20 Romania

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Visa-Free Entry and Schengen

Romania fully joined the Schengen Area in January 2025. US, Canadian, Australian, and EU citizens can visit visa-free for up to 90 days within a 180-day period. Your passport must be valid for at least 3 months beyond your departure date.

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Currency is the Romanian Leu

Romania uses the Romanian Leu (RON), not the Euro. Romanian Lei are not easily available abroad, so withdraw from ATMs upon arrival for the best rates. Use ATMs at banks and avoid street money changers, which is both illegal and risky. Contactless card payments work in Bucharest's metro and on city buses, but carry cash for small villages and market vendors.

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Transport Between Cities

Buses are often faster and more frequent than trains for shorter distances due to Romania's older railway infrastructure. Wizz Air and Ryanair offer cheap flights into Bucharest and nine other Romanian airports. For train travel, buy tickets at CFR stations or the CFR app. Consider renting a car for exploring Transylvania and the Carpathians.

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Budget-Friendly Destination

Romania is one of the most affordable countries in the EU. A restaurant meal costs around 30-50 RON (USD 6-10), and a beer is about 10 RON. Accommodation in guesthouses and hostels starts from EUR 15-25 per night. Public transport is also very cheap compared to Western Europe.

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Safety and Common Sense

Romania is generally safe for tourists. Petty theft can occur in crowded areas, train stations, and on public transport in Bucharest. Use ride-hailing apps like Bolt or Uber rather than unmarked taxis. Be cautious of stray dogs in smaller towns, though the situation has improved significantly in recent years.

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Language Basics

Romanian is a Romance language, closer to Italian and French than to its Slavic neighbors. English is widely spoken by younger Romanians in cities and tourist areas. Learning 'Multumesc' (thank you) and 'Buna ziua' (good day) is appreciated by locals.

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Best Time to Visit

May to September offers warm weather ideal for hiking in the Carpathians and exploring Transylvania. December brings atmospheric Christmas markets in Sibiu and Bucharest. Winters are cold with heavy snow in the mountains, which makes it great for skiing at resorts like Poiana Brasov.

1

Bucharest Old Town and History

📍 Bucharest

Start at the Palace of the Parliament, the world's second-largest administrative building, for a guided tour of its ornate halls. Walk through Bucharest's Old Town (Lipscani) to see Stavropoleos Monastery and Curtea Veche ruins. Visit the Romanian Athenaeum concert hall and Revolution Square. End the day trying mici (grilled meat rolls) with mustard at a terrace on Strada Covaci.

2

Brasov Medieval Town

📍 Brasov

Drive or train to Brasov (2.5 hours) and explore the medieval Old Town centered on Council Square. Visit the Black Church, the largest Gothic church in Romania, then walk along Strada Sforii, one of the narrowest streets in Europe. Take the cable car up Tampa Mountain for panoramic views of the red-roofed town and surrounding Carpathians. Try sarmale (cabbage rolls) at a traditional restaurant.

3

Bran Castle and Peles Palace

📍 Bran / Sinaia

Drive 30 minutes to Bran Castle, marketed as Dracula's Castle, perched dramatically on a rocky bluff. Explore the towers, secret passages, and royal apartments inside. Continue to Sinaia to visit Peles Castle, a stunning Neo-Renaissance summer palace with 160 elaborately decorated rooms and Germanic architecture. Return to Brasov for the evening.

4

Sibiu Cultural Capital

📍 Sibiu

Drive to Sibiu (2.5 hours via the scenic Olt Valley) and explore the Grand Square (Piata Mare) and Small Square (Piata Mica) with their colorful merchant houses and rooftop 'eyes.' Visit the Brukenthal National Museum and the Council Tower for city views. Walk across the Liars' Bridge, the oldest cast-iron bridge in Romania, and finish with a cozonac (sweet bread) from a local bakery.