Travel to Romania

Romania is a country of captivating contrasts, where ancient traditions meet a burgeoning modern spirit. Nestled in Southeastern Europe, it boasts a diverse landscape ranging from the dramatic Carpathian Mountains to the serene Danube Delta and the Black Sea coast. Its medieval towns, fortified churches, and vibrant cities offer a rich tapestry of history and culture. The pace of travel can vary; while focusing on a single city like Bucharest is feasible for a short trip, a road trip is highly recommended to truly appreciate the regional diversity, from Transylvania's fairy-tale castles to Maramureș's wooden churches. Romania offers excellent value for money, with costs significantly lower than in Western Europe, making it an attractive destination for budget-conscious travelers and those seeking authentic experiences.

Cities to explore in Romania

Pively covers multiple cities in Romania. Click a card for the full guide — flights, hotels, budget and multi-destination itineraries.

Which city to pick

For first-time visitors, Bucharest is the essential starting point, offering a dynamic mix of Belle Époque architecture, communist-era remnants, and a lively arts and nightlife scene. If culture and history are your primary focus, Sighișoara and Brașov in Transylvania are unmissable, with their perfectly preserved medieval centers. For those seeking natural beauty and a glimpse into traditional life, consider venturing to the villages surrounding Sibiu or exploring the Maramureș region. Bucharest, as Pively's covered city, provides a robust urban experience, from exploring the Palace of the Parliament to enjoying its vibrant café culture and museums.

Regions to know

Transylvania

This iconic region is famed for its medieval fortified towns like Sighișoara and Brașov, dramatic castles such as Bran and Peleș, and rolling hills. It offers a journey through history with well-preserved Saxon villages and stunning mountain scenery. Recommended duration: 3-5 days for a focused exploration.

Wallachia

Home to the capital, Bucharest, Wallachia offers a mix of grand architecture, bustling city life, and historical sites. Beyond the capital, you'll find remnants of princely courts and monasteries. This region is often the entry point for most visitors. Recommended duration: 2-4 days, including Bucharest.

Maramureș

Located in the north, Maramureș is a living museum of traditional Romanian village life. It's renowned for its unique wooden churches, intricately carved gates, and vibrant folk customs. The landscape is characterized by rolling hills and lush valleys. Recommended duration: 2-3 days.

Danube Delta

A UNESCO World Heritage site, the Delta is Europe's second-largest river delta and a paradise for birdwatchers and nature lovers. Explore its vast network of waterways by boat, discovering unique flora and fauna. Recommended duration: 2-3 days.

Suggested itineraries

5j — Bucharest & Transylvanian Charm

Start in Bucharest (2 days) exploring its grand avenues and museums. Take a train or rent a car to Brașov (2 days) in Transylvania, visiting Bran Castle. Day trip to Sighișoara (1 day), the birthplace of Vlad the Impaler, before returning to Bucharest for departure. This route covers key historical and urban highlights.

10j — Transylvania's Medieval Heart

Begin in Bucharest (2 days). Travel to Sinaia to visit Peleș Castle (1 day). Continue to Brașov (3 days), using it as a base for Bran Castle and Râșnov Fortress. Explore Sighișoara (2 days), then head to Sibiu (2 days) with its Saxon heritage, before returning to Bucharest. This itinerary focuses on Transylvania's iconic castles and towns.

14j — Romania: Culture, Mountains & Delta

Start in Bucharest (3 days). Travel north to Maramureș (3 days) to experience traditional village life and wooden churches. Head south to explore the Danube Delta (3 days) by boat. Return towards Bucharest, stopping in Transylvania for Brașov and Sighișoara (4 days). This comprehensive trip covers diverse landscapes and cultural experiences.

Best time to go

The shoulder seasons, April-June and September-October, offer the most pleasant weather across Romania. Spring (April-May) sees wildflowers bloom, especially in the countryside, while autumn (September-October) boasts beautiful foliage in the mountainous regions like Transylvania. Summer (July-August) is warm and ideal for the Black Sea coast and hiking in the Carpathians, but it's also peak tourist season, with higher prices and crowds. Winter (December-February) is cold, especially in the mountains, perfect for skiing near Brașov but can make exploring cities less comfortable. Major festivals include the George Enescu Classical Music Festival in Bucharest (September) and various folk festivals throughout the summer.

Practical tips

Visa: Most EU, US, and UK passport holders can enter Romania visa-free for up to 90 days within a 180-day period. Other nationalities should check specific visa requirements with the Romanian embassy or consulate in their country.
Currency: The currency is the Romanian Leu (RON). As of late 2023, 1 EUR is approximately 5 RON. Credit cards are widely accepted in cities and larger towns, but carrying some cash is recommended for smaller villages and markets. ATMs are common.
Language: The official language is Romanian. English is widely spoken in tourist areas, hotels, and by younger generations, especially in Bucharest. Learning a few basic Romanian phrases like 'Mulțumesc' (Thank you) is appreciated. Translation apps are helpful.
Transport: Romania has a developing rail network connecting major cities, though journeys can be slow. Buses and minivans (maxi-taxi) are common for intercity travel. Renting a car offers the most flexibility, especially for exploring rural areas and Transylvania, but roads can be challenging. Apps like Google Maps are essential for navigation. Within Bucharest, the metro and buses are efficient.
SIM / eSIM: Purchasing a local SIM card or an eSIM upon arrival is recommended for affordable data. Major providers include Orange, Vodafone, and Telekom. Expect to pay around €10-15 for 10-20GB of data. eSIMs via providers like Airalo offer convenience.

Culture & etiquette

Tipping is customary in restaurants (around 10%) and for services like taxi drivers or hotel staff if satisfied. It's polite to tip around 5-10% for good service. When invited to someone's home, bringing a small gift like flowers or chocolates is a nice gesture. Romanians are generally hospitable, but can be reserved initially. Avoid loud behavior in public. Dress modestly when visiting churches or monasteries; cover shoulders and knees. Taking photos inside churches is often prohibited. Showing respect for elders is important. Bargaining is common in markets but not in established shops.

Daily budget

Romania offers great value. A frugal traveler could manage on €40-60 per day, staying in hostels or budget guesthouses, eating at local eateries ('cantine' or 'pizzeria'), and using public transport. A standard budget of €70-100 per day allows for mid-range hotels (e.g., €50-70/night), eating at a mix of restaurants and cafes, and visiting attractions. A comfort budget of €120+ per day enables stays in boutique hotels, fine dining, private tours, and car rentals. Expect a simple meal to cost €5-10, a mid-range restaurant meal €15-25, and city transport tickets around €0.50-1.