Romania Travel Guide (Balkans/Europe)

Introduction to Romania
List of Places to Visit in Romania
- Culturally Important Attractions: Museums and Historical Places
- Natural Attractions of Romania: Outdoor Adventures and Scenic Views
Hiking/Biking Routes of Romania
Best Things to Do in Romania: Activities and Tours
Week-Long Itinerary for Romania
Food and Drink Scene of Romania
- Must-Try Dishes
- Local Beverages
Where to Stay in Romania: Hotels, Hostels, and Guesthouses
What to Buy in Romania: Souvenirs and Local Products to Bring Home
Local Culture and Customs of Romania
Best Time to Visit Romania
Do’s and Don’ts of Romania
- Do:
- Don’t:
Safety and Health
- Safety in Romania
- Health in Romania
Getting to Romania: Transportation Options and Logistics
How to Get Around in Romania
Where to Go Next from Romania: Nearby Destinations and Excursions
Conclusion

Introduction to Romania

Located in the Balkans region on the eastern edge of Europe, Romania entices visitors with its rugged mountain ranges, picturesque villages, and rich cultural heritage. With a history stretching back to antiquity, this country offers a wealth of historic sites, fascinating museums, and architectural marvels. Whether you’re exploring the cobbled streets of Bucharest or hiking in the Carpathian Mountains, Romania is a destination that promises to amaze and inspire.

List of Places to Visit in Romania

Here are some of the top destinations to add to your Romania itinerary:

Culturally Important Attractions: Museums and Historical Places

Bran Castle: This 14th-century castle is perched atop a hill, overlooking the stunning surrounding countryside. It’s widely known as the inspiration for Bram Stoker’s “Dracula.”
Peles Castle: Built in the late 19th century, this impressive castle is a masterpiece of German Neo-Renaissance architecture. It’s situated in the foothills of the Carpathian Mountains, near the town of Sinaia.
Voronet Monastery: Known for its vivid blue frescoes, this medieval monastery is located in the Bucovina region of Romania.

Natural Attractions of Romania: Outdoor Adventures and Scenic Views

Danube Delta: The Danube Delta is a vast, protected wetland area that’s home to a remarkable diversity of flora and fauna. Visitors can take guided boat trips to explore the waterways and spot rare bird species.
Retezat National Park: This stunning natural area is located in the Carpathian Mountains and offers visitors the chance to hike adventures, breathtaking views, and encounters with a variety of wildlife.
The Transfagarasan Highway: Dubbed as one of the most amazing driving experiences in the world, this scenic route stretches over the Carpathian Mountains and offers awe-inspiring views.

Hiking/Biking Routes of Romania

Whether you prefer hiking, biking, or exploring the great outdoors, Romania has plenty to offer. Here are some of the best hiking/biking routes in Romania:

Piatra Craiului National Park: Hiking in this park alongside the Piatra Craiului ridge, with its stunning cliffs and rock formations is a unique experience.
The Retezat Mountains: This mountain range has the highest concentration of glacial lakes in Romania and it’s located in Retezat National Park.
Maramures Forests and Villages: This off-the-beaten-path region offers visitors the chance to hike through old-growth forests and visit charming, isolated villages.

Best Things to Do in Romania: Activities and Tours

From exploring historic cities to enjoying outdoor adventures, Romania offers a wealth of activities to enjoy.

Bucharest City Tour: Explore the vibrant capital city of Romania, visit old town, the Palace of the Parliament, and the Village Museum.
Wine Tasting in the Dealu Mare wine region: Taste renowned Romanian wines in one of the country’s most beautiful wine regions.
Bear Watching Tour: Go on a guided tour to observe brown bears in their natural habitat in the Carpathian Mountains.

Week-Long Itinerary for Romania

Here is a sample itinerary for a week in Romania:

Day	Activity
Day 1	Visit the Palace of the Parliament and the Old Town of Bucharest
Day 2	Explore Peles Castle and Bran Castle
Day 3	Hike in the Bucegi Mountains
Day 4	Enjoy a wine tasting experience in the Dealu Mare region
Day 5	Visit the painted monasteries of Bucovina
Day 6	Take a bear watching tour in the Carpathian Mountains
Day 7	Relax in the Danube Delta and enjoy a boat tour of the wetlands

Food and Drink Scene of Romania

Romanian cuisine is hearty, rustic, and delicious. Here are some must-try dishes and local beverages to sample during your trip:

Must-Try Dishes

Sarmale: Stuffed cabbage rolls with a mixture of beef, pork, and rice, often served with sour cream.
Mici: Grilled minced meat rolls, seasoned with paprika and garlic.
Papanasi: Fried or boiled doughnuts served with sweet cream and fruit preserves.

Local Beverages

Tuica: A strong plum brandy considered the country’s national drink
Vin Fiert: A spiced and sweetened mulled wine served during the winter months.

Where to Stay in Romania: Hotels, Hostels, and Guesthouses

Whether you’re looking for luxurious hotels or budget-friendly hostels, Romania has plenty of comfortable accommodation options to suit all tastes and budgets. Some of the best places to stay in Romania include:

Grand Hotel Continental: Located in Bucharest’s historic city center, this elegant hotel offers classic decor, luxurious amenities, and a prime location.
Castelul Bran: This medieval castle now operates as a hotel and is an excellent choice for visitors interested in experiencing Romania’s rich history.

What to Buy in Romania: Souvenirs and Local Products to Bring Home

When it comes to souvenirs, Romania offers an abundance of unique, high-quality products to bring home. Here are some great options:

Traditional Embroidery: Stunning hand-embroidered clothing and home goods are available throughout the country.
Handmade Ceramics: Romania is famous for its pottery production, with intricate hand-painted ceramics available in markets throughout the country.
Local Honey: Romania produces high-quality honey, which is easily found at food markets and shops.

Local Culture and Customs of Romania

Romanians are known for their warmth and hospitality towards visitors. Visitors are often greeted with a hearty “Bine ati venit!” which means “Welcome!” Some of the customs unique to Romania include:

Eating with family: Family is of utmost importance in Romania. Eating around the table and sharing meals is a time-honored tradition.
Celebrating holidays: Christmas and Easter are essential holidays in Romania, with many unique customs and traditions associated with these events.

Best Time to Visit Romania

Romania’s climate can vary, depending on the season and region. However, generally, the best time to visit is during the summer months, between June and August. During this time, temperatures are pleasantly warm, and outdoor adventures are at their best.

Do’s and Don’ts of Romania

Do:

Bring cash: Many rural regions and small communities, including some hotels and cafes, do not accept credit cards.
Respect local customs: Dress modestly when visiting churches and monasteries. In some areas, it’s customary for women to wear headscarves.
Hike with a guide: Hiking trails can be difficult to follow in Romania, and many areas require permits or have restricted access.

Don’t:

Drink tap water: Stick to bottled water to avoid stomach problems.
Overlook rural areas: Some of Romania’s most beautiful landscapes and unique cultural experiences are in small towns and villages.

Safety and Health

Safety in Romania

Romania is a safe destination for travelers, with a relatively low crime rate. However, visitors should always be aware of their surroundings and avoid flashing valuable items in public to avoid theft.

Health in Romania

Medical facilities in major cities are adequate. Still, many rural areas have limited access to healthcare, so it’s essential to have travel insurance and any required vaccinations before your trip.

Getting to Romania: Transportation Options and Logistics

Romania is easily accessible from neighboring countries, with international airports in Bucharest, Cluj-Napoca, Timisoara, and Iasi. Visitors can also arrive by train or bus from surrounding areas.

Airports Near Romania

Henri Coanda International Airport: Located in Bucharest, this is the country’s busiest airport.
Traian Vuia International Airport: Located in Timisoara, in the western part of the country.

Bus Stations Near Romania

Autogari: Provides bus services to Romania from many neighboring countries.
Flixbus: Europe’s leading bus company, offering bus travel throughout Europe.

Other Options

Renting a car is also an excellent option for exploring Romania, with many car rental companies located near major airports and train stations.

How to Get Around in Romania

Public transportation is well-developed in Romania, with train travel being a popular means of transportation between major cities. Buses and trams are also widely used in cities. Taxis are available, but it’s essential to only use officially licensed taxi services and to agree on a rate before your journey.

Where to Go Next from Romania: Nearby Destinations and Excursions

Romania is perfectly situated for travelers interested in exploring other parts of Europe. Some popular destinations to visit after Romania include:

Budapest, Hungary: Located just a few hours’ drive from Oradea, Budapest is famous for its stunning architecture, impressive thermal baths, and vibrant nightlife.
Belgrade, Serbia: Situated just across the Danube River from Romania, Belgrade is a city of contrasts, with rich history, stunning architecture, and trendy bars and clubs.

Conclusion

Romania’s combination of natural beauty, rich cultural heritage, and warm hospitality make it an ideal destination for travelers seeking new and exciting experiences. With a range of activities to enjoy, historical and natural wonders to explore, and delicious cuisine to sample, this country is a must-visit destination for any curious adventurer.