Romania is one of Europe’s most well-rounded destinations, yet it still flies under the radar for most travelers. It’s a country where medieval towns, mountain landscapes, and important history intersect. For slow travel lovers or those seeking rural tourism, it checks almost every box.
What makes Romania especially rewarding is how easy it is to structure a trip. In a week or two, you can bounce between medieval cities like Brașov and Sibiu while seeing fortified villages and dramatic castles in between. I spent nearly three weeks road-tripping Romania and my main takeaway was that this is one of the best road trip countries in Europe.
If you’re thinking of planning a visit to Romania, continue reading this guide for a breakdown of how to do so efficiently, from the must-see cities and landmarks to the most common questions visitors have before arriving.
But first, here are several reasons I consider Romania one of Europe’s most well-rounded destinations.
Why Romania Is One of My Favorite Countries to Visit
Romania is an overlooked country, and one that’s much easier to travel to than many expect. Here are some of the main reasons I encourage travelers look into visiting:
Affordability
I haven’t been everywhere in Europe, but few countries on the continent provide better value than Romania.
Much of Transylvania feels and looks like Switzerland, while being 75% cheaper. You don’t have to sacrifice safety, cleanliness, or infrastructure for lower prices, either. It’s an extremely safe country, relatively easy to get around, and the tourism infrastructure is better than you’d expect.
I typically paid $2 for a coffee, $3 for a beer, and $12-$15 for a decent to even fantastic meal. It’s hard to beat that.
Hospitality
Romanians aren’t used to many Western tourists, so if you’re coming from Western Europe or America, you’re destined to interact with curious locals who want to know why you chose to visit their country. Countless times I got, “Why Romania?” or “Where are you going next?” from people confused as to why an American would spend their entire vacation in Romania. I don’t think everyone knows how much their country has to offer from a tourism perspective!
Interesting, Complex History
Like most Balkan countries, Romania’s history is quite complex. Hungarians, Transylvanian Saxons, and Ottomans left their mark during the Middle Ages.
Most recently, the country was under communist rule. It wasn’t until 1989 when Romanians revolted and were able to take back control of their country.
That wasn’t too long ago, so evidence of the communist period still exists. You can hear from locals or visit communist museums in most cities throughout Romania to gain a better understanding of what life was like until the 1990s and how things have changed since.
Scenic Landscapes
It’s genuinely perplexing how Romania isn’t more of a hotspot for adventure travelers. The Carpathian Mountains (and multiple subranges) cover a good portion of the country, making for fantastic hiking, mountain biking, skiing, and more.
What’s cool as that a couple of Romania’s best cities to visit are perched right at the base of these mountains, making for easy access.
Preserved Medieval Cities
Sibiu and Brasov are two Romanian cities nestled just next to, and right within the mountains, respectively.
These medieval cities have incredibly well-preserved old towns. The backdrop to Old Town Brasov is seriously one of the most postcard-worthy I’ve ever seen. Sibiu isn’t too far behind, with a gorgeous old town that’s the perfect size to explore for a day or two.
Lack of Crowds
A big perk of traveling the Balkans is usually not having to fight crowds, and Romania is no exception. There are a couple of touristy sites, mainly Bran Castle (Dracula’s Castle), and the old town of Bucharest, but for the most part, you’ll be surrounded by locals or domestic travelers. If you’re looking for a real escape and want an immersive, authentic experience, Romania is a great place.
Underrated Tourism Infrastructure
Since Romania became an EU member in 2007, the country’s infrastructure has steadily improved. The main roads are well-paved and easily navigable, and it’s not hard to find a very nice place to stay in the bigger cities and main attractions. You won’t have to sacrifice comfort in Romania to take advantage of its affordable prices.
13 Best Places to Visit in Romania
Brașov
Brașov is a staple of every Romania itinerary. The super well-preserved medieval old town is compact and easy to walk, but what really stands out is how quickly you can go from cobblestone streets to mountain trails.
From the old town, you can hike or take a cable car up Tâmpa Mountain for panoramic views. However, I’d recommend heading to Turnul Alb (White Tower) and Turnul Negru (Black Tower) for the most postcard-worthy views of Brașov with Tâmpa Mountain in the backdrop.
Brașov was once a major commercial hub along the trade route between Austria and modern-day Türkiye, so the main square (Council Square) has a lot of historical importance. The Gothic Black Church just steps from the square is Brașov’s landmark attraction.
Brașov has some really nice restaurants. Dei Frati and L’Bistro de l’Arc are two fantastic Italian restaurants. Make sure to call ahead to reserve a table. For the best variety of craft beer and a wonderful beer garden setting for a nice summer day, head to Aftar Stube. Brașov also has plenty of great coffee shops, with BOOK Coffee being my favorite.
I stayed at Vila Katharina in Brașov, which was a wonderful boutique hotel with massive rooms. Highly recommend!
Sibiu
Sibiu, a 2007 European Capital of Culture, has a slightly quieter, more refined feel compared to Brașov. While I liked Brașov, Sibiu’s charm has actually stuck with me more since my two-night visit.
The city is built around a series of old squares that connect naturally as you walk through them, so it never feels like you’re “checking sights.” A really unique feature of the city is the “Eyes of Sibiu,” which are attic dormers/shutters on all of the old town buildings that look eerily like a set of eyes peering over you.
Sibiu is a bit less traveled than Brașov, but equally gorgeous. The city is very nice beyond the old town as well. Head to Sub Arini Park for a nice trail run or to wander around a nice residential neighborhood of the city (we rented scooters, which was fun). I think Sibiu is as much of a must-visit as anywhere in Romania.
An absolute must is a dinner at SPIC Paste de Vin. Make sure to get a table outside. I’m not exaggerating when I say this was the most memorable dinner setting I’ve had across Europe.
We stayed at ART Boutique Hotel, which made for a phenomenal stay.
Sighișoara
Sighișoara is the third of what I consider Romania’s “Big 3” medieval cities (Brașov and Sibiu being the other two). What makes Sighișoara different is that it’s a fortified old town, perched above the Transylvanian countryside. It’s by far the smallest of the three Transylvanian hubs, making it a perfect day trip from Brașov or Sibiu.
The clock tower area is the main focal point of Sighișoara, but the best moments come from wandering the quieter cobblestone back streets paralleled by colorful row houses.
Hotel Boutique von Graf is home to both the best restaurant and best place to stay in Sighișoara if you plan to stay the night.
Viscri
Viscri is a tiny village in the Transylvanian countryside. It might look super basic, but that’s the point. It’s an authentic village that’s barely changed for centuries, which is why it’s a UNESCO World Heritage site.
The main road is unpaved, and cars aren’t allowed in parts to preserve the authenticity of Viscri and avoid noises that don’t fit the village’s vibe. It’s mostly comprised of hay carts, horseback carriages, farm animals roaming, and locals living their slow daily lives.
The Viscri Fortified Church is the main landmark. While small, I actually enjoyed roaming its grounds even more than Romania’s enormous castles. Since Viscri isn’t clogged with visitors, you’ll mostly have the grounds to yourself.
We stayed at Viscri 125, the best guesthouse in town. The locally sourced meals provided for breakfast and dinner were incredible, and the hosts were extremely friendly despite the language barrier.
Transfagarasan Road
The most iconic drive in this region of Europe, the Transfăgărașan Road cuts through the Făgăraș subrange of the Carpathian Mountains. If you’re road-tripping Romania, this is a can’t-miss thing to do. It’s well worth spending up to a half-day or full-day driving the road (the latter if you want to hike as well). Sweeping switchbacks guide you up and down the valleys on both sides of the highest point of the road, with settings that look eerily similar to something you’d find in the Scottish Highlands or even Swiss Alps.
Balea Lake and Poenari Castle are two of the best pitstops along the route, which can be down as a day trip from Sibiu or even Brasov. If you’re looking for the best hikes along the Transfăgărașan, start at Balea Lake and hike to Capra Lake above the ridgeline.
Make sure you have a full tank of gas before you head into the mountains, as it’s a steep incline. Also, keep a look out for bears, of which you’ll likely see several, especially around Lake Vidraru.
Salina Turda Salt Mine
Salina Turda Salt Mine is another great road trip stop, particularly if you’re driving from Sibiu to Cluj.
From the outside it doesn’t look like much, but once you head underground, it opens up into a massive former salt mine that’s been turned into a really unique playground and museum of sorts for kids and adults alike. On one of the floors, 400-feet below the surface, you’ll find an underground amusement park with a Ferris wheel, mini-golf, bowling and even a small “lake” you can take a boat on. It’s truly one of the most interesting attractions I’ve come across.
Cluj-Napoca
Cluj feels like Romania’s unofficial youth capital. It has a strong student population, so the energy is more modern, with coffee shops, wine bars, and late-night spots that feel more Western European than you might expect. If you climb up to Cetățuia Hill, you get a wide view over the whole city that really shows how much it’s grown in recent years.
You could spend several hours at the city’s super impressive central park, “Parcul Central”. The Ethnographic Park Romulus Vuia and Alexandru Borza Botanical Garden are also really nice and places you could spend hours if you’re into history or horticulture.
What’s nice about Cluj is that it has modern amenities that appeal to tourists, but it’s not “touristy” by any means, so it’s easy to blend in and feel like a local here.
Timișoara
If there’s one city in Europe that deserves way more love than it gets, it’s Timișoara. Coined “Little Vienna,” due to its epic Austro-Hungarian architecture throughout the old town, Timișoara is a total hidden gem.
The locals here are so friendly and love showing and telling stories about their city, which was where the first revolution took place in 1989 to overthrow the communist Romanian regime. Endless parks run parallel to the Bega River, which divides the old town from the most residential neighborhoods. We loved renting bikes and riding along the canal.
Timișoara has the largest pedestrian-only zone in Romania, something I really appreciated. The old town comes to life in the evenings and on weekends, as hundreds of families flock to the fun, safe, and beautiful city center to enjoy the chill vibes.
The squares in Timișoara are wide and open, another unique feature. It’s also known for being the first city in Europe with electric street lighting, which fits the slightly more progressive, orderly feel you notice when walking around. This might be my favorite all-around city I’ve been to in Eastern Europe.
Bucharest
Bucharest is a lively, slightly chaotic blend of architectural styles and energy you won’t really find anywhere else in Romania. You’ll walk past massive communist-era buildings, then suddenly hit quiet residential streets or lively cafés.
The Palace of the Parliament is the one real must-see in Bucharest. It’s hard to really comprehend in scale until you’re standing in front of it, and it kind of sums up the city overall (big, complicated, and a little overwhelming at first).
There’s a ton of important history and a blend of architecture in Bucharest, so based on the traveler, it could be a really cool city. For me, it was a little much, but it wasn’t necessarily a bad experience. Romania’s appeal for me is just more about the countryside, mountains, and medieval cities that are a bit more approachable.
If you’re looking for a luxurious accommodation, look no further than the Marmorosch Hotel, a former bank transformed into probably the nicest place to stay in the Bucharest.
Hunedoara Castle (Corvin’s Castle)
Corvin’s Castle is a less crowded alternative to Bran Castle (Dracula’s Castle). Built in Gothic-Renaissance style, it was my favorite castle of the three main ones in Romania, between it, Bran, and Peleș Castle.
The drawbridge is the first stunning feature. The moat that remains today surrounding the 15th-century castle made it feel like a Disney setting.
There’s a nice little square in the city of Hunedoara just down the road that a lot of travelers seem to skip. If the weather permits, grab a drink or bite on the square before you leave.
Peleș Castle
Peleș is probably the most visually detailed castle in Romania, with over 170 rooms. It’s the most modern of Romania’s popular castles, built in the 19th century. While Corvin felt Disney-like, Peleș gave me Harry Potter vibes.
The interior is packed with woodwork, stained glass, and intricate rooms that feel more like a royal residence than a fortress. The setting in Sinaia is what really completes it, though. You’re at the base of enormous peaks in a heavily forested area, with the quaint town of Sinaia just down the road. If you like to hike, pair your visit to Peleș with a hike in the area.
Maramureș
The best region of Romania for rural tourism and slow travel is without a doubt Maramureș.
Maramureș is where Romania feels the most traditional. This county borders Ukraine and is mostly wide-open fields, rolling hills, and small mountains, and small villages. You’ll regularly see horse carts still being used for daily work.
It’s less about specific sights and more about driving through the region and stopping whenever something catches your eye in Maramureș. But don’t miss the Wooden Churches of Maramureș and their tall spires, which are a UNESCO World Heritage site. Maramureș Mountains Natural Park is definitely a place to spend several hours if you’re into the outdoors.
Danube Delta
The Danube Delta is a really unique region in this part of the world and feels like a completely different country inside Romania. The largest river delta in Europe, many areas are only accessible by boat. I had a friend visit the Danube Delta for a birdwatching excursion, and he told me it was one of the best birding spots he’s been to.
The delta is pretty far removed from a lot of Romania’s main sights, so I’d only recommend it if you’re someone who likes tranquility and really adventurous stops.
How to Get Around Romania
If you want to see the best of what Romania has to offer, I’d strongly encourage renting a car. The main roads are well paved and easy to navigate. Rural roads in the countryside are bumpy, but it’s not much of an issue. Renting a car is pretty inexpensive, and most agencies let you pick up in one city and drop off in another if you wish.
Romania has an average train network. Main cities like Cluj, Brașov, and Bucharest are connected. I recommend using the train to get from Brașov to Bucharest and vice versa to avoid a road that sees plenty of traffic. However, if you’re planning on exploring the countryside or mountains, you’ll need a car.
It’s easy to get between places within cities by bus or tram. Timișoara has a really nice tram network, for example. Buses in Brașov, Cluj, and Sibiu are reliable and cover the whole city too. Bucharest has trains, trams, and buses to get you around. This is the only city I do not recommend having a car, both because driving here can be chaotic and the public transport is good enough to not need one.
How Many Days Do You Need in Romania?
The sweet spot for a trip to Romania falls somewhere between 10 and 14 days.
I recommend two weeks in Romania. That way, you can see the highlights without having to rush. That also gives you time to explore the mountains, spend time in the countryside, and find a hidden gem or two. It’s not a small country, so there’s a lot to see. Several of the best spots like Brașov, Sibiu, and Sighișoara are all in Transylvania, so if you just want to do a Transylvania trip, 10 days can suffice as well.
A 7-day Romania trip is still possible, you’d just be on the go a lot and maybe have to sacrifice one or two highlights.
Romania Itinerary Ideas
Depending on how long you can travel for, here are a few different options for Romania itineraries.
7-Day Romania Itinerary
Day 1 – Bucharest: Fly into the capital. Depending on if you’re into action-packed big cities, you can spend a full day seeing the highlights. However, Bucharest isn’t one of my must-see places in Romania, so it’s OK to bypass the city itself in my opinion.
Day 2 – Brașov: Take a direct 2.5-hour train from Bucharest to Brașov. This beautiful medieval city tucked in the mountains is a must-see.
Day 3 – Brașov: If there’s one city in Romania where you should spend multiple days, it’s Brașov. Give it two full days so you aren’t in a hurry.
Day 4 – Day Trip to Peleș Castle and Sinaia: Take the train 40 minutes south (back toward Bucharest) to roam the mountain town of Sinaia. There’s some fantastic hikes that begin in town, but the real highlight for most is Peleș Castle. An alternative to the overly crowded Bran Castle, Peleș looks like it’s out of a Harry Potter movie and won’t have quite as many people.
Day 5 – Day Trip to Viscri and Sighișoara: From Brașov, rent a car and head to the Transylvanian countryside. Spend the morning roaming around Viscri, a tiny fortified village with no paved roads. Explore the beautiful church grounds, go for a short hike through the fields, and have a locally sourced meal at one of the guesthouses. Then continue onward to Sighișoara. It’s worth spending a few hours in this fairytale city that feels like you’re stepping back in time. Spend the night in Sighișoara.
Day 6 – Sibiu: Travelers on a time crunch sometimes skip Sibiu, which is a definite mistake. To me, Sibiu is equally as gorgeous as Brașov. In fact, Sibiu sticks with me a little more than Brașov. Some of the most grandiose architectural displays across Romania can be found here, and the locals were super friendly. Stay at ART Boutique Hotel just steps from the main square for the night. Make sure to have dinner at SPIC Paste de Vin, with one of the most gorgeous outdoor patio settings in all of Europe.
Day 7 – Transfăgărășan Road back to Bucharest, Fly Home: Take the long way back to Bucharest from Sibiu by cutting through the mountains via the Transfăgărășan Road. Sweeping switchbacks take you from the countryside to some of Romania’s highest peaks. Bâlea Lake, Poenari Castle, and Capra Waterfall are some of the best sights along the roadside, which takes about 2.5 hours to complete end-to-end. You’ll then have another 2.5 hours to reach Bucharest.
10-Day Romania Itinerary
Day 1 – Bucharest: Fly into Bucharest and get settled. Walk around the Old Town and visit the Palace of the Parliament, one of the limited box-check activities of the city.
Day 2 – Brașov: Take the train to Brașov. Spend the afternoon wandering the old town and getting your first real feel for Transylvania.
Day 3 – Brașov: Full day in Brașov. Take your time here. Walk up Tâmpa Mountain or take the cable car and explore the side streets. Visit Turnul Alb or Turnul Negru for the best picture. Go to Aftar Stube for a beer outside if the weather is nice.
Day 4 – Day Trip to Peleș Castle and Sinaia: Head down to Sinaia and visit Peleș Castle. It’s one of the most impressive castles in the country and an easy trip from Brașov.
Day 5 – Viscri and Sighișoara: Pick up a car and drive into the countryside. Stop in Viscri, then continue on to Sighișoara. Spend the night there and explore once things quiet down.
Day 6 – Sibiu: Drive to Sibiu. Spend the afternoon exploring the main squares and old town. Have dinner at SPIC Paste de Vin for the most memorable evening setting underneath the Cathedral of St. Mary.
Day 7 – Sibiu: Second full day in Sibiu. Leave the old town and head to Sub Arini Park for a run or walk through the forest, or rent scooters and explore the upscale residential neighborhood in the area. Head to Muzeul ASTRA for the largest open-air museum in Eastern Europe.
Day 8 – Turda Salt Mine and Corvin’s Castle: It’s a bit of a longer travel day, but a really unique one. Start early and head toward Salina Turda, an underground salt mine that’s been turned into a surprisingly cool space. Then continue on to Corvin’s Castle, one of the most dramatic castles in Romania. Stay somewhere in the area or begin heading back toward Sibiu.
Day 9 – Transfăgărășan Road: Drive the Transfăgărășan Road, one of the most scenic drives on the continent, back south toward Bucharest.
Day 10 – Fly Out of Bucharest
2-Week Romania Itinerary
Day 1 – Bucharest: Arrive in Bucharest and explore the Old Town.
Day 2 – Bucharest: Take another day in the capital to check off main sights like the Palace of the Parliament. Also check out the Communist Museum, a simple but moving experience.
Day 3 – Brașov: Train to Brașov from Bucharest and settle into Transylvania.
Day 4 – Brașov: Spend a full day roaming the city. Hike up Mount Tâmpa if you want to burn off some calories, or just head to Turnul Alb or Turnul Negru for the best views overlooking the medieval old town.
Day 5 – Day Trip Sinaia and Peleș Castle: Take the 40-minute train to the mountain town of Sinaia and visit Peleș Castle. Spend the night back in Brașov.
Day 6 – Viscri and Sighișoara Day Trip: Rent a car in Brașov and drive through the Transylvanian countryside. Make the merchant village of Viscri your first stop and explore the fortified church. Go for a hike or bike ride through the rolling hills. Then continue on to Sighișoara for the second half of the day and spend the night in the fairytale citadel.
Day 7 – Sibiu: Spend the morning in Sighișoara before driving to Sibiu, a 2007 European Capital of Culture.
Day 8 – Sibiu: Spend a full day getting to know Sibiu. Have brunch at LIMOS. Head to Sub Arini Park for a walk, or Muzeul ASTRA for a more immersive experience in Europe’s largest open-air museum. Make sure you get to SPIC Paste de Vin for dinner either night.
Day 9 – Transfăgărășan: Drive the stunning Transfăgărășan, which takes 4–5 hours round-trip without stops, but make it a full-day road trip. Hike to Bâlea Lake from Bâlea Lake, wander the ruins of Poenari Castle, and look out for bears! Spend the night back in Sibiu.
Day 10 – Corvin’s Castle or Salina Turda: Depending on whether you want to visit Timișoara or Cluj-Napoca, drive to either Corvin’s Castle on the way to Timișoara or Salina Turda Salt Mine near Cluj-Napoca.
Day 11 – Timișoara or Cluj-Napoca: Cluj-Napoca is the more popular of the two, with vibrant nightlife and a big student population. Timișoara is a slightly slower pace, with a ton of history. If you want to explore a different region outside of Transylvania, choose Timișoara. If you want to stay in Transylvania, choose Cluj-Napoca.
Day 12 – Timișoara or Cluj-Napoca: Both cities have enough to see and do for a few days. Get to know either city by going for a free walking tour or food tour.
Day 13 – Timișoara or Cluj-Napoca: Grab a coffee in the morning and do a half-day trip to the Banat countryside from Timișoara or to the Apuseni Mountains near Cluj-Napoca. I booked a countryside tour through Timișoara City Tours and had an incredible experience getting to know different farmers in the region.
Day 14 – Fly Home: Fly home from either Timișoara or Cluj-Napoca, or make the long trek back to Bucharest for your flight.
Is Romania Safe?
Yes, Romania is a very safe country to visit. Violent crime rates are low, and in the smaller cities and countryside especially, there’s little to zero danger. Bucharest has a few questionable neighborhoods, as does any major city, but even then, travelers rarely find themselves feeling unsafe in Romania. The worst you might encounter would probably involve cab drivers ripping you off (use rideshare apps) or being offered drugs or other illegal services in the main nightlife strip in Old Town Bucharest.
What Is the Tipping Culture in Romania?
For a positive sit-down dining experience, tips in Romania range around 8 to 10 percent. Sometimes, it’s automatically added to the bill (typically at fancier restaurants), but you’ll usually have to add it yourself. There’s no need to tip baristas or bartenders. It’s nice to tip personal guides or drivers about 10 percent as well.
Is It Safe to Drink Tap Water in Romania?
It’s generally safe to drink tap water in the larger cities like Bucharest, Brașov, and Timișoara. However, you’ll find that water might be murky or water pressure will be poor in the rural areas, where infrastructure still lags behind. You probably won’t get sick, but it’s smart to have bottles of water for a road trip around Romania.
Do People in Romania Speak English?
Yes, most Romanians can speak English. The younger generation and people in the cities can almost all speak fluent English. The older generation might have a harder time, particularly in smaller cities or rural areas. If you’re going to be traveling through the countryside or spending time in small towns, you shouldn’t expect most people to speak English.
What to Know Before Visiting Romania
Here are some final quick-hitter tips and reminders before you go:
- Cash is still useful: Cards are widely accepted in cities, but smaller towns, villages, and guesthouses often prefer cash. Always have some Romanian lei on you, especially if you’re heading somewhere like Viscri or rural Transylvania.
- Driving is straightforward, but stay alert: Main roads are in good shape, but you’ll run into things like slow tractors, random pedestrians, or cars overtaking in spots you wouldn’t expect. It’s manageable, just requiring a bit more attention than Western Europe.
- Don’t overpack your itinerary: It’s tempting to try to see everything, but Romania is better when you leave space to slow down. This is a great country for slow travel.
- Restaurants run at a slower pace: Meals can take a while, and waiters and waitresses might not greet you with big smiles. Not because they’re mean, but because they’re more matter-of-fact (I appreciated their bluntness). Service isn’t always the fastest, so this is another reason to not be in a hurry.
- Ignore stray dogs: Don’t approach stray dogs in cities or herder dogs in the countryside. The packs of strays can be quite intimidating if you approach them, so just leave them alone.
- Watch out for bears: Romania has the largest population of black bears in Europe. You’re almost guaranteed to see them along the Transfăgărășan. Don’t get out of your car or feed them.
- Air conditioning isn’t guaranteed: A lot of places, especially smaller hotels, guesthouses, or older buildings in cities like Sibiu or Brașov, don’t have strong AC or any at all. It’s usually fine most of the year, but if you’re visiting in summer, it’s worth double-checking before booking.
