.10) and runs every 40 minutes.
Taxis from the airport cost around 70 RON (€14 / £12 / $15) to the city centre. Ride-hailing apps like Bolt and Uberoffer fairer prices and are safer alternatives to hailing a taxi on the street.
Recommended Airport Transfer: Welcome Pickups
Taxis & Ride-Sharing
Taxis are widely available in major cities, but some drivers overcharge tourists. The base fare starts at 3–4 RON (€0.60–0.80 / £0.50–0.70 / $0.65–0.90), with an additional 2–3 RON (€0.40–0.60 / £0.35–0.50 / $0.45–0.65) per km. Always ensure the meter is running, or use Bolt/Uber for transparent pricing.
Buses & Intercity Travel
Buses and trains are the most practical ways to travel between cities. Romania has an extensive railway network, and while trains can be slow, they are comfortable and scenic. Tickets vary based on class and route:
- Bucharest to Brașov (2.5–3 hours) – 50–90 RON (€10–18 / £9–16 / $11–19)
- Bucharest to Cluj-Napoca (7–9 hours) – 100–180 RON (€20–36 / £17–31 / $22–38)
- Brașov to Sibiu (2.5 hours) – 40–70 RON (€8–14 / £7–12 / $9–15)
For long-distance buses, companies like FlixBus, Memento Bus, and Fany operate routes between major cities. Bus tickets are often cheaper than train tickets but may take longer due to traffic and road conditions.
Car Rental
Renting a car is a great option for exploring Transylvania, the Carpathian Mountains, or the remote countryside. Rentals start at 100 RON (€20 / £17 / $22) per day, but prices vary based on season and car type.
An International Driving Permit (IDP) is required for non-EU visitors. Roads can be poorly maintained in rural areas, and driving styles are aggressive, so drive cautiously. Some scenic routes worth renting a car for include:
- Transfăgărășan Highway – One of the most beautiful roads in the world, open from June to October.
- Transalpina – Romania’s highest road, offering stunning mountain views.
Hitchhiking
- Hitchhiking is still relatively common in rural Romania, especially in the Maramureș region and the Carpathians. Locals often expect a small cash tip for giving you a lift, so it’s not entirely free.
Cycling
- Cycling in Romanian cities can be dangerous due to traffic and poor cycling infrastructure, but rural Romania is fantastic for bike tours, especially the Transfagarasan Highway and Danube Delta region.
- Bike rentals are available in major cities and tourist areas for around 50–100 RON / £8–17 / $11–22 / €10–20 per day.
Whether you’re taking the train, riding a bus, or renting a car for a Transylvania road trip, Romania offers a mix of modern and rustic transport options to explore its breathtaking landscapes and historic cities.
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