Planning a visit to one of the crucial lovely international locations in Eastern Europe? I could also be a bit biased right here (as Romania is my dwelling nation) however nonetheless, I feel you’re in for an journey! Filled with medieval cities, gorgeous surroundings and many mountains, this place can’t be missed!
However, there are many issues to contemplate earlier than you go to Romania! And on this tremendous detailed journey information I’ve provided all the main points from the place to go, high issues to do right here, find out how to get across the nation plus many different elements from visa necessities and prices that you could know.
At the tip I’ve additionally added a bit with the perfect locations to remain in Romania and a few inns. Which I extremely suggest reserving upfront, particularly if you happen to’re coming throughout the excessive season (summertime) as they may promote out quick.
Okay, we’ve received so much to speak about so let’s go!
If you’re in a rush
If you don’t have time to learn the entire put up, listed here are the highest issues to e book upfront:
1. Places to go to in Romania
If you’re getting ready for a Romanian vacation, then buckle up, as a result of we’ve received so many issues to speak about!
My dwelling nation is totally full of spectacular points of interest. And to be sincere I like to recommend exploring the mountains and countryside if you happen to’re coming right here (particularly if you happen to love spending time in nature) as a result of Romania has some nice mountain climbing trails!
But the cities are fairly wonderful as properly, so I’d thought I’d make a listing of the foremost cities that you simply shouldn’t miss out:
Bucharest
Welcome to the capital metropolis! And the place I’m dwelling for the time being! You’ll most likely arrive in Bucharest if you happen to’re coming by aircraft and I positively suggest spending a while right here as a result of there are lots of issues to do in Bucharest from exploring the Old Town and all of the eating places and pubs there!
Cluj Napoca
You may’ve heard of this bustling metropolis as the placement of among the finest festivals in Europe! Oh sure, Untold and Electric Castle are positively a should if you happen to’re visiting this lovely nation round summer season.
But there are additionally different issues to do and see in Cluj Napoca! As a scholar metropolis and the unofficial capital of the Transylvania area, Cluj has many cultural points of interest and such a fantastic environment as properly!
Brasov
Cluj Napoca stands out as the unofficial capital however Brasov is certainly its coronary heart! Surrounded by the Carpathian Mountains, this metropolis is among the most visited ones in Romania!
This is the place you come if you wish to spot some wild animals and go snowboarding! These are simply among the issues to do in Brasov however I suppose the principle ones could be visiting all of the castles. Follow me, as I’ll discuss extra on that in part #2.
Sighișoara
This is the principle place to go for historical past lovers! The medieval structure, the cobblestone streets, and the small-town environment will make you need to by no means depart this place!
Dating again to the twelfth century, Sighisoara can also be the birthplace of the well-known voivode of Wallachia (Vlad the Impaler), also called Vlad Dracula!
But there are lots of different issues to find on this UNESCO World Heritage Site!
2. Top issues to do in Romania
Well, I’ve received an entire put up on essentially the most wonderful issues to do in Romania, the place I give all the main points on find out how to go to these points of interest. But I additionally wished to provide you some transient info right here, so you’ll be able to shortly examine essentially the most unmissable points of interest!
2.1 Visit Bran Castle
I suppose you all heard about Dracula’s Castle, proper? This place has put Romania on the map for many vacationers and I’d positively suggest a go to there.
Well, firstly you must know its actual identify: Bran Castle, and it’s positioned in Bran Commune close to Brasov, a wonderful city in Transylvania. Make certain you get your tickets upfront for this attraction because it’s normally packed!
PRICE: 50 Ron (US$10)
Buy your skip-the-line tickets
2.2 Take a day journey to Turda Salt Mine
If you have been hoping to catch a enjoyable day journey from one of many main cities in Romania, then you definitely’re in luck as a result of I’ve received a tremendous possibility for you!
Turda Salt Mine is among the most spectacular locations to see in Romania, one of many oldest mines on the planet, relationship again to the center ages. And now guests can discover the underground salt labyrinth, see the hanging salt stalactites and have enjoyable within the amusement park.
Most vacationers go to it as a day journey tour from Cluj Napoca which is normally the best method because you don’t have to fret about transportation!
2.3 See Bucovina’s Painted Monasteries
Oh sure, Romania has many historic church buildings that stood the take a look at of time and you could find most of them within the North East a part of the Bucovina area (fairly near the place I used to be born).
These monasteries date again to the fifteenth and sixteenth century and they’re positive examples of Byzantine artwork!
Although there are such a lot of of those locations across the area, the principle ones which you must attempt to see are Voronet, Humor, Moldovita, Probota, Sucevita.
PRICE: From 10 Ron (US$2)
2.4 Explore the Palace of Parliament
Bucharest is a bustling metropolis with loads of enjoyable points of interest and locations to remain! But I feel the principle factor that you could go to whilst you’re on the town is the Palace of Parliament.
The Palace is the second largest administrative constructing on the planet after the Pentagon!
Definitely value a go to to see among the rooms there (there are 3000 in complete)!
PRICE: 40 Ron (US$9)
Book your skip-the-line-tickets
2.5 Chill on the Black Sea seashores
Coming throughout summertime? Then there’s no higher strategy to get pleasure from your time right here than with a seashore journey!
I’ve been going to a few of these seashores since I used to be a child and located some hidden gems! And they aren’t too removed from Bucharest, the capital (round 2h away by automobile).
Some of my favorites are Tuzla Beach, Vama Veche and Corbu Beach.
2.6 Go mountain climbing within the Carpathian Mountains
If you need to discover Romania’s lovely inexperienced hills and mountains then I like to recommend venturing across the Carpathians, which encompass Transcarpathia and Transylvania area.
There are heaps to find right here, nevertheless it might be a bit overwhelming to go by your self if that is the primary time. Luckily there are many guided excursions from Brasov, Cluj, or different cities in Transylvania that may take you to discover these mountains and benefit from the recent air.
Join a guided tour of the Carpathian Mountains
2.7 Hop on a ship tour of Danube Delta’s river canals
I do know you’ve most likely thought Dracula’s Castle is among the most enjoyable issues to see in Romania (most metropolis guides say that) nevertheless I’m right here to inform you about yet another place that you simply may’ve missed: the Danube Delta!
This is the second largest river delta in all of Europe (and a UNESCO pure reserve web site) and it’s the dwelling of a lot wildlife together with horses and completely different chicken species.
You can see its magnificence whereas on a ship and fortunately there are many excursions that you could take from Bucharest and go to it!
3. How to get round in Romania
Well, if you happen to like journey and let’s say the entire post-communist vibe, then getting round Romania could also be an exciting journey for you!
All jokes apart, I feel you must know that not like different international locations within the European Union, Romania doesn’t have the tremendous modernized trains and buses, which signifies that touring by public transport can gradual you down if you happen to’re planning to go to a number of cities.
But I all the time say that if you happen to examine all of the routes and plan forward every thing will work out! So let’s see which all of the methods to get round Romania:
3.1 Traveling to Romania
Here are all of the methods you may get to Romania and what to recollect when planning your journey:
By aircraft
I suppose most of you’ll journey to Romania by aircraft. There are 6 huge airports within the nation:
All these airports are served by low price airways like Wizz Air and RyanAir so if you happen to plan upfront you may get tremendous low-cost tickets, particularly if you happen to’re touring from one other European metropolis. And after all corporations like Lufthansa, British Airways, Air France, KLM, additionally run common flights on the Romanian airports.
NOTE: Because many Romanian individuals who reside overseas come again dwelling for the vacations aircraft tickets are usually tremendous costly at the moment. So if you happen to’re planning to go to then both be ready to e book method upfront or to pay rather more than the standard.
PRO TIP: Use Skyscanner to search out the most affordable flights in your dates!
By practice
If you’re coming from locations like Vienna, Budapest, Belgrade, Sofia, Thessaloniki or
Istanbul you’ll be able to come to Romania by practice. Of course there are extra international locations from Europe you’ll be able to journey by practice, however you’ll most likely want to alter just a few trains. You can really examine the Interrail web site and plan your journey from there.
We even have a put up on the Interrail/Eurail Pass with all kinds of suggestions and tips so positively examine it if you happen to’re planning to journey round by practice.
By automobile
Alternatively, you may also journey along with your automobile or lease a automobile to go to Romania. Many folks take street journeys from locations like Bulgaria, Serbia and Hungary, and even international locations that aren’t so shut like Germany, Austria, Czech Republic, Croatia or Greece.
The roads that hyperlink to Romania are usually good however some routes could also be tremendous crowded so it’s good to plan correctly and upfront on apps like Google Maps and Waze.
You’ll discover that border crossing factors are positioned throughout Romania’s land borders. You can examine the full-list and real-time data on the Romanian Traffic Police web site. When coming into Romania, you’ll must current your ID/passport to the border management brokers and generally open the trunk for a fast verification.
NOTE: When you’re not on highways you’ll be able to positively anticipate horse carts, bikers and locals from villages strolling on the roads so ensure you drive safely!
3.2 Traveling inside Romania
Let’s see how one can discover the nation and what you must take into account when touring between cities:
By aircraft
Internal flights are an effective way to journey shortly across the nation. Tickets are usually fairly low-cost ranging from €50 for a single ticket on Skyscanner.
You’ll normally discover flights to and from Bucharest to the foremost cities like Cluj Napoca, Iasi, Sibiu, Bacau, Suceava and Timișoara.
This will prevent loads of time! For instance a flight from Bucharest to Cluj Napoca takes round 45 minutes. Whereas by automobile it’s going to take you round 7h (if it’s not crowded) and by practice 10h.
By practice
As I discussed at first, touring by public transport in Romania isn’t all the time a pleasure. Train rides particularly normally take greater than they need to and the trains are fairly previous (or classic as I prefer to say).
Nonetheless, the trains listed here are less expensive than these in Central Europe, or different elements of the continent so that you gained’t spend an excessive amount of.
You should buy your tickets and examine for routes on the CFR web site and I extremely suggest shopping for them on-line, as in lots of locations (particularly smaller cities) if you happen to get them from the practice station chances are you’ll come throughout a employees member who doesn’t converse English (I’ll discuss extra about that in part #5)
By bus
Another tremendous low-cost possibility is to journey by bus. You can discover every thing from routes, costs and timetables on this web site.
As the Romanian roads aren’t so wonderful, touring by bus could take longer than the trains however they’re a great possibility for smaller routes the place you’ll be able to’t discover trains.
By automobile
If you’re pondering of utilizing a rental automobile service or driving your individual automobile to discover the nation then you must positively take into account this properly and take into consideration on a regular basis chances are you’ll waste on the street.
Unfortunately Romania has few high-speed roads and highways (particularly on routes between huge cities like Bucharest to Cluj Napoca). This signifies that you’ll have to make use of one lane nationwide roads which (if it wasn’t sufficient) cross by means of villages the place the velocity restrict is 50 km/h.
But regardless of all this, the surroundings is fairly unbelievable. So if time isn’t a problem for you and also you’re fairly assured in your driving expertise, touring by automobile could possibly be fairly enjoyable.
NOTE: Romania has a street tax referred to as vignietta, you should buy it on-line from gasoline stations after crossing the border checkpoint
Here are the principle street sorts in Romania and the velocity limits:
- Highways – marked with A1 in inexperienced and the velocity restrict is 130km
- European roads – marked ‘E70’ with inexperienced and the velocity restrict is 110km
- National roads – marked with numbers in purple and the velocity restrict is 100km
- Local roads – marked with numbers and a letter in blue
4. Best excursions of Romania
If you’re probably not focused on coping with practice tickets, planning journeys and discovering the perfect routes to the points of interest across the nation then occurring excursions could also be a good suggestion. I’ve regarded on the internet and located among the finest ones so let’s examine them out!
- Discover Transylvania Tour – During this 8 days tour that begins in Bucharest on the Airport, you’ll get to see Transylvania’s castles, monasteries, historic cities like Sighisoara, Brasov and a little bit of Bucharest as properly. The worth begins from €990 and it contains transportation, lodging, guides, entrance charges to points of interest and meals.
- Classic Romania Tour – If you need to see the foremost Romanian cities just like the capital, Sibiu, Cluj Napoca, Targu Mures, Sighisoara and Brasov, plus all the principle points of interest there, then I’d suggest this 8 days tour which begins in Bucharest. The tour contains transportation, lodging, guides, entrance charges to points of interest and meals and the value begins from €1500
- Village life in Transylvania Tour – If you need to discover the rolling hills in Transylvania and go mountain climbing round among the most wonderful areas within the area then be part of this 8 days tour within the Carpathian Mountains and uncover genuine villages and pure parks! The worth begin from €850 and it contains an professional information, meals, transport, inns and entrance charges to the points of interest
- Best of Romania and the Danube Delta Tour – On this 12 days tour you’ll see among the most wonderful websites in Romania just like the well-known Bran Castle, the Rodna Mountains, and the breathtaking Danube Delta! Starting from €2300 the prices embody meals, transport, inns and guides.
5. Language and communication in Romania
Romania’s official language is Romanian, nevertheless the nation has just a few minority languages, together with Hungarian and Romani.
Although most individuals in main cities like Bucharest, Cluj, Timisoara and Brasov principally converse English, chances are you’ll come throughout locals (particularly in rural areas, suburbs and smaller cities) that don’t know English.
That’s why I like to recommend studying just a few Romanian phrases, or writing them down on a bit of paper or in your telephone, so you’ll be able to talk in any given circumstances.
Here are some key phrases that you could be want to make use of when in Romania:
- Hi – Buna
- Please – Te rog
- Thanks – Multumesc
- Where can I discover the metro/bus/practice station? – Unde gasesc statia de metrou/autobuz/tren?
- 1 ticket for this please – As dori si eu un bilet
- Do you are taking bank cards? – Pot sa platesc cu cardul?
- Where is the ATM? – Unde gasesc un bancomat?
- How a lot does this price? – Cat costa?
- Can you present me on a map find out how to get there? – Puteti sa imi arati pe harta cum ajung acolo?
- I need assistance – Am nevoie de ajutor
If you need to spend extra time studying a few of these phrases, then take a look at this video that may actually enable you be taught some helpful phrases in your travels!
6. Visas for Romania
Although Romania is not a part of the Schengen Zone, most residents who usually are not from European Union international locations should apply for a visa. You can examine the total checklist of nations whose residents will want a visa to enter Romania proper right here on the Ministry of Foreign Affairs web site.
Currently, in case you are a American, British, Australian, NZ, or Canadian citizen who’s visiting Romania you gained’t want a visa nevertheless you will want:
- A passport that’s legitimate for greater than 3 months from the anticipated time of arrival to Romania
- Proof of ample monetary means
- A transparent and well-documented function of go to
Although this data is at present right, visa necessities can change with out discover at any time, so all the time double examine on the official web site.
For anybody who requires a visa, you’ll have to apply upfront. The earliest you’ll be able to apply is 6 months earlier than you propose to journey, and no later than 15 working days upfront. You can examine the entry necessities proper right here and apply (solely) on the Ministry’s official web site.
If you do want a visa you gained’t be capable to get one on arrival, nevertheless if you happen to do have a legitimate double/a number of entries Schengen Visa can get a brief time period Visa on arrival.
You can examine all the costs for Romanian visas proper right here, costs begin from €80.
Romania has 3 sorts of visas:
- C Type (Short-Term) Visas: for 90 days or lower than 180 days
- D Type (Long-Term) Visa: for greater than 3 months
- Romania Transit Visa
Depending on how lengthy you’re staying within the nation, you’ll have to choose a type of 3 sorts of visas. You can discover extra info on every sort on the Ministry of Foreign Affairs web site.
Now let’s examine all of the visa necessities:
- Visa software type
- 2 latest passport-style images
- A legitimate passport
- Documents justifying the aim of go to, confirming the length of the keep, and the intention to return
- Proof of ample monetary means set by the ministry
- Travel medical insurance coverage that covers of at the very least €30,000 concerning medical emergencies
7. Safety in Romania
Romania is a protected vacation spot nevertheless, as in different foregin nation that you simply’re visiting you must take additional care and watch out for pickpockets, suspicious folks or people who appear keen to begin a struggle with anybody round.
For instance there’s a frequent rip-off the place folks method vacationers to distract them after which ship somebody youthful (normally small youngsters) to steal stuff from you. So be extra-mindful and don’t depart your pockets or baggage open once you stroll on the streets or once you’re driving the subway (particularly at rush hour when it’s tremendous crowded).
PRO TIP: I’d additionally suggest utilizing apps like Uber or Bolt if you wish to get across the metropolis and keep away from the common taxi drivers when potential (particularly those in Bucharest close to the Old Town and practice station) as they’ll most likely cost you rather more than the standard.
8. Costs & cash in Romania
The forex in Romania is Leu (RON). You will most likely see euro costs displayed as properly, nevertheless most locations don’t settle for euros in money (and if somebody affords you an in-house change, examine the official charges earlier than saying sure).
In the larger cities you’ll be able to pay by card just about in all places and the financial institution playing cards issued by VISA, GraspCard and Maestro are broadly accepted. However if you happen to personal an American Express card chances are you’ll take into account bringing one other one with you as they don’t all the time work.
If you’re taking excursions or going to the country-side, mountains and smaller cities I like to recommend having some money with you, at the very least 400 Ron (US$85) in case you need to purchase souvenirs or you’ll be able to’t pay along with your card (as that’s tremendous frequent in these areas).
But if you happen to forgot to carry any money with you, don’t fear. There are loads of ATMs round and you may search for BCR, BRD, Banca Transilvania, Raiffeisen or ING, as these are the most typical ones.
PRO TIP: If you may have money with you however need to change it for the Romanian leu you’ll be able to attempt the change bureaus, that are tremendous common in Romania. But, and that is tremendous vital, don’t use those within the airport as their charges are fairly unhealthy.
You’ll discover the change bureaus on most streets and they’re simple to identify as they’ve a board which signifies the charges provided.
Now the query that everybody is considering: Is Romania low-cost?
Yes! Compared to different international locations in Europe, Romania is less expensive in terms of lodging, eating places and excursions costs. Usually vacationers spend a mean of US$100 per day for lodging, transportation, meals and points of interest.
9. Best time to go to Romania
It actually is determined by what sorts of actions you’re planning on doing! Luckily, Romania affords continuous enjoyable all 12 months lengthy however let’s see which months work the perfect for you:
- December to March: the right time to go to for winter sports activities, and hitting the slopes in Poiana Brasov
- April & May: our rainiest months, I don’t suggest coming throughout this time if you wish to go mountain climbing or exploring the mountains
- June, July, August: if you wish to spend loads of time by the Black Sea and discover the Danube Delta come throughout these months (and I’d positively keep away from huge cities because it’s method too sizzling and actually not enjoyable to stroll round)
- September to November – nice time to go to the cities, starting of autumn is basically lovely within the cities and within the countryside as properly
10. Travel suggestions for visiting Romania
Traveling to a spot you don’t know a lot about is usually a bit overwhelming, so I’d thought I’d make this checklist of suggestions that can assist you have essentially the most wonderful time in my dwelling nation!
So let’s examine them out:
- Don’t spend all of your time within the cities, you are able to do loads of mountain climbing across the nation and go to some genuine previous villages (particularly in Transylvania)
- The practice is the most affordable strategy to journey round (though it’s gradual)
- Buy your practice tickets on-line upfront quite than on the station because it’s normally crowded
- Buy tickets upfront for the large points of interest like Bran Castle
- Visit within the winter if you wish to go snowboarding
- If you’re a assured driver, you’ll be able to go on a street journey across the nation because the surroundings is wonderful
- Try our hearty meals, it’s completely scrumptious (and the Romanian wine as properly)
- The Vodafone sim card is the perfect for vacationers and you may get it from the supplier’s shops which you could find round or in purchasing malls
- Drive the Transfagarasan Road if you happen to’re craving some journey
- Being a digital nomad in Romania is wonderful because the web is among the quickest in Europe
- If you’re a vegetarian who needs to eat conventional meals I’d suggest zacusca, polenta, papanasi, nation bread, Romanian potato salad and eggplant salad
- You can use BlaBla Car (an app the place you could find folks which are going to the identical place as you by automobile and have a free spot) if you happen to want a experience to a different metropolis, and need to make some new buddies
- If you need to befriend a neighborhood I’d suggest providing them a drink (perhaps some tuica which is a standard drink)
11. Where to remain in Romania
Well, we’re nearly accomplished with this tremendous detailed information on find out how to go to Romania, so I feel it’s time I confirmed you some very nice locations to remain within the nation.
I assumed I’d choose the principle 4 cities the place vacationers normally keep, so you’ll be able to attain the points of interest simply:
Bucharest
- Luxury: The Marmorosch – This wonderful 5 star resort is positioned close to the town heart in Bucharest and it has a restaurant and a health heart.
- Mid Range: Intercontinental Bucharest – Cozy rooms which have ceiling-to-floor home windows? Yes, please! The resort additionally has a wellness heart and a swimming pool.
- Budget: Capitol Hotel – Located in a 1900’s constructing, this resort comes with wonderful metropolis views, a restaurant and a fantastic location close to the points of interest
Brasov
- Luxury: Kronwell Brasov – A stupendous resort that provides suites with a bath, a swimming pool and a flowery restaurant.
- Mid Range: Safrano Palace – This resort comes with free Wi-Fi, elegant decor, and a buffet breakfast.
- Budget: Casa Chitic – This lodging affords an airport shuttle and it has spacious rooms with picket parts.
Cluj Napoca
- Luxury: Hotel Platinia – A snug resort that has trendy rooms with a flat-screen television, 2 eating places, and a backyard.
- Mid Range: Golden Tulip Ana Dome – Equipped with all of the services you want together with a spa heart, a bar, and a restaurant, this resort is certainly a keeper!
- Budget: Brickyard Apartments – If you’re in search of one thing tremendous inexpensive then take a look at this place that has a number of area, a kitchen, and rooms with balconies.
Sighisoara
- Luxury: Casa Georgius Krauss – Enjoy your keep on this distinctive place that’s set within the former home of chronicler Georgius Krauss which nonetheless has its unique frescoes! Each room has medieval-style furnishings and a personal rest room.
- Mid Range: Casa Savri – A beautiful visitor home that has a solar terrace, rooms with a personal rest room and a flat-screen television.
- Budget: Casa Lily – This visitor home comes with snug rooms with a balcony, free personal parking, and barbecue services.
| 💰 Currency: | Leu (RON) |
| 🌞 Best time to go to: | June – August |
| 🌆 Capital metropolis: | Bucharest |
| 🇷🇴 Language: | Romanian |
| 🚉 Best transport possibility: | Trains |
| 🏨 Average resort worth: | US$80 |
FAQs about visiting Romania
💻 What ought to I do know earlier than going to Romania?
Find out if you happen to want a visa to go to Romania, determine which a part of the nation you need to go to and plan your journeys between cities correctly (our trains are tremendous gradual).
🇷🇴 Is Romania pleasant to vacationers?
Yes! Romanian hospitality is known (as is the meals and wine) and locals are tremendous heat and love vacationers.
🤔 Is English a typical language in Romania?
In the large cities, sure. However, if you happen to’re visiting the countryside you’ll most likely must know just a few phrases or use google translate to speak as folks don’t actually converse English there.
💰 Is Romania low-cost for vacationers?
Yes, Romania is tremendous low-cost! Everything from the meals, lodging and vacationer points of interest is fairly inexpensive in comparison with different European international locations.
Conclusion
Well, I feel everybody feels rather more assured about their journey to Romania, proper? And don’t neglect you’ve received an inside supply (me) and you may all the time ask me something within the feedback part beneath!
Lots to undergo so I’ll depart you to it, however earlier than I depart I need to remind you to not neglect to e book your tickets for points of interest and inns upfront. In the height season, these promote out in a second and also you may miss your likelihood at seeing the well-known Dracula’s Castle! So e book shortly!
Enjoy your adventures round my lovely dwelling nation, you’ll find it irresistible!
Happy Exploring,
Victoria
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