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215 215 9814

Romania Travel Guide: Notes to Discover Romania

July 02, 2024 11 min read.

Romania offers visitors a unique combination of natural beauty and cultural heritage. In this Romania travel guide you will find the necessary information to plan your trip.

General Information about Romania

If you are considering a vacation in Romania, here you will find everything you need to make your dream come true.

Romania is a country located in southeastern Europe, bordered by Ukraine to the north, Moldova to the northeast, Hungary to the west, Serbia to the southwest, and Bulgaria to the south. Its capital and largest city is Bucharest.

With a population of approximately 19.5 million people, Romania is the seventh most populous member state of the European Union. Its official language is Romanian, and its currency is the Romanian leu.

Romania has a diverse geography, including the Carpathian Mountains, the Danube River, and the Black Sea coast. The country is known for its natural beauty, including the stunning painted monasteries of Bucovina, the ancient Dacian ruins of Sarmizegetusa Regia, and the UNESCO-protected Danube Delta.

The country’s history is rich and varied, with influences from the Romans, the Byzantine Empire, the Ottoman Empire, and the Austro-Hungarian Empire, among others. Romania became a communist state after World War II, but overthrew its communist government in 1989 and transitioned to a market economy.

Today, Romania is a member of the European Union, NATO, and the United Nations, and is known for its contributions to science, culture, and sports.

Water mirror surrounded by mountains and vegetation

Water mirror surrounded by mountains and vegetation

Picture of paul mocan on Unsplash

Location of Romania

Here's where Romania is located:

Map of Romania on Google Maps

Places of Interest to Visit in Romania

Would you like to visit Romania the best way? Then, here we tell you the most wonderful places of this destination, with a rich history and culture and fascinating landscapes, so that you don’t miss a thing during your journey. 

Bran Castle

This medieval fortress is located near Brasov and is commonly known as Dracula’s Castle. It is one of the most visited tourist attractions in Romania.

Palace of the Parliament 

This massive government building in Bucharest is one of the largest administrative buildings in the world. It was built during the communist era and is open to visitors.

Peles Castle

This Neo-Renaissance castle in the Carpathian Mountains was the summer residence of the Romanian royal family. It is now a museum and open to visitors.

Castle surrounded by nature

Castle surrounded by nature

Picture of Majkl Velner on Unsplash

Danube Delta

This is the second-largest river delta in Europe and a UNESCO World Heritage site. It is a unique and biodiverse area with many species of birds, fish, and other wildlife.

Painted Monasteries of Bucovina

These beautiful monasteries, located in the northern part of Romania, are decorated with intricate frescoes and are also UNESCO World Heritage sites.

Sighisoara

This medieval town in Transylvania is the birthplace of Vlad the Impaler, the inspiration for Bram Stoker’s Dracula. It has a well-preserved historic center and is a UNESCO World Heritage site.

Corvin Castle

This Gothic castle in Hunedoara is one of the largest and most impressive castles in Romania. It is also known as Hunyadi Castle.

Transfagarasan Highway

This scenic mountain road winds through the Carpathian Mountains and offers breathtaking views of the surrounding landscape.

Merry Cemetery

This unique cemetery in Sapanta is famous for its brightly painted wooden crosses with humorous epitaphs.

The Apuseni Mountains

This mountain range in western Romania is a popular destination for outdoor activities like hiking, caving, and skiing.

What to Eat and Drink in Romania

Romanian cuisine is a reflection of its diverse cultural heritage, with influences from neighboring countries like Hungary and Serbia, as well as Ottoman and other Eastern European cuisines. 

The food is hearty and flavorful, with a focus on meat dishes like grilled sausages and stews, often accompanied by traditional sides like polenta or cabbage rolls. Vegetarian options are also available, such as stuffed bell peppers or vegetable soups.

Romania is also known for its wide variety of dairy products, including creamy cheeses and yogurts. Baked goods are also a staple of the cuisine, with sweet pastries like cozonac or savory pies like placinte.

To drink, Romania is famous for its wine, particularly the red wines of the Murfatlar region. Traditional beverages like tuica, a strong plum brandy, and horinca, a type of fruit brandy, are also popular. Coffee and tea are also widely consumed, often served with a sweet pastry or cake.

Overall, dining in Romania is an experience that combines hearty, flavorful dishes with a rich cultural heritage and warm hospitality.

Living the Culture in Romania

Romanian culture is a blend of its diverse history and influences from neighboring countries.

Family and community are highly valued, with strong ties between generations and a sense of mutual support. Hospitality is also an important part of the culture, with guests often greeted warmly and offered food and drink.

Art and music are also integral parts of Romanian culture, with a rich tradition of folk music, dance, and crafts. Traditional costumes, often featuring intricate embroidery and bright colors, are still worn on special occasions and celebrations.

Religion plays a significant role in Romanian culture, with the majority of the population identifying as Eastern Orthodox Christians. Religious festivals and traditions are an important part of the cultural calendar.

Education is highly valued in Romanian culture, with a strong emphasis on science and technology, as well as the humanities. Literature and poetry have a long and respected tradition, with Romanian writers and poets often celebrated for their contributions to the arts.

To summarize, Romanian culture is characterized by a strong sense of community and family, a rich artistic tradition, and a deep respect for education and intellectual pursuits.

How to Get to Romania

There are several ways to get to Romania, depending on your starting point and preferences. Here are some of the most common options:

  1. By plane: Romania has several international airports, including Bucharest Henri Coandă International Airport, Cluj-Napoca International Airport, and Timișoara Traian Vuia International Airport, among others. Major airlines such as Lufthansa, Air France, and Turkish Airlines, as well as low-cost carriers like WizzAir and Ryanair, operate regular flights to Romania from many European cities and beyond.
  2. By train: Romania is well-connected to neighboring countries by train, with daily services to and from Hungary, Bulgaria, Serbia, Ukraine, and Moldova. The national railway company is called CFR (Căile Ferate Române) and offers both domestic and international services.
  3. By bus: Several international bus companies operate services to Romania from major European cities, such as Flixbus and Eurolines. Domestic bus services are also available, with several companies offering routes between major Romanian cities.
  4. By car: Romania has a well-maintained network of highways and national roads that connect major cities and towns. However, road conditions in some rural areas may be less developed, so it’s important to check the latest travel information and plan accordingly.
  5. By boat: Cruise ships and ferries operate between Constanta on the Black Sea coast and other ports in the region, such as Odessa in Ukraine and Istanbul in Turkey.

How to Get Around Romania?

If you wonder how to get around Romania, you should know that this area has several options available to move around the area and explore its wonders.

By car

Renting a car is a popular option for travelers who want to explore Romania at their own pace. The major international car rental companies, such as Avis, Hertz, and Europcar, have offices in major cities and airports. However, it’s worth noting that driving in Romania can be challenging, particularly in rural areas with narrow and winding roads.

By train

The national railway company, CFR (Căile Ferate Române), operates regular services between major cities and towns in Romania, as well as international routes to neighboring countries. Trains in Romania are generally affordable and comfortable, with options ranging from local trains to express services.

By bus

Domestic and international bus services are available, with several companies offering routes between major Romanian cities and towns. Buses are generally a more affordable option than trains, but may be slower and less comfortable.

By metro

Bucharest has a modern and efficient metro system that connects many parts of the city. Other major cities, such as Cluj-Napoca and Timișoara, also have smaller metro systems.

By taxi

Taxis are widely available in major cities and towns, but it's important to use licensed and reputable companies to avoid scams and overcharging. Uber and other ride-sharing apps are also available in some cities.

By bicycle

Cycling is becoming increasingly popular in Romania, particularly in urban areas where bike lanes are being developed. Several cities, such as Timișoara and Sibiu, have public bike-sharing schemes that are a convenient and affordable way to get around.

Best Time to Visit Romania

The best time to visit Romania depends on your preferences and what you want to do during your trip. Generally, the best time to visit Romania is during the shoulder seasons of spring (April-June) and fall (September-November), when the weather is mild and pleasant, and the crowds are smaller. 

However, if you’re interested in winter sports or Christmas markets, then winter (December-February) can also be a great time to visit.

Here are some factors to consider when deciding the best time to visit Romania:

  1. Weather: The weather in Romania can be quite variable, with hot summers and cold winters. The shoulder seasons of spring and fall offer milder temperatures and fewer crowds, while summer can be hot and crowded, particularly in popular tourist destinations.
  2. Festivals and events: Romania hosts several festivals and events throughout the year, such as the Transylvania International Film Festival in Cluj-Napoca, the Sibiu International Theatre Festival, and the Medieval Festival în Sighișoara. If you’re interested in attending any of these events, then it’s worth planning your trip accordingly.
  3. Outdoor activities: If you’re interested in hiking, cycling, or other outdoor activities, then the shoulder seasons of spring and fall offer pleasant weather and fewer crowds. Winter can be a great time for skiing and snowboarding in the Carpathian Mountains.
  4. Cultural attractions: Many of Romania’s cultural attractions, such as castles and museums, are open year-round, but may have shorter opening hours in the off-season. It’s worth checking the opening times of any attractions you're interested in visiting before planning your trip.

Festivals of Romania

Romania has a rich and diverse cultural calendar, with many festivals and celebrations throughout the year. Here are some of the most important festivals in Romania:

Bucharest International Film Festival

This film festival, held annually in Bucharest, showcases independent films from around the world.

Sighisoara Medieval Festival

This festival, held in the historic town of Sighisoara, celebrates the town’s medieval history with parades, music, and costumed reenactments.

Picturesque medieval constructions

Picturesque medieval constructions

Picture of Alisa Anton on Unsplash

George Enescu Festival

This classical music festival, held in honor of the Romanian composer George Enescu, brings together top performers from around the world for a series of concerts and events.

The Feast of St. Andrew

This religious festival, celebrated on November 30th, is a night of traditional customs and rituals, including fortune-telling and lighting bonfires.

Romanian Peasants Day

This celebration, held on June 24th, honors the country’s agricultural heritage with traditional dances, costumes, and food.

Transylvania International Film Festival

This film festival, held annually in Cluj-Napoca, showcases international and Romanian films.

Brasov Marathon

This sporting event, held annually in Brasov, features both amateur and professional runners competing in a variety of races.

Bear Dance Festival

This unique festival, held in the village of Comanesti, involves locals dressed in bear costumes performing a traditional dance to drive away evil spirits and bring good luck.

Wine Festival

Held in various locations throughout the country, this festival celebrates Romania’s long tradition of winemaking with tastings, music, and food.

Is It Worth Visiting Romania?

Of course! Romania stands out for its incredible landscapes and the warmth of its people. In addition, the region is known for its fascinating festivals and its historical buildings.

In turn, due to its proximity to Sofia and Belgrado, many travelers combine their visit to Romania with these destinations, so you will find these sites in several of our offers.

Are you looking to marvel at the most incredible landscapes? Do you want to know a fascinating culture? Do you want to enjoy incredible gastronomy?

If your answer is "yes", at Greca we have several proposals for tourist packages to Romania, which you can modify and adapt according to your needs and times.

There are travel packages for all tastes. Choose your own adventure according to your needs!

More Travel Guides!

If you have been interested in our travel guide to Romania and want to continue learning about this and other wonderful destinations, we invite you to look at the section of all our Travel Guides. Plan your next adventure with Greca!

01
Do I need a visa to visit Romania?

If you’re a citizen of the European Union or the European Economic Area, you do not need a visa to enter Romania. Citizens of many other countries, such as the United States and Canada, can enter Romania for up to 90 days without a visa. However, it’s always best to check the latest visa requirements before you travel.

02
What is the currency used in Romania?

The currency used in Romania is the Romanian leu (RON). It’s always a good idea to exchange some money before you arrive in Romania, as some small businesses may not accept credit cards.

03
Is English widely spoken in Romania?

While Romanian is the official language of Romania, many people in major cities and tourist destinations speak English. However, in more rural areas, it’s less common to find English speakers, so it’s a good idea to learn a few basic Romanian phrases before you go.

04
Can I use my credit card in Romania?

Credit cards are widely accepted in major cities and tourist destinations in Romania. However, it’s always a good idea to carry some cash with you, as some small businesses may not accept credit cards.

05
Is Romania a safe country to visit?

Romania is generally a safe country to visit, with a low crime rate. However, as with any destination, it’s important to take normal safety precautions, such as avoiding dark or isolated areas at night, and being aware of your surroundings.

06
What is the voltage in Romania?

The voltage in Romania is 230V, with a frequency of 50Hz. If you’re traveling from a country with a different voltage, you may need a converter or adapter for your electronics.

07
Can I rent a bike in Romania?

Bike rental is available in some major cities and tourist destinations in Romania, particularly in urban areas with bike-sharing schemes. However, it's important to note that cycling in Romania can be challenging, particularly outside of major cities where roads may be narrow and winding.

08
What is the time zone in Romania?

Romania is in the Eastern European Time Zone (EET), which is two hours ahead of Coordinated Universal Time (UTC+2). Romania observes daylight saving time, which means that during the summer months, the time is three hours ahead of UTC (UTC+3).

09
Are there any health concerns when visiting Romania?

There are no major health concerns when visiting Romania, but it’s always a good idea to consult your doctor before traveling to any foreign country. Make sure you have all the necessary vaccinations and medications before you leave.

10
What is tipping etiquette in Romania?

Tipping is not mandatory in Romania, but it’s generally appreciated for good service in restaurants, cafes, and other service industries. A tip of around 10% is typical, but you can adjust the amount based on the quality of the service.

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