Things To Do
in Romania
Romania is a country of dramatic contrasts, where medieval hilltop towns, ornate Orthodox monasteries and the wild Carpathian Mountains meet dynamic cities and a Black Sea coast. Its cultural heritage blends Latin roots with Slavic, Ottoman and Central European influences, visible in architecture, festivals and cuisine. Romania offers excellent value for travelers seeking history, nature and outdoor activities from hiking in pristine forests to exploring fortified churches.
Friendly locals, diverse landscapes and an emerging wine and food scene make it an engaging destination year-round.
Day Trips
Spend a day exploring around
Arrive at Henri Coandă International Airport and transfer to your hotel in the heart of Bucharest. Start your morning with a refreshing breakfast at a local café, sampling traditional Romanian pastries. After settling in, take a leisurely stroll through the historic Lipscani district to soak in the vibrant atmosphere.
Explore the grand Palace of the Parliament, one of the largest administrative buildings in the world. Spend your afternoon visiting the Romanian Athenaeum, an architectural gem, followed by wandering through the beautiful gardens of Cismigiu Park. Finally, indulge in a hearty lunch at a traditional Romanian restaurant.
As evening falls, enjoy dinner at a rooftop restaurant with panoramic views of the city. Experience Bucharest's vibrant nightlife by visiting local bars or enjoying a live music performance. Optional: take a night tour of the city to see historical landmarks beautifully illuminated.
Depart for Brașov, a picturesque city surrounded by the Carpathian Mountains, about 2.5 hours away from Bucharest. Upon arrival, have breakfast at a local bakery and enjoy a coffee while taking in the sights of the medieval Old Town. Visit the famous Black Church, an emblematic Gothic monument.
Take a cable car up to Tâmpa Mountain for breathtaking views of the city and surrounding areas. Grab a light lunch at a charming cafe before exploring the cobbled streets filled with colorful buildings and unique shops. Visit Bran Castle, famously linked to the Dracula legend.
Dine at a cozy restaurant serving hearty Transylvanian cuisine in the town square. After dinner, enjoy a leisurely walk through the illuminated streets of Brașov, soaking in the medieval charm. Consider joining a ghost tour to uncover the spooky history of the area.
Prices
| Item | Price |
|---|---|
| 🍔Meal at inexpensive restaurant | $8-15 |
| ☕Coffee (regular) | $1.50-3 |
| 🚇Single public transport ticket | $0.50-1.50 |
| 🛏Budget hotel / hostel per night | $15-50 |
| 🎟Museum or attraction entry | $3-12 |
Strengths and Weaknesses
- Diverse landscapes: mountains, delta, medieval towns and coast
- Rich cultural and historical sites with strong traditions
- Good value for money compared to Western Europe
- Warm hospitality and emerging food and wine scenes
- Infrastructure in rural areas can be inconsistent (roads, signage)
- Language barrier outside major tourist spots
- Seasonal closures of mountain passes and attractions
- Occasional scams or aggressive vendors in busy tourist spots
- "Bună ziua" - Hello / Good day
- "Mulțumesc" - Thank you
- "Vorbesc puțin românește" - I speak a little Romanian
- "Cât costă?" - How much does it cost?
- "Unde este toaleta?" - Where is the restroom?
- "Da / Nu" - Yes / No
- "Scuzați-mă" - Excuse me / Sorry
Places to Visit in Romania
Visit one of these nice places.
Dramatic high-altitude alpine road with hairpin turns, glacial lakes and sweeping mountain vistas — best in late summer when the road is open and free of snow.
Photogenic medieval fortifications set against forested hills; early morning or late afternoon light reduces crowds and improves color.
UNESCO-listed exterior frescoes in Voroneț, Moldovița and Sucevița — vivid medieval religious murals that pop in overcast or soft-light conditions.
Intact medieval citadel with colorful houses, narrow lanes and a clock tower — excellent for golden-hour street and architectural photography.
Wetlands, reed landscapes and abundant birdlife offer sunrise and wildlife photography opportunities; access primarily by boat from Tulcea.
A unique and Instagram-famous moss-covered waterfall in the Banat region; visit in wetter seasons for the best flow.
Food in Romania
Romania Famous Food
Signature dishes, delicacies and famous food
Cabbage or vine leaves stuffed with minced pork and rice, slowly cooked; commonly found in home cooking and taverns, especially at festivals and holidays.
Must-Try!
Cornmeal porridge served with salty cheese and sour cream — a comforting staple you’ll find in rural restaurants and traditional inns.
Sour soups: tripe soup (ciorbă de burtă) or meatball soup (ciorbă de perișoare) flavored with vinegar or borș; typical in local eateries and beloved as a restorative dish.
Grilled skinless sausages made from beef, lamb and pork spiced with garlic and pepper; a ubiquitous street food and barbecue favorite.
Sweet leavened bread filled with walnut, poppy seed or cocoa paste; served at holidays but available in bakeries year-round.
Food Markets
Explore local food markets
One of the city’s largest markets with fresh produce, cheeses, smoked meats and small restaurants inside; great for sampling cheeses, smoked pork, and seasonal fruits.
Weekly farmers' markets across cities and towns where you can try fresh pastries, local honey, cheeses and pickles.
Look for mici grills, langos-like fried dough, and vendors selling chimney cake (kürtőskalács) in tourist areas and festivals.
Weather
How to Behave
Tips on cultural norms and respectful behavior
Handshakes are common in formal situations; address people with titles and last names until invited to use first names. A small nod or 'Mulțumesc' (thank you) is appreciated.
Hosts may offer food and drinks; it's polite to accept at least a small portion and to reciprocate gratitude. Removing shoes when entering a home is sometimes expected — follow the host’s lead.
Dress conservatively when visiting churches and monasteries (shoulders and knees covered). Public displays of anger are frowned upon; maintain polite composure.
Ask permission before photographing people, especially in rural or religious contexts; some monasteries and museums restrict photography or require a small fee.
Safety
Tipping in Romania
Ensure a smooth experience
Tipping is appreciated but not mandatory: 5–10% in restaurants if service isn't included, small change to bartenders and taxi drivers (round up) and a few lei to hotel porters. For guides, consider 10% or a discretionary amount for excellent service.
Major cities accept cards widely; smaller towns and markets are often cash-only. ATMs dispense Romanian leu (RON) and are common in urban areas; notify your bank about travel to avoid card blocks.
Best Time to Visit
And what to expect in different seasons...
March–May brings mild temperatures, blooming landscapes and fewer tourists; some mountain trails may still have snow early in spring. Good time for city tourism and rural festivals.
June–August offers warm to hot weather, ideal for mountain hiking (cooler at altitude), Black Sea beaches and open mountain passes (Transfăgărășan opens in summer). Expect peak tourist crowds in July–August at major sites.
September–November features crisp air, spectacular fall foliage in the Carpathians and harvest festivals; pleasant temperatures for sightseeing and wine tasting with fewer visitors.
December–February brings cold weather and snow in the mountains, creating excellent conditions for skiing and winter landscapes; roads in rural areas may be icy and some mountain passes close.
Romania at Night
Hiking in Romania
Immerse in an unforgettable hike.
Alpine routes with ridges, glacial lakes and challenging multi-day hikes; peaks like Moldoveanu (Romania’s highest) require good fitness and navigation skills.
Noted for dramatic limestone ridges, diverse wildlife and scenic day hikes suitable for a variety of skill levels; local guides recommended for longer treks.
Accessible trails from mountain resort towns with the Sphinx and Babele rock formations, cable car options and views over Prahova Valley.
Wilder and less crowded with glacial lakes, endemic flora and established backcountry routes ideal for experienced hikers and backpackers.
Northern Carpathians offering rugged trails, alpine meadows and good opportunities for wildlife and solitude away from major tourist flows.
Airports
How to reach Romania by plane.
Romania’s busiest international airport with numerous European and some long-haul connections; about 16–20 km north of central Bucharest with train, bus and taxi links.
Major airport serving Transylvania and Cluj-Napoca with European routes; easily accessible from the city by bus or taxi.
Regional airport in western Romania with flights across Europe; convenient gateway for Banat region.
Smaller airport serving Sibiu and central Romania with seasonal and regular European flights; ideal for visiting the central Transylvania region.
Serves the Black Sea coast and Constanța region with limited international flights and seasonal charters; access to resorts via bus or car.
Walkability
Demographics
Explore demographics in this area.
Ethnic Romanians are the majority, accounting for the cultural mainstream and language.
Significant Hungarian communities in Transylvania (e.g., Harghita and Covasna counties) with bilingual signage in some areas and distinct cultural traditions.
Present across the country with diverse social and economic situations; interactions vary by region and context.
Includes Germans (historic Saxon communities), Ukrainians, Turks, Tatars and other groups, contributing to regional cultural diversity.
Popular Sports
Explore popular sports in region.
The most popular sport in Romania with passionate local support for club and national teams; attend a match in larger cities for atmosphere.
Romania has a strong handball tradition and competitive domestic leagues; matches draw committed fans.
Popular in mountain regions such as Poiana Brașov and Sinaia, with growing infrastructure for winter tourism.
Outdoor recreational sports are widely practiced, especially in Transylvania and the Carpathians, with an expanding network of trails and routes.
Traffic
Dietary Restrictions
Tips for restricted diets.
Vegetarian options are available in cities: ask for mămăligă with cheese, mushroom stews, salads and vegetable soups. Tell servers 'sunt vegetarian/vegan' and be aware many soups and sauces may use meat stock.
Vegan options are growing in Bucharest, Cluj and Timișoara (vegan cafes and menu labels), but in rural areas it’s best to ask about broths, cheese and lard.
Gluten-free awareness is improving; specify 'fără gluten' and avoid breads and pastries. Polenta (mămăligă) is naturally gluten-free, but cross-contamination is possible.
Healthcare
Accomodations
Find the best place to stay when visiting Romania.