11 Tips from a Local for the Perfect Trip to Visit Romania!

Planning a visit to probably the most stunning international locations in Eastern Europe? I could also be a bit biased right here (as Romania is my residence nation) however nonetheless, I believe 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, prime issues to do right here, get across the nation plus many different features from visa necessities and prices that you should know.

At the top I’ve additionally added a piece with the perfect locations to remain in Romania and a few motels. Which I extremely advocate reserving prematurely, particularly in the event you’re coming throughout the excessive season (summertime) as they are going to promote out quick.

Okay, we’ve bought quite a bit to speak about so let’s go!

If you’re in a rush

If you don’t have time to learn the entire submit, listed here are the highest issues to guide prematurely:

1. Places to go to in Romania

If you’re making ready for a Romanian vacation, then buckle up, as a result of we’ve bought so many issues to speak about!

My residence nation is completely filled with spectacular sights. And to be trustworthy I like to recommend exploring the mountains and countryside in the event you’re coming right here (particularly in the event you love spending time in nature) as a result of Romania has some nice mountaineering trails!

But the cities are fairly superb as properly, so I’d thought I’d make an inventory of the foremost cities that you simply shouldn’t miss out:

Bucharest

Welcome to the capital metropolis! And the place I’m residing for the time being! You’ll most likely arrive in Bucharest in the event you’re coming by aircraft and I undoubtedly advocate spending a while right here as a result of there are a lot of issues to do in Bucharest from exploring the Old Town and all of the eating places and pubs there!

Cluj Napoca

You would possibly’ve heard of this bustling metropolis as the situation of a few of the greatest festivals in Europe! Oh sure, Untold and Electric Castle are undoubtedly a should in the event you’re visiting this stunning nation round summer season.

But there are additionally different issues to do and see in Cluj Napoca! As a pupil metropolis and the unofficial capital of the Transylvania area, Cluj has many cultural sights and such an excellent ambiance as properly!

Brasov

Cluj Napoca would be the unofficial capital however Brasov is unquestionably its coronary heart! Surrounded by the Carpathian Mountains, this metropolis is likely one of 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 a few of the issues to do in Brasov however I assume 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 ambiance will make you wish 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), often known as Vlad Dracula!

But there are a lot of different issues to find on this UNESCO World Heritage Site!

2. Top issues to do in Romania

Well, I’ve bought a complete submit on probably the most superb issues to do in Romania, the place I give all the main points on go to these sights. But I additionally wished to present you some temporary data right here, so you’ll be able to shortly examine probably the most unmissable sights!

2.1 Visit Bran Castle

I assume you all heard about Dracula’s Castle, proper? This place has put Romania on the map for many vacationers and I’d undoubtedly advocate a go to there.

Well, firstly it’s best to 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 prematurely for this attraction because it’s often 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 bought a tremendous possibility for you!

Turda Salt Mine is likely one of the most spectacular locations to see in Romania, one of many oldest mines on this planet, courting 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 often the best approach because you don’t have to fret about transportation! 

Book a tour to Tuda Salt Mine

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 will discover 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 effective examples of Byzantine artwork!

Although there are such a lot of of those locations across the area, the principle ones which it’s best to 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 sights and locations to remain! But I believe the principle factor that you should go to when you’re on the town is the Palace of Parliament.

The Palace is the second largest administrative constructing on this planet after the Pentagon!

Definitely value a go to to see a few of 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 method to take pleasure in your time right here than with a seaside 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 don’t seem to be 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 mountaineering within the Carpathian Mountains

If you wish to discover Romania’s stunning inexperienced hills and mountains then I like to recommend venturing across the Carpathians, which encompass Transcarpathia and Transylvania area.

There are tons 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 can 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 likely one of the most enjoyable issues to see in Romania (most metropolis guides say that) nevertheless I’m right here to let you know about another place that you simply would possibly’ve missed: the Danube Delta!

This is the second largest river delta in all of Europe (and a UNESCO pure reserve website) and it’s the residence of a lot wildlife together with horses and completely different chicken species.

You can see its magnificence whereas on a ship and fortuitously there are many excursions which you can take from Bucharest and go to it!

3. How to get round in Romania

Well, in the event you 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 believe it’s best to know that in contrast to different international locations within the European Union, Romania doesn’t have the tremendous modernized trains and buses, which implies that touring by public transport can gradual you down in the event you’re planning to go to a number of cities.

But I all the time say that in the event you examine all of the routes and plan forward the whole lot 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 assume 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 in the event you plan prematurely you may get tremendous low-cost tickets, particularly in the event you’re touring from one other European metropolis. And in fact corporations like Lufthansa, British Airways, Air France, KLM, additionally run common flights on the Romanian airports.

NOTE: Because many Romanian individuals who stay overseas come again residence for the vacations aircraft tickets are usually tremendous costly at the moment. So in the event you’re planning to go to then both be ready to guide approach prematurely or to pay far more than the standard.

PRO TIP: Use Skyscanner to seek out the most cost effective flights to your dates!

By prepare

If you’re coming from locations like Vienna, Budapest, Belgrade, Sofia, Thessaloniki or

Istanbul you’ll be able to come to Romania by prepare. Of course there are extra international locations from Europe you’ll be able to journey by prepare, however you’ll most likely want to vary just a few trains. You can really examine the Interrail web site and plan your journey from there.

We even have a submit on the Interrail/Eurail Pass with all types of suggestions and methods so undoubtedly examine it in the event you’re planning to journey round by prepare.

By automobile

Alternatively, you may as well journey together 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 typically good however some routes could also be tremendous crowded so it’s good to plan correctly and prematurely 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 information on the Romanian Traffic Police web site. When coming into Romania, you’ll should current your ID/passport to the border management brokers and typically open the trunk for a fast verification.

NOTE: When you’re not on highways you’ll be able to undoubtedly anticipate horse carts, bikers and locals from villages strolling on the roads so be sure you drive safely!

3.2 Traveling inside Romania

Let’s see how one can discover the nation and what it’s best to take into account when touring between cities:

By aircraft

Internal flights are a good way to journey shortly across the nation. Tickets are usually fairly low-cost ranging from €50 for a single ticket on Skyscanner.

You’ll often discover flights to and from Bucharest to the foremost cities like Cluj Napoca, Iasi, Sibiu, Bacau, Suceava and Timișoara.

This will prevent a variety of time! For instance a flight from Bucharest to Cluj Napoca takes round 45 minutes. Whereas by automobile it’ll take you round 7h (if it’s not crowded) and by prepare 10h.

By prepare

As I discussed to start with, touring by public transport in Romania isn’t all the time a pleasure. Train rides particularly often 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 components of the continent so that you gained’t spend an excessive amount of.

You should purchase your tickets and examine for routes on the CFR web site and I extremely advocate shopping for them on-line, as in lots of locations (particularly smaller cities) in the event you get them from the prepare 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 the whole lot from routes, costs and timetables on this web site.

As the Romanian roads aren’t so superb, touring by bus might take longer than the trains however they’re an excellent possibility for smaller routes the place you’ll be able to’t discover trains.

By automobile

If you’re considering of utilizing a rental automobile service or driving your individual automobile to discover the nation then it’s best to undoubtedly take into account this properly and have in mind 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 implies that you’ll have to make use of one lane nationwide roads which (if it wasn’t sufficient) cross by way 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 difficulty for you and also you’re fairly assured in your driving abilities, 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 fuel stations after crossing the border checkpoint

Here are the principle street varieties 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

Rent a automobile in Romania

4. Best excursions of Romania

If you’re probably not enthusiastic about coping with prepare tickets, planning journeys and discovering the perfect routes to the sights across the nation then occurring excursions could also be a good suggestion. I’ve regarded on the net and located a few of the greatest 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 consists of transportation, lodging, guides, entrance charges to sights and meals.
• Classic Romania Tour – If you wish to see the foremost Romanian cities just like the capital, Sibiu, Cluj Napoca, Targu Mures, Sighisoara and Brasov, plus all the principle sights there, then I’d advocate this 8 days tour which begins in Bucharest. The tour consists of transportation, lodging, guides, entrance charges to sights and meals and the value begins from €1500
• Village life in Transylvania Tour – If you wish to discover the rolling hills in Transylvania and go mountaineering round a few of the most superb 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 consists of an skilled information, meals, transport, motels and entrance charges to the sights
• Best of Romania and the Danube Delta Tour – On this 12 days tour you’ll see a few of the most superb 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, motels and guides.

Book a 8 day tour of Romania

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 cellphone, 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/prepare station? – Unde gasesc statia de metrou/autobuz/tren?
• 1 ticket for this please – As dori si eu un bilet
• Do you’re 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 get there? – Puteti sa imi arati pe harta cum ajung acolo?
• I need assistance – Am nevoie de ajutor

If you wish to spend extra time studying a few of these phrases, then take a look at this video that may actually enable you study some helpful phrases to your travels!

6. Visas for Romania

Although Romania is not a part of the Schengen Zone, most residents who aren’t from European Union international locations must apply for a visa. You can examine the complete record of nations whose residents will want a visa to enter Romania proper right here on the Ministry of Foreign Affairs web site.

Currently, if you’re a American, British, Australian, NZ, or Canadian citizen who’s visiting Romania you gained’t want a visa nevertheless you’ll need:

• A passport that’s legitimate for greater than 3 months from the anticipated time of arrival to Romania
• Proof of enough monetary means
• A transparent and well-documented objective of go to

Although this information is at present appropriate, visa necessities can change with out discover at any time, so all the time double examine on the official website.

For anybody who requires a visa, you’ll have to apply prematurely. The earliest you’ll be able to apply is 6 months earlier than you propose to journey, and no later than 15 working days prematurely. 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 of get one on arrival, nevertheless in the event you 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 varieties 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 kind of 3 sorts of visas. You can discover extra data on every sort on the Ministry of Foreign Affairs web site.

Now let’s examine all of the visa necessities:

• Visa utility type
• 2 latest passport-style photographs
• A sound passport
• Documents justifying the aim of go to, confirming the length of the keep, and the intention to return
• Proof of enough monetary means set by the ministry
• Travel medical insurance coverage that covers of no less than €30,000 relating to medical emergencies

7. Safety in Romania

Romania is a secure vacation spot nevertheless, as in different foregin nation that you simply’re visiting it’s best to take additional care and watch out for pickpockets, suspicious folks or people who appear keen to start out a combat with anybody round.

For instance there’s a widespread rip-off the place folks method vacationers to distract them after which ship somebody youthful (often 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 using the subway (particularly at rush hour when it’s tremendous crowded).

PRO TIP: I’d additionally advocate 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 prepare station) as they’ll most likely cost you far more than the standard.

8. Costs & cash in Romania

The foreign money 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 alternate, examine the official charges earlier than saying sure).

In the larger cities you’ll be able to pay by card just about in every single place and the financial institution playing cards issued by VISA, GraspCard and Maestro are broadly accepted. However in the event you 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, no less than 400 Ron (US$85) in case you wish to purchase souvenirs or you’ll be able to’t pay together with your card (as that’s tremendous frequent in these areas).

But in the event you forgot to convey any money with you, don’t fear. There are loads of ATMs round and you’ll search for BCR, BRD, Banca Transilvania, Raiffeisen or ING, as these are the commonest ones. 

PRO TIP: If you could have money with you however wish to alternate it for the Romanian leu you’ll be able to attempt the alternate bureaus, that are tremendous common in Romania. But, and that is tremendous necessary, don’t use those within the airport as their charges are fairly dangerous. 

You’ll discover the alternate 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 relation to lodging, eating places and excursions costs. Usually vacationers spend a mean of US$100 per day for lodging, transportation, meals and sights.

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 proper time to go to for winter sports activities, and hitting the slopes in Poiana Brasov
• April & May: our rainiest months, I don’t advocate coming throughout this time if you wish to go mountaineering or exploring the mountains
• June, July, August: if you wish to spend a variety of time by the Black Sea and discover the Danube Delta come throughout these months (and I’d undoubtedly keep away from huge cities because it’s approach too sizzling and actually not enjoyable to stroll round)
• September to November – nice time to go to the cities, starting of autumn is actually stunning 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 could be a bit overwhelming, so I’d thought I’d make this record of suggestions that will help you have probably the most superb time in my residence nation!

So let’s examine them out:

1. Don’t spend all of your time within the cities, you are able to do a variety of mountaineering across the nation and go to some genuine previous villages (particularly in Transylvania)
2. The prepare is the most cost effective method to journey round (though it’s gradual)
3. Buy your prepare tickets on-line prematurely fairly than on the station because it’s often crowded 
4. Buy tickets prematurely for the massive sights like Bran Castle 
5. Visit within the winter if you wish to go snowboarding
6. If you’re a assured driver, you’ll be able to go on a street journey across the nation because the surroundings is superb
7. Try our hearty meals, it’s completely scrumptious (and the Romanian wine as properly)
8. The Vodafone sim card is the perfect for vacationers and you may get it from the supplier’s shops which you will discover round or in procuring malls
9. Drive the Transfagarasan Road in the event you’re craving some journey
10. Being a digital nomad in Romania is superb because the web is likely one of the quickest in Europe
11. If you’re a vegetarian who desires to eat conventional meals I’d advocate zacusca, polenta, papanasi, nation bread, Romanian potato salad and eggplant salad
12. You can use BlaBla Car (an app the place you will discover folks which might be going to the identical place as you by automobile and have a free spot) in the event you want a journey to a different metropolis, and wish to make some new pals
13. If you wish to befriend an area I’d advocate providing them a drink (perhaps some tuica which is a conventional drink)

11. Where to remain in Romania

Well, we’re nearly achieved with this tremendous detailed information on go to Romania, so I believe it’s time I confirmed you some very nice locations to remain within the nation.

I believed I’d choose the principle 4 cities the place vacationers often keep, so you’ll be able to attain the sights simply:

Bucharest

• Luxury: The Marmorosch – This superb 5 star resort is positioned close to the town middle in Bucharest and it has a restaurant and a health middle.
• Mid Range: Intercontinental Bucharest – Cozy rooms which have ceiling-to-floor home windows? Yes, please! The resort additionally has a wellness middle and a swimming pool.
• Budget: Capitol Hotel – Located in a 1900’s constructing, this resort comes with superb metropolis views, a restaurant and an excellent location close to the sights

Brasov

• Luxury: Kronwell Brasov – An attractive resort that provides suites with a tub, a swimming pool and a elaborate 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 components.

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 amenities you want together with a spa middle, a bar, and a restaurant, this resort is unquestionably a keeper!
• Budget: Brickyard Apartments – If you’re on the lookout for one thing tremendous reasonably priced then take a look at this place that has numerous 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 non-public rest room.
• Mid Range: Casa Savri – A beautiful visitor home that has a solar terrace, rooms with a non-public rest room and a flat-screen television.
• Budget: Casa Lily – This visitor home comes with comfy rooms with a balcony, free personal parking, and barbecue amenities.

FAQs about visiting Romania

Conclusion

Well, I believe everybody feels far more assured about their journey to Romania, proper? And don’t overlook you’ve bought an inside supply (me) and you’ll 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 wish to remind you to not overlook to guide your tickets for sights and motels prematurely. In the height season, these promote out in a second and also you would possibly miss your probability at seeing the well-known Dracula’s Castle! So guide shortly!

Enjoy your adventures round my stunning residence nation, you’ll like it!

Happy Exploring,

Victoria

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